Josh Hartnett’s rise to fame began with a starring role in the WWII epic Pearl Harbor, which thrust him into the spotlight as one of the leading young actors of his generation. While that blockbuster certainly made waves, it wasn’t exactly representative of the kind of roles Josh Hartnett was drawn to—after all, he always had a penchant for more complex, brooding characters in darker, independent dramas. Before Pearl Harbor, though, it was his performance in the horror sequel Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) that first brought Josh Hartnett into the mainstream, earning him instant recognition and cementing his status as a teen heartthrob.
Despite being labeled a Hollywood hunk and making multiple appearances on People magazine’s “Hottest” lists, Josh Hartnett managed to avoid being typecast—a fate that often traps actors after projects like The Virgin Suicides (1999). Instead, he carved out a more nuanced path, showcasing depth and restraint in later roles. By the mid-2000s, Josh Hartnett proved his versatility and staying power with standout performances in films such as Lucky Number Slevin (2006) and The Black Dahlia (2006), where his quiet intensity and strong Midwestern demeanor added gravitas to each character he portrayed. Through it all, Josh Hartnett remained a compelling presence on screen—not chasing fame, but steadily building a reputation as a thoughtful, grounded actor.
So, when it comes to Josh Hartnett’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. If we’re talking about his highest rated movie, that would have to be Oh Lucy! from 2017. It really showcased a different side of Josh Hartnett and earned some well-deserved praise. On the flip side, Josh Hartnett also had a film that didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics—The Lovers, released back in 2014, ended up being his lowest rated project. Still, even with the ups and downs, Josh Hartnett continues to take on diverse roles, proving his range as an actor.