Back in 1995, Lars Mikkelsen made his first appearance on television with a role in the Danish TV movie “Mappen.” That same year, he also took the stage in a theatrical production of “Dracula” at the Aalborg Theater in Copenhagen—quite an impressive start to what would become a remarkable career. Over time, Lars Mikkelsen began building a solid reputation, and by 2007, he truly gained international recognition for his standout performance as Troels Hartmann in the popular Scandinavian crime series “The Killing.”
Before that breakthrough, though, Lars Mikkelsen had already been active in the industry, taking on a variety of film roles throughout the early 2000s. For instance, he appeared in “Kira’s Reason: A Love Story” in 2003, followed by the politically charged thriller “King’s Game” in 2004, where he starred alongside Anders Wodskou Berthelsen. He continued this momentum with a powerful performance in “Nordkraft” in 2005. Then, in 2007, Lars Mikkelsen further showcased his range, appearing in both Sonja Richter’s mystery thriller “Cecilie” and the intense drama “De Fortabte Sjaeles O,” again co-starring Berthelsen.
As the years went on, Lars Mikkelsen remained consistently busy, balancing both film and television projects. In 2008, he starred in “What No One Knows,” a dramatic adaptation featuring Maria Bonnevie, and followed up with notable roles in “Flugten” and “Headhunter,” both released in 2009. On the small screen, he made a memorable appearance on the acclaimed series “Sherlock,” which aired on PBS starting in 2010. Meanwhile, Lars Mikkelsen also explored voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to the animated comedy “Ronal the Barbarian” in 2011, sharing the cast with Brigitte Nielsen.
Moving into the 2010s, Lars Mikkelsen continued to deliver compelling performances. In 2012, he appeared in “A Caretaker’s Tale” and the gripping crime drama “Fortidens skygge - Den som dræber,” opposite Jakob Cedergren. The following year, he took part in the critically praised Irish film “What Richard Did,” starring Jack Reynor. He also appeared in “Montana” in 2015, and later that same year, delivered a haunting performance in “When Animals Dream.” Through it all, Lars Mikkelsen has maintained a strong presence across genres and mediums, proving himself to be one of the most versatile actors of his generation. And honestly, it’s no surprise—Lars Mikkelsen just keeps evolving, role after role.
When it comes to Lars Mikkelsen’s filmography, fans and critics often point to Winter Brothers (2017) as his standout performance—many consider it Lars Mikkelsen’s highest rated movie. The film received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling and intense character development, with Lars Mikkelsen delivering a powerful, nuanced portrayal that truly elevated the project. On the other end of the spectrum, Kira’s Reason: A Love Story (2001) tends to be viewed as one of his less celebrated works, making it Lars Mikkelsen’s lowest rated film to date. While the movie explores deep emotional themes, it didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, even in lesser-known roles, Lars Mikkelsen brings a compelling presence that keeps viewers engaged. Overall, Lars Mikkelsen’s career showcases a wide range, from critically acclaimed dramas like Winter Brothers to more understated entries such as Kira’s Reason.