The best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows have showcased his incredible range, from playing menacing villains to deeply complex heroes. Born on June 2, 1977, in Pittsburgh, Zachary Quinto first gained attention with his chilling role as Sylar in Heroes before making the leap to the big screen as Spock in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot. His career has been marked by a mix of high-profile franchise roles, gripping television performances, and compelling indie films.
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With a background in theater and a commanding screen presence, Zachary Quinto has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Whether he’s portraying real-life figures like Glenn Greenwald in Snowden or embodying the terrifying Charlie Manx in NOS4A2, his ability to bring depth to every role sets him apart. The best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows highlight his most impressive performances across various genres, portraying a wide range of incredibly complex characters.
You are watching: Zachary Quinto’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows
10
Snowden (2016)
Zachary Quinto Plays Glenn Greenwald
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Snowden
R
Thriller
Drama
Biography
6/10
5/10
Release Date
September 16, 2016
Runtime
110minutes
Director
Oliver Stone
Writers
Kieran Fitzgerald, Oliver Stone
Cast
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Melissa Leo
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Timothy Olyphant
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Directed by Oliver Stone, 2016’s Snowden is a tense political thriller that dramatizes the true story of real-life whistleblower Edward Snowden. The film follows Snowden, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as he leaks classified NSA documents, exposing government surveillance programs. Zachary Quinto plays Glenn Greenwald in the Snowden cast, the journalist who helps the titular whistleblower publish the shocking revelations.
While Snowden received mixed reviews, Zachary Quinto delivers a strong, measured performance as Greenwald, capturing the journalist’s unwavering determination. Though his screen time is limited compared to Gordon-Levitt, Quinto makes an impact, embodying the real-life figure with conviction. The movie’s real-world significance and its gripping subject matter make it an important entry among the best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows.
9
Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
Zachary Quinto Plays John Smith
An action-packed adaptation of the popular video game franchise, 2015’s Hitman: Agent 47 follows the titular assassin, played by Rupert Friend (replacing Timothy Olyphant from the previous 2007 attempt to turn the games into a cinematic franchise), as he evades a sinister organization. Zachary Quinto flexes his skills portraying antagonists in the 2015 Hitman movie by stepping into the role of John Smith – a relentless antagonist with enhanced abilities, making him a formidable adversary.
Although Hitman: Agent 47 struggled with critics, Zachary Quinto’s performance as the movie’s antagonist stands out. He brings an intimidating presence to the role, making John Smith a memorable and physically imposing villain. Directed by Aleksander Bach, the film benefits from slick action sequences, and Quinto’s ability to mix menace with charisma makes his role one of its highlights.
8
Hotel Artemis (2018)
Zachary Quinto Plays Crosby
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Hotel Artemis
R
Action
Crime
Drama
5/10
Release Date
June 8, 2018
Runtime
94 Minutes
Director
Drew Pearce
Writers
Drew Pearce
Cast
See All
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Jodie Foster
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Sterling K. Brown
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A high-concept sci-fi thriller directed by Drew Pearce, 2018’s Hotel Artemis is set in a secret hospital for criminals run by Jodie Foster’s enigmatic Nurse. Quinto plays Crosby, the hot-headed son of a powerful crime boss who becomes a major threat to the hotel’s stability. It’s an intriguing character for Quinto, and one that combines several of his genre strengths – namely, action, thrillers, crime stories, and even a tough of horror at points.
Though his role is relatively small, Zachary Quinto brings an explosive energy to Crosby Franklin, portraying him as both entitled and unpredictable. Hotel Artemis also boasts an all-star cast, including Sterling K. Brown, Dave Bautista, and Jeff Goldblum, with its neo-noir aesthetic and tense action sequences making it a hidden gem among the best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows.
7
American Horror Story: NYC (2022)
Zachary Quinto Plays Sam Jones
American Horror Story – Season 11
TV-MA
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Horror
Thriller
Release Date
October 19, 2022
Network
FX
Episodes
10
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Zachary Quinto has been a part of AHS for several seasons, including the very first. While he isn’t in every single series, he’s always a highlight when he appears, which made his return for 2022’s American Horror Story: NYC a celebrated one by the show’s many fans. The eleventh season of American Horror Story delves into a dark and stylish murder mystery set in 1980s New York. Zachary Quinto plays Sam Jones, a wealthy and manipulative club owner with a sinister side, making for one of the season’s most compelling antagonists.
Zachary Quinto’s portrayal of Sam is chilling, with his performance adding layers to the character’s sinister actions. Created by Ryan Murphy, American Horror Story: NYC received praise for its eerie atmosphere and psychological horror elements. Quinto, who had previously appeared in American Horror Story: Asylum, once again proves his ability to bring disturbing characters to life – and stands out due to Sam being a completely different kind of harrowing to the likes of season 2’s Oliver Thredson or season 1’s Chad Warwick.
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6
Brilliant Minds (2024)
Zachary Quinto Plays Oliver Wolf
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Brilliant Minds
TV-14
Drama
69
9.7/10
Release Date
September 23, 2024
Cast
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Zachary Quinto
Dr. Oliver Wolf
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Teddy Sears
Dr. Josh Nichols
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A gripping medical drama created by Michael Grassi for NBC, Brilliant Minds follows a neurosurgeon with a rare neurological condition that enhances his skills. The show is inspired by Oliver Sacks’ groundbreaking psychological books and studies, and – since he’s the cast lead – represents one of the most cerebral shows Zachary Quinto has been a part of. Quinto plays Oliver Wolf, a senior doctor navigating ethical dilemmas and medical mysteries.
While Brilliant Minds is one of Quinto’s more recent projects, his performance is already earning praise for its depth and emotional nuance. The NBC medical drama’s exploration of medical ethics and human resilience makes it a standout, and Quinto’s commanding screen presence adds to its appeal. Brilliant Minds showcases his continued evolution as an actor, and his clearly untapped potential as a solid cast lead.
5
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
Zachary Quinto Plays Charlie Manx
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NOS4A2
TV-14
Drama
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
Release Date
2019 – 2019
Network
AMC
Cast
See All
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Ashleigh Cummings
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Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach
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Virginia Kull
Creator(s)
Joe Hill, Jami O’Brien
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Nosferatu was the horror movie success of 2024, but Zachary Quinto starred in an equally chilling TV show inspired by the titular vampire all the way back in 2019. Based on Joe Hill’s novel, AMC’s NOS4A2 is a supernatural horror series in which Quinto plays the terrifying Charlie Manx, a vampire-like being who feeds on the souls of children. His chilling transformation into the ancient villain is one of the show’s biggest highlights, and almost no other project showcases just how suitable for horror roles Quinto truly is.
Created by Jami O’Brien, NOS4A2 received praise for its eerie tone and unique take on horror. Zachary Quinto’s performance, enhanced by extensive prosthetics, is deeply unsettling. His ability to switch between charming and monstrous solidifies Charlie Manx as one of his most disturbing roles. It’s easily one of the best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows, and should be considered a must-watch for fans who know him through the likes of Heroes and American Horror Story.
4
Invincible (2021-Present)
Zachary Quinto Plays Rudy Connors
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Invincible
TV-MA
Animation
Adventure
Action
8/10
130
8.9/10
Release Date
March 26, 2021
Network
Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner
Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa
Writers
Robert Kirkman
Franchise(s)
Invincible
Cast
See All
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Steven Yeun
Mark Grayson / Invincible (voice)
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Sandra Oh
Debbie Grayson (voice)
Creator(s)
Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa
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While Zachary Quinto has considerable voice-acting experience, there’s one role in particular that stands out as deserves to be counted among his best performances – Invincible. The animated Amazon Prime superhero series Invincible, created by Robert Kirkman and based on his graphic novels of the same name, is known for its brutal action and emotional storytelling. Quinto voices Rudy Connors, a clone struggling with his identity, bringing a mix of intelligence and moral conflict to the role.
Despite relying solely on his vocal skills, Zachary Quinto’s work in Invincible is packed with emotion. He effectively conveys Rudy’s internal struggles, making him a standout among the show’s rich cast of characters. With its compelling storytelling and top-tier animation, Invincible remains one of the best Zachary Quinto movies and TV shows – both because of his performance and the quality of the series overall.
3
American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-2013)
Zachary Quinto Plays Oliver Thredson
American Horror Story – Season 2
TV-MA
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Horror
Thriller
Release Date
October 17, 2012
Network
FX
Episodes
13
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Quinto’s return to American Horror Story for its second season, Asylum, saw him take on one of his most chilling roles to date. Dr. Oliver Thredson initially appears to be a compassionate and progressive psychiatrist at Briarcliff Manor, but as the season unfolds, he is revealed to be the infamous serial killer known as Bloody Face. His portrayal of Thredson as both outwardly composed and secretly monstrous cemented him as one of the show’s most unforgettable villains.
Created by Ryan Murphy, Asylum is widely regarded as one of the best seasons of American Horror Story, blending psychological horror with disturbing real-world themes. Quinto’s performance earned him critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to transition from likable to terrifying in an instant. His role as Thredson, a character filled with deep psychological complexity, proved that Quinto could dominate the horror genre just as effectively as science fiction. It also expanded his career beyond genre TV, demonstrating his ability to handle dark, complex characters with nuance.
2
Star Trek (2009)
Zachary Quinto Plays Spock
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Star Trek
PG-13
Sci-Fi
Action
Adventure
8/10
23
7.8/10
Release Date
May 8, 2009
Runtime
127 Minutes
Director
J.J. Abrams
Writers
Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Gene Roddenberry
Sequel(s)
Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond
Cast
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-
Chris Pine
-
Zoe Saldana
Franchise(s)
Star Trek
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Taking on the role of Spock in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot was a defining moment in Zachary Quinto’s career. Spock, originally portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, is one of the most iconic characters in science fiction, and Quinto was chosen to carry that legacy into the modern era. His performance paid tribute to Nimoy’s portrayal while also adding his own layers of emotional depth. Balancing Spock’s internal conflict between logic and suppressed emotion, Quinto captured the essence of the character while making him relatable to a new generation.
Abrams’ Star Trek was a massive success, breathing new life into the beloved franchise and leading to two sequels, 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness and 2016’s Star Trek Beyond. The role transformed Quinto from a rising TV actor into a bona fide movie star, proving he could lead a blockbuster franchise. His chemistry with Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk and Karl Urban’s Dr. McCoy helped revitalize the franchise’s famous dynamic, and his portrayal of Spock’s struggle with his dual heritage was widely praised. Playing Spock not only expanded Quinto’s career into the realm of sci-fi films but also solidified him as an actor capable of stepping into legendary roles.
1
Heroes (2006-2010)
Zachary Quinto Plays Sylar
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Heroes
TV-14
Drama
Sci-Fi
6/10
9.1/10
Release Date
2006 – 2009
Network
NBC
Showrunner
Tim Kring
Directors
Allan Arkush, Jeannot Szwarc, Adam Kane, Greg Yaitanes, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Roxann Dawson, Paul A. Edwards, John Badham, Donna Deitch, Kevin Dowling, Seith Mann, Ron Underwood, Paul Shapiro, Lesli Linka Glatter, S.J. Clarkson, Daniel Attias, David Straiton, Kevin Bray, David Semel, Holly Dale, Ed Bianchi, Nathaniel Goodman, Christopher Misiano, Ernest R. Dickerson
Writers
Tim Kring
Cast
See All
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Hayden Panettiere
Ezekiel
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Santiago Cabrera
Simone Deveaux
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Zachary Quinto’s career truly skyrocketed with his portrayal of Sylar in Heroes, a role that made him one of the most recognizable TV villains of the 2000s. As Gabriel Gray, an ordinary watchmaker turned ruthless superpowered serial killer, Sylar had the terrifying ability to steal the abilities of others by cutting open their skulls and studying their brains. Quinto played the role with a perfect blend of menace, intelligence, and occasional vulnerability, making Sylar one of television’s most complex antagonists.
Sylar’s slow-burn reveal as the show’s primary villain was one of its most gripping storylines in Heroes, with Quinto’s chilling performance keeping audiences enthralled. He portrayed Sylar as a character who wasn’t purely evil, but rather driven by an insatiable hunger for power, making him both terrifying and oddly sympathetic at times. Zachary Quinto’s work in Heroes earned him widespread recognition, and his portrayal of Sylar cemented the series as his best TV show or movie so far.
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Category: Entertainment