10 Michael Emerson movies and TV shows that prove he’s the king of the uncanny

Michael Emerson is an American actor who is known for playing primarily antagonistic roles and characters that are psychopathic or have evil tendencies. His breakout role was in the series, Lost and Person of Interest. His role as William Hinks, who is an obsessed serial killer in the show, The Practice, gained him acclaim and won him an Emmy Award. The actor has also starred in movies like Saw, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and more. Here is a quick list of ten of his movies and shows, where he proves his worth as an actor.

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The Practice, Saw, and other shows and movies featuring Michael Emerson

1. Lost

Starring an ensemble cast of Michael Emerson, Matthew Fox, Josh Holloway, and others, this famous science fiction adventure drama series is created by Jeffrey Lieber, JJ Abrams, and Damon Lindelof. One of the most iconic shows of the early aughts, the series captivated audiences with its unique plot that revolved around a bunch of passengers on flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, who find themselves in unique positions when their aircraft crash lands on a mysterious island in the South Pacific Ocean. The show tackled supernatural themes and even science fiction and focused on the stranded lot as they tried to make sense of their new reality. The series juggled between flashbacks and flash forward sequences to tell the backstory of the characters. Michael Emerson played the role of Benjamin Linus, who is the eccentric antagonist of the show and a long-time resident of the island. He worked for the DHARMA initiative and was the leader of the hostiles. His character was one of the breakthrough roles for Emerson as he dedicatedly portrayed the role and garnered hate from the audiences for his authentic portrayal. Like his other roles, this one is a typical Emerson role with evil and psychopathic tendencies. The actor won an Emmy award for his role as a supporting actor.

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2. Person of Interest

Created by Jonathan Nolan and starring Michael Emerson, Amy Acker, Taraji P. Henson, and others, this science fiction crime drama series, is about a mysterious and reclusive billionaire, Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), who is a computer programmer and has developed a new program for the federal government call “The Machine.” The program has the ability to predict terrorist acts before they happen and pinpoint the people who are planning to threaten the security of the nation. Finch hires a former Special Forces soldier and CIA operative, John Reese (Jim Caviezel), who assists Finch by being his field agent. The show was praised by several critics during its run and was noted for its inventive use of science fiction and unique storylines. In this show, Emerson proves that he can also play the good guy with ease. While he does not have his usual serial killer avatar, he does have other characteristics in his character that he is known for. Namely, Finch is reclusive and mysterious. Emerson therefore knows how to tap into his uncanny sensibilities well.

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3. Evil

Starring Katja Herbers, Michael Emerson, and others, this supernatural drama series is created by Robert King and Michelle King and revolves around three people from vastly different backgrounds, who are tasked by the Catholic Church to investigate supernatural occurrences. The critically acclaimed series was appreciated for its characters, writing, and cinematography. The three individuals include a skeptical forensic psychologist, Dr Kristen (Herbers), a Catholic seminarian David (Mike Colter), and a skeptical technology contractor Ben (Aasif Mandvi). While each of them come together to investigate supernatural events around the Catholic Church, they also find out in time, that all three of them have intertwined lives. They soon found out that person responsible for most of their troubles is Dr. Leland Townsend (Michael Emerson). Emerson therefore plays the role of a doctor who is an expert in the occult, and has an evil side to himself. Like the other characters that he is known for, Emerson once again gives a dedicated performance as an antagonist and revels in his uncanny side. His character makes others commit heinous acts and Dr. Townsend is particularly obsessed with David, who is incapable of sinning. Taking this as a challenge, Townsend unleashes terror in the show.

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4. The Practice

Created by David E. Kelley and starring Michael Emerson, Dylan McDermott, Steve Harris, and others, this legal drama series, is about the personal and professional lives of a group of partners and associates at a Boston law firm. The show covered themes like legal ethics, personal morality, even had light comedy. Emerson guest-starred in the role as Williams Hinks and won an Emmy award for his role as a guest actor. As Hinks, Emerson dons his famous avatar of a serial killer as the character is introduced as a client of one of the lawyers and is accused of serial murder and even begins to stalk his own lawyer. The actor does a commendable job of portraying someone with childhood trauma and insecurities and Emerson brings a touch of the creepy, which he is so famous for, to his role. The series was a critical hit and performances like those by Emerson, only elevated the stature of the series.

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5. Parenthood

Developed by Jason Katims and based on the 1989 movie of the same name, this family drama series features Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, and others. Michael Emerson guest stars in the show and it is one of his lighter roles. The show was critically and commercially appreciated and is set in Berkely, California. The simplistic series revolves around three generations of the Braverman family and focusses on the patriarch Ezekial Braverman, the matriarch Camille Braverman, and the families of their four children, and their children. The series is noted for its slice-of-life storytelling and the sensitive portrayal of the ups and downs of life. Michael Emerson plays the role of Amazing Andy, who is not a psychopathic serial killer like other Emerson’s roles, but Andy does have his quirks and uncanny sensibilities. Andy is a bug expert who runs the Andy’s Wonderful World of Bugs business, which helps bring joy to kids at their parties and events. Many critics and viewers loved Emerson’s small but impactful portrayal as the actor responsibly portrayed an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome and therefore brought awareness to the condition.

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6. The Laramie Project

Directed by Moises Kaufman and starring Michael Emerson, Christina Ricci, Laura Linney, and others, this drama movie is based on the play of the same name. The play and the movie is based on the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard in the titular place of Laramie in Wyoming. The movie won critical approval and was at the Berlin International Film Festival, national Board of Review Awards, and more. The movie has themes about the violence against LGBTQ+ community as Matthew was beaten and killed and was a victim of anti-gay hate crime. Michael Emerson played the role of Reverend and embodied the nuance and sensitivity that was require of the role and the whole movie. His role is different from his other, usually quirky roles and this movie proves that Emerson can take on serious roles as well.

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7. Saw

Starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Michael Emerson, and others, this classic horror movie is directed by James Wan and focusses on the exploits of the Jigsaw Killer. The movie has a nonlinear narrative and revolves around how the Jigsaw Killer traps and bounds his victims and then tests their will to live by making them live through gruesome and deadly games and inflicting physical pain upon them. The central story focusses on two of the killer’s latest victims, who are seemingly unrelated to each other but find themselves bound and in a dilapidated bathroom, where one must kill the other to save their family. The movie was a huge commercial success and spawned an entire franchise. Even though the movie’s initial response from the critics was mixed, it is now considered a cult classic. Michael Emerson plays the creepy role of Zep Hindle, who is a sexually ambiguous orderly and therefore embodies his role and delivers a cold and terrifying performance.

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8. The Legend of Zorro

Directed by Martin Campbell and starring Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and others, Western swashbuckler movie is a sequel to the 1988 movie. While the movie received a lukewarm response upon its release, the performances of the actors was appreciated. Michael Emerson played the role of Harrigan in the movie. The movie is set in 1850 in California and revolves around Zorro (Antonio), who is a masked vigilante and a warrior. While a voting is going on to decide whether California should join the United States, Zorro decides to steal the ballots. The film then revolves around his adventures and exploits. The film is full of Western tropes and has some high-octane action sequences. While the movie might not have impressed the critics, it is definitely an entertaining and bold movie. Emerson delivers ably and while it is not his usual creepy and uncanny role, the actor does a stellar job of portraying the character that is handed to him.

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9. 29th and Gay

Starring James Vasquez, Michael Emerson, Mike Doyle, and others, this comedy movie is directed by Carrie Preston and revolves around James Sanchez (Vasquez), who is a 29-year-old gay man who feels that he has reached a dead-end in his life. James tries to motivate himself and soon realizes that life is all about experiences. The film covers topics like LGBTQ+ representation, the Hispanic-American culture, and meaning of life. The movie is a poignant and heartfelt look at one man’s life, who is trying to understand his place in the world. Michael Emerson has a supporting role in the movie and he plays a “Gorilla” Co-Worker. Like his other roles, this one is also campy, quirky, and eccentric. The movie had a limited release and is an underrated gem. Fans of Emerson should definitely check out his filmography.

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10. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Directed by Jay Oliva and based on the 1986 comic book, this two-part direct-to-video adult animated superhero movie, stars Peter Weller, David Selby, Michael Emerson, and others. The movie begins with the death of Batman’s protégé, Jason Todd, which forces Bruce Wayne to retire his Batman persona. However, after a decade, the Gotham City is now overrun by crime and the rise of villains like the Joker is imminent. Batman therefore decides to come back and seek vengeance against the criminals. Michael Emerson gives the voice of Joker in both the movies and is the perfect choice for the role as the actor is able to modulate his voice and perfectly convey the creepiness and uncanny ability of the villain through his voice. In part two of the movie, Joker has a primary role and wreaks mayhem on Gotham City. Even though it is an animated movie and Emerson only lends his voice, the actor still proves that even with his voice, he is able to bring out the creepy factor of his characters and play a menacing villain.