The best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows shine with the same intensity and charisma that have defined his career from the very beginning. Born in 1976 in Salvador, Brazil, Wagner Moura is a powerhouse actor known for playing morally complex characters with raw emotional depth. He first turned heads in his home country with Elite Squad in 2007 and gained international acclaim for his transformative performance as Pablo Escobar in Netflix’s Narcos. With a penchant for slipping into roles that straddle the line between hero and villain, Moura brings a magnetic intensity to every scene.
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Wagner Moura has carved out a reputation with his fearless performances, distinct screen presence, and the emotional weight he brings to every character. Whether he’s playing a tormented soldier, a desperate father, or Death incarnate in an animated world, Moura never phones it in. He’s not just a star in Brazilian cinema – he’s a global force to be reckoned with. From dramatic thrillers to animated adventures and political thrillers, the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows offer a rollercoaster of gripping narratives and unforgettable moments.
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Marighella (2019)
Wagner Moura Plays Interrogator
In Marighella, Wagner Moura steps behind the camera for the first time in his directorial debut, but he also briefly appears on screen as a nameless Interrogator. The 2019 movie tells the story of Carlos Marighella, a Brazilian Marxist revolutionary and writer who resisted the military dictatorship in the 1960s. Based on Mário Magalhães’ biography, this political thriller is gritty, tense, and emotionally charged. Although Moura’s acting role is small, his fingerprint is all over the film, especially in the intensity of its interrogation scenes, where he makes a chilling impression.
Directed by Wagner Moura himself, Marighella premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and was praised for its bold storytelling and unflinching look at Brazilian history. Seu Jorge stars in the titular role, with Bruno Gagliasso, Adriana Esteves, and Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos rounding out the impressive cast. Though controversial in Brazil due to its political themes, the movie was lauded internationally for its passionate message and stylish execution. Moura may not have dominated the screen this time, but his direction and brief appearance still echo the raw, no-holds-barred energy that defines the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows.
9
Futuro Beach (2014)
Wagner Moura Plays Donato
2014’s Futuro Beach is a haunting and introspective drama that dives deep into themes of identity, grief, and emotional isolation. Directed by Karim Aïnouz, Futuro follows Donato, played by Wagner Moura, a Brazilian lifeguard who saves a German tourist from drowning. That single event becomes a turning point in Donato’s life, pushing him toward an unexpected relationship and an eventual move to Berlin. Wagner Moura’s performance is deeply internal and restrained, capturing the ache of a man searching for meaning far from home.
Futuro Beach visually stunning, with Aïnouz’s direction balancing stark realism and poetic imagery. Moura shares the screen with Clemens Schick and Jesuita Barbosa, both of whom deliver powerful performances. The emotional pull of Donato’s journey – his detachment, vulnerability, and longing – adds complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward love story. While Futuro Beach is a quieter entry among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows, it stands out for its emotional honesty and the risks Moura takes in portraying such an intimate, conflicted character. It’s a testament to his range and ability to anchor a story with subtlety and grace.
8
Father’s Chair (2012)
Wagner Moura Plays Theo Gadelha
In Father’s Chair, Wagner Moura plays Theo Gadelha, a successful doctor whose world unravels when his teenage son disappears. Directed by Luciano Moura (no relation), this emotional road movie takes viewers on a literal and metaphorical journey as Theo reevaluates his life, priorities, and what it means to be a father. Wagner Moura shines as a man who goes from stoic professional to desperate parent, delivering one of his most heartfelt and grounded performances.
The film blends elements of family drama and mystery, but at its core, it’s about redemption and rediscovery. Moura’s portrayal of Theo’s unraveling is full of raw vulnerability, making every scene feel authentic and painfully real. He shares strong chemistry with Lima Duarte, and their scenes together add emotional weight to the story. Father’s Chair was well received in Brazil and abroad, screening at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. It’s an underrated gem in the actor’s catalog and a strong emotional entry among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows.
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7
Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010)
Wagner Moura Plays Captain Roberto Nascimento
Returning as Captain Roberto Nascimento, Wagner Moura delivers a blistering performance in Elite Squad: The Enemy Within, the explosive sequel to the 2007 hit. Directed by José Padilha, this installment digs even deeper into corruption within Brazil’s law enforcement and political system. The sequel fast-forwards a few years, placing Nascimento in a new position of power that comes with even more dangerous consequences. Moura masterfully balances brute strength with inner turmoil, portraying a man haunted by both his past and present decisions.
This time around, Elite Squad expands its scope to include the manipulation of public security for political gain. With top-tier cinematography and razor-sharp pacing, the film became one of Brazil’s highest-grossing movies. It earned Moura a Best Actor award from the Cinema Brazil Grand Prize, solidifying his status as a national treasure. With compelling performances from André Ramiro and Irandhir Santos, Elite Squad 2 stands tall as one of the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows – combining thrilling action with real-world resonance in unforgettable fashion.
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6
VIPs (2010)
Wagner Moura Plays Marcelo de Rocha
VIPs gave Wagner Moura the chance to stretch his chameleon-like acting skills in a wild tale inspired by real events. Directed by Toniko Melo, the 2010 movie centers on Marcelo de Rocha, a con artist who impersonates various personas to climb Brazil’s social ladder. From airline pilots to businessmen, Marcelo can become anyone he wants – and Moura makes each transformation feel authentic and electrifying. His performance is magnetic, unpredictable, and just the right amount of unhinged.
The fast-paced drama is based on the life of Marcelo Nascimento da Rocha, and Moura’s portrayal won him the Best Actor award at the 2010 Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival. What makes VIPs so compelling is how it blurs the line between identity and illusion, with Moura’s performance anchoring the madness. He’s joined by solid co-stars like Emiliano Queiroz and Jorge Dória, but it’s Moura who keeps the viewer guessing what’s next. Among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows, VIPs stands out for its clever plot, charismatic lead, and the sheer fun of watching Moura disappear into character after character.
5
Lower City (2005)
Wagner Moura Plays Naldinho
Lower City is raw, sultry, and bursting with tension, and Wagner Moura is electric in it. Directed by Sérgio Machado, this gritty Brazilian drama tells the story of two best friends – Naldinho (Moura) and Deco (Lázaro Ramos) – who fall for the same woman, a stripper named Karinna (Alice Braga), after she hitches a ride on their boat. What follows is a fiery love triangle set against the backdrop of Salvador’s underbelly, where poverty, passion, and violence collide. Moura’s portrayal of Naldinho is bold, bruised, and emotionally chaotic, making him both magnetic and deeply flawed.
The chemistry between Wagner Moura, Ramos, and Braga is off the charts, with each performance feeding into the film’s feverish energy. Naldinho simmers with repressed anger and desire, and Moura captures every twitch of inner conflict with aching realism. His performance earned widespread acclaim and helped push him further into the spotlight of Brazilian cinema. While Lower City may not have received major international awards, it premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section, signaling its global appeal. This film is a dark, sweaty ride through emotional extremes and easily ranks among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows for its intensity and raw, human storytelling.
4
Elite Squad (2007)
Wagner Moura Plays Captain Roberto Nascimento
If any role catapulted Wagner Moura into superstardom in Brazil, it’s Captain Nascimento in Elite Squad. Directed by José Padilha, this controversial action-drama pulls no punches as it follows BOPE, an elite police unit battling drug traffickers in Rio’s favelas. As Nascimento, Moura is a tightly wound force of nature – ruthless, battle-hardened, and morally torn. He narrates the story with the intensity of a man perpetually on the edge, and it’s impossible to look away from him for even a second.
Elite Squad was a sensation upon release, winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and sparking national debates over police brutality and corruption. Wagner Moura’s performance is a cornerstone of the movie’s impact – he embodies the contradictions of a man trying to clean up a system that is rotten to its core. Alongside co-stars André Ramiro and Caio Junqueira, Moura brings gritty realism to every gunfight, interrogation, and moment of quiet desperation. As both a thrilling crime saga and a character study, Elite Squad ranks high among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows for its unrelenting energy and unforgettable lead.
3
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Wagner Moura Plays The Wolf/Death
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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
PG
Adventure
Animation
Comedy
5/10
13
9.5/10
Release Date
December 21, 2022
Runtime
102 minutes
Director
Joel Crawford
Writers
Paul Fisher
Prequel(s)
Puss in Boots
Cast
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Antonio Banderas
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Salma Hayek Pinault
Franchise(s)
Puss in Boots
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In Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, Wagner Moura steals the show without even being on screen. Voicing the terrifyingly cool villain known only as “The Wolf” (later revealed to be Death himself), Moura adds a razor-sharp edge to this animated adventure. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the sequel to Puss In Boots follows Puss as he grapples with mortality after realizing he’s down to his last life. Enter Moura’s Death, cloaked in shadows and speaking in a bone-chilling whisper that oozes menace – and somehow still charm.
Critics and audiences alike were floored by Wagner Moura’s voice work, which turned a family-friendly film into something unexpectedly profound. With an all-star cast including Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, and John Mulaney, Moura’s performance still stands out as one of the film’s best. He strikes the perfect balance between threat and mystery, and every scene he’s in feels like a masterclass in vocal acting. While it’s animated, make no mistake – this is one of the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows because of how unforgettable and iconic his performance is. Death has never sounded so smooth, or so terrifying.
2
Civil War (2024)
Wagner Moura Plays Joel
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R
Action
Drama
7/10
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See more : Joe Pantoliano’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows
7/10
Release Date
April 12, 2024
Runtime
109 Minutes
Director
Alex Garland
Writers
Alex Garland
Cast
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Kirsten Dunst
Lee
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Wagner Moura
Joel
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Civil War is a dystopian action-thriller that wastes no time pulling viewers into its violent, not-so-distant future – and Wagner Moura is right in the thick of it. Directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation), the 2024 movie imagines a fractured United States embroiled in civil conflict, where journalists risk everything to document the chaos. Moura plays Joel, a war-hardened photojournalist who, along with Kirsten Dunst’s Lee (also a renowned reporter), navigates a dangerous landscape in search of truth.
As Joel, Wagner Moura brings heart and edge to a man caught between documenting the collapse of society and staying alive. His chemistry with Dunst is strong, and the two carry the emotional weight of the film as it barrels toward a shocking finale. Garland’s direction makes every shot pulse with urgency, and Moura adds emotional complexity to the action-heavy story. Though not nominated for major awards as of this writing, the movie has been praised for its daring premise, gripping execution, and standout performances. Among the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows, Civil War proves his ability to elevate even the most intense, chaotic moments with grounded, magnetic presence.
1
Narcos (2015-2016)
Wagner Moura Plays Pablo Escobar
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Narcos
Biography
Drama
Crime
9/10
Release Date
2015 – 2016
Showrunner
Chris Brancato
Directors
Chris Brancato
Writers
Chris Brancato
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Boyd Holbrook
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Damian Alcazar
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Wagner Moura’s portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Narcos isn’t just a career-defining role – it’s a pop culture milestone. Over two riveting seasons of the Netflix hit, Moura transforms into the notorious Colombian drug lord with haunting precision. Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of the Medellín Cartel, but it’s Moura who gives the series its soul. His performance is chilling, magnetic, and at times disturbingly sympathetic.
Moura gained 40 pounds and learned Spanish (his native language is Portuguese) to play Escobar, showcasing his absolute dedication. His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama and widespread critical acclaim. Sharing the screen with Pedro Pascal and Boyd Holbrook, Moura manages to dominate every scene with quiet menace and explosive unpredictability. The character’s descent into paranoia, power-hunger, and inevitable downfall is made all the more compelling thanks to Moura’s layered performance. It’s no exaggeration to say that Narcos stands at the peak of the best Wagner Moura movies and TV shows, because few performances in modern television are as iconic, unsettling, and unforgettable.
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Category: Entertainment