Despite taking his first feature role just seven years back, LaKeith Stanfield is now recognized around the globe for his appearances in several worldwide hits. He’s had roles in everything from biopics to rom-coms, receiving numerous accolades along the way and gradually gaining recognition as one of Hollywood’s biggest rising stars.

With so many amazing roles to pick from, it would be difficult for any one person to rank his greatest films — thankfully, review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes has analyzed critical reception and created an ever-useful film ranking system, which we’ll use today to make a definitive decision on which movies he appeared in were best.

The Incredible Jessica James (2017) - 88%

The 2017 Netflix comedy film The Incredible Jessica James follows the titular character, a strong-willed playwright/Brooklynite, as she navigates the various possibilities — and pitfalls — of online dating. After a particularly gnarly break-up (with Stanfield’s character), she finds an unlikely ally in Boone, a prospective date who’s in a similar situation to her regarding their respective exes.

The film received a welcome dose of critical praise, with the overall assessment offered by most review outlets highlighting the film’s performances and direction; it was also praised for bringing a modern, almost rejuvenating feel to rom-com tropes some would consider worn-out.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) - 88%

2015’s Straight Outta Compton is a biographical film detailing the oscillating fortunes befalling the hip hop group N.W.A, arguably the original kings of gangsta rap. It features Stanfield portraying professional rapper Snoop Dogg, who rose to fame as a result of being discovered by Dr. Dre, one of the band’s members.

While it received some criticism — and a lawsuit — for its perceived historical inaccuracy, the film was a box office success, making more than $200 million on a budget of around $28-50 million. It was also a critical darling, receiving praise for its music, acting, and direction.

Dope (2015) - 88%

The 2015 coming-of-age drama Dope tells the story of high school student Malcolm (Shameik Moore), a self-described “geek” who finds himself entangled in drug culture while attempting to gain admittance to his dream school, Harvard University. While Stanfield only has a minor role in the film (as Marquis, AKA “Bug”), it did serve to further his reputation as a formidable talent, as his individual performance did not go unnoticed by critics; nor did the collaborative effort of the entire cast.

Also receiving critical praise for its comedy, writing, acting, direction, and wit, the film went on to make $18 million on a $7 million budget.

Uncut Gems (2019) - 92%

Many film critics, when reminiscing about the work of actor Adam Sandler, have surmised that he shines as a unique talent when delivering dramatic performances - rather than the comedic ones he usually offers. This is nowhere more evident than in Uncut Gems, a 2019 Netflix/A24 crime drama that stars Sandler as a broke gambler/jeweler who goes through a topsy-turvy ordeal while attempting to recover the expensive gem that could solve all his problems.

Both a critical and a commercial success, the film nearly $50 million on a budget of just around $20 million, and was praised for its comedy, drama, performances, and atmosphere.

Sorry To Bother You (2018) - 93%

The 2018 dark comedy Sorry to Bother You stars Stanfield as “Cash” Green, a young black man struggling with debt who adopts a “white persona” to succeed at his job as a telemarketer. Arguably Stanfield’s breakout performance, the film jumpstarted his career and that of Boots Riley, the film’s writer-director.

It was showered with accolades and positive reviews, which praised it for its originality, humor, and ambition; it was also a commercial success, making more than five times its budget at the box office.

Knives Out (2019) - 97%

After wrapping on The Last Jedi, director Rian Johnson explored the murder mystery motif of classics like Murder on the Orient Express and Clue with Knives Out, a satirical take on whodunit tropes. Following a Poirot-esque detective investigating a family patriarch’s death, the film stars Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and Jamie Lee Curtis alongside Stanfield himself.

Hailed as an impressive reimagining of a well-worn genre, the film received near-universal acclaim from critics, as well as an Academy Award nomination, for Best Original Screenplay.

Short Term 12 (2013) - 98%

Released in 2013, and based on a short film Stanfield appeared in five years earlier, Short Term 12 follows the personnel and inhabitants at a small residential facility for problematic or neglected teens, focusing on each of their individual stories and characteristics. Stanfield appears as Marcus, a resident nearing adulthood and unready to leave the group home he’s bonded so closely with; the film was his first feature role, and it contributed to his career as well as to that of its star, Brie Larson (now known worldwide as Captain Marvel).

The film was also both a critical and a commercial success, praised for its drama, characters, direction and themes.

Get Out (2017) - 98%

Versatile comedian and writer-director Jordan Peele made his film debut with 2017’s Get Out, a horror masterclass about a black photographer who, upon going on a retreat to the lavish estate of his white girlfriend’s family, learns that the seeming normality of it all is merely a facade.

A surprise box office mega-hit, the film wrapped its theatrical run with an above-fifty multiplier — making more than $250 million on a budget of just $4.5 million. It also received near-universal critical acclaim, receiving four Academy Award nominations and praise for its characters, writing, direction, acting, tone, and portrayal of modern-day racism.

Selma (2014) - 99%

Released on the fiftieth anniversary of the civil rights marches that inspired its title, Selma follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his constant effort to end voting restrictions against African-Americans. It also details the stories of activists and martyrs like Jimmie Lee Jackson (played by Stanfield), a Vietnam veteran and Baptist deacon killed by an Alabama state trooper while participating in a peaceful protest.

The film received positive reviews from critics for its acting, directing, writing, and themes, despite some qualms relating to how accurately certain historical figures were depicted; it also made around $67 million, on a budget of just $20 million.

Memoria (2015) - 100%

Based on a short story by James Franco, the film’s star, which was cataloged in his collection Palo Alto (itself adapted into a film in 2013), Memoria follows a teenage boy who grows through his experiences with his dysfunctional family and various friend groups — although he often has trouble coping with the sheer aggravation of it all.

Poignant, impactful, and engaging, the film retains a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes; for his part, Stanfield’s performance was described as “memorable” and “excellent” by various critics.