Sam Rockwell's Best, Most Underappreciated Performances

Sam Rockwell made an unexpected — but no less riveting — appearance in this week’s episode of The White Lotus, and all it took was about five minutes of screentime to remind everyone that Sam Rockwell is the goddamn best. We were raving about Sam Rockwell’s appearance in Iron Man 2 or even Three Billboards — old-schoolers may recall our long and joyous obsession with Rockwell’s dancing skills.

Given the renewed interest in Rockwell this week, we thought we’d take a look back at five of our favorite, more underappreciated Rockwell roles.

The Way Way Back — Sam Rockwell makes The Way Way Back work, delivering a performance that elevates the entire film. As Owen, the charismatic and carefree manager of a water park, Rockwell brings an effortless charm that makes every scene he’s in crackle. His wit and playful energy give the whole shebang its humor and warmth, but what makes his performance special is the depth he brings to the character. Beneath Owen’s goofball antics is a keen understanding of Duncan’s struggles, and Rockwell’s ability to balance levity with genuine mentorship turns what could have been a stock character into the emotional anchor of the movie. His scenes with Liam James’ Duncan are some of the film’s best, as he coaxes the withdrawn teenager out of his shell with patience and well-placed humor. When Rockwell is offscreen, his absence is felt — his presence is so magnetic that much of the film’s emotional core hinges on his relationship with Duncan. While The Way Way Back often feels predictable, Rockwell’s performance is not, providing a much-needed spark that transforms a familiar coming-of-age tale into something deeply heartfelt.

Matchstick Men — Sam Rockwell delivers a quietly masterful performance in Matchstick Men, playing the seemingly affable yet ambitious con man Frank. While Nicolas Cage’s Roy commands attention with his neurotic energy, Rockwell works in the background, subtly laying the groundwork for the film’s ultimate twist. His performance is deceptively low-key, never tipping his hand too early yet exuding just enough charm and confidence to keep both Roy and the audience at ease. Rockwell is the eager protégé, the smooth operator, the guy you trust just enough to overlook what’s right in front of you. When the film finally reveals its hand, it’s Rockwell’s understated presence that makes the twist so f**king worth it.

Moon — Sam Rockwell delivers a masterful performance in Moon, carrying the film almost entirely on his own. Playing dual versions of Sam Bell, he brings nuance and depth to each iteration of the character, making them feel distinct despite their identical appearance. His portrayal of loneliness, confusion, and self-discovery is mesmerizing, anchoring the film’s existential and ethical dilemmas with raw emotion. Rockwell shifts seamlessly between weary resignation and simmering frustration, allowing the audience to feel every ounce of his isolation and the dawning horror of his reality. Moon isn’t just a sci-fi story; it’s a character study elevated by Rockwell’s masterful work.

Snow Angels — Sam Rockwell delivers a gripping, heartbreaking performance in Snow Angels, embodying the desperation and volatility of a man unraveling. As Glenn, a struggling father clinging to faith and past love, Rockwell balances moments of raw pain with unsettling unpredictability. His portrayal shifts seamlessly from pitiable to terrifying, capturing the deep loneliness and self-destruction that define his character. Whether he’s binge-drinking, lashing out in violent frustration, or praying in his longjohns like a tragicomic specter, Rockwell makes Glenn both deeply human and profoundly unsettling. In a film steeped in cold fatalism, his performance burns with an intensity that lingers long after the credits roll.

Laggies — Sam Rockwell brings his signature charm to Laggies, playing a divorced dad who helps nudge Keira Knightley’s lost protagonist toward adulthood—Knightley plays a sort of gender-reversed man-child here. With his effortless wit and easygoing warmth, Rockwell grounds the film’s coming-of-age themes, making their unlikely connection feel authentic and deeply endearing. His chemistry with Knightley is fantastic, adding heart and humor to this laid-back, quietly affecting story. If you’re a Rockwell fan (or a Knightley fan, or a Lynn Shelton fan), Laggies is the perfect feel-good watch for a lazy afternoon (and this cast, as well as that of The Way, Way Back is absolutely stacked).