Antony Starr, the New Zealand-born actor who has captivated audiences worldwide with his chilling portrayal of Homelander in The Boys, has built an impressive career spanning over two decades. Born on October 25, 1975, in Wellington, Starr started with minor roles in local productions like Shortland Street and Xena: Warrior Princess before breaking through in his home country. His journey from Kiwi TV star to international sensation showcases his versatility, from comedic dual roles to intense action heroes and complex villains. While he’s synonymous with the laser-eyed supe Homelander, Starr’s filmography is rich with underrated gems. In this blog post, we’ll dive into his top 5 movies and series, ranked by their impact on his career and cultural significance. These selections highlight his range, drawing from high-rated IMDb entries, award wins, and fan favorites. Whether you’re a fan of gritty dramas or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Starr’s work proves why he’s one of the most compelling actors today.
5. Cobweb (2023) – A Chilling Horror Thriller
Kicking off our list is Cobweb, a 2023 horror film where Starr plays Mark, a seemingly ordinary father harboring dark secrets in a haunted family home. Directed by Samuel Bodin, the movie follows young Peter (Woody Norman) who hears mysterious tapping from within the walls, uncovering a terrifying family mystery. Starr’s performance as the unhinged patriarch is a masterclass in subtle menace, blending paternal concern with underlying psychosis—echoes of his Homelander intensity but grounded in domestic horror. Released amid the post-pandemic horror boom, Cobweb garnered mixed reviews but praised Starr’s ability to elevate the genre tropes. With a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s not his highest-rated work, but it marks a bold foray into film after years of TV dominance. Fans of The Boys will appreciate the psychological depth Starr brings, making everyday suburbia feel as dangerous as a superhero showdown. At just 88 minutes, it’s a quick, atmospheric watch that showcases his growing film presence alongside co-star Lizzy Caplan.
4. Wish You Were Here (2012) – A Gripping Australian Drama
Moving to the big screen, Wish You Were Here (2012) stands out as one of Starr’s most acclaimed film roles. In this tense drama directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith, Starr portrays Jeremy King, a charismatic but troubled friend entangled in a vacation-gone-wrong in Cambodia. The story unfolds through flashbacks, revealing secrets of drugs, disappearance, and betrayal among a group of friends. Starr’s nuanced performance earned him the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, highlighting his skill in portraying morally ambiguous characters with emotional layers. With co-stars like Joel Edgerton and Teresa Palmer, the film explores themes of guilt and consequence, clocking in at a taut 89 minutes. It holds a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and is often cited as Starr’s breakthrough in international cinema. This role paved the way for his Hollywood ascent, proving he could handle subtle drama as well as high-octane action. If you enjoy character-driven thrillers like The Beach, this is a must-see for understanding Starr’s early versatility.
3. Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010) – The Kiwi Comedy-Drama That Started It All
No list of Starr’s best is complete without Outrageous Fortune, the New Zealand series that launched his stardom. Airing from 2005 to 2010, this comedy-drama follows the West family, a clan of petty criminals trying to go straight after their patriarch’s imprisonment. Starr shines in dual roles as twins Jethro and Van West—one a slick lawyer, the other a dim-witted thief—delivering hilarious and heartfelt performances that earned him multiple awards, including Best Actor at the Qantas Television Awards. With 104 episodes across six seasons, the show blends humor, family drama, and crime, boasting an 8.4 IMDb rating. It’s significant as Starr’s breakout, establishing his comedic timing and ability to juggle contrasting characters, skills later honed in The Boys. Often compared to Shameless for its dysfunctional family vibes, Outrageous Fortune remains a cult favorite in NZ and introduced Starr to broader audiences through international syndication.
2. Banshee (2013–2016) – High-Octane Action and Moral Ambiguity
Before donning the cape, Starr dominated as Lucas Hood in Banshee, a Cinemax action series running from 2013 to 2016. Hood is an ex-con and master thief who assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in the Amish town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, leading to explosive confrontations with criminals, ex-lovers, and his past. Starr’s portrayal is raw and physical, involving intense fight scenes and emotional depth, making the character a anti-hero icon. The show, created by Jonathan Tropper, spans 38 episodes with an 8.4 IMDb score, praised for its brutal action and complex storytelling. This role was Starr’s American breakthrough, transitioning him from NZ fame to global recognition and preparing him for Homelander’s volatility. Fans rave about the adrenaline-pumping sequences, and it’s often recommended for those who love Justified or Sons of Anarchy. Banshee solidified Starr as an action star capable of carrying a series.
1. The Boys (2019–Present) – The Role That Defined a Generation
Topping the list is The Boys, Amazon Prime’s satirical superhero series where Starr embodies Homelander, the narcissistic leader of The Seven—a corrupt team of corporate-backed supes. Since 2019, the show has exploded in popularity, with Starr’s chilling performance as the all-American villain earning him Critics’ Choice Super Awards and a Saturn Award. Adapted from Garth Ennis’s comics, it critiques celebrity culture and power through bloody, irreverent storytelling. With an 8.7 IMDb rating and record viewership in 2024, The Boys has spawned spin-offs like Gen V and positioned Starr as a household name. His Homelander is terrifyingly charismatic, blending Superman-like powers with psychopathic tendencies, making it one of TV’s greatest villains. As of 2025, with season 5 in production, this role has redefined Starr’s career, proving his mastery of dark, multifaceted characters.
In conclusion, Antony Starr’s top works reveal an actor who thrives in diverse genres, from horror and drama to action-packed series. Starting in New Zealand with Outrageous Fortune, he conquered American TV with Banshee and achieved superstardom via The Boys. His films like Wish You Were Here and Cobweb add depth to his resume, showing untapped potential in cinema. With upcoming projects like G20, Starr’s future looks bright. Whether you’re discovering him through Homelander or revisiting his roots, these picks offer a thrilling ride. Dive in and see why he’s more than just a supe—he’s a storytelling force.