I watched everything on Iwan Rheon’s IMDb page so you don’t have to
Iwan Rheon is an amazingly talented yet criminally underrated actor. You probably know him from HBO’s Game of Thrones where he plays the utterly detestable Ramsay Bolton. But if, like me, you grew up in the UK, you might recognise him from something else.
As I once again browsed Netflix for a new show to binge during the ultimate stay-at-home-extravaganza that is 2020, I stumbled across a familiar sounding title: Misfits. I’ll be honest, I was a little young for Misfits when it first aired, but I remembered seeing the trailers for it between re-runs of The Simpsons.
Fresh off the back of The Umbrella Academy Season 2, I saw Rob Sheehan’s name on the cast list and decided to give it a go.
Boy am I glad I did.
Three seasons later (the first two of which I watched twice over) and Rob Sheehan is the least of my worries. Iwan Rheon has stolen my heart and, as a tribute to him, I want to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy his content, which is why I watched everything on his IMDb page and have compiled a list of his top 10 appearances for your viewing pleasure:
10. The Dirt (2018)
Role: Mick Mars
A Mötley Crüe biopic following the band through their wild life as heavy metal idols. This is probably more enjoyable if you know something or other about Mötley Crüe before-hand (which I did not), but I’d still recommend it for Mick’s constant “done with this” expression alone.
9. Inhumans (2017)
Role: Maximus
Let’s be honest, Marvel’s TV shows can be a bit hit-or-miss, so I wouldn’t go into this expecting anything like the standard of the movies, but if you can look past the cheap VFX (i.e. Medusa’s hair), there’s definitely enjoyment to be had from watching this show. Iwan Rheon is, as always, a stand-out performance.
8. S.U.M.1 (2017)
Role: S.U.M.1
A sci-fi slow-burn following a robotically enhanced soldier as he completes his isolated 100 day mission. Given it’s small budget, it’s a very well-made movie, and it’s essentially a one-man-show until 3/4s of the way in. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Iwan Rheon take on a leading role!
7. Residue (2015)
Role: Jonas
After the explosion of a secret chemical weapons facility, something unknown leaks out into the city. Fair warning: the show was unfortunately cancelled after it’s first series, so there are a few loose ends, but I’d say it still works as a stand-alone. This one is definitely worth a watch if you want to see Iwan Rheon playing a romantic lead… not saying I did.
6. Vicious (2013–2016)
Role: Ash Weston
A sitcom starring the legendary Sirs Ian McKellan and Derek Jacobi as an incredibly savage old couple. Whats not to love? Iwan plays their neighbour, Ash, who is the perfect foil to McKellan and Jacobi’s characters, making for laughs all around!
5. Riviera (2017-)
Role: Adam Clios
A show that makes you go: Wow, rich people really are the root of all evil, huh? Adam is an interesting, multi-faceted character, and Iwan does an incredible job of exploring his complicated personality. I’d say this is an Iwan must watch… maybe don’t get too attached though.
4. The Rise/Wasteland (2012)
Role: Dempsey
A heist-movie/buddy-movie fusion with an interesting twist: framed from the perspective of a police interrogation after the big job. I get the feeling that Dempsey is somewhere close to Iwan’s own personality, but then again he’s such a versatile actor who even knows anymore?
3. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Role: Ramsay Snow/Bolton
Maybe it’s controversial to put Game of Thrones this high on the list after that ending, but I don’t want to do it a disservice: If you throw season 8 in the trash, it’s still a good show. Of course that’s saying nothing of Iwan Rheon’s incredible portrayal of Ramsay Bolton, which is both disgustingly chilling and utterly repulsive. If he can make even me hate him, he must be a theatrical genius.
2. Our Girl (2013–2020)
Role: Smurf
This is without a doubt one of Iwan Rheon’s most underrated roles. I dislike the military as much as the next Millenial/Gen Z cusper, but please watch this, I promise you won’t regret it.
- Misfits (2009–2013)
Role: Simon Bellamy
Ah, Simon. The one that started it all. I don’t know what it is about flawed-yet-endearing characters that Iwan Rheon captures so perfectly, but this is definitely his niche (Authors Note: I do NOT include Ramsay Bolton in the category of flawed-yet-endearing, and if you do, kindly remove yourself from my blog). Anyway, watch Misfits, it’s about a group of community service kids getting superpowers and it’s stupid funny.
