It’s no secret that many of the most successful European actors have had a split career when it comes to their film work — starring in small artistically appreciated dramas in their native countries, then coming to Hollywood on occasion to land a supporting role in a big budget film (and usually a much bigger paycheck). But few actors have had quite a gulf in their film careers as Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen. Originally trained as a ballet dancer, Mikkelsen gradually transitioned to film acting in his native Denmark, notably bringing a grace of movement to his small dramas there and later, a tough-guy swagger to his (usually bad-guy) roles in Hollywood. In our gallery below, we dive into the Top 10 Mads Mikkelsen movies ranked from worst to best.

Mikkelsen’s gallery of characters in Europe often captures the lives of people with whom the audience can easily relate — a teacher,...