2023 Rewind: Beyond 'The White Lotus': The Hottest Theo James Performances

Lord James Mangan in "War on Everyone" (2016)

Martin McDonagh's ("Banshees of Inisherin") older brother, John Michael McDonagh is also a filmmaker whose movies strive to be like his brother's, but try too hard. His 2016 feature, "War on Everyone," is exactly that: While a very entertaining, and often hilarious dark, comedy, it sometimes falls flat in its attempt to be cool. The film centers on two corrupt policemen (Alexander Skarsgård and Michael Peña) who embark on all kinds of shenanigans. One involves Lord James Mangan (James), a knighted British thug with some nasty secrets. James basks in this wickedly vile role. In one scene he wakes up next to both a guy and a gal. Exciting. But how can you cast two yumburgers like Skarsgård and James in the same film, and not have them all over one another?

Stream on Prime and Hulu.

Sidney Parker in "Sanditon" (2019)

Jane Austen's unfinished novel is the basis for the UK TV series "Sanditon," set during the Regency era and sexed up well beyond the Austenesque norm. James acts as both executive producer and star of this infectious tale of love, longing, heartache, and lust in a seaside town. James's Sidney Parker is dismissive, disparaging, dispassionate yet dashing, devilish, and seductive. Watch as Rose Williams (as Charlotte) is mortified, but also swoons when she watches a naked Theo walk out of the sea. Beware: If purchasing the U.S. Masterpiece DVD or Blu-ray, PBS censors the Theo butt nudity. They should be canceled for such a crime.

Rent on AppleTV or Prime.

George Almore in "Archive" (2020)

Gavin Rothery's directorial debut, "Archive," is a sometimes confusing but beguiling sci-fi indie centering on George Almore (James), a scientist trying to bring back his dead wife via artificial intelligence. This creepy, yet poignant, mindfuckery benefits from James's immersive performance, examining how grief can become obsession. In the film, James is given a deep facial scar and scruffy beard, trying to mask his stunning good looks, but his sexiness shines through. And the twist ending makes it all worthwhile.

Stream on Tubi, Rent on AppleTV

Henry DeTamble in "The Time Traveler's Wife" (2022)

Those of us who were hooked on HBO Max's peculiar, but enthralling, limited series "The Time Traveler's Wife" were sadly disappointed that it was not renewed for a second season. Based on the book by Audrey Niffenegger, the series showcased many of James' talents, as well as a lot of his naked anatomy. James is the titular character's eventual husband, who has the bizarre ability to travel to different time periods with no control over when it happens or where he ends up – or the fact that he always arrives nude. James had to play Henry at many different stages of his life, and he pulls off the tragic with the hilarious masterfully. And he and Rose Leslie had wonderful chemistry. And did we mention all the butt shots?

Stream on HBO Max.

Cameron Babcock in "The White Lotus, Season 2" (2022)

Much has been written (and posted) about Theo James' "ginormous" penis in "The White Lotus," Season 2, which takes place on the gorgeous shores of Taormina, Sicily. Alas, it was just a prosthetic. (If you desire to see the real thing, stream "Time Traveler's Wife.") And that famous nude scene where he may or may not be tempting Aubrey Plaza was allegedly toned down. But let's give James (and writer Mike White) credit for creating a morally-challenged cad flashing his wicked smile whom we still root for. James' Cameron Babcock loves his wife, yet cheats on her – probably often – and we're not sure how he feels about his kids (who might not be his). He may even have a crush on his college bud (Will Sharpe), whom he flirts with. But we still hoped and prayed that he wasn't the corpse floating in the Ionian Sea. Now that (spoiler) Jennifer Coolidge is fish food, perhaps James can return for Chapter 3 of "The White Lotus." If so, let's hope the locale is a place where little clothing is necessary.

Stream on HBO Max.