If you’ve ever found yourself watching a rugged, 6'3" Englishman on screen and thinking, "Wait, where do I know him from?" you aren't alone. Ben Robson has this weirdly specific ability to disappear into roles while still being the most physically imposing person in the room. Whether he’s wielding an axe in a shield wall or riding a dirt bike through Oceanside, he carries a certain weight. Honestly, looking at the list of Ben Robson movies and tv shows, it's clear he doesn’t just pick projects—he picks vibes.
He didn't even start acting until he was 25. Think about that. Most guys in Hollywood are child stars or theater kids, but Robson was out here getting a business degree at the University of the West of England. Then, boom. A sudden pivot. He moves to L.A., studies at Stella Adler, and suddenly he's the guy everyone's Googling.
The Roles That Put Him on the Map
Most people first clocked him as Kalf in Vikings. It was a tricky role. You wanted to like him because he was charming, but then he goes and usurps Lagertha’s Earldom. Bold move. Very risky. He played that line between "loyal second-in-command" and "ambitious traitor" perfectly. That wedding day scene? Brutal. If you haven't seen it, Lagertha basically gives him the ultimate "I told you so" with a dagger.
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Then came Animal Kingdom. This is where he really settled in. Playing Craig Cody for six seasons meant we got to see him evolve from a cocaine-fueled adrenaline junkie into... well, a slightly more mature adrenaline junkie with a kid. He was the heart of that show in a lot of ways. While Pope was the scary one and Deran was the brooding one, Craig was the guy you'd actually want to grab a beer with, even if it ended in a high-speed chase.
A Quick Rundown of the Essentials
- Animal Kingdom (2016–2022): Craig Cody. The middle brother. The muscle. The one with the best hair and the worst decision-making skills.
- Vikings (2015–2016): Kalf. The man who dared to steal Hedeby from a Shield-maiden. It didn't end well, but he looked great doing it.
- The Continental (2023): Frankie Scott. This was a massive win for him. Being part of the John Wick universe as Winston’s brother? That’s legendary status. He brought a gritty, Vietnam-vet energy that grounded the whole prequel.
- The Boy (2016): Cole. He played the "toxic ex" role here. It’s a horror flick, and honestly, he was more intimidating than the actual porcelain doll.
Why People Keep Tuning In
There’s something about Ben Robson's screen presence that feels authentic. Maybe it's because he started late. He doesn't have that polished, "I've been in front of a camera since I was five" sheen. He feels like a guy you’d meet at a pub in Newcastle who just happens to be a movie star.
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In The Continental, he had to do a lot of the heavy lifting emotionally. He wasn't just there to shoot guns; he was the catalyst for everything Winston becomes. It’s a short role—only a couple of episodes—but his impact is felt through the entire series. That's a recurring theme in his career. He shows up, makes a massive impression, and leaves you wanting more.
Moving Into 2026 and Beyond
So, what's next? If you're looking for new Ben Robson movies and tv shows, the horizon is actually looking pretty interesting. He’s recently wrapped filming on Season 2 of the Netflix series Ransom Canyon. It’s being described as a "contemporary romance drama" set in Texas. Seeing him pivot from the grit of Animal Kingdom to a ranch-style drama alongside Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly is going to be a trip.
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He’s also attached to The Rats: A Witcher Tale. Yeah, you heard that right. The Witcher universe. He’s playing a character named Bert Brigden. For fans of the books and the games, this is a big deal. It’s a prequel focused on a gang of teenage outcasts, and having a veteran like Robson in the mix adds some serious gravitas to the production.
The Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you're trying to catch up on his work, don't just stick to the hits.
- Start with Animal Kingdom. It’s his most complete performance. You see the range—the humor, the violence, and the vulnerability.
- Watch The Continental. Even if you aren't a John Wick superfan, his performance as Frankie is top-tier. It's gritty and tactical.
- Check out A Violent Separation (2019). It’s a smaller film, a crime thriller where he plays Ray Young. It’s a slower burn but shows he can handle a lead role in a serious drama without the big-budget distractions.
Keep an eye out for Ransom Canyon on Netflix later this year or early 2027. It’s likely to be his next big "breakout" for audiences who missed the Vikings era. Whether he's playing a villain, a hero, or something messy in between, Ben Robson is clearly here to stay.
To stay updated, following his social media is usually the best bet for "behind the scenes" looks at his filming locations in Albuquerque or Europe. He tends to post a lot of the training and physical prep he does for these roles, which is a masterclass in itself for any aspiring actors.