My favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman films

The Talented Mr. Ripley might be the first film I ever saw Hoffman in. At least it's the first film that I started to realize who he was. I'm sure I saw him in Twister first, but it wasn't something that stood out.

Here, he stands out in a star-studded cast that includes Jude Law, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow. After seeing Ripley, he was an actor I was acutely aware of.

Hoffman plays Jude Law's preppy best friend that is the first to become suspicious of Tom Ripley.

Sometimes life imitates art. Hoffman plays a heroin junkie in legendary director Sidney Lumet's final film. A film he directed at the age of 82.

Hard up for cash to fuel his habit, Hoffman convinces his brother (Ethan Hawke) to pull off a jewel heist. It should be easy, after all, the store is owned by the boys' parents. Things don't quite go according to plan.

An underrated film and a great Hoffman performance.

Hoffman and Laura Linney play siblings who must decide what to do with their father as he reaches the end of his life. Hoffman is cynical about the world and disappointed with how his life has turned out.

Dealing with his father's affairs depresses him even more. A strong, conflicted performance by Hoffman.

Hoffman plays a priest who is accused of sexually assaulting an alter boy. Another strong cast that includes Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Viola Davis.

Some of the best scenes come from Streep and Hoffman going at it toe-to-toe.

Hoffman plays the charismatic leader of a new religious group or cult, depending on how you look at it.

Hoffman gives one of the more powerhouse performances of his career.

Hoffman gives a heartfelt performance as a nurse caring for a dying man. He adds perspective to a profession that can often be difficult, but taken for granted.

And oddball comedy that isn't for everybody. Hoffman plays a lonely perv that gets off by making obscene phone calls. His performance is daring and completely fearless. One of the first films that showed off his depth as an actor.

A rare villainous role for Hoffman. Hoffman plays the pivotal role of Plutarch Heavensbee, a new game designer who is highly confident he can control Katniss Everdeen's fate.

One of his final roles.

A small, but pivotal role as a rock critic forewarning the future of Rock & Roll.

One of my favorite films of all time, but Hoffman's role is rather small. He plays the smug assistant to the real Mr. Lebowski. His stuffy personality opposite the Dude's laid back lifestyle was ripe for laughter.

Hoffman plays a campaign manager in this political thriller. His performance encompasses all that is wrong with politics and politicians in general.

Hoffman's plays Ed Norton's straight-laced best friend who hit the town on the eve before Norton heads to prison. Hoffman is an innocent teacher obsessed with his student.

This is the kind of character Hoffman excelled at. Some would say he was getting typecast for a while before breaking out of it.

Hoffman appears in a small, but memorable role as a cocky craps player in Paul Thomas Anderson's debut film. Hoffman would later appear in 5 more Anderson films ( Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love and The Master).