If there’s one actor who can steal a scene with a single raised eyebrow, it’s Toby Jones. The man is a shape-shifting marvel – popping up in dramas, comedies, thrillers and massive Hollywood blockbusters, all while making every role feel like it was written just for him. He’s the definition of “oh wait, Toby Jones is in this?” – and suddenly you’re glued to the screen!
From brilliantly British mysteries to spy dramas and even the odd magical franchise, Toby’s career is a treasure trove of must-watch gems. So if you’re hunting for your next binge or you just watched his incredible performance in Mr Burton and are wondering what’s next – this guide rounds up the very best Toby Jones TV shows and films to stream right now!
The best TV shows starring Toby Jones
The Hack
Stream on ITVX
Dive deep into the reality of the News of the World phone-hacking scandal as this show weaves together two explosive and interconnected stories. On one side, Guardian journalist Nick Davies (David Tennant) doggedly uncovers how reporters illegally intercepted voicemails; on the other, Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook (Robert Carlyle) reopens the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
Toby Jones plays Alan Rusbridger, the calm, methodical and principled editor-in-chief of The Guardian. As Davies presses ahead with his investigation, Rusbridger becomes the moral centre: a steadying voice of integrity, weighing journalistic risk against public responsibility.
Mr Bates vs the Post Office
Stream on ITVX
If you think corporate scandals are boring, think again – Mr Bates vs The Post Office plunges straight into one of the most outrageous miscarriages of justice in British history! Hundreds of sub postmasters were falsely accused, prosecuted, and financially ruined, all because of the infamous Horizon IT system. By the final episode, you’ll be cheering, gasping, and maybe even shaking your head in disbelief.
Toby Jones is brilliant as a calm, clever presence in the middle of the chaos. Every scene he’s in feels measured but magnetic, making him the perfect anchor in a story that’s both infuriating and impossible to look away from. The Telegraph praises his performance describing him as “all cheer and steel … simply perfect as the little man who proves undefeatable.”
The Secret Agent
Stream on ITVX
Step into the shadowy, paranoid world of London at the turn of the 20th century, where anarchists plot, spies lurk, and trust is in short supply. The Secret Agent follows Mr. Verloc, a mild-mannered shopkeeper with a dangerous secret: he’s a spy caught between rival powers, plotting a terrifying act of terror while struggling to keep his family safe.
Toby Jones is perfectly cast as the unnervingly subtle, morally ambiguous Mr. Verloc. He balances menace with vulnerability, bringing a quietly chilling intensity that keeps you on edge and you never quite know what he’s thinking, but you can’t stop watching! His performance is a masterclass in tension, showing why he’s one of Britain’s most compelling character actors.
The Long Shadow
Stream on ITVX
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Grab your detective hat, because The Long Shadow drags you into the chilling hunt for Britain’s first modern serial killer. Set in the 1970s, this gripping drama follows the relentless investigation into the Yorkshire Ripper murders, showing both the tireless detectives and the terrified communities caught in his shadow. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat!
Jones is brilliant as one of the detectives, grounding the horror of the case with a measured, thoughtful intensity. His performance brings a human heartbeat to the story – the kind of calm, intelligent presence that makes the terror feel all the more real.
A Cruel Love the Ruth Ellis Story
Stream on ITVX
It’s 1950s London, where glamour, heartbreak, and tragedy collide in the true story of Ruth Ellis (Lucy Boynton), the last woman to be executed in the UK. The drama shows her passionate but doomed relationships, the pressures of fame and society, and the events that led to a shocking, historic court case.
Toby Jones is unforgettable as John Bickford, the dedicated solicitor fighting tirelessly to win Ruth clemency. He’s the moral compass of the story, constantly urging her to tell the truth so he can build a case to save her. Jones brings both warmth and quiet determination while showing the human side of a historical tragedy.
Detectorists
Stream on BBC
Quirky and hilarious, Detectorists follows Andy and Lance, two metal-detecting enthusiasts, as they hunt for treasure across the idyllic English countryside. But beneath the quiet digs and small-town antics, the show is about friendship, longing, and the small joys (and frustrations) of life.
Toby Jones shines as John, a memorable supporting character whose dry wit and humour add extra sparkle to the series. Jones has a way of making every scene he’s in feel aliveeeee!
The best films starring Toby Jones
Mr Burton
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Set in Port Talbot, Wales, Mr Burton tells the true story of wild, gifted schoolboy Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) and the teacher who changed his life. Philip Burton spots Richard’s raw talent and takes him under his wing, helping him find his voice and shaping the boy who would one day become the legendary Richard Burton!
Toby Jones is brilliant as Philip Burton, the teacher who’s funny, clever, and always pushing Richard to be his best. He’s the heart of the story, and Jones makes you believe every moment – you’ll laugh, you’ll feel for him, and you will absolutely not want to look away.
Harry Potter franchise
Stream on ITVX
Believe it or not, Toby Jones is part of the wizarding world – but you probably didn’t spot him! He lends his voice to none other than Dobby the House-Elf, first appearing in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Dobby is a fierce, quirky little elf who warns Harry Potter of danger, tries to help him (often with chaotic results), and ultimately becomes one of his most devoted friends.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Stream on BBC iPlayer
In Cold War London, George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is pulled out of retirement to hunt a Soviet mole hidden deep in British Intelligence. The operation is tense, full of whispers, secret codes, and a web of betrayal among senior officials. As Smiley pieces together the clues, every ally feels like a potential traitor.
Jones plays Percy Alleline, the ambitious and slightly slippery senior spy. He perfectly captures Alleline’s cunning and subtle menace.
Berberian Sound Studio
Stream on Channel 4
Set in a dusty 1970s Italian film studio, this creepily gorgeous psychological horror follows British sound engineer Gilderoy as he’s hired to mix the terrifying effects for a giallo horror movie. He starts out quietly confident, but as he works on gruesome Foley recordings – think squelching vegetables and tortured screams – reality begins to warp around him. Soon, the nightmare he’s scoring starts bleeding into his real life, and the studio’s bizarre demands push him to the brink.
Toby Jones absolutely kills it in the role: critics praise his twitchy, fragile performance as Gilderoy, describing him as “sympathetic but never quite likeable.” Journalists also highlight how he perfectly embodies a man unravelling under pressure, making his psychological breakdown feel deeply unnerving and real!
Atomic Blonde
Stream on ITVX
The movie is set in November 1989, juuuuust before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and follows MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) as she’s sent to Berlin to recover a list of undercover operatives hidden in a watch. Nairobi-style double crosses, KGB agents, and shady MI6 contacts swirl around her as she races to stay alive and complete her mission.
Toby Jones plays Eric Gray, Lorraine’s MI6 superior who interrogates her in a padded room – he’s the calm but firm authority figure holding the reins backstage. Critics say Jones brings a grounded, exasperated edge to the role, serving as the perfect counterpoint to Theron’s high-octane spy, and giving the film some emotional weight amid all the chaos
Also worth a mention:
- Serena – Toby Jones plays Sheriff McDowell in this Depression-era drama starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. While the film itself got pretty mixed reviews, critics noted that Jones brings a grounded steadiness to his role, anchoring the chaos of corruption and intrigue with quiet authority.
- Marvel Universe – Toby Jones is Arnim Zola, the genius-but-creepy HYDRA scientist, in Captain America: The First Avenger and returns in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. While not always front-and-centre, his portrayal as the manipulative agent has been praised for adding a sinister, clever edge to the villainous HYDRA legacy.
If you're loving our Toby Jones recommendations, why not check out the best shows starring Suranne Jones? Orrrr since he's incredible in fact based dramas, read our top 12 true story dramas to stream right now!
