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A brief looks at the films that made Ledger's career. Click links for the Herald's reviews of the films.
I'm Not There (2007)
Ledger was one of six actors to portray legendary musician Bob Dylan in this biopic. He starred alongside fellow Aussie Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Christian Bale and Richard Gere. The film has yet to be released in New Zealand but has garnered massive critical acclaim overseas, topping many critics lists as the best film of 2007.
Candy (2006)
They were two crazy junkies in love. This dark Aussie film gained international acclaim for its disturbing mixture of humour and horror. Both Ledger and his leading lady Abbie Cornish were commended for their performances.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ledger won widespread critical acclaim for his role in this Ang Lee film, based on Annie Proulx's short story. The young Aussie scored both a Golden Globe nod for his role opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and his first Oscar nomination.
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Ledger starred opposite Matt Damon in this fictional story of the famous German authors. The film received mixed reviews for being inconsistent.
Lords of Dogtown (2005)
The film was panned as forgettable, though Ledgar was singled out for his memorable, if somewhat eccentric, performance of skateboarder Skip Engblom.
Casanova (2005)
Heath Ledger starred as the title character in the modern remake of this classic romance. The film was panned, as was Ledger's performance.
Ned Kelly (2003)
Taking on the role of Australia's most infamous outlaw was a personal highlight of Ledger's career. It was not, however, a critical one.
The Four Feathers (2002)
Undeterred by the failure of The Patriot, Ledger once again turned his hand to a period drama, taking on the role of a shamed British army officer, determined to win back his honour. Again, the film was panned by critics.
Monster's Ball (2001)
It may have scored Halle Berry an Oscar, but Monster's Ball failed to capture the imagination of viewers. Ledger plays the disturbed son of a death row prison officer, his performance singled out as one of the best of the film.
A Knight's Tale (2001)
Described as a "star-making vehicle" for Ledger, this popular film scored big at the box office and with the critics. Ledger played a poor commoner desperate for money, who assumes the identity of his recently deceased employer and joins the peers-only Euro-jousting circuit.
The Patriot (2000)
This war film about the American Revolution was panned by the critics as cheap and gory, although the majority of brickbats were aimed at Mel Gibson's performance. Ledger performed his own stunts in the film.
Two Hands(1999)
Ledger played a strip-club spruiker who gets enlisted to work as a courier for a local crime boss, in this Australian gangster flick. The film was the most successful Australian picture of 1999.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
It was the film that started his career, propelling him to pin-up status and making his a household name. Ledger played a misunderstood misfit in this romantic teen comedy.
Paws (1997)
Ledger played a small role in this independent Australian film, starring Billy Connolly.
Blackrock (1997)
Ledger played the role of Toby Ackland in this Australian thriller about the gang-rape of a 15-year-old girl.
Clowning Around (1992)
Ledger was just 13-years-old when he starred in this, his first feature film, about a young boy pursuing his dream of becoming a professional circus clown.
