The Russian-born actor may have been incredibly young, but you really had to look hard to find more experienced talent. Anton starred in over 40 movies in all kinds of genres, from indie productions to big Hollywood releases. His performances were always exquisite, multi-layered and remarkable—even when he acted alongside some of the biggest stars—making it pretty hard to narrow down his extensive career to just eight titles. And while the world mourns his passing, we’re trying to find comfort in the movies where his talent shined the most. Here are our Top 8 favorite roles from the actor gone too soon.

House of D (2004)

One of Yelchin’s earliest claims to fame was a role in David Duchovny’s directorial debut, where he played the 13-year-old version of Duchovny’s character Tommy. The plot is built around Tommy’s touching friendship with the janitor (Robin Williams). Like he did many times after this movie, Yelchin had no problem standing out in the crowded A-list cast.  

Fierce People (2005)

The title for this indie drama thriller is more than accurate. Even though it refers to Ishkanani Indians, who fascinate Anton’s Finn Earl, it can also describe the impressive cast of Griffin Dunne’s movie. It stars pre-Twilight Kristen Stewart, pre-Boardwalk Empire Paz de la Huerta and pre-Captain America Chris Evans. And in the middle of all of this young Hollywood action stands a very gifted and equally curly-haired Anton.

Alpha Dog (2006)

This criminal teen hit helped putting a lot of big names on the map. Apart from being one of the early acting achievements of Justin Timberlake, it also introduced the masses to Amber Heard. Yelchin played rebellious teenager Zack, who desperately wants to escape his parents’ watch and ends up in less then safe company of local drug dealers.

Charlie Barlett (2007)

One more coming-of-age movie in Yelchin’s resume that put him front and center as a wealthy and quirky teenager named Charlie, who gets expelled from a private academy and ends up in the tough environment of public school. Being a quite resourceful young man, he quickly finds a way to endear everyone by becoming an impromptu therapist in the school’s WC and re-selling prescription drugs he gets from his shrink to other students.

Middle of Nowhere (2008)

This critically acclaimed coming-of-age comedy was built around Susan Sarandon and her real-life daughter Eva Amurri’s natural dynamics. Yelchin played Amurri’s water park colleague who’s selling drugs on the side and radiates youthful energy.

Star Trek (2009)

The big moment in Yelchin’s career and his proper introduction to the world of blockbusters. In the beloved JJ Abrams’ re-imagining of the cult sci-fi saga he got to embrace his Russian roots by playing adorably odd Pavel Chekov, Enterprise’s navigator.

Like Crazy (2011)

This drama proved that Anton feels confident in the highly romantic environment, too. He and Felicity Jones didn’t follow the typical approach to shooting a movie: they were allowed to improvise their lines in order to look convincing as a couple surviving the test of long-distance relationships. We didn’t need a visa to see the sparks fly between Yelchin and Jones and although the movie wasn’t a box office hit, it still charmed both critics and fans of top-notch romantic flicks.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Jim Jarmusch’s vampire love story will go down in history by having one of the coolest on-screen couples ever (Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton) while Anton Yelchin’s Ian was a delightful distraction. Ian is friends with Tom Hiddleston’s Adam and manages to handle all the vampire stuff pretty well… until bolder and hungrier party girl Ava (Mia Wasikowska) comes to Detroit.