Cox was a far better, less showy Lecter. And Manhunter is a better film than Lambs, both emotionally and stylistically.

I agree with Chad. As much as I love Silence, there are some things that just annoy me (the cop who says something like "they said he's some kind of vampire".) Hopkins was great, but it felt like a "Hollywood" killer, if that makes sense. Cox was just chilling without the theatrics. There are times I prefer Manhunter overall, other times not so much for whatever reason. Two totally different feelings from watching two very similar stories as Silence permeates with dread.

I've always thought Brian Cox did a better job. Just much creepier in a subtle way. And Francis Dollarhyde is frankly terrifying, way more than Bill. Both excellent movies with some interesting choices which differentiate them.