Dornan first worked as a model. In 2001 Jamie took part in the Channel 4 reality show called "Model Behaviour". He was later eliminated but subsequently signed a modelling contract with Select. In 2003, he modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch alongside Malin Akerman. He then modelled for a number of fashion houses and Retailers, including Aquascutum, Hugo Boss, and Armani. Notable works include major ad campaigns with Dior Homme and Calvin Klein (with both Kate Moss and Eva Mendes), and he was labelled "The Golden Torso" by The New York Times.
Dornan's first acting role in a film was Count Axel Fersen in the Sofia Coppola film Marie Antoinette (2006). Dornan also appeared in the drama film Shadows in the Sun (2009), which starred three-time Academy Award nominee Jean Simmons. In 2008, he played the lead role of Ed in the Hammer Horror production Beyond the Rave.
Dornan performed in the folk band Sons of Jim, until it disbanded in 2008. Sons of Jim supported Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall on tour.
In 2011, Dornan appeared in nine episodes of the ABC television series Once Upon a Time, playing the role of Sheriff Graham. While Graham from Storybrooke was killed by the town's mayor Regina (The Evil Queen) in the episode "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter", Dornan stated that he would return as the Huntsman from the Enchanted Forest at some point, and he remained a regular on the series. He returned as The Huntsman for the season finale episode, "A Land Without Magic".
On 23 October 2013, Dornan was cast as Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, replacing Charlie Hunnam. Initially announced to be released on 1 August 2014, the film was later rescheduled and released on 13 February 2015. On 27 August 2014, it was announced that Dornan would play Dr. Allan Pascal in a Miramax film titled The 9th Life of Louis Drax, a supernatural thriller based on a book of the same name. It was released on 2 September 2016. In November 2014, Dornan was #3 in People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive rankings.
In February 2015, it was confirmed that Dornan had signed on to reprise his role in the second and third instalments of the Fifty Shades film franchise, Fifty Shades Darker, released in 2017, and Fifty Shades Freed, released in 2018.
In March 2015, it was reported that the BBC drama The Fall will return for a third series, revealing the fate of Dornan's character. The third season originally aired on RTÉ One and BBC Two from 25 September to 28 October 2016.
In May 2017, it was reported that Dornan will co-star alongside Peter Dinklage in the HBO television film My Dinner with Hervé. Shooting for the film started in the next month.
