The Best Ryan Reynolds Movies
Over the course of his career, Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds has slowly become a household name. Taking a leap of faith to become an actor, he nailed his first Hollywood gig on the teen opera series Hillside. Since then he’s focused his sarcasm, wit, comedy genius, and exceptional acting ability to create some of the greatest contemporary films. His unique approach to comedy makes his voice and style instantly recognizable among audiences.
Whether you’re watching him make fun of Marvel’s finest, play a sleazy amusement park staff, or see him figure his way out of being buried alive.. there’s a Ryan Reynolds film for everyone. Today I wanted to discuss the best Ryan Reynolds movies (in no particular order). We’ve curated an assortment of projects from his filmography in one perfect list. Let us know your favorite Ryan Reynolds films on social media. Enjoy!
The Adam Project
Directed by Shawn Levy and written by Jonathan Tropper, T.S. Nowlin, and Jennifer Flackett, The Adam Project follows the crash-landing of time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed who must team up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, and Mark Ruffalo. The Adam Project in so many ways feels like an ode to the early works of Steven Spielberg.
It’s filled with smart kids, a whimsical atmosphere, a lush setting, and characters you just have to love. The Netflix original was quietly released and since has become a favorite with subscribers of the streaming platform. It’s a concept I think so many of us wish we could have fulfilled. What if I could go back and give younger me some advice when I needed it most?
Ryan Reynolds takes on more of a fatherly role in The Adam Project and it feels wholeheartedly genuine. If you’re looking for a stellar sci-fi film with tons of heart, then The Adam Project is a must-watch. It’s easily one of the best Ryan Reynolds movies out there.
The Proposal
Directed by Anne Fletcher and written by Peter Chiarelli, The Proposal follows a pushy boss who forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. The romantic-comedy stars Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, and Mary Steenburgen. The Proposal was nominated for The Golden Globes in the ‘Best Actress’ category.
Prior to shooting, Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock had been friends for nearly a decade. This of course only added to the unique on-screen chemistry of the two actors. The film in a lot of ways ventures off into predictable rom-com territory but the leading cast of actors elevates the film’s longevity. It’s entertaining, raunchy, filled with wit, and heartfelt. Definitely one of the most charming performances from Ryan Reynolds.
Mississippi Grind
Directed and written by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Mississippi Grind follows Gerry who is down on his luck and facing financial hardship. Gerry teams up with a younger charismatic poker player named Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what’s been lost. The comedy-drama stars Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, and Yvonne Landry.
This stark story of gambling addiction can be hard to watch but regardless of the subject matter, the story and performances are phenomenal. Loosely based on the 1974 film California Split, Mississippi Grind is rich with depth and you end up with a film that truly shakes the viewer out of apathy. A great example of acting from Ryan Reynolds and a must-watch picture.
Adventureland
Directed and written by Greg Mottola the genius behind Superbad, Adventureland follows a college graduate who takes a ‘nowhere’ job at his local amusement park, only to find it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world. The comedy-drama stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Ryan Reynolds. Adventureland was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for ‘Best Screenplay’.
This coming-of-age comedy hit home for a lot of lost college kids. Compared to Superbad, Adventureland is a more emotional and vulnerable film in many ways. Ryan Reynolds is sleazy and conniving in this role, someone you just love to hate. But it’s a part of his inclusion that really sells the reality of this film. Though the movie isn’t solely focused on Reynolds, it’s still worthy of inclusion.
Deadpool
Deadpool is a Marvel Comics movie that was released on February 8th, 2016. Aside from Ryan Reynolds, the film stars Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, and T.J. Miller. Deadpool was directed by Tim Miller and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The film follows a wisecracking mercenary who gets experimented on and becomes immortal but ugly. He sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.
It is worth noting that Ryan Reynolds is one of the few actors to play characters in both Marvel and DC films. While it didn’t make this list, he also played the Green Lantern in the 2011 adaptation.
Ryan Reynolds kills it as our favorite sarcastic and foul-mouthed superhero. I think he was a perfect choice for this role. Before the rise of the anti-hero protagonist, Deadpool filled that spot with laughs and grace. Reynolds excels at playing sarcastic and eccentric characters, like in ‘Waiting… or ‘National Lampoon’s Van Wilder. Deadpool is a film that is enjoyed by both Marvel fans and casual viewers.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Pokémon Detective Pikachu is a mystery adventure movie based on Pokémon lore. It was released on May 3rd, 2019. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, and Suki Waterhouse. Pokémon Detective Pikachu was directed by Rob Letterman and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film follows a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective.
There’s a reason this movie was one of the highest-grossing video game film adaptations for a short while. It’s a fun mystery but Ryan Reynolds just steals the show (per usual). The unlikely casting made the film in a lot of ways and gave Pokémon fans a hell of a show! Not the most critically acclaimed Ryan Reynolds movie but certainly one of the most entertaining.
Waiting…
Directed and written by Rob McKittrick, Waiting… follows young employees at Shenaniganz restaurant who collectively stave off boredom and adulthood with their antics. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, and John Francis Daley. After working in a real chain restaurant for several years, director Rob McKittrick wanted to put his experience in the culinary world on the silver screen.
I love this movie and have seen it countless times. The actors that make up the main cast have a crazy range of personalities. Being stuck working in a restaurant all day can bring out the worst, and weirdest, in people. Ryan Reynolds is hilarious as the cocky employee training the new guy. The best Ryan Reynolds movie where he’s just oozing with wit and sarcasm.
Definitely, Maybe
Directed and written by Adam Brooks, Definitely, Maybe follows a political consultant who tries to explain his impending divorce and past relationships to his 11-year-old daughter. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz, and Abigail Breslin.
In the comedy-drama, Ryan Reynolds truly brings his fatherly charisma and wit to the forefront. It’s a heartfelt film about leveling with your kid as they’re growing to understand the world. It’s an interesting meditation on love and how timing is everything. One of the best Ryan Reynold movies ever made in our opinion.
Buried
Directed by Rodrigo Cortés and written by Chris Sparling, Buried follows Paul a U.S. truck driver working in Iraq. After an attack by a group of Iraqis, he wakes to find he is buried alive inside a coffin. With only a lighter and a cell phone, it’s a race against time to escape this claustrophobic death trap. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and José Luis García-Pérez.
Winning the Saturn Award for ‘Best Actor’, Ryan Reynolds brings his A-game in Buried. Being stuck in an actual box filled with sand while filming, Buried is a masterclass in thrills.
The film is truly a phenomenal example of minimalist filmmaking and deserves all the positive recognition it can get. It’s an idea that one would expect from Alfred Hitchcock. Truly one of the best films Ryan Reynolds has ever been a part of.
Free Guy
Directed by Shawn Levy and written by Matt Lieberman as well as Zak Penn, Free Guy follows a bank teller who discovers that he’s actually an NPC inside a brutal, open-world video game. Almost if The Truman Show met Grand Theft Auto… wild combo right? The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, and Taika Waititi.
Nominated for the Oscar for ‘Best Visual Effects’, Free Guy is a true spectacle. With his constant charisma and cheerful attitude, it’s almost too easy to love Reynolds in the role of Guy. It’s a feel-good type movie with over-the-top visuals and a stellar cast of actors.
In a lot of ways, it’s also a coming-of-age film about love, feeling lost, and finding purpose in your own life. Definitely a must-watch film!
What Are Your Favorite Ryan Reynolds Movies?
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Ryan Reynolds movies. Did we miss any favorites that are on your Ryan Reynolds movie list? Let us know on social media!
