The 14 Best Ryan Reynolds Movies, Ranked
Ryan Reynolds has pioneered the type of fast-talking, quippy characters that seem to be so popular with today's mainstream audiences. It's somewhat ironic that Reynolds is finding so much success right now because, for years, it seemed like he was doomed to be one of those great actors that nobody took seriously.
Reynolds appeared in several disastrous comic book movies that fell way beneath fans' expectations. He's not particularly bad in "Blade: Trinity," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," or "Green Lantern," but the films did not give him the type of recurring roles that best suited his talents. However, "Deadpool" gave Reynolds a chance to both do his best work and reflect on his earlier failures. It's a testament to his belief in the project that "Deadpool" finally became the success that he had always suspected it would be. Following the positive reception to the film, Reynolds joined additional franchises with "Free Guy," "Red Notice," and "The Hitman's Bodyguard."
Here are the 14 best Ryan Reynolds movies, ranked.
14. The Croods (2013)
Ryan Reynolds is one of the rare Hollywood stars who can add personality to a voice-over performance. It's unfortunate that voice acting is so often disregarded because it takes talent for an actor to make these characters memorable. Reynolds added his signature wit to "Turbo" and "Detective Pikachu," but his role as Guy in the family adventure film "The Croods" stands as his best vocal performance thus far.
"The Croods" is a lot better than it had any right to be. While comedies about the prehistoric age are generally disastrous, "The Croods" has fun with the historical setting but doesn't make the characters complete imbeciles. The film follows the family of Grug (Nicolas Cage), Ugga (Catherine Keener), Eep (Emma Stone), and Thunk (Clark Duke) as they survive several natural disasters. The overprotective Grug begins to get stressed out when Guy (Reynolds) shows up and begins introducing technology.
Cage brings out his signature campiness, which makes it hilarious to hear Reynolds annoy him. While Reynolds' critics may find him irritating, "The Croods" gives him an excuse to be annoying! Oddly, Guy resembles the type of heroes that Reynolds usually plays in his action roles. He's a slightly eccentric, charismatic loner whose quips would be obnoxious if he wasn't so helpful. It's hard not to picture Reynolds having a blast bouncing off of his co-stars in the recording studio.
13. 6 Underground (2019)
It's hard to watch any of Michael Bay's early films and think that he had any restrictions. However, Netflix allowed the controversial filmmaker to create one of the most gloriously ridiculous action movies in recent memory. Every element of "6 Underground" is dialed up to the extreme, including the performances. Reynolds met the challenge of getting on Bay's wavelength, which isn't easy to do!
Reynolds understands that the film is all spectacle, and he doesn't treat it as anything else. "6 Underground" follows vigilante operatives Magnet S. Johnson (Reynolds), Camille (Melanie Laurent), Javier (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Billy (Ben Hardy), Amelia (Adria Arjona), and Gus (Dave Franco) as they perform covert assassinations and extraction missions across the globe. Reynolds' quips come as fast as the bullets, and no amount of carnage can prevent him from having fun. Reynolds winks at the audience and lets them know that the film is best enjoyed as a guilty pleasure.
"6 Underground" also benefits from the screenwriting duo of Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, who also wrote the "Deadpool" films. This pair has a really good grasp of Reynolds' strengths. It would be hard to invest in any of the violence if it wasn't for Reynolds' smirking grin.
12. Safe House (2012)
"Safe House" is the type of clever crime thriller that it seems like Hollywood is averse to making. While the story is nothing special, it at least tries to create a world that isn't based on any previously existing intellectual property. It presented two big challenges for Reynolds. Not only would he be giving one of the more serious performances of his career, but he had to share the screen with Denzel Washington. While Reynolds could have been out of his element, he brings a refreshingly low-key energy to his performance.
"Safe House" follows CIA gatekeeper Matt Weston (Reynolds) as he investigates accused turncoat Tobin Frost (Washington). Although Weston suspects Frost will double-cross him, he's unable to prevent him from escaping. It would have been easy for Reynolds to look like a doofus who is unable to keep up with Washington. However, the film begins from Weston's perspective, giving the audience time to learn about his daily routine. The scenes of Reynolds and Washington playing mind games with each other are electrifying.
Reynolds proves his merit as a dramatic actor in the film's final act in which Weston is forced to question his conscience. While it's clear that the character isn't perfect, Reynolds instills a sense of authentic goodness that doesn't detract from the film's realism. It's one of the few times he's played a hero who isn't larger than life.
11. The Adam Project (2022)
Following the success of "Free Guy," Ruan Reynolds again collaborated with director Shawn Levy, this time for the science fiction adventure film "The Adam Project." While "Free Guy" was a satire of the gaming industry, "The Adam Project" is a more heartfelt family crowd-pleaser that's closer to the Amblin films of the 1980s. While nostalgia for the 1980s is stronger than ever before thanks to "Stranger Things" and "Ready Player One," "The Adam Project" evokes the era's classic films without constantly referencing them.
Reynolds stars as Adam Reed, a pilot who travels back in time from the year 2050 to uncover the reason for his wife's death. Reed is introduced to his younger self (Walker Scobell), who is grieving the death of his father, Louis (Mark Ruffalo). Reynolds does a great job of playing a disheveled, slightly older man who no longer has the energy of youth. The quippy dialogue is delivered by the younger Reed, who seems to enjoy irritating his older self. Reynolds does a great job of showing Reed's regret. He's uncomfortable encountering his past.
Reynolds shows why he's one of a kind during a scene with his mother, Ellie (Jennifer Garner). His speech about the power of love couldn't be cornier, but Reynolds does his best to sell the melodramatic material.
10. Self/less (2015)
Ryan Reynolds had a difficult task in front of him with the science fiction action thriller "Self/less." He had to emulate one of the greatest actors of all time. The film follows wealthy businessman Damian Hale (Sir Ben Kingsley), whose mind is placed in the body of a younger man (Reynolds). It's an interesting case in which Reynolds seems like he is getting used to a different body. He's adjusting to his newfound abilities, which makes him more relatable. Given how unlikeable Damian is at the beginning of the film, it's impressive that Reynolds was able to show his maturation and growth.
Reynolds shows his range when the film features flashbacks to Mark Bitwell, the man whose body Damian inhabits. He distinguishes these two characters, particularly during the scenes in which Damian is mistaken for Mark. Reynolds embodies the guilt of a man who's generations older than him.
9. Life (2017)
"Life" is a film that weaponizes Ryan Reynolds' star power. He plays against type by co-starring as an unconfident, unassuming victim. After his underrated collaboration with Daniel Espinosa in "Safe House," Reynolds reunited with the filmmaker for another supporting turn in a stacked ensemble cast. The film takes place in the not-so-distant future when a team of astronauts uncovers a probe coming back from Mars. As Dr. David Jordan (Jake Gyllenhaal), Dr. Miranda North (Rebecca Ferguson), Sho Murakami (Hiroyuki Sanada), Dr. Hugh Derry (Ariyon Bakare), Kat Golovkina (Olga Dihovichnaya), and Rory Adams (Reynolds) investigate the creature aboard the probe, they discover that the alien is not as docile as they had initially suspected.
While every member of the team is experienced, Rory is an engineer who lacks extensive knowledge of biology. Since the creature's abilities seem to take even the veteran biologists on the crew by surprise, Rory is in unprecedented circumstances. "Life" does a great job of creating a sizzling aura of tension as the alien stalks its prey. It wouldn't be as electrifying if the audience wasn't invested in Reynolds and his co-stars.
8. The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
"The Hitman's Bodyguard" seems like the movie that Reynolds was born to star in, and Samuel L. Jackson is maybe the only other actor on the planet who could keep up with him. While Reynolds could be accused of simply replicating his performance as Wade Wilson, Jackson plays the same sort of snarky character that he usually plays. By letting both of these actors play off of their personalities, "The Hitman's Bodyguard" allows them to reach many comedic highs.
"The Hitman's Bodyguard" follows private bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds), who is hired by his ex-girlfriend, Amelia Roussel (Elodie Yung), to transport the notorious assassin Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) to testify in the trial of dictator Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). Since Bryce's job revolves around keeping people safe, he can't imagine anyone that he would want to spend time with less. This tension escalates as Reynolds and Jackson attempt to outdo each other.
While the film mostly revolves around the brewing rivalry (and eventual friendship) between Bryce and Kincaid, Reynolds also excels as a romantic lead in the tender scenes with Yung.
7. Free Guy (2021)
"Free Guy" shows that Reynolds doesn't have to rely on the snarkiness of "Deadpool" for the rest of his career. The character Guy is about as different from Wade Wilson as you can get. If Deadpool is hyper-aware of the genre that he is in and breaks the fourth wall, Guy is completely unaware that he's in a simulated reality. His comic aloofness is key to explaining the concept of the film.
"Free Guy" takes place in the world of the MMORPG "Free City." While Guy is simply a non-player character, he starts breaking out of his character loop after encountering player Millie Rusk (Jodie Comer). Millie is on a mission to stop the tyrannical CEO Antwan Hovachelik (Taika Waititi) from destroying the game and replicating it. Guy only slowly becomes adjusted to the fact that his life is boring for a reason. Reynolds does a great job of showing how he grows beyond his ignorance.
While Reynolds generally plays negative, pessimistic characters, Guy is upbeat and constantly friendly as he replicates the plasticity of a simulated character.
6. Definitely, Maybe (2008)
There's an art to acting in a great romantic comedy. Generally, the audience recognizes that what they're seeing is not meant to reflect reality, and thus, there's a sense of escapism in watching two perfect strangers fall in love. "Definitely, Maybe" does a great job of upending rom-com cliches by using a great framing device. The film is told in partial flashbacks as the political staffer Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) explains his past romances to his young daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin).
Casting Reynolds as an endearing father was a genius move. His snarky attitude and humorous expressions make sense since he is trying to give a young girl a good idea of what his life is like. Beautifully, Will both reflects and matures as he sums up his life experiences to his daughter. It's only through her probing questions that he begins to become more optimistic.
The film follows Hayes through three relationships as Emily Jones (Elizabeth Banks), Rachel Hoffman (Isla Fisher), and Summer Hartley (Rachel Weisz) all vie for his heart at various stages. Each of these incredible actresses helps flesh out a different part of Reynolds' personality, and each subplot is equally as engaging.
5. Deadpool 2 (2018)
The only way for "Deadpool 2" to top its predecessor was to be even more ridiculous. The "Deadpool" films seem like a breath of fresh air because they lack the self-seriousness of their competitors. It doesn't take Deadpool very long to make fun of Wolverine's death in "Logan" and parody the "save Martha" moment in "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice."
During an era when comic book movies were beginning to emphasize world-building and crossovers, "Deadpool 2" lampooned the notion of superhero team-ups. Ryan Reynolds expertly shows the titular character's growth as he discovers a band of freaks, outsiders, and losers who are just as depraved as he is. After a while, it would get a little dull if Deadpool was only talking to the audience. It's fun to see him interact with his new allies Cable (Josh Brolin), Firefist (Julian Dennison), Domino (Zazie Beetz), and Colossus (Stefan Kapičić).
Reynolds has also used the "Deadpool" films as a way to reflect on the failures of his early career. While he makes a few jokes at the expense of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Green Lantern" in the first film, Reynolds has a blast destroying his previous roles in the uproarious mid-credits sequence of "Deadpool 2."
4. Deadpool (2016)
"Deadpool" is something of a miracle. While Hollywood was still struggling to bring classic comic book characters like Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man to life, it didn't seem likely that a niche X-Men spinoff character from the 1990s would ever lead his own franchise. It seemed even less likely after his disastrous introduction in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," and Reynolds' concept of "hard R" dark comedy didn't seem like it would have mainstream appeal. Against all odds, "Deadpool" became a sensation due to Reynolds' investment. Remember when it became a surprise awards season contender?
While "Deadpool" easily could have been nothing but a series of jokes and a barrage of violence, the film does the "superhero origin story" better than most films that play things completely straight. Told in partial flashbacks, "Deadpool" finds an empathetic reason why Wade Wilson suits up. The backstory of his struggle with cancer is surprisingly dark, and the romantic relationship with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) is unexpectedly sincere. It was clear that "Deadpool" wasn't going to parody the superhero genre unless it could improve on it.
3. Buried (2010)
"Buried" features the bravest performance of Ryan Reynolds' career. It takes a real movie star to captivate an audience, but "Buried" required Reynolds to literally be the only person on screen. The film follows American civilian worker Paul Conroy (Reynolds) as he fights for survival in a wooden coffin in Iraq. He has been mistakenly buried alive and desperately tries to communicate with his family, his kidnappers, his employers, and his government to get out alive. It's a testament to Reynolds' dramatic range that he was able to make this isolated scenario riveting for 95 minutes.
"Buried" also gave Reynolds a chance to be vulnerable. While characters like Wade Wilson and Michael Bryce aren't particularly relatable for the average audience, Paul is a very ordinary man with real problems. Just a few days earlier, his biggest concerns were his family, his employment, and his finances. Now, he has to worry about his mortality and the safety of his country. Reynolds does a great job of showing Paul's evolution as he accepts his circumstances. If there are any of Reynold's roles that truly merited serious awards consideration, it's his outstanding performance in "Buried."
2. Adventureland (2009)
"Adventureland" asked Ryan Reynolds to do something that would seem like a massive challenge to him. He had to be unlikeable. Ironically, "Adventureland" plays on Reynolds' inherently charismatic presence and weaponizes it. He shows that beneath his smirking grin and humorous phrases, there's a dynamic range. It's an impressive change of pace for Reynolds, and hopefully, he will appear in more independent comedies at some point.
"Adventureland" follows college graduate James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) as he starts a summer job at an amusement park. Although James quickly falls in love with his coworker, Em Lewin (Kristen Stewart), he discovers that she is already in a relationship with maintenance man Mike Connell (Reynolds). James feels insecure. He can't help but feel hopeless about competing with someone as exciting as Mike. Reynolds effectively hints at the lies beneath Mike's boasts. He subtly hints that Mike's "nice guy" vibe is completely manipulative.
1. Mississippi Grind (2015)
"Mississippi Grind" is a terrific throwback to 1970s cinema. With a story clearly modeled after Robert Altman's classic gambling film, "California Split," "Mississippi Grind" is an old-fashioned two-hander that gives two great actors a chance to do something different. Ben Mendelsohn is a terrific character actor, but rarely gets the chance to play an empathetic protagonist. Ryan Reynolds is a movie star who rarely takes the opportunity to show a more sensitive side. Together, they make an exciting screen duo, and it's simply electrifying to see them verbally spar.
"Mississippi Grind" follows struggling gambler Gerry (Mendelsohn) as he attempts to pay back his debts and win his ex-girlfriend Dorothy's (Robin Weigert) forgiveness. He's inspired when he has a chance encounter with the charismatic card shark Curtis (Reynolds). Ironically, Curtis seems to have the opposite issue. He can't stop winning. Reynolds shows the failings of success, and why winning means nothing for those who have no one to share it with.
It's interesting to watch Reynolds and Mendelsohn embody each others' personalities. As Gerry picks up on Curtis' casual demeanor, Curtis learns to prioritize his personal happiness. "Mississippi Grind" is a sadly overlooked film that more Reynolds fans should check out.