The 15 Best Chris Evans Movies, Ranked

Before he portrayed the wise-cracking douchebag that is Johnny Storm aka Human Torch, Chris Evans starred as Jake Wyler in "Not Another Teen Movie." During an era where spoof movies were king, "Not Another Teen Movie" reigned as a formidable entry into the strange '00s subgenre that poked malicious and dude-stoner-fueled fun at specific film categories. The 2001 movie takes shots at "She's All That" and late '90s rom-coms. However, in hindsight, the film best represents the highly misogynistic era of '00s teen flicks, often featuring the gross-out humor of Tom Green and Dane Cook. 

These films were built around popular and/or nerdy male teens finding redemption through women, especially once their "friend" receives a makeover (read: wears their hair down and takes off their thick-rimmed glasses). A makeover is an antidote for an attractive high school jock or oblivious geek to see the error of his inhumane ways. But mostly, they're about boners and men losing their virginity. Evans plays the letterman jacket-wearing dummy in the 2001 film that most notably spoofs "American Pie" in a whipped cream scene for the cinematic ages. Evans' insensitive bro is a prototype for all the future bozos he'd portray in movies like "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." While the film's humor is outdated, Evans' well-timed smirk showcases his promising villainous future and gives a sneak peek at the refined prick he'd later showcase in "Knives Out."

Of all the romantic comedies that Chris Evans has starred in, 2014's "Playing It Cool" isn't the best the Marvel star has to offer. However, it's a solid rom-com that almost becomes great. Evans stars as a cynical screenwriter who wants to write an action film, but his agent, Bryan, portrayed by fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe star Anthony Mackie, hires him to pen a rom-com script. The film follows Evans falling head over heels with an engaged woman portrayed by Michelle Monaghan — a journey that (surprise) ends up being fictionalized into the script he gives Bryan. "Playing It Cool" doesn't have many surprises in store, except for its incredible cast lineup, including Luke Wilson, Topher Grace, Martin Starr, Ioan Gruffudd, and Aubrey Plaza, who add welcomed doses of weirdness and laughs to its runtime.

Despite the film telling a familiar tale of someone who doesn't believe in love finding it at the most inopportune time, "Playing It Cool" still showcases Evans' charm and talent for nailing dry humor. For "Fantastic Four" fans, it's also a bit of a meta-delight to see Evans' character compete with the Mr. Fantastic actor on-screen, especially since he makes a lovable fool of himself often. After seeing Evans' Cap make no time for love across a multiverse of films, it's heartwarming to see him play the aloof cool guy who does, finally, get the girl.

In 2014, Chris Evans made his directorial debut with "Before We Go." Devoted rom-com lovers will pick up immediately on its leisurely "Before Sunrise" vibes, as it concerns itself more with highlighting interesting character beats between the leads than developing a layered plot. The storyline is basically set around a chance meeting between two unlucky in love souls who find some refuge in each other for one night of their lives. Honestly, its stripped-down approach and minimal cast — it's mostly Evans and his co-star Alice Eve on-screen for the 95-minute runtime — works in favor of Evans as a first-time director. 

Framing shots that you're also a key player in as an actor is no easy task. Despite that challenge, Evans and Eve's chemistry feels organic and comfy, as it's freed from the constraints that a more technical film would demand. More importantly, it showcases that Evans has an eye for catching a spark between actors and crafting intimate shots that feels familiar but no less authentic. There's an off-the-cuff and easygoing charm to "Before We Go." Even during moments that run a bit too long, its atmosphere is still captivating. While it's not a perfect film, it's clear that Evans has picked up on more than a few directing tricks over the years and it is nevertheless a promising start to his filmmaking career. Overall, the movie doesn't quite land its footing as an existential romantic stroll, but it nails its mood.

A lot is going on in "Captain America: Civil War." The 2016 film ushered in the third wave of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a time when some Marvel fans first started to feel their exhaustion at the never-ending stream of comic book movies to come. After 12 films, "Captain America: Civil War" had a lot of pressure on it to hail in a new era of the MCU. For the most part, it succeeds in its task of showing a disjointed superhero team in a universe that is uncertain that it needs or wants superpowered individuals around when they only leave chaos in their wake — as Sokovia, unfortunately, saw best in "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Of the entire cast, Chris Evans' Cap stands out as a memorable player who, for once, isn't entirely sure of the best path of action to take. Confronted with Black Panther, Iron Man, and the reawakened Winter Soldier, Cap has to make tough calls that don't sit well with everyone, which creates compelling moments. Watching a devoted but conflicted Steve Rogers is a joy as it gives Evans something more to sink his teeth into on-screen. The anger and resentment that had been building between Tony Stark and Cap explodes in a fantastic battle, which ultimately highlights both Evans and Robert Downey Jr.'s dramatic talents.

In June 2022, Chris Evans uttered the words that many "Fantastic Four" defenders have been longing to hear. While speaking to MTV News, Evans shared, "Johnny Storm, I feel like he didn't really get his day. That was before Marvel really found its footing." Marvel Cinematic Universe's flagship film, 2008's "Iron Man," made half a billion dollars at the global box office with a budget just shy of $150 million. In comparison, 2005's "Fantastic Four" meagerly performed at the box office (although it's worth noting that "Iron Man" was made on a larger budget and with the support of the then-called Marvel Entertainment team). Unlike "Fantastic Four," "Iron Man" was not a joint co-production with many players involved to satisfy contractually. Ultimately, this co-production design hampered the "Fantastic Four" films, which lacked access to comic IPs to craft a tale befitting Marvel's first family.

All that being said, Evans plays such a believable dope that's running high on the jet fuel of machismo. Evans brings the kind of pompous attitude that best personifies Johnny Storm without veering into being insufferable. You love to hate him and at the same time are perplexed at how he can be both annoying and charming simultaneously. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's beloved comic character soars on-screen thanks to Evans' stubborn spitfire take.

Chris Evans' last performance as Captain America encapsulated all the best beats of the Marvel character. We saw him fail. We saw him conquer. And, to the film's credit, we see him find someone to fight for as opposed to fighting against. The 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe film worked as a send-off for Evans' eight years portraying the character, and it takes every opportunity to craft a heartfelt goodbye. Notably, the film also showcases Steve Rogers as an elderly man, a moment that Evans fills with tender earnestness. Cap seems rightfully tired and it's hard not to feel a bit of Evans poking through the fourth fall to bid his farewell to the decade worth of MCU films that he helped create. Additionally, his handing off his shield to Anthony Mackie's Falcon served as a powerful moment for the MCU to rethink who will be the face of the franchise now and why. The act never feels hokey or overly sentimental.

MCU fans that come for the universe's gigantic galactic battles won't be disappointed, as it features the largest crossover of Marvel characters to date in its action-packed three-hour runtime. But what stands out more in hindsight is the MCU film's surprisingly reflective tone, giving Evans' character a chance to evolve into his most mature and humble form. Plus, he finally wields Thor's Mjolnir in battle, a highly anticipated moment that comic readers and fans first theorized would happen after watching "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Movie fans who haven't seen all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but enjoy a solid action flick are often told to not miss "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." While it's definitely a follow-up to the events of "The Avengers," and Steve Rogers' existing storyline in the MCU, it's one of the few Marvel films that can stand on its own two feet. Even if you don't know who each and every player is, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" does a great job at filling in the blanks enough so casual viewers can enjoy its governmental conspiracy plotline.

Chris Evans delivers his most compelling and timely performance as Cap in this 2014 film. Watching him struggle to emotionally reach his best friend turned super-soldier Bucky Barnes is heartbreaking. Unlike the doe-eyed and optimistic Steve Rogers in other MCU films, this one is coming face-to-face with the consequences of his heroic actions and rethinking what it means to fight for an America that might not be fighting for you. Evans takes the patriotic character to places filled with pathos. Throughout the film, Cap weighs the privileges he's been awarded against the systemic intolerance he was unaware of existing in the modern-day. This film is the moment where Cap becomes more than just a nodding tool of the government, transforming into a man that stands up for the rights of all beings.

Ransom Drysdale is the definition of smarmy. Rian Johnson's character embodies the smell of overpriced French cologne, summer scarves, and boat shoes. While Chris Evans has spent most of his film career cast as a hero, he proved in "Knives Out" just how much style and substance he brings to a villainous role. Following the film's hit reception with critics, Evans told press outlets like Den of Geek that he was practically "begging" Johnson for the role. 

There are glints of all the arrogant jerks Evans has embodied before in this role. However, none of his prior roles have been as entertaining to watch unfold. In comparison, it feels like he hadn't yet played with a script (or a director) that gave him enough leeway to dig deeper into an unlikable part. Underneath the glossy veneer of wealth, Ransom is murderous, calculating, and malicious. As someone who has had to fictionally save the day many times, Evans shows an intuitive ability to unearth the worst parts of a person on-screen. "Knives Out" cleverly puts Evans' impressive range of action, comedy, and drama on display — making it a wonder that we haven't seen Evans in more dark and meaty "Succession"-like roles. We've had our time with Cap. Now's the time for Evans the villain to emerge.