Ryan Reynolds is a talented actor and comedian. The Hitman's Bodyguard, an action picture without the usual cliches that features Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson is a fantastic showcase for his abilities. Woman in Gold, a historical drama starring Dame Helen Mirren and Daniel Bruhl, provides a more jarring contrast. Reynolds once again demonstrates his dramatic chops in this role.
R.I.P.D.: The Legend Continues
After a decade of raunchy, over-the-top action movies, Reynolds turned to more serious territory with this sci-fi drama. Though some may consider it a failure, it's definitely worth a watch for its unique plot and intriguing performances.
A romantic comedy pairing Sandra Bullock and Reynolds doesn't always yield great results, but this movie is an exception. The script may be a bit by-the-numbers but it makes up for it with the electric chemistry between the two leads.
Reynolds is perfectly cast as redemption-seeking bodyguard Michael Bryce in both the Hitman's Bodyguard films. He delivers some of the best zingers of his career and has terrific chemistry with co-star Samuel L. Jackson. It's also the movie where Reynolds met his now-wife Blake Lively, kickstarting their adorable #CoupleGoals.
Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Reynolds shows off his acting chops with a substantial range as three different characters in this bizarre, but ultimately touching dark comedy. He's Curtis, a compulsive gambler who befriends fellow risk taker Gerry (played by Ben Mendelsohn).
While some may think Pokemon Detective Pikachu is a soulless cash grab, the movie actually has heart thanks to its winning cast. The movie also features some robust chemistry between Reynolds and Justice Smith.
This 2000 horror-comedy is a modern update of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, with teenager genius Frank Stein (played by Matthew Lawrence) reanimating his dead brother. While the quips in this film can sometimes feel overbearing, Reynolds's chemistry with comedic partner Walker Scobell is great. Streaming on Netflix.
The Expendables 2
Ryan Reynolds has a knack for jaded characters but in this family-friendly animated movie he gets to show a bit of naivete. It's fun to see the actor who usually delivers wisecracking lines in his signature style utter the line "My ice cream van is on fire!"
This 2010 thriller may be a little over the top with its claustrophobic premise but it's still nail-biting viewing. Reynolds gives an utterly committed performance as a US civilian truck driver who experiences every claustrophobe's worst nightmare.
While the film has a solid cast (including Sandra Bullock and Blake Lively) and is somewhat entertaining, it's by-the-numbers plot prevents it from ranking higher on this list. A severe case of tonal whiplash also contributes to its low Rotten Tomatoes score and mediocre audience scores. Nonetheless, it's worth a watch to witness Reynolds and his co-stars deliver some of their best work.
Deadpool
If you're looking for a good example of Reynolds' ability to turn down the laughs and deliver a real gut punch, look no further than this intense drama. The film co-stars Reynolds with chameleon-like Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn and tells the story of two compulsive gamblers who form an unlikely bond.
The irreverence slides into lewd comic territory and the fourth wall breakage is disarming, but this raunchy, hard-R superhero flick is much more than a quick cash-in on Marvel's existing IP. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick rely on Reynolds' smartass voiceover to add an extra layer of wit to this foul-mouthed, katana-happy origin story.
Reynolds reunited with director Shawn Levy for this heavy-with-visual-effects but heartfelt fantasy about an NPC (Non-Playable Character) who falls in love with a video game's main character. It's a great showcase for Reynolds' innate charisma and movie star appeal.
The Wolverine
The last entry on our list of top Ryan Reynolds movies is a little different from his usual fare. In this drama, the actor plays a man whose family has been taken from him by the government and is forced to fight for his life. This movie proves that Reynolds can do more than just crass humor and over-the-top violence.
Long before he made his acclaimed debut as the foul-mouthed antihero in Deadpool, Reynolds took on another superhero role with 2011's Green Lantern. Suiting up in a bright green CG costume, Reynolds starred as test pilot Hal Jordan, who must protect Earth from a gigantic fear cloud known as Parallax. This underrated film proves that a good story can still work even when the action isn't as explosive as other films of its genre. Streaming on Netflix and Disney.
