15 Best Vince Vaughn Movies
Vince Vaughn, the king of quick comebacks and unforgettable characters, has been cracking us up and keeping us on the edge of our seats since the ’90s. From his breakout roles in Swingers and The Lost World: Jurassic Park to comedy classics like Wedding Crashers and Old School, Vaughn’s been the life of the Hollywood party. But don’t let the laughs fool you—he’s got serious acting chops too, proving his dramatic skills in films like Into the Wild and Hacksaw Ridge. Now, with the buzzworthy Apple TV+ series Bad Monkey dropping on August 14 and a shiny new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Vaughn’s career is still on fire. To celebrate this big moment, we’re rounding up his 15 best movies.
1. “Swingers” (1996)
“Swingers” is a cult classic that follows a group of struggling actors navigating the Los Angeles nightlife in search of success and love. Vince Vaughn’s breakout performance as Trent, a fast-talking, confident ladies’ man, is both charismatic and hilarious. His portrayal of Trent’s effortless cool and unwavering support for his down-on-his-luck friend, played by Jon Favreau, made Vaughn a standout in the film. The movie received critical acclaim for its witty dialogue, authentic portrayal of friendship, and Vaughn’s scene-stealing performance, which launched his career in Hollywood.
2. “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997)
“The Lost World: Jurassic Park” is the sequel to the blockbuster “Jurassic Park” and follows a team of scientists and explorers who return to an island populated by dinosaurs to document and rescue the creatures. Vince Vaughn plays Nick Van Owen, a video documentarian and environmentalist who joins the expedition. Vaughn’s character is resourceful, brave, and idealistic, bringing a sense of moral urgency to the mission. While the film was a commercial success, Vaughn’s performance was noted for adding a human element to the action-packed adventure, showcasing his ability to handle more serious, action-oriented roles.
3. “Old School” (2003)
“Old School” is a comedy about three middle-aged friends who, in an attempt to recapture their youth, start a fraternity near their former college campus. Vince Vaughn plays Bernard “Beanie” Campbell, a sarcastic and fast-talking businessman who masterminds the idea of the fraternity. Vaughn’s performance is hilarious and full of quick wit, making him one of the film’s standout characters. His portrayal of Beanie, a guy who effortlessly balances his wild antics with a suburban dad lifestyle, helped cement Vaughn’s reputation as a leading comedic actor in the early 2000s.
4. “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004)
“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” is a sports comedy centered around a group of misfits who enter a dodgeball tournament to save their local gym from being taken over by a corporate fitness chain. Vince Vaughn plays Peter LaFleur, the laid-back and charming owner of Average Joe’s Gym, who reluctantly leads his ragtag team against the odds. Vaughn’s performance as the underdog leader is both funny and endearing, making Peter a memorable and relatable character. The film became a cult favorite, and a sequel is currently in development, bringing Vaughn back to reprise his role in the beloved franchise.
5. “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005)
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is an action-comedy about a married couple, played by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who discover that they are both secretly spies working for rival agencies. Vince Vaughn plays the role of Eddie, a close friend of Brad Pitt’s character. Eddie is a humorous and supportive figure who provides comic relief and helps to highlight the film’s blend of action and comedy. Vaughn’s performance adds a layer of fun to the movie, contributing to its success as an entertaining and stylish action-comedy.
6. “Wedding Crashers” (2005)
“Wedding Crashers” is a comedy about two best friends, played by Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, who crash weddings to meet and seduce women. Vince Vaughn plays Jeremy Grey, the fast-talking, charismatic partner who excels at charming his way through various weddings. Vaughn’s role is integral to the film’s humor, as his quick wit and larger-than-life personality drive many of the film’s comedic moments. His performance, alongside Wilson’s, helped make the movie a major box office hit and a beloved comedy classic.
7. “The Break-Up” (2006)
“The Break-Up” is a romantic comedy-drama about a couple, played by Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, who decide to break up but continue to live together due to practical reasons. Vince Vaughn plays Gary Grobowski, the laid-back and often irresponsible partner who struggles with the complexities of the breakup. Vaughn’s performance is marked by his typical humor and charm, adding depth to the character’s struggle with the end of the relationship and the comedic challenges of cohabiting post-breakup.
8. “Into the Wild” (2007)
“Into the Wild” is a biographical adventure drama that follows Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his conventional life to travel across America and ultimately live in the Alaskan wilderness. Vince Vaughn plays Wayne Westerberg, a kindly and generous grain elevator operator who befriends McCandless during his travels. Vaughn’s role is supportive and pivotal, offering a glimpse of warmth and human connection in McCandless’s journey, adding depth to the film’s exploration of freedom and self-discovery.
9. “Fred Claus” (2007)
“Fred Claus” is a holiday comedy about Fred Claus, the older brother of Santa Claus, who struggles with his resentful feelings and his strained relationship with his famous sibling. Vince Vaughn plays “Fred Claus”, who returns to the North Pole to help Santa after getting into trouble. Vaughn’s performance brings a blend of humor and heart to the character, capturing Fred’s mix of grumpiness and underlying good intentions as he navigates family dynamics and personal redemption during the holiday season.
10. “Four Christmases” (2008)
“Four Christmases” is a holiday comedy about a couple, played by Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, who are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day. Vince Vaughn plays Brad, the laid-back and somewhat reluctant partner who is dragged into the chaotic family festivities. His comedic performance highlights Brad’s struggle to navigate the awkward and often hilarious family dynamics, adding humor and charm to the film’s exploration of holiday traditions and family relationships.
11. “The Internship” (2013)
“The Internship” is a comedy about two middle-aged salesmen, played by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, who become interns at Google after losing their jobs. Vince Vaughn plays Billy McMahon, a charismatic and optimistic entrepreneur who, along with his best friend, navigates the challenges of interning at a tech giant. Vaughn’s role is characterized by his humorous and energetic approach to the competitive internship, bringing a mix of comedy and heart to the film’s exploration of career reinvention and the generational gap in the workplace.
12. “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016)
“Hacksaw Ridge” is a war film based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II and saved numerous soldiers without carrying a weapon. Vince Vaughn plays Sergeant Howell, a tough and no-nonsense drill sergeant who initially doubts Doss’s commitment but eventually comes to respect him. Vaughn’s performance is notable for its dramatic depth and intensity, showcasing his ability to handle a more serious and gritty role, and adding a significant layer to the film’s portrayal of courage and conviction.
13. “Brawl in Cell Block 99” (2017)
“Brawl in Cell Block 99” is a gritty crime thriller about a former boxer, played by Vince Vaughn, who ends up in prison after a violent crime and must navigate a brutal prison environment to protect his family. Vaughn plays Bradley Thomas, a hardened and resourceful character who transforms from a seemingly mild-mannered man into a fierce and determined figure in the face of adversity. Vaughn’s performance is intense and gripping, showcasing his ability to portray raw physicality and emotional depth in a challenging role.
14. “Fighting with My Family” (2019)
“Fighting with My Family” is a biographical sports comedy-drama about the real-life story of Paige, a young British wrestler who rises to fame in the WWE. Vince Vaughn plays Hutch Morgan, a veteran WWE wrestler and trainer who helps guide Paige’s journey from amateur wrestling to professional stardom. Vaughn’s role is supportive and mentor-like, providing a mix of humor and tough love as he helps Paige navigate the challenges of breaking into the wrestling world.
15. “Freaky” (2020)
“Freaky” is a horror-comedy about a high school girl who swaps bodies with a serial killer after a violent encounter. Vince Vaughn plays the Blissfield Butcher, the menacing serial killer who ends up in the body of the teenage girl. Vaughn’s performance is a blend of dark comedy and horror, showcasing his ability to portray a terrifying villain while also capturing the comedic elements of being trapped in a teenage girl’s body. His role adds both menace and humor to the film’s unique body-swap premise.
Vince Vaughn is taking his talents to the small screen with Bad Monkey on Apple TV+, and he’s bringing all the charm, wit, and swagger we love. Starring as Andrew Yancy, a detective with a shady past, Vaughn is ready to keep us guessing—and laughing—through this darkly comedic crime series. And with Bill Lawrence, the genius behind Ted Lasso, at the helm, you can bet this show will be a wild ride.
Vaughn’s career is a rollercoaster of epic performances, from his breakout in Swingers to the gut-busting hilarity of Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball. But it’s not all laughs—he’s shown serious acting chops in Hacksaw Ridge and Brawl in Cell Block 99. Vaughn’s ability to seamlessly blend humor with dramatic depth has made him a Hollywood heavyweight, and his latest role proves he’s still at the top of his game.