Ryan Reynolds has been dazzling audiences since his 1991 debut on the Canadian soap opera “Hillside.” Since then, he’s skyrocketed to Hollywood stardom, becoming a leading actor, savvy businessman, and talented producer. As one of the most in-demand actors in the industry, Reynolds boasts a treasure trove of iconic roles. Some, however, haven’t gotten the spotlight they deserve. From thrilling action flicks to heartwarming Christmas musicals, here are 13 roles that prove Ryan Reynolds is far more than just “Deadpool”! Get ready to discover the hidden gems of his diverse career!
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1. “Definitely, Maybe” (2008)
Following a string of supporting roles and guest appearances, Ryan Reynolds began to carve out his niche in the industry, emerging as a leading man in romantic comedies. One standout is the 2008 gem “Definitely, Maybe,” an underrated romantic comedy that continues to charm audiences today. Starring alongside Isla Fisher, Reynolds portrays a former political consultant who, through a heartwarming tale of love and loss, helps his daughter (played by Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin) understand his impending divorce.
This touching and engaging film showcased Reynolds’ undeniable star power and hinted at the incredible career that lay ahead.
2. “The Proposal” (2009)
“The Proposal” is a 2009 romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The film follows Margaret Tate (Bullock), a high-powered book editor facing deportation to Canada, who convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds), to marry her to avoid losing her visa. As they travel to Andrew’s hometown in Alaska to meet his family and plan their wedding, they navigate through various comedic and romantic situations, eventually falling for each other genuinely.
“The Proposal” was a commercial success and played a significant role in elevating Ryan Reynolds’ career. It showcased his comedic timing and charm, leading to more prominent roles in both romantic comedies and action films. The movie helped establish Reynolds as a leading man in Hollywood.
3. “Buried” (2010)
Moving past romantic comedies, Reynolds made a big pivot to psychological thrillers. “Buried” stars Ryan Reynolds as Paul Conroy, a civilian truck driver in Iraq who wakes up to find himself buried alive in a wooden coffin with only a lighter, a cell phone, and a few other items. The film follows Paul’s desperate attempts to escape his dire predicament, make contact with the outside world, and uncover the reasons behind his captivity. The entire movie takes place within the confined space of the coffin, creating an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere.
“Buried” was a critical success and showcased Ryan Reynolds’ dramatic acting abilities, earning him widespread acclaim for his compelling performance. This role demonstrated Reynolds’ versatility as an actor, proving he could handle serious, intense material in addition to his well-established comedic talents.
4. “Safe House” (2012)
In the 2012 action thriller “Safe House,” Ryan Reynolds stars as Matt Weston, a young CIA agent stationed in Cape Town, South Africa. His job is to oversee a safe house where high-value fugitives are kept under surveillance. The plot unfolds when Tobin Frost (played by Denzel Washington), a notorious former CIA operative turned international criminal, surrenders himself to the US consulate in Cape Town. Frost is brought to Weston’s safe house, but the facility is soon attacked by mercenaries seeking to capture Frost.
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Matt Weston in “Safe House” highlighted his ability to handle action-packed roles alongside seasoned actors like Denzel Washington. The film’s success further solidified Reynolds’ status as a leading actor in both action and thriller genres.
5. “The Croods” (2013)
In “The Croods,” a 2013 animated adventure comedy, Ryan Reynolds voices the character Guy, a resourceful and inventive caveman who becomes a pivotal figure in the lives of the titular Croods family. The plot follows the Croods, a prehistoric family led by Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage), who must embark on a journey to find a new home after their cave is destroyed. Along the way, they encounter various dangers and challenges in a vibrant and unpredictable world.
Ryan Reynolds’ charismatic voice performance as Guy added humor and heart to “The Croods,” contributing to the film’s success with audiences of all ages. It also showed that Reynolds could appeal to a wider audience of children.
6. “The Voices” (2014)
In the 2014 dark comedy “The Voices,” Ryan Reynolds takes on the wildly quirky role of Jerry, a chipper factory worker with a shadowy past. The film dives into a surreal world where Jerry hears his pets talking to him—a lovable dog named Bosco and a devilish cat named Mr. Whiskers—who hilariously and ominously influence his every move.
As the plot thickens, Jerry’s shaky grip on reality leads to a series of bizarre and tragic events, blending laugh-out-loud moments with dark themes of loneliness, mental illness, and unexpected violence. Reynolds’ performance in “The Voices” was a hit, showcasing his ability to flip between comedy and creepiness effortlessly. Critics raved about his depth and versatility, marking yet another milestone in Reynolds’ ever-evolving career.
7. “Mississippi Grind” (2015)
In the 2015 drama “Mississippi Grind,” Ryan Reynolds portrays Curtis, a charismatic and enigmatic gambler who forms an unlikely friendship with Gerry, played by Ben Mendelsohn, a down-on-his-luck gambling addict. The film follows their road trip through the South as they bond over their shared love of gambling and attempt to turn their luck around at various poker tables and casinos.
Ryan Reynolds’ performance in “Mississippi Grind” was praised for its subtlety and depth. Critics noted his ability to bring complexity to Curtis, a character who is charming but also has depth/darkness to him. The movie was not widely seen by audiences but is produced by A24, a big fan-favorite independent movie studio.
8. “Deadpool” (2016)
In the 2016 superhero sensation “Deadpool,” Ryan Reynolds delivers a knockout performance as Wade Wilson, a snarky mercenary who gains wild healing powers after a rogue experiment. Donning the red suit, he becomes Deadpool and embarks on a hilariously twisted quest for revenge against the man who nearly ruined his life. Bursting with irreverent humor, meta jokes, and graphic violence, “Deadpool” flipped the superhero genre on its head, embracing its R-rated roots and breaking the fourth wall with glee.
Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool was a smash hit, with critics and fans alike praising his spot-on comedic timing, magnetic charisma, and perfect embodiment of the comic book character’s cheeky spirit. His performance even nabbed him a Golden Globe nomination. The film’s surprise box office triumph—becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film worldwide at the time—solidified Reynolds as a top-tier star in both action and comedy. “Deadpool” not only rejuvenated his career but also launched a blockbuster franchise, proving his immense talent and universal appeal. Get ready for more antics because the highly anticipated third installment, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” hits theaters on July 26th, 2024, and it’s set to be one of the year’s biggest movies!
9. “Life” (2017)
In the 2017 science fiction thriller “Life,” Ryan Reynolds plays Rory Adams, a witty and resourceful astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The film follows a team of astronauts who discover a rapidly evolving extraterrestrial life form brought back from Mars. As the alien organism proves to be intelligent and dangerous, Adams and the crew must confront the growing threat to humanity while navigating the confines of the ISS.
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal in “Life” showcased his ability to blend humor with tension in a high-stakes sci-fi setting. His character, Rory Adams, added a layer of humanity and wit to the intense and suspenseful narrative. Although the film received mixed reviews, Reynolds’ performance was noted for its energy and contributions to the film’s engaging dynamics among the ensemble cast.
10. “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2017)
In the 2017 action comedy “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” Ryan Reynolds stars as Michael Bryce, a top-tier bodyguard who is tasked with protecting his longtime nemesis, hitman Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson). The film follows Bryce and Kincaid as they reluctantly team up to evade ruthless assassins and law enforcement while journeying across Europe.
Ryan Reynolds’ role as Michael Bryce highlights his comedic talents and ability to play off the dynamic chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson’s character. The film blends action-packed sequences with witty banter and humorous exchanges between the two leads, creating a lighthearted and entertaining buddy comedy. Reynolds’ performance in “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” contributed to the film’s success at the box office, showcasing his versatility in balancing action and comedy in a fast-paced and enjoyable manner. A sequel was released in 2021 to less success.
11. “Red Notice” (2021)
In the 2021 action-comedy film “Red Notice,” Ryan Reynolds stars alongside Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. Reynolds plays Nolan Booth, a skilled art thief who finds himself entangled in a high-stakes adventure involving a notorious FBI profiler (Johnson) and a clever art thief (Gadot). The plot revolves around a race across the globe to recover three priceless artifacts while evading dangerous rivals and outwitting each other at every turn.
“Red Notice” became one of Netflix’s most successful films, attracting a large audience worldwide. The film’s success was bolstered by the chemistry and charisma of its star-studded cast, including Reynolds’ trademark comedic timing and charm. Two sequels were ordered following the success of the first film. The films will shoot simultaneously with production starting at the end of 2024.
12. “Spirited” (2022)
Reynolds turned to musicals in 2022. Along co-stars, Octavia Spencer and Will Ferrell, the movie Spirited delighted audiences across the globe. “Spirited” deserves to be a Christmas classic for years to come. It is a modern retelling of the Christmas classic, “A Christmas Story”. It tells the story of the Ghost of Christmas Present who is nearing retirement played by Ferrell. He wants to try and fix a “unredeemable” man that is a total Grinch. He selects Clint, played by Reynolds. Together, they go on a journey of Christmas fun with catchy songs and amazing production value. “Spirited” is a movie that deserves to be watched every holiday season!
13. “IF” (2024)
“IF” directed by John Krasinski, tells the story of a child’s journey to rediscover their imagination. Through a blend of whimsical storytelling and magical realism, “IF” explores themes of creativity, wonder, and the power of believing in the impossible. The cast is absolutely star studded with Reynolds taking the lead. Ryan also produced the movie and was involved in the whole creative process. His wife, Blake Lively even voices one of the imaginary friends! This is a perfect movie for the whole family to gather around and watch!
Ryan Reynolds has been a leading man in Hollywood for over two decades now. His recent projects have showcased his charismatic energy on screen and have been some of the best of his career. As he steps into producing roles for upcoming projects like the action movie “Mayday” and the animated/live-action film “Animal Friends,” audiences are eagerly anticipating what he has been working on. “Deadpool & Wolverine” hits theaters on July 26th, 2024.
