Before heading to the cinemas for Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania, let’s take a quick look at some of the best Paul Rudd movies to remind ourselves why he’s still a constant favourite after having been in the movie biz for such a long time. You put him in any film, pertaining to any genre, and he’ll always come out a witty winner in the game by sprinkling his portrayal therein with an amusing twist.
Let’s turn back the clock and dig into some of his classic roles throughout his career. It’s a given that the Marvel movies will be included in this list since they brought him back to the mainstream limelight and showered him with love from all sides.
Some of the Best Paul Rudd Movies
Clueless
Watching Clueless on Netflix on endless occasions comes easy, especially since it has a star cast featuring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd, who made us all fall for them every time we clicked the ‘Play’ button for this movie. While their former relationship ties – ex step-siblings – may leave you a bit conflicted, you still can’t ignore the fireworks generated by their chemistry. Rudd will always be his charismatic self, but that comes across even more so in this movie.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
You have to give it up to coming-of-age films for raising the bar for English high school teachers. Ever walked to school believing that your English teacher will not only impart you with the best lessons of your life, but also turn into your warm confidante? Well, think again because your teacher isn’t Mr. Anderson played by Paul Rudd in The Perks of Being of a Wallflower, also starring Ezra Miller and Emma Watson.
Rudd’s character is quite briefly featured in the film, but he plays a consequential role in making Charlie (Logan Lerman) feel at home as a high school freshman, when, on the contrary, the entire world makes him feel like an outcast. Not only do his eyes catch Charlie’s intellectual talents, but he also becomes his mentor upon learning that he wants to be a writer and even pushes him in the right direction.
Marvel Movies – Ant-Man Series, Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame
There are many people out there, especially the ones belonging to the young generation, who may have first taken proper notice of the actor with the beginning of his Marvel chapter. The first Ant-Man movie came out in 2015, and re-introduced the idea of what a classic feel-good superhero flick is meant to be like.
There’s nothing flashy about these films, and the same follows suit for Rudd’s titular character as well. Just like his personality, the trajectory of this Marvel franchise is set in stone by a comedic foundation that makes these movies fun to watch, which they probably wouldn’t have been, had someone else played this role. Ant-Man is chaotic, he fumbles, he very-much-relatably fan-boys for Captain America, and it all makes even more sense knowing that some of these iconic moments were but ad-libs worked on by Rudd in the heat of the moment. Catch all the Marvel action on Disney Plus Hotstar.
I Love You, Man
The lack of enough good male friends lands Peter in trouble when he has to find a best-man before his wedding. Things take a turn when he meets Sydney, and a budding friendship ensues, which starts to perturb Peter’s fiance.
Although meant to be a romantic comedy ride ending with a conventional ‘happy-ever-after’ wedding scene, this movie chooses to focus on the bond shared between Rudd’s Peter and Jason Segel’s Sydney, the two buddies we can’t get enough of. It’s the actors’ onscreen chemistry with each other that makes this movie all the more interesting, and it takes the centrality of the plot away from the couple – Peter and Zooey.
This Is 40
Being in a long-time marriage gets you a full-time supply of dilemmas, leaving barely any room for romance. And the same is the case for Pete (Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann), who are trying their best to come to terms with the idea of turning 40. With piling debts in their fate and never-ceasing shenanigans by their children, it’s safe to say that they’re starting to lose all calm and would like a minute to themselves.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Uniting some of the hugest comedy names for its run, the Anchorman is already an unusual iconic hit. Playing the role of Brian Fantana, a field reporter in Ron Burgundy’s (Will Ferrel) local news team situated in San Francisco, this film allowed the actor to flesh out a new comedy category of films for himself. It brings back the 70s aura, typically playing along with Rudd donning the roles of sleazy characters more than him playing loveable ones.
Is there any other Paul Rudd film that you think should’ve been on this list? Which one of these is your favourite movie? Let us know your suggestions and thoughts in the comments section below.