The success of Sonic the Hedgehog has had the effect of sparking interest in the cast featured in the film as well. Of these actors, James Marsden played the second-most important character in the film, and this has led to fans retracing Marsden’s filmography.
While using films with high Rotten Tomatoes scores is one way to go, a better way would be to follow audience opinion. IMDb offers this alternative, as the films here are ranked mainly through viewer ratings. For this list, we've excluded films where he's only featured in a cameo, along with disregarding documentaries. That said, here are James Marsden’s 10 best movies as found on his IMDb profile.
Sonic The Hedgehog (2020) - 6.7
Everyone’s favorite talking hedgehog arrives on the big screen as Sonic is shown in live-action in an origin story. After having evaded capture in his home world, Sonic lives in hiding on Earth for several years before enlisting the help of the local sheriff to fight the evil Dr. Robotnik.
Interacting with CGI animals wasn’t new territory for James Marsden - he was seen in a similar setting in 2011’s Hop - and audiences enjoyed his turn once again as a kind but strong human lead to a lovable CGI character. With the film’s enormous success, we can easily expect Marsden to return for the sequel.
Heights (2005) - 7.0
Over the course of 24 hours, a series of interconnecting stories set a young woman about to be married and her mother on the path of self-reflection as they realize they’ve been living lives that just haven’t been fulfilling. When they meet new potential romances, the women make big decisions that will affect their lives.
In case you’re not aware, James Marsden has a history of playing the guy who’s the “safe” option for female characters and eventually ends up in second place. Heights happens to be another one of these films, but audiences found Marsden’s character to be likable and sympathetic in this independent drama.
Enchanted (2007) - 7.0
The attempt at a princess-to-be’s life takes her away from her home world of a cartoon fantasy into the real world. As she accustoms herself to this new life, she’s pursued by the evil witch and her betrothed husband who’s clueless to a fault.
It’s still seen as the best example of James Marsden’s diversity as an actor, as Enchanted allowed him to be a goofy character who packed in loads of charisma. The film’s score among audiences does come as a surprise, since it’s hugely successful critically, but you won’t find anyone who disliked Marsden’s performance as Prince Charming, that’s for certain.
Robot & Frank (2012) - 7.1
An ex-convict in his old age is left with a robot to assist him in his daily activities by his son, only for the man to realize that he can use this robot to conduct more robberies. During these activities, the man becomes increasingly attached to the robot, as he fills in the void left by his son abandoning him.
With a side role with important connections to the plot, Marsden remained notable in Robot & Frank for playing a character you understood for leaving his criminal father, but also resented after learning more about Frank. The film is a good watch to learn of the importance and family and the impact of loneliness.
The Butler (2013) - 7.2
An African-American man from a torrid background is hired as a butler in the White House, where he witnesses events spread across history as his tenure lasts over three decades. Over the span of these years, the man sees the face of the world change before his eyes.
Marsden played perhaps the most popular president of the country in John F. Kennedy, bringing in his natural affinity to be a likable person along with a strong demeanor. His sequence in the film is one of the more memorable ones, although The Butler in its entirety is an inspirational tale that delivers hard on the emotions.
X2: X-Men United (2003) - 7.4
The struggles of the X-Men continue with the appearance of William Stryker, as he seeks to execute all the mutants in the world as part of his campaign to cleanse the world. Faced with this threat, the heroes are forced to work with Magneto’s team.
Back when superheroes weren’t the norm, X2 was seen as a landmark film for providing many nuances in its storytelling. James Marsden was also singled out for having great chemistry with Hugh Jackman, as the Cyclops and Wolverine conflict was more engaging than ever.
X-Men (2000) - 7.4
The struggles of mutants to survive in a world dominated by humans sees Professor X and his team maintaining a balance between both these kinds, as the supremacist leader Magneto threatens to start a genocidal war.
Marsden got his big break into the mainstream market with his turn as Cyclops, and it remains the role that is associated most with him. The first X-Men remains a fan favorite for favoring subtle moments over mindless action, and even the fight scenes carry significant meaning. Cyclops’ stoic personality ended up making him one of the coolest characters in the series.
Interstate 60: Episodes Of The Road (2002) - 7.7
A young man, deeply unhappy with his future being dictated by others, finds out he can change his life by following an unmarked interstate. During his journey, he locates the mysterious woman of his dreams and finally learns to stand up for himself.
A rather bizarre premise notwithstanding, Interstate 60 is a fantasy drama that boasts a well-known cast of actors. This is one film in Marsden’s credits where he steers the ship all on his own, which would be the reason why Interstate 60 has proven to be so popular among those who’ve seen it. It gave the actor his chance to prove his mettle as a lead star.
The Notebook (2004) - 7.8
Just before they pass away from old age, a couple look back on the events that brought them together back in their youth. This epic love story takes various twists set in the backdrop of the war, as a tragedy unfolds.
While he didn’t play the lead in the movie, Marsden did get to be part of The Notebook’s mass fan following as the movie remains an enormous hit. He was great in his role too, playing the jilted fiance of the main female character. The Notebook’s popularity has only grown through the years, and we can see why it ranks so high up in Marsden’s filmography where IMDb scores are concerned.
The Tale Of Princess Kaguya (2013) - 8.0
A mysterious young girl found in a bamboo tree rapidly grows into a beautiful young woman. When it seems as if every man wants her hand in marriage, she asks five of her suitors to prove themselves by bringing back a mythical treasure.
Although James Marsden has a small role in this animated film, providing the voice work for one of the suitors, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a beautifully-made movie that deserves a viewing, making even this small part of the actor seem important. Fans have generally loved the story and the animation of the movie, and the brilliant performance of the cast is second to none.