Who's strong and brave, here to save the American Way? Who vows to fight like a man for what's right night and day? The Star-Spangled Man with a Plan! That man with the plan is actor Chris Evans, who, thanks to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has now become synonymous with the iconic superhero Captain America.
Evans brought the golden age righteousness, honor and courage necessary for the role, as well as looking the spitting image of the character from the pages of Marvel comics, give or take a few pounds depending on the artist.
Evans nailed the role of Steve Rogers, but he is so much more that just the leader of The Avengers. Here are his 10 best roles beyond Captain America, according to IMDB…
Fantastic Four: 5.7/10
Chris Evans’ first of many forays into the comic book movie genre, the Fantastic Four movies are not great, merely a shadow of what comic book movies would become, but Evans’ performance as the brash, young Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch is pitch perfect.
Capturing the quippy, mildly irritating nature of Johnny perfectly from the pages of the comic books, Evans does even get the chance to show his natural affinity for righteous heroism every now and again, something that stood him in good stead later on as Cap.
The Losers: 6.3/10
Another role that allows Evans to once again show off his comedic prowess, The Losers is also another one of Evans’ comic book movie roles. Based on the Vertigo series of the same name, The Losers follows an elite US Special Forces Unit who are betrayed by their handler and vow to take revenge against their previous employer. So far, so very A-Team.
As Jensen, Evans provides the comic relief amongst the explosive chaos, his perfect timing and screen presence once again taking a character who in anyone else’s hands could have been annoying, and instead making him memorable for all the right reasons.
Cellular: 6.5/10
In the action-thriller Cellular, Evans stars as a young man who receives an emergency phone call on his cell phone from an older woman who claims to have been kidnapped. Of course, at first he does not believe her, but soon he begins to realise her wild claims are true, and he is her only hope.
Finding Evans with no enhanced abilities, he must rely on his street smarts to thwart the murderous plot of the kidnappers, and when you find out that said kidnappers are lead by none other than Jason Statham you know how difficult a task that is.
The Iceman: 6.8/10
In The Iceman, Chris Evans covers up his chiseled, leading man good looks with a scruffy beard and a mane of long, greasy hair to star as the merciless hit-man Robert 'Mr. Freezy' Pronge.
Based on a true story, The Iceman follows real-life hit-man Richard Kuklinski, who killed for the mob for years, all unbeknownst to his loving wife and family. Evans’ Mr. Freezy is the sometimes partner and always soulless rival of Kuklinski. Here Evans puts aside all of his well-honed heroism and even manages to be more frightening than the always intimidating Michael Shannon.
Street Kings: 6.8/10
Though Street Kings is far from David Ayer’s best film, it still provides you with the grit and street-level violence that the director does so well. Starring alongside Keanu Reeves, Evans plays Detective Paul "Disco" Diskant, a naive young rookie who is drawn into Reeves’ world of corruption and death.
Though it may only be a bit-part, Evans still manages to make his presence known, even against Reeve’s more aggressive, showy performance. He provides a rare trustworthy companion to Reeves’ put-upon cop, and you’ll be sad to see him bite the bullet, as most of Ayer’s character eventually do.
Snowpiercer: 7.1/10
After a few years of playing the clean-cut, all-American Steve Rogers, it must have been refreshing for Evans to grow out his beard, grubby himself up, and go on a violent vendetta through a populated train. Director Bong Joon Ho’s first English-speaking film, Snowpiercer, went largely unnoticed upon initial release but has gained a lot of traction in recent years.
Dropping us into a future where a failed climate-change experiment has killed all life except for the lucky few who now ride around the globe on a gigantic train, Evans puts in a powerful performance as the grief-stricken, heart-broken leader of the resistance who knows all too well the lengths people will go to survive.
Sunshine: 7.2/10
The twisting, spectacular science fiction flick from director Danny Boyle, Sunshine, was really the first film to demonstrate the sheer talent of Chris Evans. His commitment to the role is evident, as he takes the potentially cliched tough guy Mace, and turns him into someone we not only empathize with, but root for.
As a crew of astronauts and scientists fly towards our dying sun, hoping to reach it and bring it back to life, Evans’ effortless charm and likeability, along with his contemplative, principled performance results in arguably his greatest work to date.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: 7.5/10
Before becoming the personification of honor, truth and virtue as Marvel’s Captain America, Chris Evans was almost primarily known for his comedic chops, and his supporting role in Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is ample evidence as to why.
As Lucas Lee, Evans is every bit the cocky, smug action star, and the actor relishes the chance to portray someone so overwhelmingly egomaniacal. His cheesy, gruff voice produces a titter every time he opens his mouth whilst swanning around film sets, oozing arrogance. He hams it up spectacularly, and even though he may only play a minor part, he is a clear highlight.
Gifted: 7.6/10
Marc Webb’s drama, Gifted, finds Evans in more of an everyman role as Frank a single man raising his genius niece, Mary. Frank is forced into a legal battle with his mother, Evelyn, over her custody, however, Evelyn will do anything to make Mary complete her mother's mathematical project.
Evans’ dependable charisma carries the film alongside a stunning performance from young actress Mckenna Grace, as he steps easily into the role of flawed protector. Playing a character without superpowers or fighting skills is a rare treat, and Evans pulls it off wonderfully.
Knives Out: 8.1/10
Chris Evans’ most recent role, and one that could not be further away from Captain America, the actor’s performance in Knives Out has been on the receiving end of much critical acclaim since the murder mystery movie was released.
Director Rian Johnson’s whodunnit revolves around the death of a crime novelist, who’s family find themselves all under suspicion when an inquisitive detective arrives at his estate to investigate. Starring against a stellar ensemble cast, Evans takes pleasure in stepping away from the stars and stripes and insulting people as a spoiled playboy, giving audiences cinematic pleasure as a result.