The Canadian movie star, Ryan Reynolds, has really hit his stride in recent years, embodying several memorable characters in a variety of top hits as well as making headlines. From purchasing a mobile phone company to his crush on Betty White, Ryan Reynolds has been on people's minds and social media.
The Ranker community has taken notice and looked all the way back to the early '90s to decide on the Deadpool actor's best and worst films. They've spoken through their votes and, with anticipation of his upcoming work in Spirited and The Adam Project, these are his best films.
Definitely, Maybe (2015)
In this 2008 rom-com, Reynolds began to find his groove playing the affable everyman. His character, Will Hayes, is in the middle of a divorce and struggling to explain his romantic past to his young daughter, Maya, played by Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Zombieland). Even at 11 years old, Breslin holds her own with Reynolds and the two have a great rapport.
In order to explain his past loves, Will Hayes flashes back to the '90s and the three women he dated, all played by phenomenal comedic actors -- Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks, and Isla Fisher. This romantic comedy is charming and fun and Ranker voters certainly appreciate Reynolds' comedic chops and acting ability here.
Waiting ... (2005)
This 2005 comedy is considered a classic among many service industry workers and others. Writer/director Rob McKittrick actually completed the script while working as a server in a restaurant, as reported by Movieweb. This comedy stars Reynolds, as well as Anna Faris, Justin Long, Luis Guzman, and John Francis Daley, all staff at a chain restaurant called ShenaniganZ.
The story takes place during one work shift at the restaurant and really allows Reynolds to showcase his talents charming customers, flirting with the host, and goofing off constantly with his coworkers. There is no holding back in his dialogue or behavior, which gives the viewer a real sense of where Deadpool came from.
6 Underground (2019)
This Netflix original from 2019 is a solid example of what director Michael Bay does best. The story revolves around six highly skilled individuals unafraid of doing what needs to be done. Along with Reynolds, 6 Underground stars Corey Hawkins (BlacKkKlansman, In the Heights), Adria Arjona (Emerald City, Morbius), and Dave Franco (Now You See Me, Neighbors).
Screenwriter Paul Wernick had already written for Reynolds in both Deadpool movies and so likely understood the actor well. Wernick also wrote the Zombieland movies, making 6 Underground a fine blend of his work with Reynolds and Bay. 6 Underground is an action movie full of explosions, international glamour, and classic Reynolds' hilarity.
Detective Pikachu (2019)
This 2019 action/mystery movie directed by Rob Letterman is based on the Pokémon video game. Though the movie received mixed reviews, one of its biggest draws was Reynolds and his performance as the title character really keeps the movie afloat. This is also the only movie on Ranker's list where Reynolds doesn't appear on screen.
This movie is full of great Easter eggs and references for Pokémon fans. For a younger audience, it may be a great way to be introduced to Reynolds' work for the first time since the majority of his films are meant for a much older audience.
The Proposal (2009)
Ryan Reynolds and Betty White on screen together? Who needs more? Add Sandra Bullock and it's magic. Director Anne Fletcher (Step Up, 27 Dresses) gets the most out of a truly amazing cast in this 2019 rom-com. Reynolds plays an assistant at a publishing house in New York City who's just struggling to keep his job until his boss (Bullock) is threatened with deportation and attempts a sham marriage with Reynolds in the hopes of keeping her job.
Cut to a last-minute trip to meet Reynolds' family in Alaska and mayhem ensues. Reynolds has played a romantic lead before, but this -- in combination with Bullock's bossy boss -- really pushes his performance. The fact that he also has to keep up with some true comedic geniuses makes this a real people pleaser.
Red Notice (2021)
Writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Meeting the Millers, Skyscraper) takes the helm of this action/comedy that buddies up Reynolds with Dwayne Johnson to battle wits and brawn with Gal Gadot. From the fancy international locales and outfits to the impressive fight and chase scenes, this spy vs spy/FBI storyline is nonstop and peppered with laughs.
This Netflix-produced film is an intriguing mix of Deadpool, Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and Wonder Woman. Each actor seems to lean toward their strengths and has had a lot of fun creating Red Notice. It's easy to see why Ranker's voters put this 2021 hit high on their list.
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
This action/comedy from 2017 puts Reynolds as the co-star of one of Hollywood's heavy hitters, Samuel L. Jackson. His comedy, action, and dramatic chops really push Reynolds to hold his own and the buddy cop riff is taken to another level by these two leads.
Reynolds plays a down-on-his-luck bodyguard trying to repair his reputation by protecting his nemesis, a hitman played by Jackson. Throw in Elodie Yung (Daredevil, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Gary Oldman (Dark Knight, Harry Potter) for a high-energy good time, not to mention Salma Hayek (Eternals, Dogma) as the sequel's titular character.
Deadpool 2
The mercenary with a mouth returns in this 2018 sequel. This time, Reynolds' Marvel misadventures include a young mutant named Russell played by Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Godzilla Vs Kong) and Cable (Josh Brolin). Plus Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Dopinder, and Blind Al are back -- not to mention a bunch of would-be heroes.
Director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, John Wick) sticks to the classic Deadpool aesthetic, like the over-the-top slo-mo action, all while keeping the viewer guessing about what will happen next. Reynolds has certainly found his ideal character in Deadpool and continues to remind us why he's a megastar.
Deadpool
The first movie in the series based on a Marvel comic book about an antihero blew audiences away with its self-referential, irreverent action/comedy. Reynolds played this character before in X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009 and his performance piqued the interest of many.
The gore and language earned Deadpool an R rating but also broke numerous records, including being the highest-grossing X-Men movie to date. The movie allowed Ryan Reynolds to show off his acting ability through rapid-fire jokes, nonstop witty banter, some serious moments, and plenty of fast-paced action.
Free Guy
Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, The Pink Panther) directs Ranker's number one pick for Reynolds. With a screenplay by Zak Penn (Ready Player One, X-Men United), this 2021 box-office blockbuster is a wild sci-fi/comedy ride like no other. Reynolds plays a background character in a video game called Free City and works as a bank teller and the movie shows his evolution from automaton to becoming self-aware.
Reynolds' costar and fellow game character, Millie, is played by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The Rise of Skywalker) The movie also features fantastic performances by Taika Waititi, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, and Channing Tatum for a hilarious and unexpected ride. It's no wonder that Ranker's voters put this movie at the top of Ryan Reynolds' best movies.