Vin Diesel seems like the kind of guy who was born to be an action movie star. He has led a number of high-octane franchises with his impressive physique and tough-guy attitude. While he isn't always praised for his acting chops, Diesel has been a part of some acclaimed projects throughout his career.
Though mostly known for his action roles, Diesel's early career featured interesting work before he became an international star. Also, some of those franchises have brought him critical acclaim. But which of his movies rank as the best? Here are Vin Diesel's best films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Boiler Room (66%)
Before he was known as the modern action star, Diesel was popping up in a number of small films with talented young casts. Boiler Room is a thriller set in the world of stockbrokers, centered around a young man (Giovanni Ribisi) who finds success at an investment firm but soon realizes there is more going on beneath the surface. Diesel co-stars as one of the firm's hot-shots.
Critics felt the ending betrayed the grittier approach the movie was taking up to that point. Despite that disappointment, the sharp script was engaging and the fast-paced feel made the potentially dull concept rather exciting.
The Fate Of The Furious (67%)
Diesel finally got the chance to embrace his dark side in the eighth film in the Fast and Furious franchise. As a mysterious figure named Cipher (Charlize Theron) emerges from Dom Toretto's past, he suddenly turns on his friends and becomes the team's most dangerous enemy.
Critics full admitted the franchise was beyond silly at this point, but that didn't stop it from being a lot of fun. From the over-the-top action to the likable cast with excellent chemistry, the movie gave fans exactly what they've come to expect.
Fast & Furious 6 (70%)
The Fast and Furious films really started to ignore logic and embrace the insanity in this sixth film in the series. Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) recruits Dom and his team to take down a high-class thief in possession of sensitive material who holds a secret connected to Dom's past.
Though not high-art in the minds of critics, many did admit that the franchise seemed to have found a winning formula. The charming humor and insane action sequences made for a high-octane adventure that didn't take itself too seriously.
Fast Five (77%)
The Fast and Furious franchise has been a huge part of Diesel's career (as you can see by this list), but critics finally started having fun with the franchise with its fifth entry. Dom and Brian (Paul Walker) assemble of team of old friends in order to take revenge on a drug lord while being hunted by US Marshal Luke Hobbs.
After a string of disappointing sequels, critics agreed that the franchise reached new heights with this sleek and insane new entry. Johnson was highlighted as an energetic new addition, as was the willingness to embrace the series' wilder side.
Furious 7 (81%)
The insanity was taken to a whole other level with the seventh film in the franchise. Dom and his team must form some uneasy alliances when they are targeted by a dangerous mercenary (Jason Statham) who is out for revenge.
The movie was praised for continuing the over-the-top nature of the series which made for an exciting bit of mindless entertainment. However, they also noted the surprising amount of emotion as the series said goodbye to star Paul Walker.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (84%)
Diesel apparently returned to voice the role of Baby Groot in this sequel, though it's hard to tell if that really is his voice. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 finds the dysfunctional team on the run from various enemies when they meet a mysterious and all-powerful being known as Ego (Kurt Russell).
Critics acknowledged that the sequel lacked some of the freshness that made the original film so special. However, the humor and lovable characters, along with the dazzling intergalactic action, made for a fun ride with some real emotion.
Avengers: Infinity War (85%)
Diesel voices Groot again, though this time in teenage form as the Guardians join the Avengers in this massive epic. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos storms through the galaxy collecting Infinity Stones to carry out his devastating plan. Meanwhile, the MCU heroes attempt to stop him at all costs.
The large cast and fast-paced story were overwhelming for some critics, but many found it to be a bold and wild adventure. The humor and action sequences entertained while the finale was an unforgettable and ambitious way to end the story.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (91%)
Groot made his memorable live-action debut on the big screen in this bold MCU space opera. Guardians of the Galaxy follows an odd group of outcasts who reluctantly come together to stop a fanatical mad man from acquiring a powerful weapon that could threaten the galaxy.
The unusual characters and irreverent humor were a breath of fresh air in the MCU, according to critics. A rather familiar story was made exciting with the new energy director James Gunn and the cast injected into it.
Saving Private Ryan (93%)
To make his feature film debut in a Steven Spielberg World War II epic is a pretty crazy way for Diesel to his start career. Saving Private Ryan stars Tom Hanks as a captain who leads a small group of soldiers on a public relations mission to rescue a soldier who has lost three brothers in the war.
The movie was called an unflinching look at the horrors of war, with Spielberg using his considerable filmmaking skills to put audiences in the midst of the mayhem. A strong leading performance by Hanks elevates this to a thrilling and moving adventure film.
The Iron Giant (96%)
Diesel got to show off his very distinct voice in another memorable voice acting role. The Iron Giant is an animated film by Brad Bird which follows a young boy who discovers a massive robotic giant from another world and forms a special bond with him. Diesel voices the titular giant.
The movie was praised by critics for providing an entertaining adventure for children while also addressing some very serious topics. The result was an endearing and emotional animated film that has been called one of the best ever made.