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Ryan Reynolds has carved a niche in Hollywood as one of the most charismatic, versatile, and bankable stars of the modern era. With a career spanning over three decades, Reynolds has evolved from romantic comedies and indie dramas to high-octane superhero franchises and critically acclaimed features. For those searching “top movies of Ryan Reynolds” or even “best performances by Ryan Reynolds,” this feature-length article offers a comprehensive look at the films that define his stellar career.
“The best part of my job is being able to tell stories that make people laugh, cry, and escape for a while.” — Ryan Reynolds
From his breakout roles to global box office hits, we explore why Ryan Reynolds remains a fan favourite and a critical darling. The following sections are designed to not only highlight Reynolds’ top movies but also to ensure the article ranks highly in SEO for those searching for terms related to his career, top performances, and even the net worth of stars like Dwayne Johnson.
Deadpool series Ryan Reynold
Ryan Reynolds’ career-defining role in superhero cinema
When discussing the top movies of Ryan Reynolds, no list is complete without the mention of the Deadpool franchise. Deadpool (2016) and its sequel Deadpool 2 (2018) redefined the superhero genre with their irreverent humour, fourth-wall breaking narration, and ultra-violent action sequences. Reynolds’ portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool was not just iconic—it was transformative for his career.
The first film became the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time, pulling in over $783 million worldwide. Reynolds was deeply involved in the film’s development, even contributing to its script and marketing. Deadpool 2 only expanded the universe and confirmed Reynolds’ stronghold in the superhero genre. With Deadpool 3 set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, anticipation is at an all-time high.
The Proposal- Ryan Reynold
Ryan Reynolds’s best romantic comedy performance
Romantic comedies helped establish Ryan Reynolds as a household name, and The Proposal (2009), co-starring Sandra Bullock, remains one of his most beloved films. The movie grossed over $317 million worldwide and demonstrated Reynolds’ impeccable comedic timing and charm.
Critics praised the chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds, and fans continue to regard it as one of the most rewatchable romantic comedies of the 2000s. Its success solidified Reynolds’ standing as a leading man capable of carrying both comedic and heartfelt narratives.
Buried-Ryan Reynold
Ryan Reynolds’ most intense and underrated performance
In Buried (2010), Reynolds delivers what many critics consider his most challenging and nuanced performance. The film is a claustrophobic thriller where the entire story unfolds with Reynolds’ character trapped in a coffin. Shot with minimal cuts and relying solely on Reynolds’ performance, the film received acclaim for his ability to convey anxiety, fear, and resilience.
While Buried did not break box office records, it became a critical darling and proved that Reynolds had the acting chops to tackle serious, emotionally demanding roles. It’s frequently cited in searches for “Ryan Reynolds’ best dramatic performance.”
Free Guy-Ryan Reynold
Ryan Reynolds in a high-concept video game fantasy
Released in 2021, Free Guy was a surprise hit that combined Reynolds’ comedic strengths with cutting-edge visual effects and a unique concept. In the film, Reynolds plays a non-playable video game character (NPC) who becomes self-aware, setting off a chain of revolutionary events inside a digital world.
Free Guy grossed over $330 million worldwide despite pandemic-related restrictions, cementing Reynolds as a reliable box office draw. The film resonated with both gaming and film audiences and showcased Reynolds’ ability to lead high-concept sci-fi adventures.
The Adam Project- Ryan Reynold
Netflix and Ryan Reynold success and time-travel storytelling
In The Adam Project (2022), a Netflix original, Reynolds plays a time-traveling pilot who meets his younger self to save the future. The film is a blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth. It became one of Netflix’s most-viewed original movies, further proving Reynolds’ global appeal.
The film’s nostalgic tone and strong performances from Reynolds and the ensemble cast—including Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner—won audience praise. The success of The Adam Project indicates the increasing importance of streaming platforms in shaping modern filmographies.
Red Notice- Ryan Reynold
Global success with a star-studded cast and one of them is Ryan Reynold
Featuring Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot, Red Notice (2021) was Netflix’s most-watched original film at the time of release. Reynolds played the charming art thief Nolan Booth, whose wit and agility stole more than just paintings. The film mixed heist thrills with action and comedy, and Reynolds’ chemistry with Johnson provided a memorable highlight.
The success of Red Notice also created crossover appeal, merging fans of Johnson and Reynolds, further boosting search engine traffic for terms like “Dwayne Johnson net worth” and “top Ryan Reynolds movies.”
6 Underground- Ryan Reynold
Michael Bay spectacle meets Ryan Reynolds charisma
6 Underground (2019), directed by Michael Bay, is another action-packed adventure that benefited from Reynolds’ star power. As the leader of a vigilante squad, Reynolds combines sarcasm and seriousness to anchor this chaotic, high-energy film.
Though critically divisive, the film was a major hit on Netflix and generated massive viewership figures. It also reinforced Reynolds’ commitment to unconventional roles in unique, high-budget action films.
Detective Pikachu- Ryan Reynold
Family-friendly fun with Reynolds’ voice talent
In Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019), Reynolds provided the voice and facial motion capture for the titular character. The film was praised for its humour, visual effects, and ability to appeal to both longtime Pokémon fans and new audiences. Grossing over $433 million globally, it remains one of the most successful video game adaptations of all time.
Reynolds’ witty delivery brought Pikachu to life in a way no other actor could have, and the film’s success further diversified his already wide-ranging filmography.
Honourable mentions: Other notable films starring Ryan Reynolds
While the above films highlight the most defining roles of Ryan Reynolds’ career, several other titles deserve honourable mentions:
- Definitely, Maybe (2008) – A heartfelt romantic drama.
- Safe House (2012) – A gritty action thriller with Denzel Washington.
- Mississippi Grind (2015) – An indie film that showed his range.
- Just Friends (2005) – A cult comedy classic.
- The Voices (2014) – A dark comedy showcasing his experimental side.
Each of these films contributes to Reynolds’ dynamic and multifaceted career.
What’s next for Ryan Reynolds? Upcoming movie projects to watch
With Deadpool 3 bringing Reynolds into the official Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next. He’s also producing and starring in several projects under his Maximum Effort production banner, which will further cement his creative footprint in Hollywood.
His continued collaborations with major platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney signal a forward-thinking approach to stardom. With each new release, the SEO interest in terms like “Ryan Reynolds upcoming movies,” “Ryan Reynolds best roles,” and even “Ryan Reynolds net worth” only increases.
Ryan Reynolds’ legacy in Hollywood
Ryan Reynolds is more than just a movie star—he’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether playing a wisecracking mercenary, a lovable romantic lead, or a troubled soul in a dramatic indie, he brings a unique blend of humour, heart, and humanity to every role. His diverse filmography, strategic collaborations, and unmistakable charisma ensure that searches for “top Ryan Reynolds movies” will always yield a rich list of fan favourites and critical successes.
As audiences and streaming platforms continue to evolve, so too does Reynolds’ approach to acting and storytelling. In the process, he not only entertains but redefines what it means to be a modern Hollywood icon.
So whether you’re revisiting old classics or anticipating new releases, one thing is clear: the top movies of Ryan Reynolds are not just films—they’re milestones in a legendary career still unfolding.