scorecard
  1. Home
  2. entertainment
  3. news
  4. 9 of Brendan Fraser's best-known movies, ranked

9 of Brendan Fraser's best-known movies, ranked

Libby Torres   

9 of Brendan Fraser's best-known movies, ranked
Brendan Fraser in "The Mummy."Universal Pictures
  • Brendan Fraser is not only a prolific actor but an extremely versatile and skilled performer, too.
  • His filmography is an eclectic mix of feel-good comedies, big-budget action films, and indie flicks.

1. "The Mummy" is easily Fraser's best film to date.

1. "The Mummy" is easily Fraser
Brendan Fraser in the 1999 movie "The Mummy."      Universal Pictures

On paper, Rick O'Connell, Fraser's character in "The Mummy," is one-note and borderline cliché. Much like Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Rick is a rakish, world-weary adventurer whose hands-on approach to saving the day (and getting the girl) is unconventional but effective.

But even though O'Connell recalls action heroes of years past, Fraser's performance adds a subtle edge to what would be an otherwise predictable character. Instead of overplaying the action scenes (his comic timing, honed through his early-career comedies, is a thing of beauty), Fraser leans into his character's innate reluctance to become involved. And the chemistry O'Connell shares with Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) is so palpable that their kiss on a camel at the end of the film feels blissfully hard-won, despite the lack of romantic scenes preceding it.

Like Humphrey Bogart in "Casablanca" and "To Have and Have Not," Fraser is able to turn a simple leading man role into a masterclass in acting. He's able to make O'Connell's transformation from a rough-and-tumble explorer to a devoted, empathetic leader and partner not only believable but a real treat to watch.

2. "School Ties" is a close second, however.

2. "School Ties" is a close second, however.
Brendan Fraser in a still from "School Ties."      Paramount Pictures

First released in 1992, "School Ties" follows David (Fraser), a Jewish student struggling to find acceptance at an elite, predominantly Christian prep school. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also star in the film, which was one of Fraser's first big projects in Hollywood.

Fraser not only holds his own among the powerful cast (Damon and Affleck, of course, would go on to become superstars in their own right), but he commands the screen in a way that's unexpected for an actor so young and new to Hollywood.

As David, Fraser nails the complicated mix of emotions that come with being a Jewish student at a school filled with anti-Semitic teenage boys. And the scene where David snaps and fights Charlie (Damon) in the shower is heartbreaking, not only because of its subject matter but because of Fraser's raw, emotional performance.

3. In "Bedazzled," Fraser proves he's a comedic genius.

3. In "Bedazzled," Fraser proves he
Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley in "Bedazzled."      Getty Images

Fraser's character Elliot finds himself in a lot of unexpected situations throughout the 2000 comedy, mostly thanks to his decision to literally make a deal with the Devil, played with plenty of sex appeal by Elizabeth Hurley.

But the actor is able to adapt to each and everyone, whether it involves Elliot being transformed into a Latin American drug kingpin or a basketball superstar with a tragically small...penis. Throughout it all, audiences never fail to lose sight of who Elliot is and what he wants in life, mostly thanks to Fraser's ability to plumb the emotional depths of light-hearted roles.

"Bedazzled" would be nothing without Fraser's impeccable timing and hilarious rapport, which the movie delivers in equal measure.

4. While "The Whale" is a problematic film, Fraser's performance manages to rise above the troubling subject matter.

4. While "The Whale" is a problematic film, Fraser
Brendan Fraser as Charlie in "The Whale."      A24

I didn't love "The Whale." Its borderline-grotesque treatment of the main character, Charlie (a fat, disabled, queer man) was disturbing and disappointing, a criticism echoed by critics like Roxane Gay and fat activists like Jordan Underwood.

Despite the film's controversies, Fraser delivered a truly stunning performance as Charlie. Not only did he portray a fat character with empathy and humanity — something far too uncommon in the industry, even in today's age of so-called body positivity — but he also dug deep into Charlie's hidden trauma and let the audience see it piece by piece, in heartbreaking flashes.

Whether it's a small glance at the birds outside his window or an expression seen for just a split-second on his face, Fraser absolutely blew me away with his portrayal of Charlie. The only reason "The Whale" isn't higher on my list is due to the troubling way the film equates fatness and disability with shame and disgust.

5. Fraser is more than just a pretty face in "Gods and Monsters."

5. Fraser is more than just a pretty face in "Gods and Monsters."
Brendan Fraser and Ian McKellen in a scene from the 1998 film "Gods and Monsters."      Lions Gate Films

Loosely inspired by the last days of "Frankenstein" director James Whale, the drama stars Ian McKellen as Whale, Lynn Redgrave as his devoted housekeeper, and Fraser as Clayton, the attractive young gardener with whom Whale becomes infatuated.

While some actors might have been overshadowed by McKellen, Fraser instead rises to the challenge. His good looks make him an obvious choice for this role, but his performance doesn't solely hinge on his physical appearance. Instead, Fraser lends Clayton an emotional complexity that gives the character some much-needed depth.

6. In "The Mummy 2," Fraser adds a new twist to a familiar character.

6. In "The Mummy 2," Fraser adds a new twist to a familiar character.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in a scene from "The Mummy Returns."      Universal Pictures

Fraser proved with "The Mummy" that he can take on an action hero role without issue. But in the sequel to the 1999 film, the actor adds even more nuance to his performance as Rick O'Connell, this time giving us a peek at O'Connell's softer side.

O'Connell and Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) are married and have a child together when "The Mummy Returns" begins, and it's heartwarming to see Fraser fully embrace his character's transformation into a devoted husband and father. Of course, there are still plenty of action sequences for Fraser in the film, but watching him tenderly show O'Connell's fierce love for his family is truly special.

7. In a star-studded cast, Fraser stands out in "No Sudden Move."

7. In a star-studded cast, Fraser stands out in "No Sudden Move."
Brendan Fraser in "No Sudden Move."      HBO Max

The cast of Steve Soderbergh's period crime drama features a veritable cast packed with major leading actors, including Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, Ray Liotta, John Hamm, David Harbour, and Kieran Culkin. As with "Gods and Monsters," however, Fraser holds his own amongst his high-profile costars and delivers a quietly unnerving performance as mobster Doug Jones.

It's also refreshing to see the actor play a villain (of sorts), as Fraser skillfully captures Jones' casual cruelty in a way that might be surprising to those who only associate the actor with good guy-type roles.

8. Fraser is a much-needed grounding force in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action."

8. Fraser is a much-needed grounding force in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action."
Daffy Duck and Brendan Fraser in a still from "Looney Tunes: Back in Action."      Warner Bros.

I'm not saying "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" is an overlooked gem in Fraser's filmography, but I'm also not not saying that, either. Much like Brad Pitt in "Cool World," Fraser's acting lends the animated live-action film a certain gravitas that keeps it from careening completely off the rails. Fraser knows when to ham it up with his animated costars, but he skillfully tethers the bonkers plot in reality, while still having fun with the material.

It couldn't have been easy to act opposite an animated duck and bunny, but Fraser's sincere performance as stuntman/security guard DJ makes the film worth watching, even if you're not a fan of cartoons.

9. And in "Encino Man," Fraser commands the screen without saying a word.

9. And in "Encino Man," Fraser commands the screen without saying a word.
Pauly Shore, Brendan Fraser, and Sean Astin in the 1992 film "Encino Man."      Encino Man Productions/Getty Images

"Encino Man" was released the same year as "School Ties," but Fraser's performances in the two films couldn't be more different. In "Encino Man," Fraser plays Link, a defrosted caveman forced to adjust to modern (read: Southern California in the early '90s) life, with limited success.

But even though he barely says two words throughout the entire film (he mostly communicates with gestures and grunts), Fraser easily outshines his costars Pauly Shore and Sean Astin. His physicality is exactly what you'd expect from a caveman, but it's Fraser's facial expressions that really steal the show. The actor puts just the right amount of emotion into each grimace or grin and manages to convey Link's inner turmoil of emotions perfectly. With "Encino Man," Fraser proves that if you're a talented enough performer, you don't even have to open your mouth to make an impact.

Advertisement