Every single Ryan Reynolds movie, ranked by critics
Meghan Cook  Â
- Ryan Reynolds is a film actor known for his work in comedies, action movies, and superhero films.
- "Mississippi Grind" & "Adventureland" are his highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes, per critics.
Perhaps best known for portraying the smart-talking vigilante Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds has taken on a wide range of roles throughout his career, starring in everything from dramas to video-game adaptations.
However, despite his popularity as an actor, not all of his movies have been well-received by film critics.
Here is every movie Ryan Reynolds has ever been in, ranked by critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
Note: Films without critical ratings were not included. All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change.
Reynolds' lowest-ranked film is the action-comedy "R.I.P.D." (2013).
Synopsis: In the action-comedy "R.I.P.D." the detectives in the Rest in Peace Department are sanctioned with protecting living souls against monstrous entities.
Young cop Nick Walker (Reynolds) is paired up with veteran detective Roy Pulsifer (Jeff Bridges) as they grapple with otherworldly enemies.
The actor played young Damian in "Self/less" (2015).
Synopsis: In the sci-fi thriller "Self/less," a wealthy man named Damien (Ben Kingsley) transports his consciousness into a healthier, younger body (Reynolds) in order to survive his cancer diagnosis. But the mystery surrounding the donor's death sends Damien on a dark quest for answers.
Reynolds was Van Wilder in "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" (2002).
Synopsis: The raunchy college comedy "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" stars Reynolds as the titular character.
Cut off from his family's vast wealth, Van Wilder takes advantage of younger college students with money-making schemes that catch the attention of student reporter Gwen (Tara Reid).
He played Michael Taylor in "Fireflies in the Garden" (2008).
Synopsis: The drama "Fireflies in the Garden" centers around the Taylor family and the painful secrets that patriarch Charles (Willem Dafoe) has swept under the rug for too long.
Returning home for the first time in years, Michael (Reynolds) comes to terms with the loss of his mother in his turbulent childhood home.
In "Blade: Trinity" (2004), Reynolds was Hannibal King.
Synopsis: In the third installment of the "Blade" trilogy, Reynolds appears as Hannibal King, a vampire slayer and member of the Nightstalkers.
Hannibal works alongside Blade (Wesley Snipes), Abigail (Jessica Biel), and Sommerfield (Natasha Lyonne) to stop Dracula and his army of malevolent vampires.
Reynolds played George Lutz in "The Amityville Horror" (2005).
Synopsis: "The Amityville Horror" follows the Lutz family as they move into a new house in Amityville, New York.
After haunting things begin happening, George (Reynolds) and his wife Kathy (Melissa George) discover that their home was once the site of multiple horrific murders.
The actor played superhero Hal Jordan in "Green Lantern" (2011).
Synopsis: In the adaptation of the comic book of the same name, Reynolds plays Hal Jordan, a test pilot who is chosen by universal protectors to wield a ring of infinite power.
The cocky pilot must step up to be worthy enough to become a Green Lantern and defeat the evil Parallax.
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Reynolds made a small cameo in "Ghosted" (2023) as an ex-boyfriend.
Synopsis: "Ghosted" follows Cole (Chris Evans), who falls for Sadie (Ana de Armas) — only to discover she's a secret agent. Before going on a second date, the two must embark on a global mission to save the world.
Reynolds had a small cameo in the film as one of Sadie's exes.
He played Mitch Planko in the comedy "The Change-Up" (2011).
Synopsis: Old friends Mitch (Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) envy each other's lives, but get more than they can handle when an errant wish causes them to switch bodies in "The Change-Up." Soon Mitch and Dave realize the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
He reprised his role as Michael Bryce in "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" (2021).
Synopsis: The sequel to the 2017 action film "The Hitman's Bodyguard," "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" sees bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds) and hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) reunite for another mission.
The unlikely duo must join forces to save Darius' wife Sonia (Salma Hayek).
Reynolds played Matthew in the thriller "The Captive" (2014).
Synopsis: In "The Captive," Matthew (Reynolds) leaves his young daughter Cassandra outside of a diner for only a few moments, but it's long enough for her to be abducted.
Years later, when evidence emerges that Cassandra may still be alive, Matthew does everything he can to bring his daughter home.
Reynolds played Bill Pope in the action-drama "Criminal" (2016).
Synopsis: When CIA agent Bill Pope (Reynolds) dies unexpectedly before completing a mission, the government implants his memories into the brain of a dangerous criminal named Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner).
Now filled with memories of a life he never led, Jericho sets off to bring Bill's death to justice.
He starred as Monty in the comedy "Waiting..." (2005).
Synopsis: Monty (Reynolds) and Dean (Justin Long) work at a dead-end job waiting tables in a diner. While Dean dreams of higher ambitions, Monty just wants to party and have a good time.
The comedy depicts a day in the life at Shenanigan's diner and the chaos that ensues over a single shift.
Reynolds was Frank Allen in the comedic drama "Chaos Theory" (2008).
Synopsis: The comedic drama "Chaos Theory" centers around Frank Allen (Reynolds), a motivational speaker who leads a life of strict organization that leaves little room for fun.
When his dedication to rigorous schedule-making causes a rift in his marriage, Frank starts to rethink how he's been living.
He was Richard Messner in "Smokin' Aces" (2007).
Synopsis: The action-comedy "Smokin' Aces" is about a low-level scammer named Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven) who finds himself in over his head when he uncovers evidence that can put a big game mobster in jail.
Reynolds plays Richard Messner, an FBI agent who has to keep Aces alive after the mobster puts a bounty on his head.
He played Captain Excellent in "Paper Man" (2010).
Synopsis: In "Paper Man," shy novelist Richard (Jeff Daniels) hires Long Island teenager Abby (Emma Stone) as a babysitter, even though he doesn't have children.
Lonely and in need of company, Richard and Abby bond as he reveals he has an imaginary friend named Paper Man (Reynolds).
Reynolds played Marc Tobias in "The In-Laws" (2003).
Synopsis: Father-in-laws to be Steve Tobias (Michael Douglas) and Jerry Peyser (Albert Brooks) butt heads in the week leading up to their son and daughter's upcoming wedding, as Jerry starts to suspect that Steve is a government operative.
In the film, Reynolds played Marc Tobias, Steve's son.
He was the lead hero in "6 Underground" (2019).
Reynolds played John Hartley in "Red Notice" (2021).
Synopsis: "Red Notice" follows Interpol agent John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), who, in order to capture the world's most-wanted art thief, must partner with rival art thief Nolan Booth (Reynolds).
In pursuit of the mission, the two embark on an adventure that takes them across the world.
Reynolds was Henry in the comedy "Coming Soon" (1999).
Synopsis: In "Coming Soon," three high-school girls Nell (Tricia Vessey), Jenny (Gaby Hoffmann), and Stream (Bonnie Root) set off on an adventure for sexual fulfillment. In the comedy, Reynolds plays Henry, a nerdy high schooler who catches Stream's eye.
Reynolds kicked off his time as Wade Wilson in "X-Men Origins - Wolverine" (2009).
Synopsis: Before Reynolds portrayed Wade Wilson in the "Deadpool" movies, he initially appeared as a version of the character in "X-Men Origins - Wolverine" opposite Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.
In the film, the two mutants face off against each other in an intense battle as Wolverine sets out on his quest for revenge.
The actor played Chris Brander in the comedy "Just Friends" (2005).
Synopsis: In the comedy "Just Friends," Chris Brander (Reynolds) realizes he never truly got over his childhood crush Jamie (Amy Smart).
Years after she rejected him, Chris returns to their hometown with a new look and a womanizing attitude, intent on finally winning her over.
Reynolds was Michael Bryce in "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017).
Synopsis: In the action-adventure flick "The Hitman's Bodyguard," one of the world's best bodyguards Michael Bryce (Reynolds) is assigned to protect the very assassin (Samuel L. Jackson) he once trained to take down.
Over the course of an intense 24 hours, Bryce does whatever it takes to keep his client safe.
He was Andrew Paxton in "The Proposal" (2009) opposite Sandra Bullock.
Synopsis: "The Proposal" is a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate, a workaholic who faces deportation back to Canada if she isn't able to secure a visa.
Margaret has her assistant Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) pretend he's engaged to her so that she can stay in New York City, but her request stirs up unexpected feelings between the two.
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Reynolds starred as Cal in "IF" (2024).
"IF," directed by John Krasinski, follows young Bea (Cailey Fleming) as she discovers she has a superpower that allows her to see everyone's imaginary friends. She then attempts to reconnect the imaginary friends with the adults who've forgotten them.
Reynolds plays Cal, Bea's cranky neighbor who eventually helps her along her quest.
Reynolds played Matt Weston in the thriller "Safe House" (2012).
Synopsis: In the action thriller "Safe House," Reynolds and Denzel Washington co-star as a pair of CIA agents who are almost killed when their South African safe house is attacked.
Now on the run, the two men dodge bullets while tracking down who wants them dead.
The actor made a PG-13 version of "Deadpool" with "Once Upon a Deadpool" (2018).
Synopsis: After the original release of "Deadpool" (2016), director David Leitch re-released the film with the R-rated material removed in order to target younger audiences.
Reynolds played Deadpool in added scenes alongside Fred Savage, who played a satirical version of himself.
In "Life During Wartime" (1997), Reynolds played Howard Ancona.
Synopsis: "Life During Wartime," also referred to as "The Alarmist," is a comedic drama in which a salesman breaks into unsuspecting homes in order to drum up business for burglar-proof alarm systems.
Reynolds had a role in the film as Howard Ancona, the teenage son of one of their clients.
Reynolds was Randy Schoenberg in the drama "Woman in Gold" (2015).
Synopsis: Based on a true story, "Woman in Gold" is a drama that follows Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren) as she attempts to retrieve the possessions stolen from her family by Nazis decades earlier.
Reynolds appeared as Randy Schoenberg, an up-and-coming lawyer who helps Altmann bring her case to court.
He was Quigley in the suspense film "Finder's Fee" (2001).
Synopsis: In the suspense-filled drama "Finder's Fee," a street artist named Tepper (Erik Palladino) finds a wallet with a winning lottery ticket inside and discovers it belongs to a man named Avery Phillips (James Earl Jones).
Tepper invites Avery to a game of poker, using Avery's own ticket against him as the men place bets.
Reynolds appeared in the film as Quigley, a divorced man who sits in on their game.
Reynolds played Gary, Gavin, and Gabriel in "The Nines" (2007).
Synopsis: The independent film "The Nines" unfolds in three separate stories revolving around an actor who is under house arrest, a reality-television star, and a video-game designer.
In the mind-bending drama Reynolds portrayed all three leads: Gary, Gavin, and Gabriel.
Reynolds voiced the titular snail in the animated film "Turbo" (2013).
Synopsis: In the animated kids' film "Turbo," a simple garden snail named Turbo (Reynolds) dreams of one day being the fastest snail in the world.
After a strange accident gives him super speed, Turbo begins to realize his dream may become a reality.
He was astronaut Rory Adams in "Life" (2017).
Synopsis: In "Life," a six-member crew on the International Space Station gather evidence for extraterrestrial life on Mars with unintended results.
Reynolds appeared in the film as astronaut Roy Adams alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Hiroyuki Sanada.
Reynolds voiced the titular character in "Detective Pikachu" (2019)
Synopsis: Based on the beloved "Pokémon" franchise, "Detective Pikachu" stars Justice Smith as Tim Goodman, a young man in search for the truth after his father's sudden disappearance.
Reynolds voiced Detective Pikachu, a fast-talking Pokémon who is obsessed with coffee and intent on helping Tim find his father.
In "The Adam Project" (2022), Reynolds plays the adult version of the titular character.
Synopsis: In "The Adam Project," Reynolds portrays time-traveling pilot Adam Reed, who partners with his 12-year-old self (Walker Scobell) on a mission to save the world.
The two versions of Adam travel back in time to find their late father (Mark Ruffalo), and the three of them work together to reckon with their past while saving the future.
He plays Clint Briggs in "Spirited" (2022), a musical adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."
Synopsis: "Spirited" is a modern musical version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Reynolds stars as Clint Briggs, a selfish man who is met with a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell).
Clint then finds himself on a journey through the past, present, and future to discover why he ended up so cynical and lonely.
He starred as Will Hayes in the romantic comedy "Definitely, Maybe" (2008).
Synopsis: In the romantic comedy "Definitely, Maybe," Reynolds starred as Will Hayes, a dad who recently got divorced from his wife.
Will's daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) prompts him to tell her what his life was like before marriage. Will tells Maya about the three most important women in his life, changing the names of the women so that she can guess which one ended up being her mom.
He was the voice actor for Guy in the animated movie "The Croods" (2013).
Synopsis: In the animated film "The Croods," a family of cavemen and cavewomen set out to look for a new home after their cave is destroyed.
Reynolds voiced Guy, a nomad who offers to help the Croods along the way.
Reynolds had a small role as Chip in "Dick" (1999).
Synopsis: "Dick" is a comedic reimagining of a turbulent time in political history.
Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst play high schoolers in the 1970s who wander off on a field trip and become President Richard Nixon's dog walkers, putting them front and center for the Watergate scandal.
Reynolds had a small role in the film as a hapless boy named Chip.
In "The Voices" (2015), he played a serial killer named Jerry.
Synopsis: In the dark comedy "The Voices," Reynolds starred as Jerry, a seemingly mild-mannered man who begins to unravel when his dog and cat start talking back to him.
Jerry swiftly goes from a normal guy to a serial killer in the making, all while nursing a crush on Lisa (Anna Kendrick).
Reynolds was a nurse in "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" (2004).
Synopsis: In "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," investment banker Harold (John Cho) and his friend Kumar (Kal Penn) hit the road for a life-changing adventure when they go to great lengths to get White Castle hamburgers.
Reynolds had a small cameo in the film as a nurse.
Reynolds returned to voice Guy in "The Croods: A New Age" (2020).
Synopsis: "The Croods: A New Age" sees Reynolds reprise his role as Guy. The sequel film follows the Croods as they're forced to cohabitate with the Bettermans, a rival family who claims to be more evolved than them.
However, when a new threat affecting both families arises, the Croods and the Bettermans are forced to set aside their differences and work together.
Reynolds and Jackman reunited to play the titular roles in "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024).
Synopsis: In this sequel, Reynolds and Jackman reprise their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively. "Deadpool & Wolverine" sees the titular characters unite on a mission to safeguard the universe.
The action film features several surprise cameos and new villains played by Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen.
He starred as a bank teller in "Free Guy" (2021).
Synopsis: In "Free Guy," Reynolds stars as Guy, a bank teller who learns he's actually a non-player character in an open-world video game.
When Guy decides to rewrite his story to become the hero of it, he's forced to take on the tall task of saving the world.
He returned as Wade Wilson in "Deadpool 2" (2018).
Synopsis: In the sequel to "Deadpool," Reynolds returned as smart-talking vigilante Wade Wilson, who joins forces with other mutants to protect a young boy from dying at the hands of a time-traveling soldier named Cable.
Together, Deadpool and this ragtag team of mutants take the villain head-on.
Reynolds starred as Wade Wilson in "Deadpool" (2016).
Synopsis: In the genre-subverting superhero movie "Deadpool," Reynolds starred as Wade Wilson, a man who enlists in a last-ditch government experiment after he's saddled with a cancer diagnosis.
When an accident at the lab nearly kills him, Wade realizes that he's developed super powers and he vows to seek revenge on the people who tortured him.
Reynolds narrated the documentary "The Whale" (2011).
Synopsis: "The Whale" is a documentary that tells the story of a young orca named Luna who becomes separated from his family and connects with the humans trying to help him.
Reynolds narrated the emotionally charged documentary.
He was Paul Conroy in the terrifying thriller "Buried" (2010).
Synopsis: The thrilling drama "Buried" stars Reynolds as Paul Conroy, an American contractor working in Iraq who is captured and buried alive by insurgents.
After waking up in his own coffin, Paul does everything he can to get out of his grave as he races against time.
Reynolds played Mike Connell in the comedy "Adventureland" (2009).
Synopsis: Jesse Eisenberg stars in "Adventureland" as a college graduate who takes a low-level job at a local amusement park and strikes up a relationship with his co-worker Em (Kristen Stewart).
Reynolds played amusement-park employee Mike Connell alongside Martin Starr, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.
Reynolds was Curtis in "Mississippi Grind" (2015), his best-rated film.
Synopsis: The drama "Mississippi Grind" stars Ben Mendelsohn as Gerry, a poker player who struggles with a gambling addiction.
When he meets Curtis (Reynolds), Gerry convinces him to accompany him on the road as they travel to New Orleans and form a genuine friendship that changes both of them for the better.
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