Paul Rudd's Best Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated June 1, 2024 43.5K views 63 items
Ranked By
5.3K votes
821 voters
8 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote for your favorite movies starring Paul Rudd.
Latest additions: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Most divisive: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers
Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Paul Rudd's Best Movies, Ranked

Paul Rudd is a Hollywood legend. A beloved figure in the film industry, he has embodied a wide-ranging cast of characters throughout his two decades in show business. Though his boyish good looks and affable charm may make him appear to only be suited for lighthearted comedies, Paul has also shown himself to be an adept dramatic actor as well.

This list of the best Paul Rudd movies brings together fans from around the world who have voted on their favorite films featuring this iconic actor. What sets these particular movies apart? Is it his impeccable comedic timing or perhaps it’s the emotional depth that he brings to each role? Either way, there's no doubt that you can find something here for any movie fan. Popular Paul Rudd movies include Ant-Man, Clueless, Role Models, and I Love You, Man.

With so many great titles on offer - from hilarious hijinks to heartfelt emotion – you'll certainly find something fulfilling after browsing through this expertly curated selection of Paul Rudd's greatest hits. So don't miss out; check out these top picks today and vote up your favorites.

  • Ant-Man
    1
    Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
    299 votes
    In the heart-pounding Marvel adventure, Ant-Man, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a skilled thief with a heart of gold, stumbles upon a suit that grants him superhuman abilities. Guided by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the original Ant-Man, Lang embarks on a thrilling journey to embrace his inner hero and save the world from certain doom. The film blends elements of action, comedy, and sci-fi, presenting a unique take on superhero cinema. Evangeline Lilly co-stars as Hope van Dyne, adding depth to the narrative with her strong and determined character. Ant-Man is an engaging exploration of redemption and courage, peppered with impressive visual effects that bring the tiny world of our protagonist to life.
  • Clueless
    2
    Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
    347 votes
    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.
  • I Love You, Man
    3
    Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones
    346 votes
    In I Love You, Man, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent with a looming wedding but no best man. In his quest to find a suitable friend, he stumbles upon Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), an eccentric and free-spirited man. Their kinship grows unexpectedly, causing turbulence in Peter's life as he juggles between his bride-to-be Zooey (Rashida Jones) and his new found buddy. This comedy film, directed by John Hamburg, explores the nuances of friendship amidst adult responsibilities and societal expectations, without surrendering to clichés.
  • The 40-Year-Old Virgin
    4
    Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd
    341 votes
    The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a comedic exploration of late-blooming adulthood, starring Steve Carell as Andy Stitzer, a man who has managed to avoid life's intimate interactions. The movie, directed by Judd Apatow, follows the journey of Andy as his friends David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco), and Cal (Seth Rogen) discover his secret and embark on a mission to end his virgin status. Through their misadventures and Andy's burgeoning relationship with Trish (Catherine Keener), the film delves into themes of friendship, love, and the pressures of societal norms. This light-hearted comedy won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance by Carell.
  • Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
    5
    Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd
    274 votes
    Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, a comedy set in the 1970s, features Will Ferrell as egotistical news anchor, Ron Burgundy. This San Diego star is thrown off his throne when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) challenges the male-dominated industry. Directed by Adam McKay, this laugh-out-loud film showcases an ensemble cast including Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. It's a comedic exploration of gender dynamics in the workplace, wrapped up in absurd humor and vintage fashion. The film was nominated for two MTV Movie Awards, further cementing its cult status.
  • Role Models
    6
    Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
    312 votes
    After salesmen Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) trash a company truck, the court gives them a choice: jail time or community service in a mentoring program. Thinking to take the easy way out, the two overgrown adolescents find themselves paired with a teenager (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who is experiencing the pangs of first love, and a foul-mouthed fifth-grader (Bobb'e J. Thompson), who needs an attitude adjustment.
  • This Is 40
    7
    Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, John Lithgow
    267 votes
    After many years of marriage, Pete (Paul Rudd) is the sole male in a household that includes his wife, Debbie (Leslie Mann), and two young daughters (Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow). As Pete struggles to keep his record label afloat, he and Debbie navigate a three-week course of sex and romance, career victories and financial hardships, aging parents and maturing children. They'll have to learn to forgive, forget and enjoy the rest of their lives -- before they kill each other.
  • Knocked Up
    8
    Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd
    274 votes
    Rising journalist Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) hits a serious bump in the road after a one-night stand with irresponsible slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) results in pregnancy. Rather than raise the baby on her own, she decides to give Ben a chance to prove he is father material. However, he is unsure if he is ready to be a parent, and both wonder if they would be compatible lifetime partners.
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
    9
    Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis
    267 votes
    In the comedic romp Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) is a down-on-his-luck musician struggling to move on from his television star ex-girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). In an attempt to heal, he takes an impromptu trip to Hawaii, only to find himself at the same resort as Sarah and her new rockstar boyfriend, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Amidst the tropical backdrop, hilarity ensues as Peter navigates heartbreak, unexpected friendships with hotel staff like Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis), and the complexities of love.
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp
    10
    Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
    131 votes
    In the realm of Marvel's cinematic universe, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a breath of fresh air - an action-packed superhero comedy. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), our Ant-Man, grapples with his role as a father while also fulfilling his responsibilities as a superhero. Meanwhile, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) dons the mantle of the Wasp, showcasing her prowess in combat. Their mission? Unearth secrets from their pasts. This involves a daring rescue operation deep within the quantum realm, where danger lurks at every turn. Aided by genius inventor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), they face off against formidable foes. The movie is an enjoyable blend of humor, heart and high-stakes heroics.
  • Wet Hot American Summer
    11
    Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Michael Showalter
    189 votes
    In the eccentric comedy, Wet Hot American Summer, a group of camp counselors, led by Beth (Janeane Garofalo) and Coop (Michael Showalter), navigate their way through the last day at Camp Firewood in 1981. Misadventures abound as they deal with heartbreaks, rivalries, and a looming talent show. Their quirky journey is peppered with appearances from the likes of McKinley (Michael Ian Black) and Ben (Bradley Cooper). This offbeat romp, directed by David Wain, weaves an unpredictable tapestry of humor and nostalgia without resorting to clichés. The film has since garnered cult status for its unique comedic style and memorable characters.
  • Wanderlust
    12
    Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux
    185 votes
    George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) have overextended, overstressed lives in Manhattan. After George loses his job, he and Linda have little choice but to move to Atlanta and stay with his terrible brother. On the way, the couple happen upon Elysium, an idyllic counterculture community, where money, careers and clothing are strictly optional. George and Linda think that they can make a fresh start in Elysium, only they may be trading one set of problems for another.
  • This Is the End
    13
    Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill
    177 votes
    In the comedic horror film This Is the End, Hollywood's funny guys find themselves facing an apocalypse of biblical proportions. Seth Rogen (as himself) hosts a party with his fellow actors, including Jay Baruchel (as himself), James Franco (as himself), and Jonah Hill (as himself). The gathering, intended for fun, takes a terrifying turn when cataclysmic events begin to unfold. As society crumbles outside their fortress home, friendships are tested while they struggle for survival. With demons roaming the earth and supplies dwindling, these actors must confront their worst nightmares in a world where fame is meaningless.
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    14
    Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
    174 votes
    In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introverted high-school freshman, navigates through the trials and tribulations of adolescence. His world opens up when he befriends two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). As they introduce him to the real world beyond textbooks and tests, Charlie grapples with first love and deep-seated secrets. A coming-of-age drama, this movie shines a spotlight on the joys and heartbreaks of growing up. Garnering critical acclaim, it won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
  • Our Idiot Brother
    15
    Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel
    198 votes
    Easygoing, dimwitted slacker Ned Rochlin (Paul Rudd) makes the biggest mistake of his so-far uninspired life when he sells some pot to a cop. Homeless and jobless upon his release from jail, Ned must prevail upon his three sisters (Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer) for help. Though Ned himself is utterly without a shred of ambition or guile, it's a different story with his sisters, who find their carefully ordered lives thrown into chaos whenever he's around.
  • Captain America: Civil War
    16
    Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Scarlett Johansson
    122 votes
    The 2016 action-packed superhero flick Captain America: Civil War features an ideological rift erupting within the Avengers. This factional split is spearheaded by two strong-willed leaders - Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). The plot centers around the regulation of superhuman activities, a proposal that divides the Avengers into opposing camps. This Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, features an ensemble cast including Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Chadwick Boseman in his debut as Black Panther. A thrilling exploration of loyalty and morality set against high-stakes global politics, it's a standout in the superhero genre.
  • Romeo + Juliet
    17
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy
    175 votes
    Baz Luhrmann helped adapt this classic Shakespearean romantic tragedy for the screen, updating the setting to a post-modern city named Verona Beach. In this version, the Capulets and the Montagues are two rival gangs. Juliet (Claire Danes) is attending a costume ball thrown by her parents. Her father Fulgencio Capulet (Paul Sorvino) has arranged her marriage to the boorish Paris (Paul Rudd) as part of a strategic investment plan. Romeo attends the masked ball and he and Juliet fall in love.
  • Dinner for Schmucks
    18
    Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Bruce Greenwood
    165 votes
    Tim (Paul Rudd) a rising executive, works for a boss who hosts a monthly event in which the guest who brings the biggest buffoon gets a career boost. Though he declines the invitation at first, he changes his mind when he meets Barry (Steve Carell), a man who builds dioramas using stuffed mice. The scheme backfires when Barry's blundering good intentions send Tim's life into a downward spiral, threatening a major business deal and possibly scuttling Tim's romantic relationship.
  • Night at the Museum
    19
    Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke
    153 votes
    Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a down-on-his-luck dreamer, lands a job as a night watchman at the Museum of Natural History. He's tasked with ensuring everything runs smoothly, but little does he know that after sunset, the exhibits spring to life. Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), an adventurous T-Rex skeleton, and a mischievous monkey are just some of the characters he encounters. As Larry navigates this wild new world, he finds himself in the middle of an epic struggle for power. Night at the Museum, directed by Shawn Levy, is a whimsical family comedy-adventure that combines historical figures with modern-day humor.
  • Monsters vs. Aliens
    20
    Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen
    121 votes
    In the animated feature Monsters vs. Aliens, Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day, causing her to grow to an enormous size. Dubbed Ginormica, she's taken to a secret government facility where she meets a motley crew of fellow monsters: Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (Will Arnett), and B.O.B. (Seth Rogen). When an alien overlord named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) threatens Earth, it falls to these unlikely heroes, under General W.R. Monger's (Kiefer Sutherland) command, to save humanity. This comedy-action film won the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film in 2009.
  • The Cider House Rules
    21
    Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo
    131 votes
    The film follows the life of Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), a precocious orphan who leaves his lifelong home and his loving tutor, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) to explore the world. While Homer struggles to make a life for himself on his own, he must make monumental decisions that will change the course of his future and deeply affect the lives of those around him.
  • The Object of My Affection
    22
    Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Alan Alda
    143 votes
    New York City social worker Nina Borowski (Jennifer Aniston) invites her gay friend, George (Paul Rudd), to move into her apartment after he breaks up with his longtime lover, Robert (Tim Daly). Meanwhile, Nina gets pregnant and decides to keep the baby -- but end her relationship with the child's father, boyfriend Vince (John Pankow). As Nina and George live and raise the baby together, the two grow close -- and Nina realizes she's beginning to fall in love with her friend.
  • Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
    23
    Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd
    123 votes
    Seven years after capturing the heart of co-anchor Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), newsman Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is offered the chance of a lifetime: a spot on the world's first 24-hour global cable news network. Ron quickly assembles his team: Champ Kind (David Koechner), Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and Brick Tamland (Steve Carell). Challenged by his tough female boss, a network owner and a popular anchor, Ron and his pals must find their own way to the top of the ratings.
  • The Great Gatsby
    24
    Paul Rudd, Mira Sorvino, Toby Stephens
    106 votes
    The Great Gatsby is a 2000 television film adaptation of the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was made in collaboration by the A&E Cable Network in the United States, and Granada Productions in Great Britain. It was directed by Robert Markowitz from a teleplay by John J. McLaughlin. The music score was by Carl Davis and the cinematography by Guy Dufaux. The production was designed by Taavo Soodor. The film stars Toby Stephens, Mira Sorvino, Paul Rudd and Martin Donovan. This version is the fourth time that The Great Gatsby has been filmed.
  • Reno 911!: Miami
    25
    Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney
    101 votes
    Bumbling officers (Thomas Lennon, Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney) of the Reno (Nevada) Police Department finally get an opportunity to attend a law-enforcement convention in Florida. Fun in the sun turns to serious business when terrorists launch a bioattack in the area. With every cop in Miami out sick, it is up to the intrepid Nevada cops to serve and protect the unfortunate populace.
  • Wanderlust
    26
    Kat Dennings, Paul Rudd, Karen Black
    81 votes
    Wanderlust is a 2006 documentary film on road movies and their effect on American culture.
  • How Do You Know
    27
    Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd
    81 votes
    Lisa Jorgenson's (Reese Witherspoon) entire life has been defined by softball, but at 31, she is deemed too old to play and cut from the team. After being cast adrift, she begins a fling with Matty (Owen Wilson), a charming womanizer who plays professional baseball. About the same time, she goes on a blind date with George (Paul Rudd), a businessman on the hook for stock fraud. Caught in a romantic triangle with the two men, Lisa ponders the meaning of love.
  • Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
    28
    John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Raymond J. Barry
    95 votes
    In the comedic biopic, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, we follow the life of Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly), a fictional musician who overcomes adversity to rise as an iconic music legend. The film parodies other musical biographies and is filled with original songs performed by Reilly himself. From his humble beginnings in Springberry, Alabama, to his tumultuous career marked by addiction, multiple marriages, and countless hit records, the story spans five decades of Dewey's roller-coaster life. Jenna Fischer co-stars as Darlene Madison, Dewey's duet partner and true love. This film won a Grammy for its soundtrack.
  • Ghostbusters: Afterlife
    29
    Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace
    24 votes
    When a single mother and her two children move to a new town, they soon discover they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
  • Sausage Party
    30

    Sausage Party

    Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill
    65 votes
    In the animated comedy Sausage Party, Frank the Sausage (Seth Rogen) leads a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence. They believe that humans are gods who take them to a utopia known as The Great Beyond. However, after a traumatized jar of Honey Mustard (Danny McBride) returns from the outside world with tales of horror, Frank embarks on an eye-opening journey. He encounters characters like Brenda Bunson (Kristen Wiig), Sammy Bagel Jr. (Edward Norton), and Lavash (David Krumholtz) as they navigate this daunting revelation. The film cleverly subverts the family-friendly genre, pushing boundaries with its raunchy humor and surprising philosophical underpinnings.