The 50+ Best Steve Zahn Movies

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Updated November 14, 2023 56 items
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List of the best Steve Zahn movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Steve Zahn's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Steve Zahn movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Steve Zahn movies will be at the top of the list. Steve Zahn has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Steve Zahn movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Steve Zahn films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Steve Zahn role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Steve Zahn performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

Items here include everything from Joy Ride to Reality Bites.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Steve Zahn movies?" and "What are the greatest Steve Zahn roles of all time?"

Steven Soderbergh and Tony Scott have both worked with Steve Zahn over the years, as have plenty of other well-known directors.

Most divisive: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 50+ Best Steve Zahn Movies
  • Reality Bites
    1
    Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller
    28 votes
    In the heart of the 90s, Reality Bites blooms as a romantic comedy-drama, capturing the spirit of Generation X. Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder), an aspiring documentarian, grapples with post-college life alongside her roommate Vickie Miner (Janeane Garofalo). Their lives intertwine with Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke), a brooding musician, and Michael Grates (Ben Stiller), an executive at an MTV-like network. As Lelaina documents their struggles and successes, love triangles emerge and friendships are tested. Directed by Ben Stiller, this film encapsulates the angst and uncertainty of young adulthood while offering sharp social commentary on the era's pop culture.
  • That Thing You Do!
    2
    Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech
    50 votes
    In That Thing You Do!, a spirited tale of music and dreams, Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) joins Jimmy Mattingly (Johnathon Schaech), Lenny Haise (Steve Zahn), and the shy bass player (Ethan Embry) to form The Wonders. This fledgling band, under the guidance of savvy Play-Tone Records executive Mr. White (Tom Hanks), catapults to unexpected fame with their catchy hit, 'That Thing You Do'. Set in the vibrant 60s, this comedic drama showcases their meteoric rise and subsequent challenges. Directed by Tom Hanks himself, it's an engaging exploration of fleeting stardom and youthful camaraderie. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.
  • Happy, Texas
    3
    Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy
    25 votes
    When bank robbers Harry (Jeremy Northam) and Wayne (Steve Zahn) escape from prison and stumble into the tiny Texas Panhandle town of Happy, they're mistaken for the gay couple who were scheduled to help plan the town's child beauty pageant. As the criminals take advantage of the misapprehension to lie low while planning their next heist, complications include the local sheriff (William H. Macy) and his attraction to Harry, and Wayne's feelings for schoolteacher Ms. Schaefer (Illeana Douglas).
  • Sahara
    4
    Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Penélope Cruz
    62 votes
    Seasoned adventurer Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) sets out for the African desert with his sarcastic companion (Steve Zahn) in search of a ship rumored to have vanished long ago, the main draw being the treasure supposedly hidden within the lost vessel. When the daring duo come across a beautiful scientist (Penélope Cruz) who is juggling an escape from a warlord and a mission to stop the spread of a powerful plague, their desert expedition begins to heat up.
  • Joy Ride
    5
    Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski
    48 votes
    It's summer break and college freshman Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) has decided to embark on a cross-country road trip to pick up the girl of his dreams, Venna (Leelee Sobieski). But Lewis' romantic hopes hit a detour when he stops on the way to rescue his older brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who goads him into playing a practical joke on a lonely trucker, over a CB radio. Now, that trucker, an unseen and terrifying force known only by his CB handle, Rusty Nail, wants the last laugh and revenge.
  • Riding in Cars with Boys
    6

    Riding in Cars with Boys

    Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Brittany Murphy
    33 votes
    The fresh, funny, touching and true story of writer Beverly Donofrio (played by Drew Barrymore, who ages from 15 to 35 in the role), reveals her coming of age in the late 1960s and her whole life colored by an event that happened when she was 15. The events span more than two decades, as the young heroine experiences often-humorous, sometimes-irreverent, but certainly a unique personal journey to make something meaningful of her life.
  • A Perfect Getaway
    7
    Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich
    37 votes
    Newlyweds Cliff (Steve Zahn) and Cydney (Milla Jovovich) are celebrating their honeymoon by hiking through a secluded region of Hawaii. Their idyllic trek takes a dark turn when they find a group of frightened hikers who claim that another couple has been brutally murdered. Far from civilization and unsure who to trust, Cydney and Cliff soon get locked into a terrifying battle for survival.
  • Saving Silverman
    8
    Jason Biggs, Steve Zahn, Jack Black
    45 votes
    The film traces the misadventures of buddies J.D. (Jack Black) and Wayne (Steve Zahn), who begin to suspect that their best friend, Darren Silverman (Jason Biggs), is going to allow himself to be badgered into marrying Judith (Amanda Peet), a woman he doesn't love. They decide to reunite him with his long lost love from their school days (Amanda Detmer) -- even if they have to kidnap Judith to do it.
  • Strange Wilderness
    9
    Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill
    33 votes
    Peter Gaulke takes over, when his father, a respected wildlife TV host dies, but receives far less success. When the show is threatened with cancellation, Peter and his know-nothing crew of stoners and idiots realize that only one creature can save the show: Bigfoot.
  • National Security
    10
    Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore
    41 votes
    Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn), a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.
  • Daddy Day Care
    11
    Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn
    46 votes
    While his wife, Kim (Regina King), brings home the bacon, unemployed Charlie (Eddie Murphy) spends his days caring for the couple's young son. With help from a friend, Phil (Jeff Garlin), Charlie decides to start a day care center. Enrollment quickly surges, and, as they add another employee, goofy Marvin (Steve Zahn), Charlie finds himself dealing with endless red tape. Will he be able to keep the business afloat, or will parents defect to Mrs. Harridan's (Anjelica Huston) day care center?
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid
    12
    Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris
    32 votes
    Middle school is not an enjoyable experience for preteen Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) but a horrid ordeal of social land-mines that he must bear. To do so, he devises schemes to win him the recognition and status he feels he deserves -- all of which fail miserably. Greg chronicles his misadventures, thoughts and opinions in a diary to prepare for the day that he will no longer have to put up with nonsense.
  • You've Got Mail
    13
    Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey
    39 votes
    In the romantic comedy You've Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) is a charming bookstore owner in New York City. She finds herself enamored with an anonymous pen pal she meets online, unaware he is none other than her business rival, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), who owns a large bookselling chain. As their digital love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the bustling Big Apple, their real-life animosity takes a surprising turn. This delightful film, directed by Nora Ephron, explores themes of modern romance and identity in the age of the internet.
  • Crimson Tide
    14
    Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza
    33 votes
    Crimson Tide, a gripping drama set against the backdrop of global conflict, explores the tension-filled relationship between two naval officers aboard a U.S. nuclear submarine. The seasoned Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and his new executive officer Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) find themselves in a bitter power struggle as a potential nuclear disaster looms. As the world teeters on the brink of war, the fate of humanity rests in their hands. This film is a riveting exploration of leadership, duty, and the harrowing reality of war beneath the sea. It garnered multiple award nominations, cementing its place in cinematic history.
  • Rescue Dawn
    15
    Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
    27 votes
    During the Vietnam War, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot, is shot down over Laos and taken captive by enemy soldiers. Interned in a POW camp, Dengler and his fellow prisoners (Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies) endure torture, hunger and illness while they await their chance to escape.
  • Employee of the Month
    16
    Matt Dillon, Christina Applegate, Steve Zahn
    18 votes
    The perpetually unlucky David Walsh (Matt Dillon) thinks he finally has it made after landing his dream job at a bank and getting engaged to Sara (Christina Applegate), a seemingly perfect woman. But in a single day, he's let go at work and his fiancée breaks up with him. Livid, David decides to come back to the bank armed and confront his boss, but, as he does so, a heist takes place. David's day somehow gets worse as the robbers draw him into their violent scheme.
  • Chicken Little
    17
    Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Don Knotts
    25 votes
    Chicken Little is a 2005 Disney animated film that marries comedy with adventure. The story revolves around Chicken Little (voiced by Zach Braff), an undersized rooster with an oversized imagination. Constantly battling public opinion due to his past false alarm about the sky falling, Chicken Little finds himself in a real predicament when he discovers a piece of the sky has indeed fallen. Accompanied by his motley crew of friends - Abby Mallard (Joan Cusack), Runt of the Litter (Steve Zahn), and Fish Out Of Water - they embark on a quest to save their town from potential disaster. Despite its lighthearted exterior, the film delves into themes of trust, friendship and courage. Nominated for several awards, it stands as a testament to Disney's enduring ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.
  • Stuart Little
    18
    Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki
    23 votes
    In the family-friendly adventure film, Stuart Little, a charming mouse named Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox) is adopted from an orphanage by the Little family. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis), treat him as their son, much to the chagrin of the family cat, Snowbell (Nathan Lane). As Stuart navigates life in a human world, he encounters various thrilling escapades that test his courage and wit. This film weaves elements of comedy, drama, and action into a heartwarming tale of acceptance and love; it's a delightful romp with memorable characters that young audiences will cherish.
  • Dr. Dolittle 2
    19
    Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wilson, Jeffrey Jones
    31 votes
    In Dr. Dolittle 2, the now-famous doc has more patients -- two-legged and four-legged -- than he can handle. But his animal friends want more than office visits. The outraged critters want to save their forest from unscrupulous human developers, and they're seeking Dolittle's help.
  • Safe Men
    20
    Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, Paul Giamatti
    16 votes
    Sam (Sam Rockwell) and Eddie (Steve Zahn) are just a couple of clueless, untalented singers. But, when they are mistaken for a pair of safecracking geniuses by a mobster named Veal Chop (Paul Giamatti), they are unwittingly sucked into a life of crime. Though they have no idea what they are doing, Sam and Eddie have no choice but to go along with the Mafia's orders and break into three safes. Things get even more complicated when Sam falls for the daughter of one of their robbery victims.
  • Out of Sight
    21
    George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames
    28 votes
    In Out of Sight, Jack Foley (George Clooney), a charismatic career bank robber, escapes from jail and crosses paths with Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez), a tough federal marshal. Their encounter in the trunk of a getaway car sparks an unusual romance. However, as Foley plans his most audacious heist yet, their connection is tested. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this crime drama weaves together suspense, humor, and romance in an unexpected way. The film also features notable performances from Ving Rhames and Don Cheadle. A commercial success, it was nominated for two Academy Awards.
  • Forces of Nature
    22
    Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Maura Tierney
    22 votes
    All Ben Holmes (Ben Affleck) wants to do is make it from New York to Savannah, Ga., in time for his wedding. When a seagull and a hurricane ruin any chance he has of flying there, Holmes reluctantly joins the quirky Sarah Lewis (Sandra Bullock) in a rental car for a road trip back to his waiting bride-to-be, Bridget Cahill (Maura Tierney). But nature seems to conspire against his every attempt at a timely return -- and in the meantime, he finds himself growing closer to Sarah.
  • Hamlet
    23
    Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlan, Sam Shepard
    15 votes
    This is a modern retelling of the classic tale of a young fimmaker in New York City (Ethan Hawke) struggling with the weight of a production company called Denmark Corp. following the death of his father, including dealing with those who would deprive him of his "crown."
  • SubUrbia
    24
    Jayce Bartok, Amie Carey, Nicky Katt
    16 votes
    Five teen friends (Giovanni Ribisi, Amie Carey, Steve Zahn, Nicky Katt, Dina Spybey) spend their time hanging out behind a convenience store in a sleepy Texas town. Through pointless discussions, the group descends into a self-perpetuating cycle of malaise. Their routine, however, brakes when Pony (Jayce Bartok) returns to town after finding success as a rock star, forcing the group to question their desire to stay in the suburbs doing nothing with their lives.
  • Management
    25
    Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, Woody Harrelson
    27 votes
    Sue (Jennifer Aniston), a workaholic, is a traveling saleswoman peddling cheap art to motels. On one of her stops she meets Mike (Steve Zahn), a lonely motel manager who still lives with his parents. Though Mike hardly dares hope his clumsy attempts to seduce Sue will work, she unexpectedly responds, and the pair have a one-night stand. After Sue leaves the next day, Mike decides to pursue her, setting off a chain of events that will alter both their lives forever.
  • Sunshine Cleaning
    26
    Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin
    19 votes
    Though they once seemed to have a bright future, life seems to be passing by the Norkowski sisters. Rose (Amy Adams), once the most popular girl in high school, is a single mom and works as a maid. Norah (Emily Blunt) still lives at home with their father (Alan Arkin) and parties all the time. When Rose's married lover tells her about the lucrative field of crime-scene cleanup, she pours all her remaining resources into her new business, and recruits the squeamish Norah to help.
  • Stuart Little 2
    27
    Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki
    21 votes
    Plucky, pint-sized hero Stuart Little (Michael J. Fox) returns in "Stuart Little 2," delighting audiences with his big heart and even more action-packed adventure. This time, Stuart must journey through the city with a reluctant Snowbell (Nathan Lane) to rescue a new friend, Margalo (Melanie Griffith), from a villainous Falcon (James Woods).
  • Shattered Glass
    28
    Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, Chloë Sevigny
    14 votes
    Young hotshot journalist Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen) puts on a good show for his adoring editor, Michael Kelly (Hank Azaria), but admits deep insecurities to his fellow writer, Caitlin Avey (Chloë Sevigny). When Glass begins turning in outrageous stories, his popularity skyrockets, but rival journalist Charles Lane (Peter Sarsgaard) becomes suspicious as to their factual accuracy, and eventually discovers that Glass has been fabricating many of his sources.
  • Bandidas
    29
    Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Steve Zahn
    17 votes
    In 19th-century Mexico two women (Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek) from vastly different backgrounds join forces against a ruthless U.S. bank magnate (Dwight Yoakam) who is stealing land from defenseless peasants so that he can build a railroad. A New York detective (Steve Zahn) arrives on the scene to bring the ladies in, but instead they win him over to their side.
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
    30
    Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Steve Zahn
    13 votes
    Wimpy Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), now in seventh grade, thinks he has it all together. He has mastered middle school and gotten rid of the Cheese Touch. However, Greg's older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), is itching to cut him down to size. He gets the perfect opportunity when their mother (Rachael Harris) tries to force the boys to bond. Rodrick may be Greg's chief tormentor, but he feels his constant pranks are just what his little brother needs to prepare him for life's hard knocks.