The 50+ Best Steve Zahn Movies
Ranked By
1.5K votes
274 voters
1 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.
- Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben StillerIn 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.More Reality Bites
- #116 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
- #268 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #57 of 99 onThe Greatest Movie Soundtracks Of All Time
- Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon SchaechIn 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.More That Thing You Do!
- #20 of 174 onThe Best Movies About Music
- #347 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #229 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, William H. MacyWhen 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).More Happy, Texas
- #31 of 51 onThe Best Country Movies, Ranked
- #28 of 52 onThe 50+ Best PG-13 Teenage Gay And LGBTQ+ Movies
- #34 of 83 onThe 80+ Best PG-13 Indie Movies
- Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Penélope CruzSeasoned 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.More Sahara
- #70 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #76 of 200 onThe 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies
- #10 of 18 on18 Underrated Action-Adventure Movies
- Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee SobieskiIt'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.More Joy Ride
- #177 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #48 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #44 of 167 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- 6
Riding in Cars with Boys
Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Brittany MurphyThe 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.More Riding in Cars with Boys- #72 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #46 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #150 of 168 onThe 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked
- Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla JovovichNewlyweds 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.More A Perfect Getaway
- Dig Deeper...Famous Movies From Jamaica
- #11 of 56 onThe Best Vacation Horror Movies, Ranked By Fans
- #9 of 21 onWhat's the Greatest Hawaii Movie of All Time?
- Jason Biggs, Steve Zahn, Jack BlackThe 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.More Saving Silverman
- Dig Deeper...List of All Dark Comedy Movies
- And Deeper...Every Major Romance Movie
- #91 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah HillPeter 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.
- Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm FeoreEarl 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.
- Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve ZahnWhile 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?More Daddy Day Care
- #555 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #21 of 53 onThe Best Father-Son Movies Ever Made
- #123 of 152 onThe Best Movies Of 2003, Ranked
- Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael HarrisMiddle 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.More Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Dig Deeper...All the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books, Ranked Best to Worst
- #256 of 374 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #100 of 104 onThe Best Film Franchises, Ranked
- Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker PoseyIn 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.More You've Got Mail
- #429 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
- #21 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George DzundzaCrimson 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.More Crimson Tide
- #77 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #203 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #17 of 90 onThe Best Movies Of 1995
- Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy DaviesDuring 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.More Rescue Dawn
- #214 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #191 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #55 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
- Matt Dillon, Christina Applegate, Steve ZahnThe 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.
- Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Don KnottsChicken 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.More Chicken Little
- #311 of 447 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #55 of 59 onThe Best Disney Movies Starring Animals
- #109 of 188 onThe 180+ Top Kids Movies
- Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan LipnickiIn 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.More Stuart Little
- #551 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #121 of 168 onThe Best '90s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #50 of 174 onThe 150+ Best Animal Movies
- Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wilson, Jeffrey JonesIn 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.
- Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, Paul GiamattiSam (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.
- George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving RhamesIn 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.More Out of Sight
- Dig Deeper...Every Major Romance Movie
- And Deeper...List of All Romantic Comedy Movies
- #349 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Maura TierneyAll 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.
- Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlan, Sam ShepardThis 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."
- Jayce Bartok, Amie Carey, Nicky KattFive 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.
- Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, Woody HarrelsonSue (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.
- Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan ArkinThough 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.More Sunshine Cleaning
- #83 of 158 onThe Best Movies of 2008
- #238 of 449 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #15 of 32 onThe Best Dramas About Relationships Between Sisters
- Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan LipnickiPlucky, 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).
- Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, Chloë SevignyYoung 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.More Shattered Glass
- #12 of 16 onThe 16 Best Movies About Frauds, Ranked
- #41 of 50 onThe Best Movies About Having A Moral Dilemma
- #13 of 16 onUnderrated Movies About Real-Life Scandals
- Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Steve ZahnIn 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.
- Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Steve ZahnWimpy 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.