Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian actor, has really come off a hot streak in recent years, starring in various unique roles in a range of box office smashes and grabbing headlines. Ryan Reynolds has established himself in the hearts of audiences on social media for various reasons, ranging from his purchase of a mobile phone firm to his love for Betty White.
10 – Definitely, Maybe (2015)
Reynolds found his footing as the gentle everyman in this 2008 romantic comedy. Will Hayes, portrayed by Abigail Breslin, going through a divorce and is struggling to explain his love backstory to his little daughter, Maya (Little Miss Sunshine, Zombieland). Even at 11 years old, Breslin holds her own with Reynolds and the two have a great relationship.
To clarify his position, Will Hayes reminisces about the 1990s and the three women he used to date, all of whom were portrayed by fantastic comedy actresses — Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks, and Isla Fisher.
9 – Waiting … (2005)
This 2005 comedy is regarded as a classic by a large number of service sector employees and others. Writer/director Rob McKittrick penned the screenplay while working as a waitress at a restaurant. Reynolds appears in this comedy with Anna Faris, Justin Long, Luis Guzman, and John Francis Daley, who are all employees at a franchise restaurant called ShenaniganZ.
The narrative picks up over the course of one work shift at the restaurant, allowing Reynolds to demonstrate his abilities by charming customers, flirting with the host, and continually goofing around with his colleagues. It’s clear that Deadpool has no qualms about speaking his mind, which provides the audience a true feeling of where Deadpool comes from.
8 – 6 Underground (2019)
Michael Bay’s directorial style is on display in this Netflix original from 2019. It centers on a group of six highly competent people who are unafraid to do what is necessary to accomplish the task. Adria Arjona (Morbius, Emerald City), Corey Hawkins (BlackKkKlansman), and Dave Franco (Dawn of the Dead) all feature in the film (Neighbors, Now You See Me).
Paul Wernick, the screenwriter, had worked with Reynolds on both of the Deadpool films, so he was familiar with the actor. Wernick also penned the Zombieland films, so 6 Underground is a great crossover of his work with Reynolds and Bay. 6 Underground is a high-octane action-packed flick with trademark Reynolds’ comedy as well as foreign flair.
7 – Detective Pikachu (2019)
The Pokémon video game inspired this 2019 action/mystery film directed by Rob Letterman. Though the film stirred up controversy, one of its main attractions was Reynolds, whose portrayal as the title character kept the film fly up.
For Pokémon enthusiasts, this film is chock-full of Easter eggs and allusions. Because the bulk of Reynolds’ films is aimed at a much older audience, it may be a good way for a younger audience to be exposed to his work for the first time.
6 – The Proposal (2009)
Betty White and Ryan Reynolds on a film together? Who needs more? Add Sandra Bullock and it’s a match made in heaven. In this 2019 romantic comedy, director Anne Fletcher (Step Up, 27 Dresses) makes the most of an incredible ensemble. Reynolds portrays an assistant at a New York City publishing business who is barely hanging on until his boss (Bullock) is faced with deportation and tries a phony marriage with Reynolds in order to maintain her job.
It’s a last-minute journey to Alaska to see Reynolds’ family, and things go horribly wrong. Reynolds has already portrayed a romantic lead, but this role, coupled with Bullock’s dictatorial character, truly elevates his performance. The fact that he strives to keep pace with real comedic talent has truly satisfied fans with his full-blown performances in the film.
5 – Red Notice (2021)
Rawson Marshall Thurber (Meeting the Millers, Skyscraper) is at the helm of an action/comedy in which Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson team up to duke it out with Gal Gadot’s wits and brawn. From the opulent foreign locations and clothing to the thrilling battle and pursuit sequences, this spy vs. spy/FBI plot is continuous and laced with comedy.
With elements of Deadpool, Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and Wonder Woman mixed together, this Netflix-produced picture is a compelling combination. Each actor seems to be playing to his or her strengths, and the whole cast appears to be having a great time producing Red Notice.
4 – The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
Reynolds co-stars in this 2017 action/comedy with one of Hollywood’s major hitters, Samuel L. Jackson. Reynolds is pushed to his limits by his humor, action, and dramatic talents, and these two stars elevate the buddy cop riff to new heights.
Reynolds portrays an out-of-luck bodyguard attempting to redeem himself by defending his rival, a hitman portrayed by Jackson. Add Elodie Yung (Daredevil, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Gary Oldman (Dark Knight, Harry Potter) to the mix for a high-energy good time, not to mention Salma Hayek (Eternals, Dogma) reprising her role as the sequel’s title heroine.
3 – Deadpool 2
In this 2018 sequel, the mercenary with a mouth will make a comeback. Reynolds’ Marvel escapades this time feature Russell, a teenage mutant portrayed by Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Godzilla Vs Kong), and Cable (Josh Brolin). Additionally, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Dopinder, and Blind Al return – along with a slew of would-be heroes.
Director David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, John Wick) stays true to the iconic Deadpool style, including the excessive slo-mo action, while leaving the audience wondering about what will happen next. Reynolds has undoubtedly found his perfect role in Deadpool and continues to demonstrate why he is a megastar.
2 – Deadpool
Its self-referential and irreverent action/comedy style wowed spectators in the first installment of the series, which was inspired by the Marvel comic book about an antihero. Reynolds had previously appeared as this character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009, and his portrayal of the character caught the attention of fans.
Deadpool had an R classification because of the violence and profanity in the film, but it also set multiple box office records, including becoming the highest-grossing X-Men film to date. With its rapid-fire quips, constant clever banter, some somber moments, and lots of fast-paced action, the film provided Ryan Reynolds with an opportunity to demonstrate his acting abilities.
1 – Free Guy
The film is directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, The Pink Panther), who was ranked as Ranker’s number one choice for Reynolds. An action/comedy/science-fiction film directed by Zak Penn (Ready Player One, X-Men United). This 2021 box office smash hit will take audiences on a wild sci-fi/comedy adventure unlike any other. Reynolds appears as a background character in a game called Free City, where he works as a bank teller, and the film depicts his transformation from an automaton to a self-aware being.
Millie, Reynolds’ co-star and fellow game character, is portrayed by Jodie Comer, who also appears in the film (Killing Eve, The Rise of Skywalker) The film also boasts outstanding performances by Taika Waititi, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, and Channing Tatum, all of whom contribute to the film’s humorous and surprising tone.
