
(Photo by Universal Pictures courtesy Everett Collection)
All Paul Rudd Movies Ranked
Yes, Paul Rudd has been around for a while, and yes, the guy never ages. It all started, as most auspicious Hollywood careers do, in a execrable slasher movie — the sixth Halloween, to be exact in Rudd’s case. Clueless came out that same year and was the crown jewel in his filmography for nearly a decade because, although Rudd quickly rose to leading man status with The Object of My Affection and The Shape of Things, it doesn’t matter much if nobody watches the movies.
Of course, Rudd’s career trajectory exploded with cultural comedy touchstone Anchorman, which was followed by The 40-Year-Old Virgin, ushering in the Judd Apatow era of American comedy. Combined with his 2001 role in Wet Hot American Summer, appearances on TV’s Tim & Eric, and his internet-tailored running joke of showing Mac & Me on Conan O’Brien’s show in lieu of whatever he was supposed to promote, Rudd made his presence known in virtually ever niche of 21st century comedy.
Subsequently, he joined the MCU in 2015 in Ant-Man, which had a publicly rocky development leading to original director Edgar Wright’s departure. But with its light step and heist-movie architecture, the film won over audiences, and Rudd’s fanboy enthusiasm as Scott Lang has been a welcome addition in all his appearances since. All that wide-eyed cheer came in handy with the heavy Avengers: Endgame, and with that saga now complete, we’re celebrating with the best Paul Rudd movies! And then the worst! —Alex Vo
94%
Critics Consensus: Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel's epic Infinity Saga.
Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
92%
Critics Consensus: Beautifully animated and faithful to the spirit of its classic source material, The Little Prince is a family-friendly treat that anchors thrilling visuals with a satisfying story.
Synopsis: The Aviator introduces a girl to a world where she rediscovers her childhood and learns that it's human connections that matter most, and that it... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, James Franco, Marion Cotillard
Directed By: Mark Osborne
90%
Critics Consensus: Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes.
Synopsis: Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
90%
Critics Consensus: Knocked Up is a hilarious, poignant and refreshing look at the rigors of courtship and child-rearing, with a sometimes raunchy, yet savvy script that is ably acted and directed.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann
Directed By: Judd Apatow
87%
Critics Consensus: A lighter, brighter superhero movie powered by the effortless charisma of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Ant-Man and The Wasp offers a much-needed MCU palate cleanser.
Synopsis: Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña
Directed By: Peyton Reed
85%
Critics Consensus: Steve Carell's first star turn scores big with a tender treatment of its titular underdog, using raunchy but realistically funny comedy to connect with adult audiences.
Synopsis: Three dysfunctional co-workers embark on a mission to help their newfound friend lose his sexual innocence.
Starring: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco
Directed By: Judd Apatow
85%
Critics Consensus: The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances.
Synopsis: Socially awkward Charlie is a wallflower watching from the sidelines, until a pair of charismatic seniors take him under their wing.
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman
Directed By: Stephen Chbosky
83%
Critics Consensus: Led by a charming performance from Paul Rudd, Ant-Man offers Marvel thrills on an appropriately smaller scale -- albeit not as smoothly as its most successful predecessors.
Synopsis: Forced out of his own company by former protégé Darren Cross, Dr. Hank Pym recruits the talents of Scott Lang, a master thief just released... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll
Directed By: Peyton Reed
82%
Critics Consensus: Energetic, self-deprecating performances and enough guffaw-inducing humor make up for the flaws in This Is the End loosely written script.
Synopsis: In Hollywood, actor James Franco is throwing a party with a slew of celebrity pals. Among those in attendance are his buddies Jonah Hill, Seth... View Full Synopsis
Starring: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel
Directed By: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg
82%
Critics Consensus: I Love You, Man makes the most of its simple premise due to the heartfelt and hilarious performances of Paul Rudd and Jason Segel.
Synopsis: As his wedding day approaches, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) realizes he has no one to act as his best man. Through a series of "man-dates,"... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly
Directed By: John Hamburg
84%
Critics Consensus: With ample laughs and sharp performances, Forgetting Sarah Marshall finds just the right mix of romantic and raunchy comedy.
Synopsis: Struggling musician Peter Bretter is better-known as the boyfriend of TV star Sarah Marshall. After she unceremoniously dumps him, he feels lost and alone but... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand
Directed By: Nicholas Stoller
82%
Critics Consensus: Sausage Party is definitely offensive, but backs up its enthusiastic profanity with an impressively high laugh-to-gag ratio -- and a surprisingly thought-provoking storyline.
Synopsis: Life is good for all the food items that occupy the shelves at the local supermarket. Frank (Seth Rogen) the sausage, Brenda (Kristen Wiig) the... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader
Directed By: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan
82%
Critics Consensus: A step back in the right direction for director David Gordon Green, Prince Avalanche shambles amiably along with a pair of artfully low-key performances from Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch.
Synopsis: Two road-crew workers (Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch) spend the summer of 1988 isolated and away from their city lives, eventually finding themselves at odds with... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch, Lance LeGault, Joyce Payne
Directed By: David Gordon Green
82%
Critics Consensus: A funny and clever reshaping of Emma, Clueless offers a soft satire that pokes as much fun at teen films as it does at the Beverly Hills glitterati.
Synopsis: Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker,... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd
Directed By: Amy Heckerling
77%
Critics Consensus: Role Models is a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch
Directed By: David Wain
74%
Critics Consensus: It's just as uneven and loosely structured as the first Anchorman -- and while Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues may not be quite as quotable, it's nearly as funny as its predecessor.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner
Directed By: Adam McKay
80%
Critics Consensus: The Fundamentals of Caring gets maximum mileage out of the chemistry between its well-matched leads as it follows a fairly well-worn coming-of-age road trip route.
Synopsis: A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, Craig Roberts
Directed By: Rob Burnett
73%
Critics Consensus: Though it doesn't approach the depth of the best animated films, Monsters Vs. Aliens has enough humor and special effects to entertain moviegoers of all ages.
Synopsis: When a meteor full of space gunk transforms Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) into a giant, the government renames her Ginormica and confines her to a... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett
Directed By: Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon
74%
Critics Consensus: Baz Luhrmann's visual aesthetic is as divisive as it is fresh and inventive.
Synopsis: 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,... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo
Directed By: Baz Luhrmann
72%
Critics Consensus: The Cider House Rules derives affecting drama from wonderful performances, lovely visuals, and an old-fashioned feel.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd
Directed By: Lasse Hallström
70%
Critics Consensus: It's decidedly uneven, but like Paul Rudd's performance in the title role, Our Idiot Brother is too charming to resist.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer
Directed By: Jesse Peretz
70%
Critics Consensus: They Came Together is surprisingly messy and perhaps too smart for its own good, but Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd's chemistry is enough to overcome many of the movie's flaws.
Synopsis: The owner (Amy Poehler) of an independent candy shop and the corporate stooge (Paul Rudd) who has been sent to shut her down begin an... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Cobie Smulders, Christopher Meloni
Directed By: David Wain
69%
Critics Consensus: Though the plot may be familiar, Diggers is just pleasant, charming, and heartwarming enough to make it worth your while.
Synopsis: During the 1970s as corporate fisheries began snatching up water rights around the Hamptons, independent clammers Hunt and his friends could do little else but... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Lauren Ambrose, Ron Eldard, Josh Hamilton
Directed By: Katherine Dieckmann
68%
Critics Consensus: Ideal Home benefits from the chemistry between a well-chosen cast, whose work helps tip the scales against the script's inconsistent -- and occasionally retrograde -- humor.
Synopsis: Celebrity chef Erasmus and his partner, Paul, have a happy and rather self-indulgent life together. Their perfect existence is soon turned upside down when, at... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Steve Coogan, Alison Pill, Jake McDorman
Directed By: Andrew Fleming
66%
Critics Consensus: Filled with inspired silliness and quotable lines, Anchorman isn't the most consistent comedy in the world, but Will Ferrell's buffoonish central performance helps keep this portrait of a clueless newsman from going off the rails.
Synopsis: Hotshot television anchorman Ron Burgundy welcomes upstart reporter Veronica Corningstone into the male-dominated world of 1970s broadcast news -- that is, until the talented female... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell
Directed By: Adam McKay
64%
Critics Consensus: LaBute returns to his earlier themes of cruelty in relationships, and the results hit hard.
Synopsis: "The Shape of Things," a contemporary story of love and art set in a college town, follows the steadily intensifying relationship between Evelyn (Rachel Weisz)... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Gretchen Mol, Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz, Frederick Weller
Directed By: Neil LaBute
69%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Mother Nature (Saoirse Ronan) loves to cause mischief, and she steps in to help two love-starved souls find happiness. She helps an aging professional woman... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd, Saoirse Ronan, Tracey Ullman
Directed By: Amy Heckerling
63%
Critics Consensus: Ghostbusters: Afterlife crosses the streams between franchise revival and exercise in nostalgia -- and this time around, the bustin' mostly feels good.
Synopsis: In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd
Directed By: Jason Reitman
58%
Critics Consensus: It isn't always as funny as it should be, but Wanderlust benefits from an extremely talented cast and some of David Wain's most confident, assured work behind the camera.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Malin Akerman
Directed By: David Wain
54%
Critics Consensus: Laura Linney is as watchable as ever, but the melancholy P.S. never finds its footing.
Synopsis: Louise Harrington (Laura Linney) is a lonely divorcée working at the admissions office at Columbia University when she notices an applicant with a familiar name.... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Laura Linney, Topher Grace, Paul Rudd, Lois Smith
Directed By: Dylan Kidd
53%
Critics Consensus: Despite heartfelt performances from Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, The Object of My Affection suffers from too many plot contrivances and frequent turns into rom-com sappiness.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Alan Alda, Nigel Hawthorne
Directed By: Nicholas Hytner
52%
Critics Consensus: Judd Apatow definitely delivers funny and perceptive scenes in This is 40, even if they are buried in aimless self-indulgence.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, John Lithgow, Megan Fox
Directed By: Judd Apatow
51%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: The story follows brothers Graham (Paul Rudd) and Allen (Romany Malco) Granville as they make their way from America to small-town France. It appears that... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Sylvie Testud, Romany Malco, Didier Flamand
Directed By: Jesse Peretz
48%
Critics Consensus: Well-acted but uneven, All Is Bright strands a pair of strong performances from Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd in a meandering script.
Synopsis: Two shady French-Canadians hatch a get-rich-quick scheme, by selling Christmas trees in New York City.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, Sally Hawkins, Peter Hermann
Directed By: Phil Morrison
46%
Critics Consensus: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania mostly lacks the spark of fun that elevated earlier adventures, but Jonathan Majors' Kang is a thrilling villain poised to alter the course of the MCU.
Synopsis: Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope's... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Bill Murray
Directed By: Peyton Reed
42%
Critics Consensus: Parents might call this either a spectacle-filled adventure or a shallow and vapid CG-fest, depending on whether they choose to embrace this on the same level as their kids.
Synopsis: A night watchman (Ben Stiller) at a museum of natural history makes a startling discovery: Thanks to the unleashing of an ancient Egyptian curse, the... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney
Directed By: Shawn Levy
43%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: A Hollywood actor (Donal Logue) and his best friend compete in celebrity tennis tournaments.
Starring: Donal Logue, Jason Isaacs, Kirk Fox, Stephen Dorff
Directed By: Donal Logue
43%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: College student Wyatt (Paul Rudd) is convinced that his hometown girlfriend, Kimberly (Christine Taylor), is cheating on him. Disconsolate at a strip club, he nonetheless... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Larry Drake, Christine Taylor
Directed By: Jason Bloom
42%
Critics Consensus: It doesn't honor its source material -- or its immensely likable leads -- as well as it should, but Dinner for Schmucks offers fitfully nourishing comedy.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Bruce Greenwood, Ron Livingston
Directed By: Jay Roach
37%
Critics Consensus: Admission has a pair of immensely likable leads in Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, but it wastes them on a contrived (and clumsily directed) screenplay.
Synopsis: When straight-laced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) pays a recruiting visit to an alternative high school, she receives some news that catches... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn
Directed By: Paul Weitz
39%
Critics Consensus: Wet Hot American Summer's incredibly talented cast is too often outmatched by a deeply silly script that misses its targets at least as often as it skewers them.
Synopsis: Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, "Wet Hot American Summer" follows a group of counselors who are each... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Michael Showalter, Marguerite Moreau
Directed By: David Wain
35%
Critics Consensus: Although a few of the sketches that make up The Ten are humorous, the uneven and random tone of the film cause it to fall apart.
Synopsis: A series of interweaving vignettes spoof the Ten Commandments. In one story, a skydiver (Adam Brody) forgets to pack his parachute. When he lands, he... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Paul Rudd, Famke Janssen, Winona Ryder, Jessica Alba
Directed By: David Wain
35%
Critics Consensus: Reno 911!'s anarchic brand of comedy loses much in translation to the big screen where it feels slapdash and shallow.
Synopsis: 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.... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney, Cedric Yarbrough
Directed By: Robert Ben Garant
32%
Critics Consensus: The Catcher Was a Spy loses sight of the most interesting elements of its fact-based story, dropping the ball and leaving likable lead Paul Rudd stranded.
Synopsis: Major League Baseball player Moe Berg lives a double life as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Mark Strong, Guy Pearce, Paul Giamatti
Directed By: Ben Lewin
32%
Critics Consensus: The Baxter is good-natured, but there are simply not enough laughs to fuel this comedy.
Synopsis: Elliot Sherman (Michael Showalter) has had terrible luck with women during his life, losing three of them to ex-boyfriends in outlandish situations. Now, a week... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Michael Showalter, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux
Directed By: Michael Showalter
32%
Critics Consensus: How Do You Know boasts a quartet of likeable leads -- and they deserve better than this glib, overlong misfire from writer/director James L. Brooks.
Synopsis: 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... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, Jack Nicholson
Directed By: James L. Brooks
30%
Critics Consensus: A clumsy and scattered comedy with a poorly executed script.
Synopsis: This ensemble comedy follows an array of young people in New York City on New Year's Eve. Among the numerous characters looking for love and... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Díaz
Directed By: Risa Bramon Garcia
23%
Critics Consensus: A muddled sex-comedy that feels oddly sexless, The Oh in Ohio packs in too many ideas without establishing a clear identity or objective.
Synopsis: Priscilla (Parker Posey) and Jack (Paul Rudd) appear to be the perfect couple, but they have a secret: She is sexually frustrated. They separate in... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, Danny DeVito, Mischa Barton
Directed By: Bill Kent
20%
Critics Consensus: Visually polished but narratively derivative and overall muddled, Mute is a would-be sci-fi epic whose title serves as an unfortunate guide to how it might be best enjoyed.
Synopsis: In a Berlin of the future, a mute bartender's search for his missing lady-love takes him deeper and deeper into the city's criminal underbelly.
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Justin Theroux, Sam Rockwell, Paul Rudd
Directed By: Duncan Jones
21%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: A struggling actor (Paul Rudd) and his screenwriting roommate (Patton Oswalt) embark on an attention-grabbing journey through Los Angeles to become famous.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Patton Oswalt, Hannibal Buress, Riki Lindhome
Directed By: Chris Prynoski
20%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: In the American heartland of the 1960s, the aimless and penniless Clay (Vince Vaughn) decides to work on a flourishing farm operated by the enterprising... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Kate Capshaw, Jeremy Davies, Vince Vaughn, Ashley Judd
Directed By: John Patrick Kelley
14%
Critics Consensus: With few laughs and little romantic chemistry, Over Her Dead Body lacks the ingredients of a successful romantic comedy.
Synopsis: After his fiancée, Kate (Eva Longoria Parker), dies in an accident on their wedding day, veterinarian Henry (Paul Rudd) grows depressed. To help him move... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Eva Longoria, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Lindsay Sloane
Directed By: Jeff Lowell
8%
Critics Consensus: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers trades the simple, brutal effectiveness of the original for convoluted mysticism, with disastrously dull results.
Synopsis: This installment marks the return of the seemingly indestructible masked murderer Michael Myers (George P. Wilbur), who is targeting Tommy Doyle (Paul Stephen Rudd), a... View Full Synopsis
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Mitch Ryan, Marianne Hagan, Paul Rudd
Directed By: Joe Chappelle




