You probably think you know the deal with Jason Momoa. Big guy, long hair, loves Guinness, looks like he was carved out of a piece of Hawaiian driftwood. We see him as Aquaman or Khal Drogo and figure, okay, he's the "tough guy" of our era. But if you actually dig into the full list of jason momoa movies and shows, the picture gets way more interesting and, honestly, a little weird.
He didn't just wake up one day as a Dothraki warlord.
His career started in the most "90s Hollywood" way possible: folding T-shirts in a surf shop until he was plucked out of 1,300 people to join Baywatch: Hawaii. He was 19. He was a "pretty boy." And for a long time after that, Hollywood didn't really know what to do with him besides making him run on a beach without a shirt. It’s kinda wild to look back at those early episodes of Baywatch or North Shore and see this skinny kid who hadn't yet grown into the mountain of a man we see today.
The Roles That Changed Everything (And the Ones You Missed)
Everyone talks about Game of Thrones. It's the moment the world went, "Oh, wait, this guy has presence." He famously did a Haka for his audition because Khal Drogo doesn't have many lines. He had to prove he could be terrifying without saying a word. It worked.
But if you want to see what he’s actually capable of as an actor, you have to look at the stuff that wasn't a global phenomenon.
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Take The Red Road. It’s this gritty, slow-burn SundanceTV series where he plays Phillip Kopus, an ex-con. It’s arguably his best acting work because he’s not just hitting people; he’s playing someone genuinely broken and morally gray. Then there’s Frontier on Netflix. He plays Declan Harp, a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw in the 1700s fur trade. It's brutal. It's muddy. It shows he can carry a show on his back through sheer charisma.
And then, of course, there's the big stuff:
- Aquaman (2018): The movie that proved he could lead a billion-dollar franchise.
- Dune (2021): As Duncan Idaho, he basically stole every scene he was in.
- Fast X (2023): He played Dante Reyes like a flamboyant, psychotic Joker-on-wheels. It was a polarizing performance, but man, was it fun to watch.
- See (Apple TV+): A post-apocalyptic world where everyone is blind. He plays Baba Voss, and the fight choreography in this show is some of the best ever filmed because they had to "relearn" how to fight without sight.
What’s Coming in 2026 and Beyond
Right now, in 2026, Momoa isn't slowing down. We're seeing him branch out into stuff that’s... well, unexpected. A Minecraft Movie just hit theaters recently, where he plays Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison. It’s a total 180 from his usual "warrior" vibe. He actually just confirmed on The Tonight Show that the sequel is already filming in April 2026.
He’s also finally getting to play Lobo in the new Supergirl movie. Fans have been begging for this for a decade because, let's be real, he is Lobo.
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And don't sleep on The Wrecking Crew. It's an action-comedy with Dave Bautista that’s basically a love letter to 80s buddy-cop movies. It’s exactly the kind of "big guys having fun" energy the box office needs right now.
The Hidden Gems (The "Deep Cuts")
If you’re a real fan, you need to watch Road to Paloma (2014). He didn't just star in it; he wrote, directed, and produced it. It’s a small, beautiful indie road movie about a Native American man on the run. It’s personal. It’s quiet. It’s the exact opposite of a DC blockbuster.
Also, check out Braven. It’s a simple "bad guys trapped in a cabin with the wrong guy" thriller, but it’s executed perfectly. No superpowers, just a guy protecting his family with whatever tools are in his shed.
Why We Keep Watching
Most people get it wrong. They think he’s successful just because of the muscles. Honestly? It’s the vulnerability. Whether it's the way he played a grieving father in Sweet Girl or the "dad energy" he brings to his recent roles, there’s a warmth there that other action stars don't always have. He’s the guy you want to go get a beer with, even if he could accidentally crush the glass in one hand.
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He’s also incredibly picky about his heritage. Being Native Hawaiian and growing up in Iowa gave him a unique perspective that he weaves into almost everything he does. He’s pushing for more indigenous representation behind the camera, not just in front of it. Look at Chief of War, his upcoming miniseries about the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. That’s his legacy project.
Actionable Ways to Experience His Best Work
If you're looking to catch up on the best jason momoa movies and shows, don't just stick to the hits. Do this:
- Watch See on Apple TV+ if you want high-concept sci-fi and the best action choreography of his career.
- Stream The Red Road (usually on AMC+ or Prime) to see his actual dramatic range. It’ll surprise you.
- Follow his documentary series On the Roam. It’s basically him traveling the world, meeting craftsmen, and geeking out over old motorcycles. It’s the most "real" version of Jason you’ll ever see.
- Keep an eye out for In the Hand of Dante. It’s a much more "prestige" film coming out soon that puts him alongside heavy hitters like Oscar Isaac and Gal Gadot.
Jason Momoa has spent the last 20 years proving he’s more than a guy who looks good in a pair of leather pants. From the surf shops of Hawaii to the deserts of Arrakis, he’s built a filmography that’s as eclectic as his collection of vintage Harleys. Whether you're there for the blockbusters or the indie dramas, there's always something more bubbling under the surface.
To get the full experience of his career trajectory, start with his directorial debut Road to Paloma to see his artistic vision, then jump into Frontier for his grit, and finally re-watch Fast X just to see how much fun he’s having being the villain. This gives you the full spectrum of the "Momoa Magic" that has dominated Hollywood for the last decade.