You probably know him as the guy who spent a decade begging a studio to let him wear a red spandex suit. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a time when he wasn’t the "Merc with a Mouth," but if you're asking what movies does ryan reynolds play in, the list is actually a chaotic mix of rom-coms, indie thrillers, and some superhero stuff he’d rather you forget.
He isn't just Deadpool.
He’s a guy who survived the early 2000s heartthrob era, survived a literal box (literally, he was buried alive in a movie), and somehow became the most bankable star in Hollywood while owning a gin company and a Welsh football team.
The Blockbusters Everyone Talks About
Let's get the obvious ones out of the way first. You’ve definitely heard of Deadpool. It’s the role he was born to play, mostly because Wade Wilson’s personality is basically Ryan’s Twitter feed with more swords. The 2016 original was a massive gamble that paid off, followed by Deadpool 2 in 2018.
But things got really wild in 2024 with Deadpool & Wolverine. This movie didn't just break the box office; it basically dragged the Marvel Cinematic Universe back into the spotlight by its yellow-and-blue collar. As of early 2026, it's still dominating streaming charts on Disney+, showing that people aren't tired of his meta-humor just yet.
Then there’s Free Guy (2021).
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
Basically, he plays a background character in a video game who realizes his world is fake. It’s charming, it’s loud, and it features a shirtless version of himself called "Dude." If you haven't seen it, it’s probably the most "Ryan Reynolds" movie that isn't a superhero flick.
The Netflix Era
Ryan basically moved into the Netflix headquarters for a few years. You’ve probably scrolled past these:
- Red Notice (2021): He stars alongside The Rock and Gal Gadot. It’s a heist movie. There are explosions. He makes jokes. It's exactly what you expect.
- The Adam Project (2022): This one has more heart. He plays a pilot from the future who goes back in time to meet his younger self and his late father (played by Mark Ruffalo).
- 6 Underground (2019): A Michael Bay fever dream. Fast cars, loud noises, and Ryan Reynolds leading a group of vigilantes.
What Movies Does Ryan Reynolds Play In That Aren't Superheroes?
Before he was an Avenger-adjacent icon, he was the king of the "charming but slightly annoying" lead.
The Proposal (2009) is a classic. You’ve got Ryan and Sandra Bullock in Alaska, and it’s genuinely funny. He plays the assistant to a high-powered editor who has to pretend to marry her so she doesn't get deported to Canada. The irony? Ryan is actually Canadian.
Then there’s Just Friends (2005). He wore a massive fat suit for the flashbacks in this one. It’s a bit dated now, but his chemistry with Anna Faris (who plays a deranged pop star) is pure gold.
💡 You might also like: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
The Weird Stuff (The Hidden Gems)
If you want to see him actually act—like, really dig into a character—you have to look at the stuff that didn't make a billion dollars.
Buried (2010) is a masterpiece of anxiety. He is the only person on screen for 95 minutes. He’s trapped in a wooden coffin underground with nothing but a lighter and a dying cell phone. It’s claustrophobic and proves he has serious dramatic chops.
Have you ever heard of The Voices (2014)? It’s a dark comedy where he plays a guy who talks to his pets. The cat is evil; the dog is good. It’s weird, it’s bloody, and it’s one of his best performances because he actually voices the animals himself.
The Roles He Tries to Hide From
We have to talk about Green Lantern (2011).
Look, even Ryan hates this movie. He spent years making fun of it in the Deadpool credits. The CGI suit was a choice. The script was... a choice. But hey, he met his wife, Blake Lively, on set, so it wasn't a total loss for him.
📖 Related: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
And then there's X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). They took Deadpool—the character known for talking—and they sewed his mouth shut. Honestly, whoever made that decision should have been banned from Hollywood. Thankfully, the 2024 reunion with Hugh Jackman fixed that timeline once and for all.
What’s Coming Next for Ryan Reynolds?
Even though it’s 2026 and he’s basically conquered every medium, he isn't slowing down.
- Animal Friends (2026): This is a big one. It’s a live-action/CGI hybrid R-rated road trip movie. He’s starring alongside Jason Momoa and Aubrey Plaza. After a few delays, it’s finally hitting theaters this summer.
- Mayday: An action-adventure film for Apple TV+ that sounds like it’s going to be in the same vein as his other high-octane comedies.
- Avengers: Doomsday: While he’s been coy about his future in the suit, industry rumors (and common sense) suggest Wade Wilson will show up in the next big Avengers event scheduled for late 2026.
A Quick Cheat Sheet of His Career
If you’re looking for a specific vibe, here’s where to find him:
- If you want to laugh: National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) or Waiting... (2005). These are his "gross-out comedy" roots.
- If you want to cry: Definitely, Maybe (2008). It’s a surprisingly sweet story about a dad explaining his past romances to his daughter.
- If you want a thriller: Safe House (2012). He holds his own against Denzel Washington, which is no small feat.
- If you want a kids' movie: Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) or The Croods. He’s a top-tier voice actor.
The Bottom Line on Ryan’s Filmography
So, what movies does ryan rynolds play in? He plays in everything from low-budget horror (The Amityville Horror) to the biggest R-rated movies in history. He’s spent thirty years refining a very specific "Ryan Reynolds" brand: fast-talking, self-deprecating, and incredibly charismatic.
Whether you love the meta-humor or miss the days of his romantic comedies, there is no denying he’s one of the few remaining "movie stars" who can actually get people into a theater just by having his name on the poster.
Your Next Steps:
- Check out Buried if you want to see his best dramatic work.
- Watch The Voices if you want something truly unique and offbeat.
- Re-watch Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney+ to catch all the cameos you missed the first time.
If you are planning a movie marathon, start with Van Wilder to see where he began, then hit The Proposal for his peak rom-com era, and finish with Deadpool to see how he finally took over the world.