Mark Wahlberg doesn’t stop. Honestly, it’s a bit exhausting just looking at his IMDb page. If you're wondering what movies is Mark Wahlberg in, you’re probably picturing him either holding a massive gun in a Michael Bay explosion or screaming in a thick Boston accent about something being "wicked."
But lately, something has changed. The guy who used to be synonymous with summer blockbusters has quietly pivoted into a streaming juggernaut. It’s not just about the big screen anymore. He’s basically become the king of the "dad movie"—those mid-budget action flicks or heartfelt biopics you find on Netflix or Apple TV+ on a Sunday afternoon.
From Dirk Diggler to The Family Plan
To understand the movies Mark Wahlberg is in now, you have to look at where he started. Most people forget he wasn't always an action star. In the 90s, he was taking massive risks.
Boogie Nights (1997) is still, for many critics, his peak. Playing Dirk Diggler—a well-endowed busboy who becomes an adult film sensation—required a level of vulnerability he rarely shows today. Then you’ve got Three Kings, a weird, experimental war movie that actually holds a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s arguably his best work, even if he and director David O. Russell famously almost came to blows on set.
Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape looks totally different. He’s currently riding the wave of The Family Plan 2. The first one was a massive hit for Apple, and the sequel keeps that "assassin-turned-suburban-dad" energy alive. It’s safe. It’s fun. It’s exactly what people want to watch while they’re folding laundry.
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The Streaming Era and Upcoming Projects
If you feel like you see him everywhere, you aren't imagining it. He's shifted his focus to projects that land directly in your living room.
- The Union (2024): A Netflix spy thriller where he plays a construction worker recruited by his high school ex (Halle Berry).
- Arthur the King (2024): This one hit people right in the feels. It’s a true story about a dog following a pro racer through the jungle.
- Flight Risk (2025): Directed by Mel Gibson. This is a tighter, more intense thriller where he plays a pilot who might not be who he says he is.
- Play Dirty (Expected 2025/2026): A Shane Black movie. This is the one to watch. It’s based on the Parker novels, and if anyone can bring back the "cool" Wahlberg, it’s Shane Black.
Why "The Departed" Still Looms Large
When asking what movies is Mark Wahlberg in, you can't skip the one that got him an Oscar nomination. The Departed (2006) is a masterpiece, but Wahlberg’s Sergeant Dignam is the secret sauce. He’s only on screen for a fraction of the time compared to DiCaprio or Damon, but he steals every single scene.
It’s interesting because that "tough guy with a badge" archetype became his bread and butter for a decade. Shooter, The Other Guys, 2 Guns, Patriots Day. He found a niche and he dug in.
There's a specific kind of nuance in his earlier "tough" roles that sort of drifted away during the Transformers years. Transformers: Age of Extinction and The Last Knight made a billion dollars, sure. But they didn't really feel like Wahlberg movies. They felt like CGI movies that he happened to be standing in front of.
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The Biopic Obsession
Mark has a thing for real people. Specifically, underdogs from blue-collar backgrounds. It’s clearly personal for him.
The Fighter (2010) was a passion project that took years to get made. He spent a fortune of his own money on training and trainers just to look like Micky Ward. Then you have Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon, and Father Stu.
Father Stu is a weird one. It’s a gritty, faith-based biopic about a boxer who becomes a priest. It didn't set the box office on fire, but it’s a huge part of the "Mark Wahlberg movie" identity now. He’s leaning into his faith and his family-man persona more than ever. Even Joe Bell, a tragic story about a father walking across America to honor his son, shows he's trying to do more than just blow things up.
Surprising Roles You Probably Missed
- I Heart Huckabees: An "existential comedy" where he plays a fireman obsessed with the meaning of life. It’s hilarious and totally bizarre.
- Pain & Gain: Michael Bay’s best movie. Mark plays a bodybuilder who thinks he’s in a movie. He’s playing a total idiot, and he’s brilliant at it.
- The Lovely Bones: A rare turn as a grieving father in a supernatural drama. It’s heavy, but it shows his range.
What's Next for the Wahlberg Filmography?
The big rumor—and the project fans are actually screaming for—is The Six Billion Dollar Man. It’s been in development hell for years. Travis Knight is supposedly attached to direct it for a 2026 release. If it actually happens, it could be the start of a whole new franchise for him.
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There’s also talk of Uncharted 2. Despite mixed reviews, the first movie made a ton of money. Mark’s "Sully" was a bit controversial because he didn't have the mustache for most of the movie, but the chemistry with Tom Holland worked.
Basically, if you're looking for Mark Wahlberg, just check the "Top 10" list on any streaming service. He’ll be there. Whether he's playing a high-stakes gambler, a navy seal, or a dad trying to hide his past as a hitman, he’s found a way to stay relevant for over thirty years.
Actionable Insight: If you want to see the best of what movies Mark Wahlberg is in, start with Boogie Nights for the acting, The Other Guys for the laughs, and Lone Survivor for the grit. For the modern "streaming era" Wahlberg, The Family Plan is the perfect place to start. If you're looking for his most recent work, keep an eye out for Flight Risk—it's a return to the more intense, character-driven thrillers he did early in his career.