Assembling an impressive vita of cinematic brilliance, Bryan Cranson first obtained the approval of critics and audiences alike with his staggering performance as Walter White in AMC’s Breaking Bad. Over the course of five electrifying seasons, the four-time Emmy winning actor transformed his character from a mundane high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless, self-destructive drug kingpin. Since then, the extraordinary actor has indulged in numerous memorable films and television shows, thus etching his status as a household name. In that stretch, Cranston has established himself as a versatile actor with a disciplined approach to each role he delicately portrays.
In fact, Cranston’s adaptability is so broad that the now 65-year-old actor has even performed multiple times on Broadway. By doing so, Cranson has accumulated several nominations and awards, including two Tony Awards for his exemplary stage work and four SAG Awards for several screen performances. Furthermore, the talented actor shows no apparent signs of slowing down, with millions of fans continuing to enjoy his monumental filmography. He even received Anthony Hopkins’ seal of approval. Let’s take a look at this actor’s must-see lineup of movies and shows.
7 Godzilla
Praised for its cinematic direction and masterful performances, especially Bryan Cranston himself, Godzilla follows the notorious monster's battle with a species of parasitic creatures, leaving Ford Brody, a U.S. Navy soldier, trapped in the destructive clash. Cranston plays Joe Brody, an intellectual engineer and the father of Ford. Amidst troublesome destruction and several questions, Joe suffers an unfortunate fate. Despite Cranston's short-lived appearance in the film, his captivating performance as Joe left audiences with an abundance of heartache.
6 The Infiltrator
Based on the acclaimed eponymous autobiography by Robert Mazur, The Infiltrator includes some of Byran Cranston's most powerful work. Set in the 1980s, U.S. Customs Service agent Robert Mazur (Bryan Cranston) adopts an alias to orchestrate a plan undercover in an effort to dismantle Pablo Escobar’s omnipotent drug operation. In a tale of deception and greed, Cranston’s character achieves great success even with the odds stacked against him. While the film features an extremely talented cast, Cranston delivers an unforgettable stand-out performance enriched with tension and adversity.
5 Malcolm in the Middle
Prior to Cranston’s tremendous stardom as the central figure in Breaking Bad, he entertained audiences worldwide with his portrayal as the fun-loving television dad, Hal Wilkerson. Malcolm in the Middle follows the dysfunctional Wilkerson family, comprised of their own household flaws. Hal proudly represents his status as the family's patriarch, though he often embarrassed the rest of the members without recognizing his own oafish behavior. Through each episode, Hal commonly lands himself in unimaginable situations, many of which provide a helping of laughs. Serving as the main source of the show's comedic relief, Cranston shines as a master of physical comedy.
4 Your Honor
In the exhilarating new Showtime series Your Honor, Cranston plays Michael Desiato, a notable New Orleans judge with a respectable reputation. The dramatic story carefully unfolds after Desiato’s asthamtic son, Adam, accidentally murders a fellow teenager in a hit-and-run collision. Tensions begin to rise when Michael learns that the young man that Adam killed is the son of a crime mafia boss in New Orleans. Frightened, Michael decides to backtrack his initial plan, proving to result in a wave of controversy and bad decisions. Critically praised and compared to his compelling performance as Walter White, Cranston’s adept portrayal has helped to renew the show for a second season.
3 All The Way
All The Way first struck accomplishment during the play's 2014 production on Broadway. The story follows Lyndon B. Johnson's reign as President of the United States following the assassaination of John F. Kennedy. Amidst the grief and turmoil, President Johnson (Bryan Cranston) receives immense pressure from Martin Luther King Jr. to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cranston received tremendous critical praise for his methodical performance, with many insisting that Cranston "became" President Johnson. His overall delivery connects with all dots, with many critics and fans alike admiring his efficient approach and commitment to the character.
2 Argo
Directed by the notorious Ben Affleck, the Oscar-nominated drama-thriller Argo follows the true story of six Americans trapped in Iran during the 1979-1981 hostage crisis. CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) orchestrates an unorthodox plan to rescue the hostages, though his boss, Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston), is understandably hesitant. Even with limited screen time overall, Cranston steals every scene that he's involved with. Cranston shines in a role that many believe that he was born to play, specifically in lighter scenes that offer humorous bits concealed in a film full of stress and high-anxiety moments.
1 Trumbo
In Trumbo, the film that earned him a deserving Oscar nomination for Best Actor, Cranston plays Dalton Trumbo, a notorious screenwriter who ultimately becomes blacklisted by Hollywood, along with several other individuals, due to strong political beliefs. With such a polarizing label, Trumbo's personal and professional life begin to crumble. As Trumbo, Cranston is superb in conveying the message of professional disctimination and the determination to overcome unimaginable odds. Much like Cranston's incredible character transformation into the complicated role as Walter White, he equally shines when altering into a erudite, accomplished screenwriter with a political dedication.