The ageless face of Paul Rudd has taken many forms over the course of his acting career. He is a versatile performer who is able to effectively take on roles of all types, despite never appearing to age in a kind of Picture of Dorian Gray way; Seth Rogen sums up his alarming immortality by asking, "Did they freeze you?" Until his addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he has predominantly been cast in comedy films; this is not to say that the star of Ant-Man 3 doesn't have range.
Even within the comedy genre, Paul Rudd has an ability to put compassion and emotion into his characters. He may be the funny guy, but he is also the sweet, compassionate, and caring guy audiences love. Not confined to film, Rudd has appeared in many television series including Reno 911!, Parks and Recreation, and Friends, along with a terrifically dark turn as a manipulative therapist opposite Will Ferrell in The Shrink Next Door. He has carved out a unique space for himself in Hollywood and this article will showcase the very best of Paul Rudd Films.
5 The 40-Year-Old Virgin
The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a comedy classic. It stars Steve Carrell but also features a fantastic performance by Paul Rudd. As the title would suggest, the film tells the story of a 40-year-old man searching to lose his virginity.
The film is directed by Judd Apatow, so laughs here are guaranteed. Although the film centers around Andy (Carrell), we also see some stellar performances by his coworkers and friends. With Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogen all sharing the screen, it’s a tough competition, but in this flick, Rudd steals the show. His character shows the most compassion towards Andy and is always there to support him on his quest for coitus. If you haven’t seen this film, its hilarious direction and acting make it a definitive comedy watch.
4 I Love You, Man
I Love You, Man gives Paul Rudd some serious range. This movie isn’t your typical easy-going comedy. The premise of the film centers around a recently engaged man who is forced to confront his lack of male friends when he realizes he needs a best man for his wedding. With the support of his fiancée, he embarks on journey to find a best friend.
Directed by John Hamburg and co-starring Jason Segel and Rashida Jones, this film is both hilarious and heartfelt. Both Paul Rudd and Segel put on stellar performances. This film will leave you laughing, smiling, and wanting more Rudd!
3 The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Paul Rudd takes a minor role in this heartrending high school drama. Acting alongside Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, Rudd is cast as Mr. Anderson, a high school teacher who plays a pivotal role in his students' lives. The Perks of Being a Wallflower remains a modern coming-of-age classic.
Although he is not the star of this incredible movie, the role is an interesting one for his career. The Mr. Anderson character does not have many of the quirky and aloof qualities that many of his other characters possess. Mr. Anderson is a straight shooter who is passionate about the lives of his students. It marks an important point in Rudd’s career and shows that he can play more than just the comedic sidekick.
2 Our Idiot Brother
This all-star ensemble comedy is centered around a flippant, laid-back optimist who barges into the lives of his three sisters. The main character, Ned, is played by Rudd. Acting alongside him are veteran comedians Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, T.J. Miller, and Kathryn Hahn.
The character Ned may be the epitome of Paul Rudd. He embodies all the qualities that come to mind when imagining his past characters. He is a light-hearted and funny idealist who’s trustful to a fault. Instead of a supporting role, Our Idiot Brother is completely centered around Rudd, with all the other great actors caught up in his orbit and reacting to his presence. If you enjoy Paul Rudd, this should definitely be added to your watch list.
1 Ant-Man
Paul Rudd’s addition to the MCU took his acting abilities to new heights. In his other films, we saw emotional depth in his performance, but the characters he portrayed were mostly comedic in nature. In Ant-Man we still see the funny lighthearted acting we know and love, but the premise of Ant Man and other Marvel films he is featured in force a deeper performance because of the high-stakes storyline.
Like other popular superhero movies, this one involves saving the world. Rudd’s character, Scott Lang, must help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, in preventing a dangerous piece of technology from reaching Hydra. The addition of Paul Rudd to the world of Marvel was an excellent choice. Since Ant-Man, Rudd has been featured in a handful of Marvel movies, including a sequel to this film, Ant-Man and the Wasp. It is exciting to imagine how the Ant-Man character will continue in the MCU, and if you enjoy Paul Rudd, you should be on the lookout for the next Marvel film that features his performance. From his first Marvel movie to his hypothetical 100th, Rudd will probably look exactly the same, and still be just as great.