Let’s face it: Paul Rudd may very well be immortal. He’s charming, perpetually watchable, and somehow still sporting the same boyish sheen decades deep into his career. Whether shrinking down into superhero form, spouting one-liners in wacky comedies, or demonstrating unexpected dramatic range, Rudd has assembled a body of work as varied as it is beloved. But of all his performances, which truly stand out? Here are the top 10 Paul Rudd movies, ranked in countdown fashion, because a little tension makes everything more exciting.
10. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
This indie classic demonstrates Rudd is more than the comedic star with impeccable timing—he’s a serious range. As Ben, a failed novelist turned caregiver, Rudd walks the tightrope between humor and real emotion in a heartwarming road-trip dramedy that showcases his softer, more vulnerable side.
9. Clueless (1995)
The film that made one generation swoon over Paul Rudd. As Josh, Cher’s down-to-earth ex-stepbrother, he’s the quick-witted, sarcastic foil to the Beverly Hills mayhem. Own it—you wondered about the entire “ex-stepbrother” premise, but Rudd’s charisma pulled it off.
8. Ant-Man (2015)
Who would have thought Rudd would star in a Marvel blockbuster? As Scott Lang, the world’s most human Avenger, he’s a thief and a loving father who just wants to be a better man. Rudd captures the right amount of humor and humanity, making an offbeat character into a fan favorite.
7. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Long before he was MCU’s lovable Howard Stark, Rudd was Andy—the arrogant camp counselor with fabulous hair and poor table manners. This cult classic is absolute madness, and Rudd’s scenery-chewing turn is one of its most hilarious moments. His atrociously bad boyfriend bit? Legendary.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Rudd’s contribution as Kunu, the surfer-dude instructor, is limited, yet indelible. His spaced-out monologues command every scene and demonstrate that he can topple a supporting actor as effortlessly as a lead.
5. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
As Brian Fantana, Rudd brought one of his most quotable performances. With the mustache, the machismo, and that fabled cologne, he’s an absurd but vital member of Channel 4 news. Sixty percent of the time, this film is hilarious every time.
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
In the MCU’s grandest affair, Ant-Man wasn’t only comic relief—he was the man with the scheme. Rudd walks the walk of emotional beats with comedy, and Scott Lang becomes the heart of the film. And only he could make a taco-eating scene become one of the most human MCU moments.
3. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
A comedy masterwork filled to the brim with talent, and yet Rudd is still able to outshine as David, the heartbroken buddy with too much baggage. From the ex-obsession to the classic Michael McDonald skit, Rudd hits every cringe-worthy, laugh-out-loud moment.
2. Knocked Up (2007)
As snarky but endearing dad Pete, Rudd achieves complete chemistry with Leslie Mann—so much so, they received their own spin-off (This Is 40). He acquires the everyman feel, whether sneaking away for fantasy baseball or attempting to hold his family intact.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Rudd’s most unassuming performance could be his best. As Mr. Anderson, the nurturing teacher, he utters one of the film’s most quotable lines—”We accept the love we think we deserve”—with such authenticity that it lingers long after the credits roll. It’s evidence that occasionally the smallest performances leave the biggest impression.
Paul Rudd’s career is a combination of laugh-out-loud comedies, sentimental dramas, and blockbuster extravaganzas. Whether he’s having us laugh, weep, or root for the underdog, he’s demonstrated time and again why he’s Hollywood’s most popular (and timeless) star.