Ryan Reynolds’ Top 10 Roles: From Rom-Coms to Raw Drama

Ryan Reynolds has made a name for himself by slipping into all sorts of roles, never shying away from a challenge. Whether he’s cracking jokes, showing a softer side, or causing a bit of chaos, he does it with a natural ease that’s hard to ignore. His secret? He’s never played it safe, and that’s what keeps locals coming back for more.

Romantic Comedies and Animated Gems

In The Proposal (2009), Reynolds proves he’s right at home in a rom-com. As Andrew Paxton, the overworked assistant roped into a fake engagement with his boss, he keeps his cool while Sandra Bullock and Betty White bring the energy. Their banter feels genuine, and Reynolds’ slightly panicked sweetness makes you want to see him win. The story’s predictable, but the chemistry is spot on—punters are still keen for a reunion.

Switching gears, The Croods (2013) lets Reynolds have a bit of fun with animation. Voicing Guy, the optimistic outsider, he brings a lively, resourceful energy that balances out the prehistoric family’s wild antics. The cast is a mixed bag, but Reynolds fits right in, making the most of the film’s playful tone.

Offbeat Characters and Surprising Depth

The Voices (2014) is one of the stranger stops in Reynolds’ career. Playing Jerry, a bloke who chats with his pets (all voiced by Reynolds), he manages to make the character both funny and quietly heartbreaking. The film’s bright look hides a darker edge, and Reynolds never lets Jerry become a joke—he’s vulnerable and real.

In Free Guy (2021), Reynolds flips his usual persona, playing a cheerful NPC who discovers he’s not real. He leans into the innocence, getting excited over the little things and showing a dorky charm that works a treat. The film bounces between silly and serious, and Reynolds’ performance is the glue that holds it together.

Romance, Indie Experiments, and Superhero Mayhem

With Definitely, Maybe (2008), Reynolds dials back the snark to play Will Hayes, a dad telling his daughter the story of how he met her mum. The film avoids the usual rom-com clichés, focusing on what makes relationships tick. Reynolds lets the women around him shine, showing he doesn’t need to be the centre of attention to carry a story.

The Nines (2007) is a lesser-known indie where Reynolds takes on multiple roles across three linked stories. The film gets weirder as it goes, and Reynolds jumps between characters—a TV star, a writer, a suburban dad—showing off a range that’s often overlooked. It’s a reminder he was experimenting long before Hollywood locked him into a type.

Then there’s Deadpool (2016), the role that changed everything. Reynolds had been pushing for this film for years, and when it finally happened, it was a perfect fit. As Wade Wilson, he’s chaotic, emotional, and completely unfiltered. The action, the humour, the heart—it all works, and for many, this is the performance that defines him.

Quiet Strength and Raw Emotion

In Adventureland (2009), Reynolds plays Mike, the older mechanic at a theme park. He seems cool at first, but as the film goes on, you see he’s just a bit lost. Reynolds keeps it understated, letting the character’s loneliness show through small choices. He adds a gentle weight to the story, proving he can do more than just take the mickey.

Buried (2010) is as tense as it gets. Reynolds spends the entire film trapped in a coffin, with only a phone and a lighter. It could’ve been a gimmick, but he turns it into a gripping thriller, cycling through fear, anger, and hope. The camera never leaves his face, and every second depends on him—there’s nowhere to hide.

Finally, Mississippi Grind (2015) gives Reynolds a chance to slow down. As Curtis, a drifter moving through casinos, he’s smooth on the surface but a bit battered underneath. His chemistry with Ben Mendelsohn feels natural, and their conversations ramble in a way that feels real. It’s a softer, wiser performance that shows Reynolds can do much more than just crack jokes.

Which Ryan Reynolds film and character is your absolute favourite? Let us know in the comments.