10 Movies People Forget Ryan Reynolds Was In

With his cheeky grin and self-deprecating humor, Ryan Reynolds has charmed audiences for over two decades. He has starred in everything from romantic comedies to superhero blockbusters and established himself as the go-to guy for raunchy R-rated comedies. It all started in the early 2000s, when the actor starred in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder. Later, in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, he found his calling as the “Merc with a Mouth.”

Although his role as Deadpool was initially small, fans wanted to see Reynolds take the lead in a faithful adaptation. Their wish was granted in 2016, and Deadpool not only shattered records but also showcased Reynolds’ innate ability to deliver action and jokes in the correct capacity. Now, with Deadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds’ popularity is at an all-time high.

However, being a highly productive actor, Ryan Reynolds has appeared in movies that have faded from our collective memories over time. These are overlooked gems buried among his major hits. But they definitely deserve a second look. So without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 roles you may have forgotten Ryan Reynolds played back in the day.

10 The Nines (2007)

The Nines is a mind-bending psychological thriller that features Ryan Reynolds in three different roles. Broken into chapters, it centers around a troubled actor, a TV writer, and a videogame designer, who find themselves noticing strange occurrences and revealing unsettling truths. Turns out, they are living separate lives but are interconnected because of a bizarre reason. Each chapter deals with themes of identity and reality.

A Mystery Well Ahead of Its Time

Filled with dream sequences and twisted plotlines, The Nines creates an eerie atmosphere and urges you to look for clues at every turn. Reynolds commits fully to all his roles, showing flashes of genuine terror and his talent for versatility by transitioning between three distinct characters. He brings something different to each of them, making sure Gary, Gavin, and Gabriel have layers waiting to be explored. Overall, a unique and ambitious thriller that deserves more praise.

9 The Voices (2014)

In this unsettling dark comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars as Jerry Hickfand, a seemingly cheerful factory worker who struggles with schizophrenia but tries really hard to keep his troubled self a secret from those around him. His life takes a sinister turn when he goes off his medication and begins hearing voices from his dog and his cat.

These voices, one benevolent and another malevolent, guide him to kill his co-worker Fiona. Jerry also ends up committing a series of violent acts as his hallucinations intensify.

Darkly Comic Descent into Madness

Watching Reynolds as a character who finds himself in a downward spiral of murder and madness isn’t new, but it sure is refreshing. Directed wisely by Marjane Satrapi, The Voices juxtaposes horror and comedy in a unique way. Reynolds’ performance, in particular, is one of the highlights of the movie. He brings a disturbing yet sympathetic quality to Jerry, making his character’s actions both tragic and darkly comedic. Fans of Psycho would totally enjoy this complex and quirky movie.

8 Chaos Theory (2008)

You have probably heard of the saying, “Preach what you teach.” Well, Chaos Theory‘s protagonist, Frank Allen, is one of those meticulous time management experts who not only gets paid to give lectures of effective time management but also lives a life that’s expertly planned and all mapped out.

His life turns upside down when his wife, Susan, sets his clock back ten minutes as a joke. What starts with Frank missing an important seminar leads to a series of unexpected events that make him question everything he knows about life and love.

When Order and Chaos Go Hand in Hand

Chaos Theory is a dramedy directed by Marcos Siega. It explores themes of control and spontaneity, which is unusual for comedies. It did not get any praise from critics, who found the plot as “overly conventional.”

However, Reynolds’ performance as Frank Allen is a standout. He brings both humor and depth to a role that is clearly forgettable. His portrayal of a man grappling with the collapse of his orderly life as well as the revelation that his daughter isn’t his biological daughter is truly thrilling to watch.

7 Smokin’ Aces (2006)

Smokin’ Aces is a violent, fast-paced action thriller that follows a group of assassins coming together at a Las Vegas hotel to kill Buddy “Aces” Israel, a magician-turned-mob informant, who is about to go into protective custody. Ryan Reynolds plays FBI agent Richard Messner, who, along with his partner, Donald Carruthers, is tasked with protecting Israel. As the assassins close in and chaos ensues, we’re graced with a high-octane and explosive showdown.

Star-Studded Action Movie

Directed by Joe Carnahan, Smokin’ Aces is known not only for its brilliant, edge-of-your-seat action, but also for its ensemble cast, which includes Ben Affleck, Jeremy Piven, Alicia Keys, Ray Liotta, and Chris Pine. Amidst the crazy lot, Reynolds had a minor role. But he’s still dextrous and resourceful in navigating the ever-evolving danger around him. The movie received mixed reviews, with some praising its stylish direction and others criticizing its convoluted plot.

6 Mississippi Grind (2015)

An emotional and intelligent comedy drama, Mississippi Grind has a simple plot. Ben Mendelsohn plays Gerry, a down-on-his-luck gambler who has a chance encounter with a young and charismatic gambler, Curtis, at a casino. The two hit it off immediately after Curtis beats Gerry at a poker game and buys him bourbon as a consolation prize.

They decide to embark on a road trip down the Mississippi River, hoping to change their lives by hitting on various gambling spots along the way; their journey culminates in New Orleans.

Reynold Plays Curtis With an Understated Excellence

Subtlety is Reynolds’ powerful asset here. Under director Anna Boden’s watchful direction, Mississippi Grind manages to combine elements of a road movie with an addiction drama and creates a mix of charm and vulnerability. Both Reynolds and Mendelsohn share a palpable chemistry as two men winning big and losing even bigger, dealing with personal demons while also navigating their complex friendship. Reynolds’ character is compelling and believable, making him a standout.

5 Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

The first installment in the franchise, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is a stoner comedy/buddy film. In it, Kal Penn and John Cho play Kumar Patel and Harold Lee respectively. After a night of smoking marijuana, the duo realizes they need to satisfy their cravings for White Castle burgers. So they embark on a journey to the outlet, but it is filled with bizarre and hilarious encounters, including one with Neil Patrick Harris.

Reynolds Cameos as a Male Nurse

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is a silly movie but its status as a cult classic is unmatched. Its humor and subversion of racial stereotypes are shadowed by a number of great cameos. Ryan Reynolds makes a memorable one as a nurse who flirts with Kumar during a hospital visit. Even though his time on screen is brief, he leaves an indelible mark with his comedic timing. Overall, the absurd and relatable movie is testament to the fact that Reynolds can nail even the quirkiest of roles.

4 The Croods (2013)

A classic adventure from DreamWorks animation, The Croods revolves around the titular prehistoric family in danger when natural disasters destroy their cave. Ignorant to the outside world, they embark on a journey to find a new home. The Croods are led by the overprotective father, Grug, and his rebellious daughter, Eep. Grug finds himself threatened by a more evolved human named Guy, who is filled to the brim with new ideas and inventions.

Ryan Reynolds Displays His Voice Talents

The central message of the movie is about learning to adapt and embrace change while discovering the importance of creativity and innovation. And while the plot of The Croods focuses mainly on Grug and Eep, Ryan Reynolds’ Guy is responsible for delivering a delightful performance as someone who understands courage and adaptability. He shines alongside equally exceptional performances from Nicolas Cage and Emma Stone, single-handedly stealing several scenes with his voice alone.

3 Adventureland (2009)

Written and directed by Greg Mottola, Adventureland takes you to Pittsburgh in 1987 and follows James Brennen, a recent college graduate who takes a tedious summer job at a rundown amusement park, kicking the bucket on his plans for a European vacation. James quickly finds himself drawn to another games worker, Em, but finds out she’s interested in the park’s maintenance man, Mike Connell. As he navigates his new job, James finds his life getting complicated because of Em and Connell.

A Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Tale

Adventureland is just as much coming-of-age as it is a romantic comedy. It captures the essence of youth, the feeling of uncertainty, and the unending search for identity. It also works as a one-part general workplace comedy that subtly portrays the mundanity of a job that is otherwise supposed to be lively.

Reynolds, while surrounded by indie darlings like Bill Hader and Kristen Steward, holds his own by bringing a seemingly cool and confident vibe to his character, Mike Connell. He has a brief screen time, but with his signature likeability, Reynolds manages to engage the audience.

2 Definitely, Maybe (2008)

A go-to pick-me-up for true fans of romantic comedy but still overlooked in the grand scheme of things, Definitely, Maybe is an ensemble movie that features Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes, a 30-something Manhattan dad going through a divorce. He has a 10-year-old daughter named Maya, who is curious about her parents’ love story and asks Will about it. He decides to recount his romantic past, conceals a few details, and leaves it on Maya to figure out which of the three women he dates is his mother.

One of the Most Refreshing Romantic Comedies

The narrative of Definitely, Maybe unfolds largely through flashbacks, starting from Will’s days as an idealistic young man to present day, when his relationships and career have taken a toll on his life.

Reynolds nails the dramatic shifts required to play Will throughout his youth and adulthood, subtly altering mannerisms and infusing scenes with nostalgia, longing, and growth. It is a multi-layered role backed by truly sophisticated performances from Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Abigail Breslin. Overall relatable and endearing, Definitely, Maybe is one of Reynolds’ best movies.

1 Paper Man (2009)

An underrated indie gem, Paper Man centers around Richard Dunn, a struggling writer who moves to a Long Island beach community to overcome his writer’s block. A grown man, Dunn still relies on Captain Excellent, his imaginary friend from his childhood for company.

He also forms an unlikely friendship with Abby, a 17-year-old high school student dealing with her own issues. As their bond becomes stronger, they navigate their respective struggles, all under the watchful eye of Captain Excellent.

Quirky Tale of Unlikely Friendships

Long before he donned the mask of Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds provided guidance and comic relief to Jeff Daniels’ character in Paper Man. Directed by Kieran and Michele Mulroney, the movie explores themes of loneliness, creativity, and how important it is for one person to connect with another on a level beyond what’s on the surface.

While the movie received mixed reviews, it made up for the flaws with an abundance of heartfelt moments, as well as a charming chemistry between Daniels and Emma Stone, who plays Abby. Ryan’s role, though unconventional, is charming and versatile.