The best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows each tap into his unmistakable blend of humor and depth. Born in 1966, Rainn Wilson’s breakout role as Dwight Schrute on The Office turned him into a household name. His portrayal combined deadpan delivery and quirky charisma, earning him accolades and nominations from prestigious bodies, including the Golden Globes. Over the years, his career has expanded into films and television projects that showcase his range, making him a memorable presence in every role he undertakes. His work continues to inspire countless fans worldwide.
Throughout his career, Rainn Wilson has demonstrated a remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between television and TV show roles. From offbeat comedies to thrilling adventures, Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows all highlight his dynamic range and fearless experimentation. In addition to acting, Wilson is a dedicated producer and advocate for creative storytelling. His diverse filmograghy across several genres has cemented his status as an inimitable talent, as the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows reveal.
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10 The Meg (2018)
Rainn Wilson Plays Morris
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The Meg
PG-13
Action Horror Sci-Fi
7/10
8/10
- Release Date
- August 10, 2018
- Runtime
- 113 Minutes
- Director
- Jon Turteltaub
- Writers
- James Vanderbilt
- Sequel(s)
- The Meg 2: The Trench
Cast
-
Jason Statham
-
Rainn Wilson
While he’s predominantly known for comedy due to his iconic performance as Dwight in The Office, Rainn Wilson has made appearances across a wide range of genres - and, with 2018’s The Meg, he made his debut in a big-budget Hollywood action blockbuster. Rainn Wilson plays Morris in The Meg, the billionaire ocean enthusiast funding the operation which inadvertently draws the attention of a huge shark. Wilson’s ability to infuse even the most intense scenes with subtle, offbeat humor lends itself well to The Meg, and he’s often a solid counterbalance to the gruff and gritty Jason Statham.
Rainn Wilson’s wry commentary and impeccable comedic timing in The Meg help humanize the extraordinary narrative, ensuring that audiences remain engaged. The movie’s blend of spectacle and humor is perfectly suited to Wilson, and The Meg marks another significant moment in his evolving career. This performance exemplifies his unique ability to shine even in blockbuster environments, reinforcing his suitability for the big screen after his considerable TV show success.
9 Six Feet Under (2001-2004)
Rainn Wilson Plays Arthur Martin
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Six Feet Under
10/10
- Release Date
- 2001 - 2004
- Network
- HBO Max
- Directors
- Alan Ball
- Writers
- Alan Ball
Cast
-
Peter Krause
-
Lauren Ambrose
While many of the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows were released during or after his run as Dwight Schrute in The Office, the 2003-2005 drama Six Feet Under stands as a solid example of his pre-Dunder Mifflin career. The groundbreaking drama delves into the complexities of life and death, and Rainn Wilson appears in 13 episodes as Arthur Martin. Despite Arthur being one of the darkest characters, Wilson’s performance infuses a refreshing touch of levity into an environment often weighed down by grief and existential reflection. His nuanced approach to Arthur Martin - a character who quietly challenges the status quo of the funeral home setting - adds depth to the series’ exploration of mortality and human connection.
Rainn Wilson’s role in Six Feet Under stands as a testament to his versatility and remains one of his strongest performances to date. The delicate balance he strikes between wry wit and sincere emotion elevates the storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. His presence in Six Feet Under enhances the show's intricate examination of life’s fragility, and in terms of his career it proved in his earlier years that he was suited to both comedic and dramatic scenes.
8 Backstrom (2015)
Rainn Wilson Plays Detective Everett Backstrom
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Backstrom
TV-14
Crime Drama Comedy- Release Date
- 2015 - 2014
- Network
- FOX
- Directors
- Mark Mylod
Cast
-
Beatrice Rosen
Nadia Paquet
-
Gerard Plunkett
Leyland Eaton
-
Kyle Secor
Senator Tobias Percival
-
Rainn Wilson
Det. Lt. Backstrom
The 2015 Fox comedy-drama Backstrom is a somewhat forgotten series, but is the perfect example among the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows of his skills across multiple genres. Leading the cast as the titular detective, Backstrom sees Rainn Wilson takes on a role that diverges from his more comedic ones, portraying a tormented yet sharp-witted sleuth. His performance is a study in contrasts, balancing a brooding intensity with flashes of dry humor that provide unexpected levity. Backstrom’s dark, atmospheric narrative is enriched by Wilson’s ability to deliver complex emotions with authenticity, drawing viewers into a world of mystery and moral ambiguity.
Wilson’s work in Backstrom is especially noteworthy due to his success in reinventing himself in a dramatic role after building his reputation from shows like The Office. The series benefits from his ability to oscillate between vulnerability and cunning, offering a performance that is as unpredictable as it is captivating. The role of Everett Backstrom marks an important expansion of his repertoire, underscoring his adaptability outside of comedy.
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7 The Boy (2015)
Rainn Wilson Plays William Colby
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The Boy
Not Rated
Horror Thriller Drama 5/10
- Release Date
- August 14, 2015
- Director
- Craig William Macneill
- Writers
- Clay McLeod Chapman, Craig William Macneill
Cast
-
Mike Vogel
-
Jared Breeze
In The Boy, Rainn Wilson delivers a striking performance as William Colby, and also served as an executive producer for the 2015 horror movie from director Craig Macneil. His Fangoria Chainsaw Award-nominated performance as William brought both an air of mystery and a subtle, unnerving humor, and is the perfect showcase for Wilson’s skills in genres outside of comedy. The Boy weaves a suspenseful narrative that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, inviting viewers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
Rainn Wilson’s portrayal of Colby is a masterclass in balancing tension with moments of unexpected levity, anchoring the film with his signature intensity and wit. What’s more, the role marks a notable departure from his usual performances. By inhabiting a character with ambiguous motives and layered emotions, Wilson deepens The Boy’s eerie atmosphere while offering a performance that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
6 Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)
Rainn Wilson Plays Gargamel
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Smurfs: The Lost Village
PG
Animation Adventure Comedy 5/10
4/10
- Release Date
- April 7, 2017
- Runtime
- 90 Minutes
- Director
- Kelly Asbury
- Writers
- Stacey Harman, Pamela Ribon
Cast
-
Mandy Patinkin
-
Rainn Wilson
The Smurfs movies have been hit-and-miss, with none achieving the success of the original animated Hanna-Barbera series. However, 2017’s Smurfs: The Lost Village does contain one of the best Rainn Wilson performances so far. In Smurfs: The Lost Village, Rainn Wilson steps into the animated world as the notorious villain Gargamel, delivering a voice performance that balances mischief and menace. Wilson’s portrayal of Gargamel infuses the classic villain with an uncanny blend of sinister intent and quirky humor. His distinctive vocal delivery adds an unexpected depth to the animated movie, elevating the overall adventure with a unique twist.
Wilson’s performance in Smurfs: The Lost Village stands as a notable highlight among the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows. His clever timing and nuanced expression breathe fresh life into Gargamel, making the character both formidable and surprisingly endearing. By blending a touch of darkness with his signature comedic flair, Wilson transforms the familiar antagonist into a memorable force that enhances the film’s enchanting atmosphere.
5 Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
Rainn Wilson Plays Gallaxhar
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Monsters vs. Aliens
PG
Animation ActionSci-Fi
Adventure Comedy Fantasy- Release Date
- March 27, 2009
- Runtime
- 94 Minutes
- Director
- Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon
- Writers
- Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky, Rob Letterman, Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Conrad Vernon
Cast
-
Reese Witherspoon
Susan Murphy / Ginormica
-
Seth Rogen
B.O.B.
-
Hugh Laurie
Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.
-
Will Arnett
The Missing Link
While Smurfs: The Lost Village is a great example of Rainn Wilson’s skills as a voice actor, it’s not his best - that honor inarguably goes to 2009’s Monsters vs. Aliens. In the underrated Dreamworks movie, Rainn Wilson voices central villain Gallaxhar. Monsters vs. Aliens allowed Rainn Wilson to lend his unmistakable voice to a memorable antagonist. The character’s dry humor and bombastic delivery provide many hilarious moments, and make Gallaxhar a perfect threat for a film aimed at younger viewers.
His performance in Monsters vs. Aliens secures the movie as one of the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows, and it’s also noteworthy for highlighting his transition from live-action to voice acting. His precise timing and nuanced expression infuse the character with personality, making the film’s satirical take on alien invasions even more engaging. The role of Gallaxhar underscores Wilson’s versatility, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and multifaceted performer.
4 Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
Rainn Wilson Plays Dr. Demento
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Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
TV-14
Documentary 7/10
- Release Date
- September 8, 2022
- Runtime
- 104 minutes
- Director
- Eric Appel
- Writers
- Eric Appel
Cast
-
Daniel Radcliffe
-
Jack Black
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is a spoof biopic telling a fictionalized story of the life of singer Weird Al Yankovic, and Rainn Wilson perfectly fits the vibrant world of musical parody that bursts onto the screen. Wilson delivers a captivating performance as Dr. Demento, who, in the movie, is Yankovic’s mentor. Known for his eccentric radio shows that championed novelty music, Dr. Demento is reimagined through Wilson’s distinctive comedic lens. His voice work layers satire with warmth, perfectly capturing the quirky spirit of a cultural icon who helped launch Weird Al’s legendary career.
Rainn Wilson’s performance in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is a career highlight, and it’s also notable how much chemistry he has with co-star Daniel Radcliffe. Balancing irreverence and genuine respect, Rainn Wilson’s performance transforms Dr. Demento into a memorable, multidimensional character. Weird easily stands as one of the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows, and a perfect example of how his unique style is still highly entertaining in the later stages of his career.
3 The Rocker (2008)
Rainn Wilson Plays Robert “Fish” Fishman
In 2008’s The Rocker, Rainn Wilson transforms into Robert “Fish” Fishman - a passionate, albeit disillusioned, drummer who rediscovers his love for music and life. His character’s journey from obscurity to a renewed sense of purpose is filled with both hilarious mishaps and touching moments. The 2008 movie from director Peter Cattaneo captures the essence of rock ’n roll rebellion, with Wilson infusing every scene with contagious energy and offbeat humor that brings his character to life.
The Rocker is widely regarded as one of the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows, both thanks to his impeccable timing and genuine commitment to the role and because it proves he can lead a comedic cast. Wilson’s dynamic portrayal not only provides a hearty dose of laughter but also highlights his unique talent for eccentric roles. The Rocker became a defining project that highlighted his ability to balance satire with heartfelt emotion, securing its place as a cult classic in his wider filmography.
2 Super (2010)
Rainn Wilson Plays Frank Darbo (AKA The Crimson Bolt)
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Super
R
Comedy Action Drama- Release Date
- November 26, 2010
- Runtime
- 96 minutes
- Director
- James Gunn
- Producers
- Matthew Leutwyler, Miranda Bailey, Rainn Wilson, Ted Hope
Cast
-
Elliot Page
Libby
-
Rainn Wilson
Frank Darbo
-
Liv Tyler
Sarah
-
Kevin Bacon
Jacques
Director James Gunn’s offbeat superhero movie Super may not be as well known as some projects Rainn Wilson has minor roles in, but easily stands as one of his best movies, Rainn Wilson plays Frank in Super, a role that challenges the conventional superhero narrative. His portrayal of a complex, morally ambiguous character infuses the film with a dark sense of humor and unexpected depth. Super blends elements of comedy, action, and drama, allowing Wilson to explore a range of emotions from absurdity to quiet introspection.
Raomm Wilson’s work in Super not only underscores his versatility but also marks an important chapter in his career. Frank’s eccentricity and underlying vulnerability in Super resonated with viewers, contributing to the movie’s cult status. His dynamic delivery and bold choices helped transform a quirky concept into a compelling narrative, and Super was celebrated for showcasing his talent for balancing humor with heartfelt moments in a truly memorable way.
1 The Office (2005-2013)
Rainn Wilson Plays Dwight Schrute
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The Office
TV-14
Comedy 8/10
99 8.9/10
- Release Date
- 2005 - 2012
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Greg Daniels
- Directors
- Greg Daniels, Paul Lieberstein, Paul Feig, Randall Einhorn, Ken Kwapis
- Writers
- Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Michael Schur, Ricky Gervais, Greg Daniels, B.J. Novak
Cast
-
Steve Carell
Michael Scott
-
Rainn Wilson
Dwight Schrute
- Franchise(s)
- The Office
- Creator(s)
- Greg Daniels
Of all the best Rain Wilson movies and TV shows it’s inarguably The Office that stands out at the top. Rainn Wilson delivered a career-defining performance as Dwight Schrute, a quirky and fiercely dedicated salesman whose eccentricities turned everyday office life into a comedy spectacle. His portrayal captured the perfect blend of intensity, deadpan humor, and unexpected vulnerability, making Dwight an unforgettable character. Wilson’s commitment to the role brought a unique charm that resonated with audiences and critics alike, establishing the series as a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond his comedic timing, his performance in some of the more dramatic moments in The Office also solidified its place among the best Rainn Wilson movies and TV shows, showcasing his ability to balance absurdity with genuine emotion. This iconic role not only boosted his career but also influenced his future choices in both film and television. The Office remains the highlight of his career, and his performance as Dwight is nothing short of iconic.
