Chris Pratt’s rise from his TV breakout role as Andy Dwyer in NBC’s hit sitcom Parks and Recreation to becoming a bankable Hollywood action star is quite inspiring. With his effortless wit and not-so-effortless weight loss, the actor has established himself as a Hollywood staple, featuring in some of the biggest movies ever. Whether it’s voicing Mario or reprising his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt has proven time and again that he’s a huge box office draw. So today, let’s take a look at seven movies from the star, traversing genres like comedy, action, and thriller, because Pratt has left no stone unturned.
If you haven’t watched Onward yet, you’re undoubtedly missing out on one of Pixar’s most heartfelt adventures. The film follows two elf brothers who embark on a magical journey to resurrect their father for a day. However, this isn’t even the most interesting part of the film; their journey is what makes the story worth watching. Filled with challenges for the two brothers to conquer, Onward is an exhilarating animated adventure that becomes more meaningful with every viewing. The best part? The Pixar movie reunited MCU co-stars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland as the two elf brothers. Pratt voices the carefree, adventurous, and slightly reckless older brother Barley Lightfoot, while Holland voices Ian, who joins his elder brother on the magical quest. With a perfect blend of fantasy and humor, the movie also features some of the most heartfelt moments. Ultimately, with each rewatch, Onward has the power to transform from an exciting adventure to a gut-wrenching tearjerker and ultimately an emotional masterpiece.
Another appearance of Chris Pratt in an animated feature occurred when he lent his voice to the titular character in the 2023 release, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Despite the actor’s previous experience in voice acting, fans had mixed reactions initially. However, Pratt won hearts once the movie hit theaters. With its visually stunning sequences, the 2023 film rekindled nostalgia for iconic video game lovers. Moreover, Pratt managed to balance the character’s classic charm with a modern twist. Accompanying him on the adventure through a mysterious pipe was Charlie Day’s hilarious Luigi, who is his sibling. The real adventure commenced when the two brothers were separated along the way. Jack Black also contributed to the fun by appearing as Bowser, whose love song “Peaches” became an instant hit. Thus, whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a die-hard Nintendo fan, The Super Mario Bros. Movie presents an experience that hits differently every time you watch it.
While the first two films highlighted Chris Pratt in animated comedy adventures, let’s not forget that the actor also knows how to bring warmth and romance to the scene. Enter his 2013 movie, Her, in which he doesn’t appear as the protagonist but brings refreshing energy to the screen through his role as Paul. Directed by Spike Jonze, Her follows the story of Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore, a lonely writer who falls in love with an advanced AI named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Pratt’s character Paul serves as Theodore’s friendly and easygoing coworker and brings light and genuine warmth to the film. Notably, Paul is one of the few people who doesn’t judge Theodore for his unconventional relationship, showcasing refreshing open-mindedness. With phenomenal performances from each actor, Her lingers in viewers’ minds long after it ends, making every rewatch more significant.
Undoubtedly, Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is one of the most beloved and entertaining roles he has ever taken on. When he joined forces with the Avengers in 2018’s Infinity War, it marked a pivotal moment in his career. In the film, he plays a crucial role in the battle against Thanos—but let’s be real; he also makes one of the worst decisions in MCU history. The first time you watch Avengers: Infinity War, the epic action and emotional stakes might sweep you off your feet. Yet, during a rewatch, you’ll notice how complex Star-Lord’s role truly is. While he’s funny, charming, and heroic, Star-Lord is also portrayed as a deeply flawed character, and his emotional outburst would eventually cost the Avengers their chance to stop Thanos. Initially, you might feel frustration at Star-Lord’s misjudgment, but with each subsequent viewing, you’ll start to appreciate how Pratt adds both humor and depth to the character. Plus, the banter between him and Thor never gets old!
Passengers is another film that stands out as one of Chris Pratt’s most underrated projects. It’s a sci-fi romance set on a spaceship where Pratt’s character, Jim Preston, awakens from deep sleep ninety years too early after their vessel is struck by an asteroid. After spending a year alone, he ultimately wakes up Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Aurora, in search of companionship. However, what begins as a budding love story quickly evolves into a moral dilemma as Jim reveals his secrets. The film transitions from hope to loneliness until another passenger, Gus, awakens, and the three unite to save the ship and its passengers. If you skipped this one due to mixed reviews, give it another chance. The first viewing may revolve around the plot twist, but during subsequent rewatches, deeper themes like loneliness, survival, and the weight of difficult choices emerge. Visually, Passengers is stunning, with breathtaking space sequences and futuristic designs; however, it’s the storyline that truly stands out.
Before Chris Pratt solidified his status as your favorite Star-Lord, he had a small yet impactful role in Zero Dark Thirty, the gripping thriller about the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. While the movie follows the CIA’s attempts to interrogate suspected terrorists for answers, Pratt portrays a Navy SEAL operator involved in the raid, showcasing a tough and serious side of his acting repertoire. This role marked a significant turning point in his career as it represented his first venture into a dramatic, action-focused role. Pratt’s transformation from comedic actor to believable soldier left a lasting impression on audiences. Each rewatch only enhances the experience; while it’s a slower, more intense film compared to many of Pratt’s other blockbusters, it demonstrates the actor’s range beyond merely action and comedy.
It would be remiss to overlook Chris Pratt’s Oscar-nominated appearance in Moneyball, where he starred alongside Brad Pitt. Long before he became a household name, the actor played a key role in the 2011 sports drama based on a true story. Pratt portrayed Scott Hatteberg, an underperforming player who gets a second chance due to an unconventional strategy implemented by the team’s general manager, Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt). Through the film, Pratt’s character is one of several undervalued players who eventually realize their potential. Moneyball becomes highly rewatchable due to its engaging and inspiring storyline; you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it, as the film instills faith in those who may have lost confidence in themselves. The more you watch it, the more affection you develop for the story and the details that it offers. Furthermore, it showcases one of Pratt’s most grounded performances, proving that he doesn’t need space battles or dinosaurs to make a significant impact.
In summary, the versatility of Chris Pratt shines through in these seven films, which only get better upon multiple viewings. From animated adventures like Onward and The Super Mario Bros. Movie to deeper narratives in Her, Passengers, and Moneyball, Pratt has showcased his talent across various genres. Each of these movies provides a unique viewing experience, revealing new insights and emotional depth with every rewatch, enabling fans to appreciate the craft of storytelling and performance. As audiences continue to discover and rediscover these films, Chris Pratt remains a central figure in the landscape of modern cinema, proving that sometimes, the magic is in the details that become more pronounced with each viewing.
