Chris Pratt, who rose to fame with his breakout role as Andy Dwyer on the sitcom Parks and Recreation, has since become a major movie star. Over the years, he has built an impressive career with a variety of roles, and this list explores the Best Chris Pratt Movies that showcase his talents in different genres, from action-packed blockbusters to animated features.
10. Science Fiction Romance: ‘Passengers’ (2016)
In the sci-fi film Passengers, Pratt stars as Jim, an engineer aboard a sleeper ship who wakes up prematurely from hibernation. Despite the movie’s stunning visuals and intriguing concept, the performances do not fully meet expectations. Pratt’s chemistry with Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Aurora, feels somewhat lacking, resulting in a story that struggles to evoke the emotional depth intended. While the film isn’t a low point in his career, it does not stand out as a highlight in his filmography.
9. Western Reimagined: ‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016)
The 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven presents Pratt as Joshua Faraday, a character in the spirit of Steve McQueen’s Vin Tanner from the original. Although Pratt delivers a stronger performance here than in Passengers, the film’s crowded cast, including the likes of Denzel Washington, limits his ability to dominate the screen. Pratt’s smooth handling of firearms is a notable element, and the role provides an interesting shift by casting him on the side of the antagonists. Despite its entertaining ensemble, the movie lacks the depth of western historical accuracy, but it remains a solid entry among Pratt’s works.
8. Family Adventure: ‘Onward’ (2020)
In the animated fantasy Onward, Pratt voices Barley Lightfoot, an elf who embarks on a magical quest with his younger brother Ian, voiced by Tom Holland. The brotherly dynamic between the characters is heartwarming and lends the movie a wholesome quality. Barley’s role as both sibling and parental figure creates memorable dialogue. Compared to some of Pratt’s other animated roles, this one doesn’t stand out as much, partially due to its release during the COVID-19 lockdown, which affected its reach. Nevertheless, Onward remains a charming experience for families looking for heartfelt storytelling.
7. Subtle Supporting Role: ‘Her’ (2013)
Pratt’s understated performance as Paul in Her showcases a different side of his acting range. In this dystopian sci-fi drama, he plays a friend and colleague to Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore, offering emotional support during difficult times. Unlike his typically more extroverted roles, Paul is reserved and measured, allowing Pratt to explore vulnerability without taking center stage. The film revolves more around Phoenix’s character, but Pratt’s ability to make an impact in a subdued role demonstrates his versatility.
6. Animated Icon: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)
Taking on the voice of Mario in Nintendo’s animated adaptation, Pratt breathes life into the legendary plumber with energy and enthusiasm. He opts out of the traditional Italian accent, focusing instead on injecting personality into Mario’s character. While the movie itself has its imperfections, Pratt’s spirited vocal performance is one of its stronger aspects. This role highlights his skill as a voice actor, though the lack of physical acting limits the scope of his portrayal.
5. Early Dramatic Role: ‘Moneyball’ (2011)
Though a supporting character in Moneyball, Pratt’s portrayal of baseball player Scott Hatteberg leaves a lasting impression. With less than 20 minutes of screen time, he effectively conveys a softer, more contemplative side of the veteran athlete facing uncertainty about his future. Acting alongside screen heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Philip Seymour Hoffman, Pratt holds his own without overshadowing the star cast. His performance here reveals a depth that contrasts with his more brash roles.
4. Action Hero Emerges: ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)
Chris Pratt’s role as Owen Grady in Jurassic World solidified his presence as a leading action star outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Playing a former Navy soldier with expert knowledge of animal behavior, particularly velociraptors, Pratt convincingly navigates scenes filled with CGI dinosaurs. Owen Grady provides a fresh, engaging lead for this blockbuster reboot of the Jurassic Park franchise. While subsequent sequels saw varied reception, this film remains one of Pratt’s most memorable performances.
3. Breakout Voice Role: ‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)
In his first major animated role, Pratt voices Emmett Brickowski, an ordinary construction worker thrust into an extraordinary adventure. His portrayal captures Emmett’s boundless enthusiasm and occasional naivety, bringing warmth and humor to the character. Although Pratt never appears visually, his vocal energy drives the film’s momentum, highlighting his aptitude for voice acting. The Lego Movie remains a key title in his career, reflecting his ability to connect with audiences even through animation.
2. Military Drama: ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2013)
Pratt makes a strong impression as Justin Lenihan, a DEVGRU operator involved in the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, in Zero Dark Thirty. As a secondary character, he nonetheless stands out through his intense and physical portrayal. This role diverges from Chris Pratt’s usual repertoire, emphasizing his range and capacity to embody serious, disciplined figures in high-stakes environments. The film received mixed reviews for its historical angles but was widely praised for its cast’s performances, including Pratt’s.
1. Defining Role: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)
Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Peter Quill, also known as Star Lord, in Guardians of the Galaxy represents the pinnacle of his career to date. The role perfectly pairs his natural charisma and comedic timing, infusing the character with charm and relatability. Pratt’s portrayal humanizes Star Lord through quirks like his obsession with music, creating a multi-dimensional hero beloved by millions. The chemistry among the cast enhances the film’s appeal, making it a thrilling and extremely popular installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film truly captures the essence of Pratt’s talents as an action star and entertainer.
From the comedic flair of his early work on Parks and Recreation to commanding performances in blockbusters like Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt’s evolution as an actor is clear. His ability to excel across various genres, be it animation, drama, or action, shows a range that solidifies his status among top Hollywood talents. As audiences continue to enjoy his performances, it will be exciting to see which new characters Pratt brings to life in the future.
