Pedro Pascal’s rise to stardom is filled with memorable performances, but many fans overlook his remarkable body of work from the 2010s. For those searching for the Best Pedro Pascal movies from the 2010s ranked, this guide explores each major project where the versatile actor left a mark during an important decade in his career.
Before his acclaimed roles in The Mandalorian and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and even before voicing characters in animated features, Pedro Pascal’s journey through Hollywood in the 2010s helped set the stage for his current fame. Despite a career stretching back to the late 1990s—with early appearances like a single episode in Buffy the Vampire Slayer—it was the previous decade’s feature films that truly cemented his reputation, though a few of these movies remain under the radar.
8. The Great Wall (2016): Pascal in a Misguided Blockbuster
The Great Wall, directed by Yimou Zhang, stands out as a low point in Pascal’s filmography. The movie centers on a group of Europeans in ancient China who uncover a monstrous secret connected to the iconic wall as they join in its defense against savage creatures. Pascal appears alongside an ensemble cast, but the film faced major criticism for casting Matt Damon as the lead in a story that audiences believed called for a Chinese protagonist.
This casting decision, coupled with uninspired action sequences and a forgettable narrative, weighed down The Great Wall, making it Pascal’s weakest 2010s feature. Despite his presence, not even the supporting performances could redeem a project that became known more for its controversy than for its storytelling or spectacle.
7. The Equalizer 2 (2018): Franchise Sequel with Familiar Thrills
In Antoine Fuqua’s The Equalizer 2, Pedro Pascal joins Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall as Dave York, McCall’s former partner and DIA officer. The film, a sequel to the hit 2014 action thriller, follows McCall’s quest for vigilante justice after the murder of a close friend.
Although this follow-up attempts to expand on what made the original so compelling, The Equalizer 2 settles into a routine revenge narrative without breaking much new ground. Still, with strong commercial appeal and solid performances from an expanded cast, it became a respectable, if unexceptional, chapter in the Equalizer series, solidifying Pascal’s growing list of Hollywood collaborations.
6. Sweet Little Lies (2011): A Quiet Coming-of-Age
Sweet Little Lies, directed by William J. Saunders, remains the most obscure film on Pascal’s 2010s resume. This indie drama follows teenage Bess, played by Caitlin Kinnunen, who steals a car in search of the father she’s never met. Along her journey across the American landscape, she encounters an array of quirky characters and slowly discovers the true meaning of family.
Despite budget constraints, the heartfelt story and strong performances set Sweet Little Lies apart. The film’s tone and themes evoke comparisons to other beloved coming-of-age road movies, and it stands as a testament to Pascal’s willingness to support nuanced, low-budget projects even as he was building his career.
5. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017): A Standout Supporting Role
Kingsman: The Golden Circle, directed by Matthew Vaughn, continues the globe-trotting spy saga with the titular Kingsmen uniting with their American counterparts to fight Julianne Moore’s villainous Poppy Adams and her drug cartel. In this star-studded ensemble, Pascal is unforgettable as Agent Whiskey, an American operative whose performance outshines many of his co-stars.
While the film itself split audiences and critics, with some finding its approach to be formulaic, the energetic action, blockbuster spectacle, and Pascal’s charismatic turn made the sequel worth watching. His distinct style brought fresh energy and humor to the Kingsman universe, ensuring his role was among the movie’s most memorable elements.
4. Bloodsucking Bastards (2015): Cult Horror-Comedy with a Twist
In Brian James O’Connell’s Bloodsucking Bastards, the mundane routine of office life is upended when protagonist Evan, played by Fran Kranz, and his friend Tim, portrayed by Joey Kern, discover their workplace harbors a dangerous secret. Pascal takes on the role of Max, Evan’s nemesis, in this outrageous horror-comedy.
The film transforms a typical corporate setting into a wild, vampire-infested battleground, blending slapstick humor with over-the-top gore. Pascal’s performance as Max is a highlight in a film that never takes itself too seriously, offering viewers an escape from ordinary life and a taste of cult genre filmmaking packed into a brisk runtime.
3. Triple Frontier (2019): Action, Brotherhood, and High Stakes
One of Pedro Pascal’s most notable action films from the decade, Triple Frontier, is directed by J.C. Chandor and produced as a Netflix original. The movie follows five ex-special forces operatives, portrayed by a talented ensemble including Oscar Isaac, Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pascal. Together, they embark on a perilous heist against South American drug lord Gabriel Martin Lorea.
The narrative quickly becomes a tale not only of action and survival but also of camaraderie and moral ambiguity. The film balances high-octane sequences with moments of reflection, exploring the bonds forged in adversity. Pascal stands out as a key member of the team, elevating the story with both dramatic depth and sharp timing.
2. Prospect (2018): Space Adventure on a Budget
Prospect, directed by Christopher Caldwell and Zeek Earl, remains one of the decade’s most overlooked science fiction films. Featuring Sophie Thatcher and Pascal, the story centers on a father-daughter duo who land on a dangerous forest moon to mine for valuable gems, only to encounter rival mercenaries and a series of hazards that threaten their survival.
With a striking, atmospheric setting that combines frontier motifs with cosmic themes, Prospect delivers a blend of gritty realism and thoughtful world-building. Pascal’s layered performance helps drive the film beyond its modest budget, and the movie’s fusion of Western and science fiction sensibilities makes it memorable for genre fans looking for something different from big-budget blockbusters.
1. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018): Powerful Drama, Brief But Impactful Role
In Barry Jenkins’ acclaimed adaptation If Beale Street Could Talk, Pedro Pascal appears as Pietro Alvarez in what is arguably the most distinguished movie he joined during the 2010s. Although his screen time is limited, his portrayal is marked by gravitas, and his presence reflects Jenkins’ commitment to crafting emotionally resonant films.
The movie follows a young woman as she and her family work relentlessly to exonerate her childhood friend and lover, falsely accused of a crime. Jenkins, already renowned for his work on Moonlight, showcases the full power of ensemble storytelling, blending intimate romance with broader social commentary. If Beale Street Could Talk is recognized for its artistry and emotional depth, and Pascal’s contribution, however brief, adds a layer of poignancy to the ensemble.
A young woman embraces her pregnancy while she and her family set out to prove her childhood friend and lover innocent of a crime he didn’t commit.
Why Pascal’s 2010s Films Deserve Rewatching
The Best Pedro Pascal movies from the 2010s ranked above demonstrate that his career evolution was shaped not only by headline-grabbing blockbusters but also by indie gems and ambitious genre experiments. From the misfire of The Great Wall—where miscasting overshadowed talent—to the striking ensemble performances in films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Triple Frontier, Pascal tried his hand at a wide range of roles. Along the way, he collaborated with renowned directors like Barry Jenkins, Yimou Zhang, Antoine Fuqua, and Matthew Vaughn, developing his reputation among fans and industry peers alike.
For audience members revisiting his filmography or discovering lesser-known works, these movies showcase Pascal’s adaptability and depth as a performer. As his popularity continues to soar, these projects serve as testament to his dedication and the emergence of a star whose impact only grows stronger with time.
