12 Best Paul Rudd Films

Rudd brought exactly the right dose of down-to-earth charm, self-deprecation, and fatherly love to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the ex-burglar who learns to communicate with ants and shrink to insect size, Rudd made Scott Lang the most relatable and beloved hero of the entire franchise.

"60% of the time, it works every time." As the slick reporter Brian Fantana who swears by his illegal cologne 'Sex Panther' (made from real panther parts), Rudd delivers an unforgettable supporting turn. His deadpan delivery of the most absurd lines is pure perfection.

"Slappin da bass!" When realtor Peter Klaven discovers he has no male friends to serve as his best man, he embarks on a series of awkward "man-dates" until he meets the free-spirited Sydney (Jason Segel). Rudd's portrayal of social awkwardness and forced hip slang is timelessly funny.

The film that broke Rudd to mainstream audiences. As the idealistic, Radiohead-listening stepbrother of Cher (Alicia Silverstone), he stole the hearts of an entire generation. His smart, relaxed demeanor and dry humor made Josh the ultimate 90s dream guy.

As the heartbroken electronics store colleague David who obsessively stares at photos of his ex, Rudd fires off one brilliant improvisation after another. His back-and-forth with Seth Rogen over 'You know how I know you're gay?' became an instant classic.

Judd Apatow's raw, unfiltered look at married life around the age of forty. Rudd plays struggling record label owner Pete, who secretly eats cupcakes and battles financial ruin and marital fatigue with Leslie Mann. Painfully relatable, bittersweet, and extremely funny.

As a cynical energy drink salesman sentenced to community service mentoring an introverted boy obsessed with live-action role-playing (LARP), Rudd co-wrote the script himself and excels in biting observations and unexpectedly genuine friendship.

"We accept the love we think we deserve." With just a handful of scenes as the empathetic English teacher who sees the literary talent in troubled teen Charlie, Rudd delivers one of the most beloved mentor roles in modern cinema -- a beautiful showcase of his sensitive side.

"The less you do, the more you do." Rudd steals the show in a legendary cameo as the hazy, laid-back surf instructor in Hawaii who has forgotten his own name. His completely useless surfing lessons are among the funniest moments in the entire film.

In this absurdist cult comedy about the final day at a 1981 summer camp, Rudd plays the ultimate arrogant camp counselor Andy. The scene where he refuses to clear plates and furiously mops the floor is a peak of pure physical slapstick.

As the enthusiastic earth scientist and summer school teacher who would rather screen old horror movies than actually teach, Rudd brings exactly the right nostalgic energy to the franchise. His confrontation with a swarm of mini Stay-Puft marshmallows in the supermarket is irresistibly charming.

In this bittersweet road movie, Rudd plays a grieving man who becomes a caregiver for a sarcastic teenager with muscular dystrophy. Razor-sharp humor and mutual teasing mask a deep sorrow. A warm, understated role that highlights Rudd's gift for character drama.