Top 10 Steve Carrell Movies

Few comedy sidekicks are as memorable or absurd as Brick in “Anchorman.” Despite his supporting role as the weatherman, the comedian steals almost every scene. In a cast of comedy legends, it speaks to the power of Steve Carell that he could out funny even the likes of Will Ferrell. Whether he’s delivering a weather forecast or throwing a trident, the always unpredictable character delights audiences with his nonstop insanity. It’s no wonder that the actor’s work as Brick spawned a number of catchphrases, including one about his love for lamps. In a fan-favorite role, Carell’s breakthrough part secured him a prosperous future in film.

In a stroke of genius casting, the filmmakers behind “Get Smart” picked Steve Carell to portray Agent Maxwell Smart. Owing a debt to the original show’s star Don Adams, the actor plays an inept leading man as well as anyone. As an analyst forced into the field, the secret agent role provides more than enough material for Carell to shine. Between fumbling with gadgets and sneaking his way through a laser grid, Smart gives the performer ample opportunity for physical and verbal comedy. With Anne Hathaway as his partner, the comedian turns what could have been a lackluster adaptation into a hilarious spy parody.

In this overlooked film, Steve Carell functions as the antithesis of his trademark comedic persona. Playing Trent, Pam's uptight boyfriend, the funnyman plays it straight as the antagonist to teenager Duncan. While the film didn’t receive the attention of a big-budget comedy, its low-key charms compete with the likes of any blockbuster. Who would’ve thought Steve could pull off such a subtle and evil performance? Defying his usual type-casting, the actor delivers an understated role in an enjoyable coming-of-age movie. For those looking for a diamond in the rough, “The Way, Way Back” provides plenty of laughs along with an entirely unique performance from Carell.

Among his most underrated films, “Dan in Real Life” follows the titular character as he juggles his personal life and his three daughters. Falling for his brother’s girlfriend Marie, Dan finds himself torn between loyalty and love. Less remembered than his other films, this heartfelt comedy sees Carell provide a naturally funny and grounded lead performance. Instead of containing numerous comic set pieces, the movie plays out as a subtle dramedy. Drawing a more complex portrait of a man, Carell colors Dan with a hint of vulnerability that makes “Dan in Real Life” all the more remarkable.

As Mark Baum in “The Big Short,” Carell mixes comedy and tragedy into a timely satire about the 2008 financial crisis. Reteaming with director Adam McKay, the actor lends nuance to an otherwise morally questionable investor. While Mark discovers the true horrors behind the impending economic collapse, Carell invites us to discover the intricacies of finance while trading humorous jabs. It's a role that few people could pull off, with the comedian getting laughs one minute and struggling with his personal limits the next. Expertly deconstructing the typical anti-hero, Mark’s true humanity comes out as his brother’s death haunts him. All the while, the performer skillfully maneuvers through the complicated script of “The Big Short.”

With the dominance of animated films, it was inevitable that Steve Carell found his way into at least one. Spinning the role of a cartoon villain on its head, the comedy star disappears into the evil and unlikely father figure Gru. Adopting three girls, the supervillain must trade in his devilish plans to become a parent and outsmart his rival. Carell gradually peels back the villain's eccentricities to reveal the hero lurking underneath. Fun for the whole family, “Despicable Me” upends the usual trappings of a kid’s movie with help from the performer’s wacky vocal talents. Off the strength of this crowd-pleasing performance, the actor continued as Gru in several successful sequels.

In 2006, Carell rounded out the impressive ensemble cast in the indie film “Little Miss Sunshine.” When his character Frank survives a depressive episode, he joins his misfit family on a trip to his niece's beauty pageant. At the time, this was among the more serious parts in Carell's filmography. Mixing dry comedy and dramatic intensity, the role gave audiences their first glimpse at the actor’s versatile acting chops. Not only does the comedian manage to be authentically funny, but he also sells a beautifully drawn character without gimmicks or clichés. A surprise hit that received several Oscar nominations, "Little Miss Sunshine" captures Steve in one of the many emotional counterpoints to his usually playful image.

In what might be his darkest film, “Foxcatcher” finds Carell unrecognizable as the deeply troubled millionaire John du Pont. Behind a stellar makeup job, the star and his nose provide a sinister presence throughout the bleak movie. Manipulating wrestlers into joining his private team, John haunts the film as a disturbed man unable to connect with the world around him. Orchestrating a violent finale, John’s possessive nature gives the actor a chance to unleash the creepiest screen outing of his career. While not for everyone, "Foxcatcher" excels at slow-burn character drama that showcases Carell's most daring work yet.

Ushering in another decade of standout films, Carell’s 2010 role in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” proved his career was only getting started. Playing one of his signature roles, the tragically funny dad, the actor delivered an uproarious performance in a modern rom-com classic. Re-entering the dating scene in middle age, Carell's Cal gets a much-needed makeover from womanizer Jacob. Paired with Ryan Gosling, the leading man holds his own as a romantically incompetent divorcé. With the comedian at his awkward best, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” allows Carell to deliver a hilariously authentic look at a man struggling to find himself.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Date Night” (2010)
Carell Shines Alongside Tina Fey in This Zany & Comedic Thrill Ride

“Vice” (2018)
As Rumsfeld, the Actor Delivers an Unlikely & Entertaining Role as the Controversial Man

“Beautiful Boy” (2018)
In a Heart-Wrenching Story, Steve Plays a Vulnerable Dad Trying to Help His Son

“Battle of the Sexes” (2017)
Playing the Showman Bobby Riggs, the Actor Rounds Out a Crowd-Pleasing Sports Film

“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” (2012)
An Underrated Steve Performance That Effectively Mixes Emotion, Romance, & Comedy

While he’s had many fantastic roles, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” brought a fully realized Steve Carell to the forefront of the comedy film world. Shining in previous supporting parts, this film finally delivered on the promise of the character actor becoming a true leading man. Directed by Judd Apatow, it encapsulates the many facets of Carell’s winning comedic energy. He’s goofy, manic, and romantic all rolled into one fantastic performance. Take any number of scenes, including the infamous chest wax moment, and you’ll find the actor in top form. In a career of comedic highs, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” is the best example of the comedian's perpetual talents.

What’s your favorite Steve Carell movie? Let us know in the comments below.