Deadpool & Wolverine: 8 Best Non-Superhero Ryan Reynolds Movies, Ranked

Highlights

• Reynolds and Jackman team up in Deadpool & Wolverine, a deadly duo journeying into the MCU, elevating their status as iconic characters.
• Reynolds shines in rom-coms like The Proposal and Adventureland, showcasing his charm and comedic talent, stepping into leading roles.
• Buried and Mississippi Grind highlight Reynolds’ versatility as an actor, with intense performances that showcase his range and depth on screen.

In Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds returns to the fold as Deadpool, reuniting the character with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine from The X-Men. With the third installment of the Deadpool franchise, Deadpool and Reynolds step into the MCU, bringing Wolverine along on a journey that sees them become a deadly duo as they seek to survive.

Reynold’s long run as the charismatic and rated R superhero has seen the actor rise to the top of Hollywood, with Reynolds going on to star in a myriad of big movies that have elevated his stardom. Despite his superhero exploits, Reynolds has plenty of films in his filmography that are to be proud of, with Reynolds giving many great performances throughout his career.

8 The Proposal (2009)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%

The Proposal is one of the most important movies in Reynolds’ career, with the rom-com establishing the actor as an up-and-coming name in Hollywood. Starring Sandra Bullock and Reynolds, The Proposal tells the story of a high-end executive marrying her assistant to prevent being deported from the US. However, their pretend relationship turns serious as they spend more time together on a family visit.

Despite being similar to many rom-coms of the 90s and 00s, The Proposal excels due to the chemistry of its leads. Reynolds’ charm, in particular, helps the film thrive as a quintessential 21st-century rom-com.

7 Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%

In the first live-action Pokemon movie, Pokemon Detective Pikachu follows the adventures of Tim Goodman, who partners with Detective Pikachu to track down his father, Harry, in a challenging case. Along their journey, Tim and Pikachu encounter several Pokemon in Ryme City, such as Bulbasaur and Mewtwo, with the latter playing a pivotal role in the quest to find Harry.

In Nintendo’s second live-action film, Reynold’s voice acting of the iconic Pokemon Pikachu proves to appease fans of the franchise, with Pokemon Detective Pikachu bringing a lot of fun and a refreshing change to the video game franchise.

6 The Adam Project (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%

In this star-studded cast from Netflix, The Adam Project focuses on Adam Reed, a time traveler who goes back in time and meets his 12-year-old self, with the pair teaming up to stop Sorian, a company that seeks to control time travel. The sci-fi film delivers an adventure-filled story that features Reynolds’ distinct comedic performance, for which he has become renowned.

The crux of the film is the relationship Adam has with his 12-year-old self, with the pair coming to terms with their father’s death, giving the film an emotional pull alongside the sci-fi adventure that transpires.

5 Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

In the late 00s, Reynolds became a prolific figure in many well-received rom-coms, with Definitely, Maybe being one of the actor’s most stand-out roles. Playing the role of Will Hayes, Reynolds’ character undergoes a divorce, with Will having to explain the complicated situation to his daughter while reminiscing on past relationships.

In the film, Will is shown to have several relationships with women, each being a unique relationship. Filled with heart and charm, Definitely, Maybe offers a refreshing take on rom-coms, pushing Reynolds onwards to stardom.

4 Free Guy (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

Free Guy is a big-budget comedy that sees Reynolds star as its lead, Guy, who finds out his whole existence is fabricated, with Guy being found to be an NPC in a video game multiplayer world. Upon learning of his surroundings, Guy partners up with an online player, MolotovGirl, to take down the game’s CEO, who steals valuable source code from Guy’s new acquaintance.

In this action-packed blockbuster, Reynolds provides a comedic performance that ranks among his best, with Reynolds excelling in a video game movie that makes for great entertainment and fun for audiences.

3 Buried (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

After the release of rom-com classics such as Definitely, Maybe, and The Proposal, Reynolds committed to the thriller Buried, which sees the entire film focused on Reynolds, who spends the movie buried alive in a casket underground. Playing the role of Paul Conroy, Reynolds gives a career-defining performance, with the entire film hinging on his role as a scared and disillusioned man on the verge of death.

As a survival thriller, Buried is one of the best of the 2010s, with its unique concept and shocking ending making for an exhilarating watch, ranking as one of Reynolds’ best in his filmography.

2 Adventureland (2009)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Featuring an ensemble of up-and-coming talent at the movie’s release, Adventureland is a late 00s rom-com that centers around Jesse Eisenberg’s character, James, who starts working at a rundown amusement park to earn enough money to travel aboard to Europe and go further in education.

In the amusement park Adventureland, James gets to know his co-workers, with James going on to have a crush on Em, played by Kristen Stewart. Reynold’s character, Mike, differs from many of his comedic roles as the actor delivers a layered performance. While his character acts as a mentor to his younger colleagues, Mike yearns for female attention despite being married, with the character showing two different sides.

1 Mississippi Grind (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Mississippi Grind has grown to be an underrated movie in Reynolds’ catalog. The film focuses on the high-flying and confident Curtis, who meets gambling addict Gerry, with the pair going on to partner up as they head to a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans.

Along their journey, the pair gamble, rekindle old relationships and undergo ups and downs on their way to their final destination. While Mississippi Grind takes an extensive look at the damage that gambling can do, the film thrives through the duo of Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, whose chemistry carries the movie.