Brendan Fraser has had a long career in Hollywood from his breakout roles in the early 90s to his Oscar-winning role in his renaissance era. Throughout his filmography, Fraser has showcased a remarkable range across action, comedy, and drama. After a period away from the spotlight, Fraser has made a triumphant comeback, proving that his talent and appeal have only grown with time. With his range, he is one of the most versatile actors of his generation, albeit still an underrated one.
The journey of Brendan Fraser’s career is a testament to his resilience and the enduring power of his performances. Not only as an actor, but he is also well-known for his authenticity and genuine warmth off-screen. From swinging through the jungle to confronting a sexy devil, we explore Fraser's most essential films. We are sure that this list will grow over time as Fraser is just getting started in his new chapter.
10 'School Ties' (1992)
Directed by Robert Mandel
Set in the 1950s, School Ties follows David Greene (Brendan Fraser), a working-class Jewish teenager who earns a scholarship to an elite prep school. David initially keeps his faith a secret, blending in with the wealthy, predominantly Christian students, excelling in both academics and football. However, as he becomes closer to his peers and his popularity rises, his secret is exposed, leading to tension and prejudice that threaten his place at the school.
One of Fraser’s earliest and most powerful performances, Brendan Fraser delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, complete with heartbreaking vulnerability. His dynamic with co-stars like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is exciting to watch. The film was a failure at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some compared it to the superior Dead Poets Society which came out a few years earlier. While it may not be included alongisde some of the great movies set in schools, this film was a great vehicle for young stars like Fraser, who was able to show his potential for roles in bigger movies.
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School Ties
PG-13
Drama- Release Date
- September 18, 1992
- Runtime
- 106 minutes
- Director
- Robert Mandel
Cast
-
Brendan Fraser
-
Matt Damon
-
Chris O'Donnell
-
Randall Batinkoff
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
9 'No Sudden Move' (2021)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
No Sudden Move follows a group of small-time criminals brought together for what seems like a simple heist in 1950s Detroit. When the plan goes awry, the group—led by Curt Goynes (Don Cheadle) and Ronald Russo (Benicio Del Toro)—scramble to uncover who hired them and why. Brendan Fraser plays Doug Jones, the shady fixer who organizes the heist. The character is just a quick supporting role, but Fraser made a great impact with limited screentime.
Directed with style by Steven Soderbergh, this neo noir film was praised by critics for its layered storytelling, beautiful visuals and twisty narrative. Brendan Fraser’s performance, though brief, was highlighted as a welcome part of his career comeback, with critics and audiences appreciating his apperance as a memorable moment in the star studded ensemble, which also included Kieran Culkin, Jon Hamm and Julia Fox. The film was only released on Max, but is still one of Soderbergh best heist movies.
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No Sudden Move
R
Crime
Thriller Drama- Release Date
- July 1, 2021
- Runtime
- 115 minutes
- Director
- Steven Soderbergh
- Writers
- Ed Solomon
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
8 'Blast from the Past' (1999)
Directed by Hugh Wilson
Blast from the Past tells the story of Adam Webber (Brendan Fraser), a charmingly naive man who has spent 35 years living in a fallout shelter with his eccentric parents (Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek) after they mistakenly believed a nuclear bomb had been dropped during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Adam bravely ventures out into the modern world for the first time as supplies are running low, only to see a normal Los Angeles and Eve (Alicia Silverstone), who helps him adjust to society.
Brendan Fraser always shines in humorous roles, and as Adam he perfectly balances the character's innocence and optimism for laughs. The movie’s charm lies in its clever fish-out-of-water humor and nostalgic nods to mid-century ideals, blended with the chaotic reality of the 1990s. While it wasn’t a critical or commercial hit, Blast from the Past remains a delightful rom-com thanks to Fraser’s fun performance and the film’s witty exploration of clashing eras. If you like Fallout, check this out for the comedic take of the situation.
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Blast from the Past
PG-13
Comedy
Drama Romance- Release Date
- February 12, 1999
- Runtime
- 112 minutes
- Director
- Hugh Wilson
- Writers
- Bill Kelly, Hugh Wilson
WHERE TO WATCH
RENT
BUY
7 'Airheads' (1994)
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Airheads follows the misadventures of The Lone Rangers, a struggling heavy metal band consisting of frontman Chazz Darvey (Brendan Fraser), guitarist Rex (Steve Buscemi), and drummer Pip (Adam Sandler). Desperate to get their demo played on the radio, the trio takes over a Los Angeles radio station with toy guns, inadvertently turning their badly planned stunt into a real hostage situation.
While Airheads did not meet a good welcome upon its release, it has since become a cult classic, especially for fans of 90s comedy and music. The deadpan, slapstick comedy combined with cultural satire became a favorite for audiences in later years. Brendan Fraser is in top form as Chazz, delivering a performance that’s equal parts earnest and hilarious. Buscemi and Sandler were also great, with both of them playing against type. With outrageous humor and performances, this film is an essential part of Fraser's filmography.
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Airheads
PG-13
Comedy
Crime
- Release Date
- August 5, 1994
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Director
- Michael Lehmann
- Writers
- Rich Wilkes
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
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6 'The Quiet American' (2002)
Directed by Phillip Noyce
Based on Graham Greene’s novel, The Quiet American follows Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine), a weary British journalist, and Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), a young and idealistic American aid worker in 1950s Vietnam. However, as Fowler digs deeper, he realizes that Pyle isn’t as innocent as he seems—his involvement in Vietnam’s growing conflict runs far deeper than mere humanitarian work. Fowler and Pyle’s lives become more intricately intertwined as they both fall for a beautiful Vietnamese woman.
Critics widely praised The Quiet American for its timely exploration of political themes and its performances. Michael Caine received an Academy Award nomination for his role, but Fraser’s performance also drew acclaim for showcasing his range as a dramatic actor, tackling complex, morally ambiguous roles. Both of the actors' fantastic performances created a fascinating dynamic that drives the tension of the film. Directed by Phillip Noyce, the film stands as a gripping, significant piece reflecting on the complexities of love and war.
The Quiet American
R
DramaMystery
Romance ThrillerWar
- Release Date
- November 22, 2002
- Runtime
- 101 minutes
- Director
- Phillip Noyce
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
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5 'Bedazzled' (2000)
Directed by Harold Ramis
In Bedazzled, Brendan Fraser stars as Elliot Richards, a socially awkward office worker hopelessly in love with his co-worker, Alison (Frances O’Connor). His life takes a sharp turn when he encounters the Devil (Elizabeth Hurley), in the form of a charming seductress, who offers him seven wishes in exchange for his soul. Elliot uses his wishes to win Alison, but he's transformed into different personas, from a drug lord to a basketball superstar.
Fraser’s performance in Bedazzled is a masterclass in versatility, as he shifts effortlessly between wildly different characters in each wish scenario, almost like a comedic version of James McAvoy's performance in Split. In his persona as a drug lord, he even had to speak in Spanish throughout the sequence. His comedic timing and physical humor shine, and together with Elizabeth Hurley’s charismatic performance, the two make an entertaining couple on screen. While not a critical darling, Bedazzled is a cult favorite for its quirky humor and a culmination of Fraser's comedic talents as he tackles all of those over-the-top characters.
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Bedazzled
PG-13
Comedy
Fantasy- Release Date
- October 20, 2000
- Runtime
- 93 Minutes
Cast
-
Brendan Fraser
-
Elizabeth Hurley
-
Frances O'Connor
-
Miriam Shor
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4 'The Whale' (2022)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
In The Whale, Brendan Fraser delivers an outstanding performance as Charlie, a reclusive English teacher battling morbid obesity. Confined to his small apartment, Charlie struggles to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink) while grappling with his grief, guilt and health. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), the film also stars Hong Chau and Samantha Morton.
Fraser's performance is nothing short of transformative, marking a monumental return to the spotlight. His portrayal of Charlie is empathetic, layering the character with pain, vulnerability, and a quiet dignity that resonates powerfully. Critics praised Fraser’s work as both heartbreaking and inspiring, with many calling it the best performance of his career. His ability to convey so much emotion through subtle expressions and body language is a reminder of his immense talent as an actor. The Whale stands as a testament to Fraser’s remarkable range and humanity as an actor, evidenced by his Best Actor win at the 95th Academy Awards.
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The Whale
r
Drama3 10
- Release Date
- December 9, 2022
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
RENT
BUY
A reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
3 'Gods and Monsters' (1998)
Directed by Bill Condon
Gods and Monsters tells the story of James Whale (Ian McKellen), the famed but reclusive director of Frankenstein, as he lives the final days of his life. Set in the 1950s, the film explores Whale’s declining mental health, haunted by memories of his Hollywood heyday and his traumatic experiences in World War I. Whale strikes an unlikely friendship with his handsome, working-class gardener, Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser), who becomes his source of comfort.
Directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls), the film won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. McKellen's brilliant performance was also nominated. As his screen partner, Fraser delivers an affecting performance as Clayton, giving McKellen space to build his character while also fleshing out his character. The film as a whole explores aging, sexuality and loneliness, with the fascinating backdrop of old Hollywood. Gods and Monsters is an essential film for showcasing Fraser's ability to bring depth to dramatic roles, while also shining a spotlight on the overlooked personal struggles of one of Hollywood’s early pioneers.
Gods And Monsters
Biography
Documentary
Drama- Release Date
- January 21, 1998
- Runtime
- 105 minutes
Cast
-
Ian McKellen
-
Brendan Fraser
-
Lynn Redgrave
-
Lolita Davidovich
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2 'George of the Jungle' (1997)
Directed by Sam Weisman
Based on the classic cartoon, George of the Jungle follows Fraser as the titular character, a man who was raised by apes in the jungle and knows nothing of the modern world. When Ursula (Leslie Mann), a San Francisco socialite, gets lost in the jungle, she encounters the hilariously naive George, who rescues her from danger. However, when George follows Ursula back to civilization, he has to adapt to life outside the jungle.
This film was an introduction to Fraser for all generations. The film may not have the best reviews, but it's a staple in 90s family comedies. In a film packed with slapstick comedy, visual gags, and fourth-wall-breaking humor, Fraser’s portrayal of George is what makes the film truly shine. He balances out his goofy antics with an endearing charm. His performance elevated George of the Jungle beyond a standard children's movie and made the film a 90s classic. A sequel was released without him, and it was quite obvious that it was missing his energy.
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George of the Jungle
PG
Action AdventureComedy
- Release Date
- July 16, 1997
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Director
- Sam Weisman
- Writers
- Jay Ward, Dana Olsen, Audrey Wells
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
1 'The Mummy' Trilogy (1999 - 2008)
Directed by Stephen Sommers & Rob Cohen
The Mummy series introduced audiences to the charming and fearless Rick O’Connell. The first film original follows Rick as he teams up with librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) to uncover the secrets of Hamunaptra, only to accidentally unleash the vengeful high priest Imhotep. The sequels, The Mummy Returns and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, expand on the lore, with the crew facing Imhotep again and another mummy in China.
Fraser’s performance as Rick O’Connell is iconic, reminiscent of Hollywood's best swashbuckling heroes like Indiana Jones. He makes Rick an everyman hero who is both relatable and effortlessly cool. He nailed his action scenes as well as his humorous moments. Fraser's chemistry with Weisz is irresistible, making Rick and Evelyn a fan-favorite couple. While The Mummy is part of the classic Universal monster franchise, for modern audiences, it has become synonymous with Fraser's character. Even a reboot starring Tom Cruise wasn't as well-received as Rick O'Connell's adventures.
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The Mummy
PG-13
Adventure Action Fantasy- Release Date
- April 16, 1999
- Runtime
- 124 minutes
- Writers
- Stephen Sommers
- Producers
- James Jacks, Kevin Jarre
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
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