Exploring the Filmography: Top Ryan Reynolds Movies

Ryan Reynolds Movies

Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian actor, producer, writer, and businessman, was born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia ^{3 4 5 6 7}. He has been active in the film industry since the 1990s and has starred in a wide range of successful movies across various genres, including action, comedy, and romance ^1 2.

Reynolds is best known for his roles in films such as “Deadpool” (2016), “Deadpool 2” (2018), “The Proposal” (2009), and “Green Lantern” (2011). He has also appeared in other notable movies like “Definitely, Maybe” (2008), “Adventureland” (2009), “Buried” (2010), and “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2017). Some of his recent works include “Free Guy” (2021), “Pokemon Detective Pikachu” (2019), in which he lent his voice to the titular character, and “The Adam Project” (2022).

Early Years and Rise to Fame

Ryan Reynolds grew up as the youngest of four brothers in an Irish Catholic family in Vancouver, Canada ². He began his acting career at the tender age of 12, landing a lead role in the Canadian teen drama Hillside (later renamed Fifteen in the United States) ^3 6 7. After returning to Vancouver, Reynolds appeared in several TV movies and played a recurring role in the CBC fantasy series The Odyssey (1993–94) ^3 4.

In the late 1990s, Reynolds moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19 to pursue his Hollywood career ^3 6. He gained recognition for his role as medical student Michael ‘Berg’ Bergen in the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl (1998-2001) ^4 5 6. During this time, he also made his feature film debut in Ordinary Magic (1993) ^4 8.

Reynolds’ early film career included roles in:

• National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) ⁵
• Blade: Trinity (2004) ⁵
• Definitely, Maybe (2008) ⁵
• The Proposal (2009) ^1 5
• Buried (2010) ⁵

He also appeared in minor roles on popular television shows such as The X-Files (1996) and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996) ⁴. Throughout his rise to fame, Reynolds continued to hone his craft, starting his own improv group called Yellow Snow ³.

The Rom-Com Era

In the early to mid-2000s, Reynolds found success in the romantic comedy genre, playing lead roles in commercially successful films such as Just Friends (2005), Definitely, Maybe (2008), and The Proposal (2009) ⁴. Definitely, Maybe (2008) is a romantic comedy where Reynolds plays a man recounting his past relationships to his daughter to explain his impending divorce, co-starring Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz, and Elizabeth Banks ⁹. The Proposal (2009), another notable rom-com, features Reynolds as an assistant who pretends to be engaged to his female executive boss, played by Sandra Bullock, to help her avoid deportation ^2 9.

Reynolds’ performances in these films earned him several award nominations:

• Nominated for Best Comedic Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹¹
• Nominated for Best Kiss at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹¹
• Nominated for Favorite Comedy Star at the People’s Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹²
• Nominated for Favorite Movie Actor at the People’s Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹²
• Nominated for Favorite On-Screen Team at the People’s Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹²
• Nominated for Choice Summer Movie Star at the Teen Choice Awards in 2009 for The Proposal ¹¹
• Nominated for Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy at the Teen Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹¹
• Nominated for Choice Movie: Chemistry at the Teen Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹¹
• Nominated for Choice Movie: Liplock at the Teen Choice Awards in 2010 for The Proposal ¹¹

Reynolds also starred in the body-switching comedy The Change-Up (2011) alongside Jason Bateman, which included romantic subplots with Olivia Wilde and Leslie Mann ¹⁰.

Venturing into Action and Superhero Films

Ryan Reynolds has ventured into various action and superhero films throughout his career ^2 4. Some of his most notable roles in this genre include:

1. Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004) ¹⁵¹⁶¹⁷
   • Reynolds had to gain and lose over twenty pounds for the role and underwent extensive fight training ¹⁷.
   • The final installment in the trilogy lacked the gritty action of its predecessors and suffered from tonal inconsistencies due to behind-the-scenes conflicts ¹⁸.
2. Wade Wilson/Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Deadpool (2016), and Deadpool 2 (2018) ¹⁵¹⁶¹⁸
   • Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool started off poorly in X-Men Origins: Wolverine but found success in the subsequent standalone films ¹⁵.
   • Deadpool (2016) was highly praised for its comic accuracy, gory humor, and fourth wall-breaking, leading to critical and commercial success ¹⁸.
   • Deadpool 2 (2018) further explored Reynolds’ spicy brand of humor with an ambitious story, higher stakes, and more violent comedy ¹⁸.
   • Disney plans to continue the Deadpool franchise ¹⁵.
   • Reynolds earned $2 million as a base salary for Deadpool and millions more in bonuses ¹³.
3. Hal Jordan in Green Lantern (2011) ⁴¹⁶¹⁸
   • The film suffered from a flimsy script, overwhelming visual effects, and a reduction of the menacing villain, Parallax, to a cliché antagonist ¹⁸.
   • Despite the film’s shortcomings, Reynolds won Favorite Movie Superhero and Favorite Action Movie Star at the People’s Choice Awards in 2012 for his role ¹².

Other notable action films in Reynolds’ filmography include X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), R.I.P.D. (2013), and Self/less (2015) ². He has also been nominated for several awards for his action and superhero roles, such as Best Fight at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2010 for X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy at the Teen Choice Awards in 2011 for Green Lantern ¹¹.

Reynolds is one of the few actors to have played significant roles in both Marvel and DC films ¹⁷. He has transitioned from lighthearted and comedic roles to high-octane action roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor ¹⁸. To further his success in the action and superhero genre, Reynolds founded his own production company, Maximum Effort Productions, which has produced successful films like Deadpool and its sequel ¹⁴.

Deadpool: A Career Turning Point

Ryan Reynolds’ breakthrough role came with the 2016 film Deadpool, where he portrayed the titular character ^5 6 7. The film became his biggest commercial success, along with its sequel Deadpool 2 (2018) ^1 4. Reynolds spent ten years trying to get Deadpool made, an experience that taught him valuable lessons about marketing and creating content that resonates with the audience ²².

Reynolds, along with director Tim Miller and a dedicated team, created a leaked test footage in 2014 that garnered overwhelming support from fans ²¹. The unexpected success of the test footage became the catalyst for the eventual production of Deadpool ²¹. Released in 2016, Deadpool became the highest-grossing R-rated movie at that time, earning critical acclaim and shattering expectations ²¹. The film’s success was a validation of Reynolds’ perseverance and a triumph for fans who had waited years for a faithful adaptation ²¹.

Reynolds’ performance in Deadpool earned him numerous award nominations, including:

• Best Actor in an Action Movie at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Actor in a Comedy at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in 2016 (won) ¹¹
• Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards in 2017 ¹¹
• Best Male Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Action Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Kiss at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Comedic Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Fight at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Best Actor at the Saturn Awards in 2017 ¹¹
• Choice Movie Actor: Action at the Teen Choice Awards in 2016 ¹¹
• Choice Movie: Hissy Fit at the Teen Choice Awards in 2016 ¹¹

The success of the Deadpool movies has significantly increased Ryan Reynolds’ popularity and marketability in the film industry ²⁰. In 2017, he ranked 15th on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid actors, earning an estimated $21.5 million ¹³. Reynolds also earned $48.5 million from Netflix films like Six Underground and Red Notice, and received $20 million from Apple TV+ for the holiday film, Spirited ¹³. The third installment of Reynolds’ Deadpool action superhero franchise is currently in the works under Marvel Studios, with Hugh Jackman attached to reprise his role as Wolverine ²³.

Beyond Acting: Business Ventures

Ryan Reynolds has ventured into various successful business endeavors beyond his acting career:

1. Aviation American Gin:
   • Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in Aviation American Gin in 2018 and became actively involved in its promotion and marketing ¹⁴.
   • In 2020, Aviation American Gin was sold to Diageo for approximately $610 million, resulting in a significant financial gain for Reynolds ^1 4 13 14.
   • Reynolds’ experience with Deadpool also led him to buy Aviation Gin, which he later sold to Diageo for over $600M ²².
2. Mint Mobile:
   • Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in Mint Mobile, a wireless service provider, in 2019 ^{1 3 4 13 14}.
   • He is a co-owner of Mint Mobile ^1 3 4.
   • Reynolds sold Mint Mobile to T-Mobile for $1.3 billion ²⁴.
3. Wrexham A.F.C.:
   • Reynolds is a co-owner of Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C. ^1 4.
   • Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co-own Wrexham AFC, which won the National League title in April 2023, granting them a promotion to the English Football League ²⁶.
4. Other Investments and Ventures:
   • Reynolds is a board member at Match Group ^1 3 4 13.
   • He co-founded a production company and marketing agency, Maximum Effort, in 2018 ¹³.
   • Reynolds became CEO of the marketing portion of the company, Maximum Effort Marketing, when it was bought by advertising software company MNTN in 2021 ¹³.
   • Reynolds and Rob McElhenney joined a group of investors backing the Formula One racing team, Alpine, in a deal worth $218 million (200 million euro) ¹³.
   • Reynolds acquired a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team for $218 million, joining other investors such as Rob McElhenney and Michael B. Jordan ²⁶.
   • Reynolds is an investor in online Canadian wealth management service Wealthsimple ¹³.
   • He is an investor in Canadian password management software, 1Password, and serves as the face of the company ^13 24.
   • Reynolds bought a stake in Canadian fintech company, Nuvei, in April 2023 ²⁴.
   • Nuvei operates in approximately 200 markets and partners with Binance Holdings Ltd. and DraftKings ²⁴.
   • Nuvei acquired Paya for $1.3 billion earlier this year to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market ²⁴.

Reynolds embodies value-added investing, using his celebrity status and personal branding to significantly amplify the business potential of startups ²⁵. He emphasizes emotional investment in brands, creating an emotional moat that provides resilience during market fluctuations ²⁵. Reynolds considers himself more of a storyteller than a financial expert, focusing on creating compelling narratives that resonate with people ²⁵. His net worth is estimated to be $350 million as of 2023 ^1 13.

Promoting Environmental and Social Causes

Ryan Reynolds has been a dedicated environmental activist for over 25 years, driven by his deep love for trees and concern about the clear-cut era in British Columbia ²⁷. He actively supports the Climate Reality project, which aims to combat the effects of climate change, and encourages others to join him in becoming leaders for this cause ^27 28. Reynolds leads by example, driving an electric car and using solar energy in his home ²⁸. He believes in making solar energy affordable and accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it ²⁷.

Reynolds’ commitment to the environment is evident through his actions. He planted American Forests’ 50 millionth tree in Cedar Glen, California, celebrating the 20-year partnership between the organization and Eddie Bauer ²⁹. As a proud father, Reynolds wants his children to experience the same quality of life he had as a child, promoting outdoor adventures and recycling ²⁹. Humorously admitting his dedication, Reynolds stated, “I will do almost anything PG-13 with a tree” ²⁹.

In addition to his environmental efforts, Reynolds is also involved in various social causes. Along with his wife, Blake Lively, he donated $2 million to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) and the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights ³⁰. Reynolds is participating in the 24 Hours of Reality: The Road Forward, an initiative by Climate Reality, a non-profit organization focused on climate and environmental justice ³¹. The organization’s mission includes creating a sustainable future and promoting climate justice for all ³¹. Reynolds is also involved with various charities, including:

• The Michael J. Fox Foundation ²
• The Natural Resources Defense Council ²
• Covenant House ²

Personal Life and Off-Screen Interests

Ryan Reynolds has been married twice. He was first engaged to singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from June 2004 to February 2007 ^2 3. Later, he married actress Scarlett Johansson on September 27, 2008, but they divorced in 2011 ^{2 3 5 6 7}.

In 2011, Reynolds began dating his Green Lantern co-star Blake Lively ^2 3. The couple married on September 9, 2012 ^{1 2 3 5 6 7}. Together, they have three daughters ² and a fourth child ¹.

Some interesting facts about Reynolds’ personal life and off-screen interests:

• He enjoys traveling and taking pictures ³².
• Reynolds admits that he is not good at cooking ³².
• He once had a near-death experience during a skydive ³².

Public Image and Recognition

Ryan Reynolds has garnered significant public recognition for his versatile acting skills and charismatic personality:

• Reynolds’ ability to navigate between genres is a testament to his dedication and skill ³³. His charismatic personality and genuine sense of humor have made him a social media sensation, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure both on and off the screen ³³.
• Known for being charismatic, quirky, and a quick-witted smart aleck ^2 3, Reynolds has been named one of People magazine’s sexiest men alive in 2008, 2009, and 2010 ^2 3. He was also named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2010 ¹ and awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 ^1 11.
• Reynolds has received numerous awards and nominations for his work:
  • Nominated for the American Cinematheque Award in 2022 ¹¹
  • Nominated for Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie at the Critics’ Choice Super Awards in 2022 for Free Guy and in 2023 for The Adam Project ¹¹
  • Won Entertainment Weekly Entertainer of the Year Award in 2016 ¹¹
  • Nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at the Gotham Awards in 2009 for Adventureland ¹¹
  • Nominated for Best Actor at the Goya Awards in 2010 for Buried ¹¹
  • Won Best Comedic Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards in 2022 for Free Guy ¹¹
  • Nominated for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2021 for The Croods: A New Age ¹¹
  • Nominated for Favorite Movie Actor at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2022 for Free Guy and Red Notice, and in 2023 for The Adam Project ¹¹
  • Won Deadpool at the People’s Choice Awards in 2017 ¹²
  • Nominated for The Male Movie Star of 2021 and The Comedy Movie Star of 2021 at the People’s Choice Awards for Free Guy ¹²
  • Set to receive ‘The People’s Icon’ award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards ¹²

Reynolds has also received recognition for his philanthropic efforts, including the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award ^1 3. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be $350 million ^1 3 4. Reynolds can next be seen in the musical comedy Spirited on AppleTV+ ¹².

Conclusion

Ryan Reynolds has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor, transitioning seamlessly from comedic roles to action-packed performances. His unwavering dedication to his craft, combined with his charismatic personality, has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Beyond his acting career, Reynolds has demonstrated a keen business acumen, investing in various successful ventures and using his celebrity status to amplify the potential of startups.

Moreover, Reynolds’ commitment to environmental and social causes showcases his desire to make a positive impact on the world. As he continues to captivate audiences with his on-screen performances and inspire others through his philanthropic efforts, Ryan Reynolds solidifies his position as a true icon in the realms of entertainment and beyond.

FAQs

References

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