Paul Rudd is an American actor, writer, and producer whose screen career began with a memorable breakthrough in the 1995 teen comedy Clueless. He quickly demonstrated his range with roles in romantic dramas, independent films, horror movies, and ensemble comedies, including Romeo + Juliet, The Cider House Rules, and Wet Hot American Summer. During the 2000s, Rudd became a familiar face in comedy through collaborations with filmmakers such as Judd Apatow and David Wain, appearing in films including Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Role Models. His career entered a new phase when he became Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Ant-Man in 2015. Beyond superhero films, Rudd has continued to work in independent dramas, animated movies, documentaries, and character-driven comedies. His most recent released films include Anaconda, Power Ballad, Rain Reign, and Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, extending a film career that spans more than three decades.
1995 — Clueless
Paul Rudd made his feature-film debut in Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz. Rudd played Josh Lucas, Cher’s intelligent and socially conscious former stepbrother who becomes her romantic interest. The film is a teen comedy with elements of romance and satire, and it became one of the defining movies of 1990s popular culture. Rudd’s performance helped establish him as a promising young actor and remains one of the earliest highlights of his career.
1995 — Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers
In Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Rudd played Tommy Doyle, a character first introduced as a child in the original Halloween. Directed by Joe Chappelle, the film is a supernatural slasher centered on the continuing threat of Michael Myers. Rudd was credited as Paul Stephen Rudd, and the role gave him an early opportunity to work in the horror genre. The movie is particularly notable because it was one of his first feature-film roles after Clueless.
1996 — Romeo + Juliet
Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet gave Rudd a supporting role in a highly stylized adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. He played Dave Paris, the wealthy young man whom Juliet’s parents favor as her potential husband, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. The film blends Shakespearean dialogue with contemporary costumes, music, and visual style while retaining the original story’s tragic romance. Rudd’s role added to his early run of appearances in notable 1990s productions.
1996 — The Size of Watermelons
The Size of Watermelons is an independent comedy-drama directed by Kari Skogland, with Rudd playing Alex. The film follows a group of young people dealing with relationships, ambition, and the uncertainties of adulthood. Rudd’s appearance came early in his career, before he became widely associated with mainstream Hollywood comedy. It is a lesser-known but officially released feature that is important when considering the completeness of Paul Rudd movies by year.
1997 — The Locusts
In The Locusts, Rudd played Earl, appearing alongside actors including Vince Vaughn and Kate Capshaw. Directed by John Patrick Kelley, the drama follows a young man returning to a small Kansas town and becoming involved with people whose lives are shaped by complicated relationships and personal ambitions. Rudd’s role was part of an ensemble cast in a film that explored small-town tensions and romance. The movie represents his continued movement between independent drama and larger studio productions.
1998 — Overnight Delivery
Overnight Delivery is a romantic comedy directed by Jason Bloom, with Rudd starring as Wyatt Trips. The story follows Wyatt as he races to intercept a package containing a romantic letter that could jeopardize his relationship. Reese Witherspoon co-stars as Ivy, creating a comic road-trip pairing with Rudd. The film was released directly to video, making it a less prominent theatrical entry but still part of his feature-film record.
1998 — The Object of My Affection
In The Object of My Affection, Rudd played George Hanson opposite Jennifer Aniston and Nigel Hawthorne. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the romantic comedy-drama follows a pregnant woman who becomes deeply attached to her gay male friend after deciding to raise her child with him. Rudd’s performance required a balance of warmth, humor, and emotional complexity as George navigates friendship and changing relationships. The film became one of his significant romantic-comedy roles of the late 1990s.
1999 — 200 Cigarettes
200 Cigarettes is an ensemble comedy set in New York City on New Year’s Eve in 1981. Rudd played Kevin, one of several interconnected characters whose romantic and social adventures unfold throughout the night. Directed by Risa Bramon Garcia, the film featured a large young cast that included Ben Affleck, Kate Hudson, Christina Ricci, and Paul Rudd. Its ensemble structure allowed Rudd to contribute to a fast-moving comedy built around relationships and nightlife.
1999 — The Cider House Rules
Rudd played Wally Worthington in Lasse Hallström’s The Cider House Rules, a drama based on John Irving’s novel. The story follows Homer Wells, an orphan trained as a doctor, as he struggles with questions of morality, abortion, responsibility, and personal freedom. Rudd’s Wally is involved romantically with Charlize Theron’s Candy Kendall and becomes an important figure in the film’s emotional storyline. The movie was a major critical success and won two Academy Awards, making it an important dramatic entry in Rudd’s early film career.
2000 — Gen-Y Cops
In Gen-Y Cops, Rudd played Ian Curtis in a Hong Kong science-fiction action comedy directed by Benny Chan. The film follows futuristic police officers dealing with advanced technology and dangerous criminals. Rudd appeared alongside a predominantly Asian cast in an unusual early international production for the actor. Its action-oriented style made it a departure from the romantic and dramatic roles that had defined much of his 1990s work.
2001 — Wet Hot American Summer
Wet Hot American Summer, directed by David Wain, became one of Rudd’s most enduring cult comedies. He played Andy, a rebellious and immature camp counselor at Camp Firewood, alongside Janeane Garofalo, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Christopher Meloni, and other members of the ensemble. The deliberately absurd comedy parodies summer-camp movies and embraces an exaggerated style of humor. Although not initially a major box-office hit, it developed a strong cult following and later inspired several Netflix follow-up projects.
2001 — The Château
In The Château, Rudd played Graham Granville, one of two brothers who travel to France after inheriting an unexpected family property. Directed by Jesse Peretz, the comedy follows the brothers as they become involved with their eccentric French relatives and the complications surrounding the château. Rudd’s performance fits the film’s understated ensemble humor and cross-cultural comedy. It is another independent feature from the period before his major mainstream comedy breakthrough.
2001 — On the Edge — Short Film
On the Edge is not a standard feature film but a collection of short films, including the segment Reaching Normal. Rudd appeared as Dr. Kenneth Grearly in that segment. Because it is a short-form project rather than a conventional feature, it is identified separately here rather than being counted as a normal entry in his feature-film career.
2003 — The Shape of Things
Rudd starred in The Shape of Things as Adam Sorenson, opposite Rachel Weisz. Directed by Neil LaBute and adapted from LaBute’s stage play, the drama follows an art student whose relationship with Adam leads him through a dramatic physical and psychological transformation. Rudd’s performance is considerably more dramatic than many of his later comedy roles. The movie is notable because the same principal cast had performed the story on stage before the film adaptation.
2003 — 2 Days
In the independent comedy-drama 2 Days, Rudd played Paul Miller. Directed by Eric R. Meissner, the film follows a filmmaker and his personal and professional relationships during a difficult period of his life. Rudd contributes to the ensemble cast in a relatively small independent production. It remains one of the lesser-known feature films from the actor’s early career.
2003 — House Hunting — Short Film
House Hunting was a short film featuring Rudd as Daniel. It is a non-standard short-form appearance rather than a conventional feature film. The project is therefore included for completeness but should not be treated as one of his regular theatrical features.
2004 — Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Adam McKay’s Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy featured Rudd as Brian Fantana, a womanizing field reporter working alongside Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy. The comedy satirizes the macho culture of 1970s television news and became a major cult favorite. Rudd’s dry delivery and chemistry with Ferrell, Steve Carell, and David Koechner made Brian one of the memorable supporting characters. The film also began a recurring connection between Rudd and the Anchorman franchise.
2004 — P.S.
In P.S., Rudd played Sammy Silverstein, appearing alongside Laura Linney and Topher Grace. Directed by Dylan Kidd, the romantic drama follows a divorced admissions officer whose life becomes complicated when she meets a young artist who reminds her of her deceased high-school boyfriend. Rudd’s character contributes to the film’s exploration of romance, memory, and emotional uncertainty. The movie provided another dramatic contrast to his growing reputation for comedy.
2004 — Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie is a direct-to-DVD companion film assembled from unused footage and alternative material from Anchorman. Rudd reprises Brian Fantana, maintaining his role within the Channel 4 News team. The project is best considered a companion feature rather than a completely separate theatrical production. It is included because it was officially released as a feature-length film and forms part of Rudd’s screen filmography.
2005 — The Baxter
Rudd starred in The Baxter as Dan Abbott, a man who repeatedly finds himself becoming the dependable but ultimately overlooked romantic partner. Written and directed by Michael Showalter, the romantic comedy explores the familiar “second choice” character from a fresh perspective. Rudd also served as a producer on the project, demonstrating his expanding involvement behind the camera. The film is an important example of his work in character-driven romantic comedy before his major Apatow-era success.
2005 — The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Judd Apatow’s The 40-Year-Old Virgin featured Rudd as David, one of Steve Carell’s character’s friends and co-workers. The comedy follows a middle-aged man whose friends attempt to help him experience romantic and sexual relationships for the first time. Rudd’s character brings a more cynical and relationship-focused perspective to the group, while his subplot provides some of the film’s emotional grounding. The movie was a major commercial success and helped establish Rudd as a prominent comedy actor.
2005 — Tennis, Anyone…?
In Tennis, Anyone…?, Rudd played Lance Rockwood in a comedy built around competitive tennis and personal rivalry. The film was directed by Donal Logue and features an ensemble cast from the independent-comedy scene. Rudd’s appearance is relatively small compared with his major studio roles of the same period. Nevertheless, it remains an officially released feature in his filmography.
2006 — The Oh in Ohio
Rudd played Jack Chase in The Oh in Ohio, an independent romantic comedy directed by Billy Kent. The story centers on a married couple whose relationship changes as they confront dissatisfaction and intimacy issues. Rudd stars opposite Parker Posey, bringing a mixture of awkward comedy and relationship drama to the film. It demonstrated his ability to lead smaller adult-oriented comedies outside the mainstream studio system.
2006 — Diggers
In Diggers, Rudd played Hunt, one of a group of working-class friends in a Long Island community during the 1970s. Directed by Katherine Dieckmann, the drama-comedy examines friendship, family, economic uncertainty, and a changing way of life. The film gave Rudd another opportunity to work in a grounded ensemble story rather than broad studio comedy. Its period setting also made it visually distinct from many of his contemporary roles.
2006 — Night at the Museum
Rudd appeared as Don in Night at the Museum, Shawn Levy’s family adventure comedy starring Ben Stiller. The story follows a museum security guard who discovers that the exhibits magically come to life after dark. Rudd’s role is supporting, with the film’s large cast including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Steve Coogan. The movie became a major family hit and launched a successful franchise.
2007 — Reno 911!: Miami
Reno 911!: Miami brought the characters of the Comedy Central series to the big screen. Rudd played Ethan in the feature comedy, which was directed by Robert Ben Garant and starred the show’s ensemble cast. The film follows the incompetent Reno sheriff’s department as they become involved in a chaotic Miami convention disaster. Rudd’s appearance is a supporting comedy role rather than a leading performance.
2007 — I Could Never Be Your Woman
In I Could Never Be Your Woman, Rudd played Adam Pearl opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. Amy Heckerling directed the romantic comedy about a television writer who begins a relationship with a younger man while simultaneously dealing with her teenage daughter’s romantic life. Rudd and Pfeiffer anchor the central age-gap romance with a mixture of humor and emotional conflict. The film reunited Rudd with Heckerling, who had directed his feature debut in Clueless.
2007 — The Ex
Rudd played Leon in The Ex, a comedy directed by David Guion and Michael Handelman and starring Zach Braff and Amanda Peet. The story follows a young husband who struggles with his wife’s former boyfriend, who has become a co-worker and an increasingly disruptive presence. Rudd’s supporting role adds another comic personality to the workplace and relationship conflicts. The film reflects his increasingly frequent involvement in mainstream romantic and workplace comedies.
2007 — Knocked Up
In Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up, Rudd played Pete, the husband of Leslie Mann’s character Debbie. The comedy follows an unmarried couple dealing with an unexpected pregnancy while Pete’s marriage faces its own problems. Rudd brought a more mature and emotionally grounded side to the ensemble, balancing the film’s crude humor with relationship drama. The movie became one of Apatow’s defining comedies and led to Rudd reprising Pete in This Is 40.
2007 — The Ten
The Ten is an irreverent anthology comedy directed by David Wain, with Rudd playing Jeff Reigert. The film uses ten interconnected stories inspired loosely by the Ten Commandments and features an ensemble including Jessica Alba, Winona Ryder, Adam Brody, and Liev Schreiber. Rudd also served as a producer, expanding his behind-the-scenes involvement in comedy projects. Its intentionally absurd style made it a natural fit for his collaboration with Wain.
2007 — Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story — Uncredited Cameo
Rudd made an uncredited cameo as John Lennon in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, a musical parody directed by Jake Kasdan. The film stars John C. Reilly as a fictional musician whose career mirrors and spoofs the conventions of famous rock biographies. Rudd’s appearance is brief and comedic rather than a standard supporting performance. It is therefore best classified as an uncredited cameo.
2008 — Over Her Dead Body
In Over Her Dead Body, Rudd played Henry, a man whose deceased fiancée’s ghost interferes with his new relationship. Directed by Jeff Lowell, the romantic comedy stars Eva Longoria, Lake Bell, and Rudd in a supernatural love triangle. Rudd’s performance combines romantic sincerity with the awkward humor required by the film’s supernatural premise. The movie continued his run of mainstream romantic comedies during the late 2000s.
2008 — Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Rudd played Chuck/Kunu, a laid-back surf instructor, in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Directed by Nicholas Stoller and starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis, the romantic comedy follows a man trying to recover from a painful breakup while staying at a Hawaiian resort. Rudd’s character is deliberately eccentric and provides several of the movie’s memorable comic moments. The film also continued Rudd’s association with Judd Apatow’s broader comedy circle.
2008 — Role Models
In Role Models, Rudd played Danny Donahue, a frustrated energy-drink salesman whose reckless behavior leads to court-ordered community service. Directed by David Wain, the comedy co-stars Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Jane Lynch. Danny is forced to mentor a difficult child and gradually learns to take greater responsibility for his life. Rudd also co-wrote the screenplay, making the movie particularly significant to his development as both actor and writer.
2009 — I Love You, Man
I Love You, Man stars Rudd as Peter Klaven, a real-estate agent who realizes he has no close male friends when he becomes engaged. Directed by John Hamburg, the comedy pairs Rudd with Jason Segel as Sydney Fife, whose free-spirited personality changes Peter’s carefully organized life. The film mixes friendship comedy with romantic and workplace elements and became one of Rudd’s best-known leading performances. His chemistry with Segel helped make the movie a standout comedy of the late 2000s.
2009 — Monsters vs. Aliens — Voice Role
Rudd provided the voice of Derek Dietl in DreamWorks Animation’s Monsters vs. Aliens. Directed by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon, the animated science-fiction comedy follows a group of monsters recruited by the government to fight an extraterrestrial invasion. Rudd’s character is a television news reporter and part of the film’s comedic supporting cast. This was one of his notable early animated voice performances.
2009 — Year One — Uncredited Appearance
Rudd appeared as Abel in Year One, Harold Ramis’s historical comedy starring Jack Black and Michael Cera. The movie follows two primitive hunters who leave their village and encounter exaggerated versions of biblical and ancient-world events. Rudd’s appearance is uncredited, so it should not be presented as a standard starring or supporting role. It nevertheless qualifies as a released feature-film appearance.
2010 — Dinner for Schmucks
Rudd starred as Tim Conrad in Dinner for Schmucks, directed by Jay Roach and co-starring Steve Carell. The comedy follows a rising executive who becomes involved in an absurd corporate dinner where employees compete to bring the most unusual guest. Rudd’s character initially sees the event as a career opportunity but becomes increasingly entangled in Carell’s eccentric Barry. The film reunited Rudd with Steve Carell after their work together in The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
2010 — How Do You Know
In James L. Brooks’s romantic comedy-drama How Do You Know, Rudd played George Madison. The film stars Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, and Jack Nicholson and follows a woman caught between competing romantic possibilities while dealing with major personal and professional changes. Rudd’s George is a troubled businessman facing legal and family problems while developing a relationship with Witherspoon’s character. The film gave Rudd a role in a more traditional ensemble romantic drama.
2011 — Our Idiot Brother
Rudd played the title character, Ned Rochlin, in Our Idiot Brother, directed by Jesse Peretz. Ned is an optimistic and trusting man whose release from prison disrupts the complicated lives of his three sisters. The comedy-drama also stars Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer, with Rudd anchoring the film’s central character. His warm performance helped turn Ned into one of his most sympathetic comedy roles.
2012 — Wanderlust
In Wanderlust, Rudd played George Gergenblatt, a New York couple’s husband who leaves conventional city life for a communal lifestyle. Directed by David Wain, the comedy co-stars Jennifer Aniston and follows the pair as they encounter the unconventional residents of a rural commune. Rudd also served as a producer on the film. The movie allowed him to combine relationship comedy with the more absurd style associated with his David Wain collaborations.
2012 — The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Rudd appeared as Mr. Anderson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky’s coming-of-age drama based on his own novel. He plays an English teacher who recognizes the potential in Charlie, a socially isolated teenager played by Logan Lerman. The film also stars Emma Watson and Ezra Miller and deals with friendship, trauma, identity, and adolescence. Rudd’s restrained performance provides an important adult presence within the teenage-centered story.
2012 — This Is 40
Rudd reprised his Knocked Up character Pete in This Is 40, a comedy directed and written by Judd Apatow. The film expands Pete and Debbie’s story as they confront marriage, parenthood, finances, work, and the realities of approaching middle age. Leslie Mann again plays Debbie, while the cast includes their children and a number of comedy performers. The film is notable as a standalone spin-off centered on Rudd’s established Apatow character.
2013 — Admission
In Admission, Rudd played John Pressman opposite Tina Fey. Directed by Paul Weitz, the comedy-drama follows a Princeton admissions officer whose carefully controlled life changes after she encounters an unconventional prospective student. Rudd plays a progressive school administrator and single father who becomes romantically involved with Fey’s character. The film combines romantic comedy with questions about education, family, and personal choices.
2013 — Prince Avalanche
Rudd played Alvin in Prince Avalanche, directed by David Gordon Green. Set against the aftermath of a devastating forest fire, the independent comedy-drama follows two men spending the summer repainting road lines while dealing with their contrasting personalities. Rudd’s performance is quieter and more introspective than his mainstream comedy work. The film was praised for its unusual mixture of humor, melancholy, and naturalistic character interaction.
2013 — This Is the End — Cameo
Rudd appeared as himself in This Is the End, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s apocalyptic comedy. The film features numerous celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves as they attempt to survive a supernatural catastrophe in Los Angeles. Rudd’s appearance is a cameo rather than a conventional character performance. It is included as a feature-film appearance because he appears within the released movie.
2013 — All Is Bright
In All Is Bright, Rudd played Rene, a struggling Christmas-tree salesman who travels to New York with his former brother-in-law. Directed by Phil Morrison, the dark comedy-drama also stars Paul Giamatti and Sally Hawkins. The story examines economic hardship, family tensions, and the possibility of rebuilding damaged relationships. Rudd’s role provided another opportunity to move away from broad comedy into a more subdued independent drama.
2013 — Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Rudd returned as Brian Fantana in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, directed by Adam McKay. The sequel follows Ron Burgundy and his former news team as they enter the emerging 24-hour cable-news industry. Rudd once again plays the flamboyant and womanizing field reporter Brian, alongside Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, and David Koechner. The film expanded the original’s satire of television news while bringing the Channel 4 team into a new era.
2014 — They Came Together
Rudd starred opposite Amy Poehler in They Came Together, a romantic comedy directed by David Wain. He played Joel, a corporate employee who becomes involved with Poehler’s Molly in a deliberately exaggerated parody of romantic-comedy conventions. The movie satirizes familiar meet-cute, breakup, reconciliation, and coincidence formulas. Its intentionally self-aware style reunited Rudd with several longtime comedy collaborators.
2015 — The Little Prince — Voice Role
Rudd voiced Mr. Prince in The Little Prince, Mark Osborne’s animated adaptation inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella. The film combines the original story with a new framing narrative about a young girl and her elderly neighbor. Rudd’s voice performance contributes to the film’s fantasy and family-oriented storytelling. Because his contribution is voice acting, it is identified separately from his live-action roles.
2015 — Ant-Man
Ant-Man marked Rudd’s transformation into a major superhero star as Scott Lang, a thief recruited by scientist Hank Pym to use the Ant-Man suit. Directed by Peyton Reed, the Marvel action-comedy also stars Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, and Michael Peña. Rudd brought a comedic and human quality to the superhero role, helping distinguish Scott Lang from more traditional Marvel protagonists. The movie launched his long-running role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Rudd also received a screenplay credit.
2016 — Captain America: Civil War
Rudd reprised Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Captain America: Civil War, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The superhero action film centers on the conflict between Captain America’s and Iron Man’s factions over government control of the Avengers. Ant-Man joins Captain America’s side and receives a memorable introduction to several major Marvel heroes. His appearance expanded the character’s role within the wider MCU beyond the standalone Ant-Man story.
2016 — The Fundamentals of Caring
In The Fundamentals of Caring, Rudd played Ben Benjamin, a writer who becomes a caregiver after suffering a personal tragedy. Directed by Rob Burnett, the comedy-drama follows Ben and his disabled teenage client Trevor as they embark on an unexpected road trip. The film balances humor with themes of grief, independence, friendship, and emotional recovery. Rudd’s performance is more restrained and dramatic than many of his earlier comedy roles.
2016 — Sausage Party — Voice Role
Rudd provided the voice of Darren in Sausage Party, an adult animated comedy directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon. The film turns supermarket food into characters who believe that humans are benevolent beings before discovering a much darker reality. Rudd’s voice role contributes to the deliberately outrageous and satirical tone. The movie is clearly an animated voice performance rather than a live-action role.
2016 — Nerdland — Voice Role
Nerdland is an adult animated comedy in which Rudd voiced John. Directed by Chris Prynoski, the film follows two aspiring entertainers who desperately want to become famous and decide to manufacture their own celebrity moment. Rudd’s participation is a voice role alongside Paul T. Scheer and Patton Oswalt. It represents another example of his willingness to work in unconventional independent animation.
2016 — Rush: Time Stand Still — Documentary/Narrator
Rush: Time Stand Still is a documentary about the legendary rock band Rush and its final major touring cycle. Rudd served as narrator, contributing a voice performance rather than appearing as a fictional character. Directed by Dale Heslip, the documentary combines concert footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes material about the band’s career. It is therefore best classified as a documentary feature and narration credit.
2017 — Fun Mom Dinner — Cameo
Rudd made a cameo as Brady in Fun Mom Dinner, a comedy directed by Alethea Jones. The story follows four mothers who decide to spend an evening together away from their family responsibilities. Rudd’s appearance is brief, and he also served as an executive producer on the film. Because it is a cameo rather than a central role, it should not be confused with his lead performances.
2018 — A Futile and Stupid Gesture — Uncredited Cameo
Rudd made an uncredited appearance as “the Nobody” in A Futile and Stupid Gesture, a comedy-drama about the rise of National Lampoon. Directed by David Wain, the film stars Will Forte as Douglas Kenney and explores the creative culture surrounding the influential comedy publication. Rudd’s brief appearance is an inside-style cameo connected to the film’s comedy ensemble. It is included here because it was a released feature-film appearance, although it was uncredited.
2018 — The Catcher Was a Spy
In The Catcher Was a Spy, Rudd portrayed Moe Berg, the real-life professional baseball player who secretly worked for U.S. intelligence during World War II. Directed by Ben Lewin, the biographical thriller combines sports, espionage, and historical drama. Rudd leads an ensemble that includes Mark Strong, Sienna Miller, Jeff Daniels, and Paul Giamatti. The role allowed him to portray a complex historical figure in a much more serious dramatic setting.
2018 — Ideal Home
Rudd starred as Paul in Ideal Home, a comedy-drama directed by Andrew Fleming. He plays one half of a wealthy gay couple whose carefully organized lifestyle is disrupted when a young boy connected to Paul’s partner suddenly enters their lives. Steve Coogan co-stars as Erasmus, creating the film’s central relationship and comic partnership. The movie combines family comedy with themes of parenthood, responsibility, and unconventional families.
2018 — Mute
Rudd played Cactus Bill in Mute, a science-fiction mystery directed by Duncan Jones. Set in a futuristic Berlin, the film follows a mute bartender searching for his missing girlfriend and encountering a dangerous criminal underworld. Rudd’s character is an eccentric surgeon involved in the story’s darker elements. The role represents one of his more unusual departures into science-fiction and neo-noir territory.
2018 — Ant-Man and the Wasp
Rudd returned as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Ant-Man and the Wasp, directed by Peyton Reed. The superhero sequel introduces Hope van Dyne as the Wasp and follows the pair as they search for Janet van Dyne while dealing with Ghost, a mysterious new adversary. Rudd also received a screenplay credit, continuing his creative involvement with the character. The film expanded Ant-Man’s role within the MCU while retaining the lighter comedy that defined the first movie.
2019 — Avengers: Endgame
In Avengers: Endgame, Rudd reprised Scott Lang/Ant-Man as part of Marvel’s massive ensemble. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film follows the surviving Avengers as they attempt to reverse the devastating consequences of Avengers: Infinity War. Scott’s return from the Quantum Realm becomes an important element of the story’s time-travel plan. The film became a landmark superhero release and one of the most commercially successful movies in cinema history.
2019 — Between Two Ferns: The Movie
Rudd appeared as himself in Between Two Ferns: The Movie, a feature-length extension of Zach Galifianakis’s deliberately awkward celebrity-interview series. Directed by Scott Aukerman, the film follows Galifianakis and his crew as they travel across the United States to conduct interviews. Rudd participates as one of the celebrity guests targeted by the show’s intentionally uncomfortable humor. His appearance is a self-portrayal rather than a conventional fictional character.
2021 — Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Rudd played Gary Grooberson in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, directed by Jason Reitman. The supernatural adventure follows a mother and her children who move to a small Oklahoma town and uncover their connection to the original Ghostbusters. Gary, a science teacher and admirer of the Ghostbusters, becomes involved as the family’s discoveries grow increasingly dangerous. The film revived the franchise while connecting a new generation of characters to the original series.
2021 — My Beautiful Stutter — Documentary
My Beautiful Stutter is a documentary focusing on young people who stutter and their experiences finding confidence through a theater program. Rudd appeared as himself and also served as an executive producer. Directed by George Springer, the documentary emphasizes personal stories, communication, identity, and self-expression rather than fictional storytelling. It is included as a documentary feature rather than a conventional acting role.
2022 — Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers — Cameo
Rudd made a cameo appearance as himself in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, an animated/live-action hybrid comedy directed by Akiva Schaffer. The movie follows the famous Disney characters as they reunite years after their television series ended. Rudd’s appearance is a brief celebrity cameo within the film’s extensive collection of pop-culture references. It is therefore categorized as a cameo rather than a standard acting role.
2022 — The Bob’s Burgers Movie — Voice Role/Cameo
Rudd provided the voice of Jericho in The Bob’s Burgers Movie, an animated musical comedy directed by Loren Bouchard and Bernard Derriman. The feature expands the story of the Belcher family from the long-running television series. Rudd’s Jericho is a supporting voice appearance, making this another animated rather than live-action credit. His contribution is best described as a voice cameo within the larger ensemble.
2023 — Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Rudd returned as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, directed by Peyton Reed. The third Ant-Man film sends Scott, Hope, Cassie, and their family into the Quantum Realm, where they encounter the powerful Kang the Conqueror. The film expands the MCU’s cosmic mythology while continuing the humorous and family-centered qualities of the franchise. It marked Rudd’s fifth major MCU feature appearance as Scott Lang.
2023 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem — Voice Role
Rudd voiced Mondo Gecko in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, an animated reboot directed by Jeff Rowe. The film follows the four teenage turtles as they attempt to gain acceptance in New York City while confronting a mysterious crime organization. Rudd’s role is a voice performance within the film’s colorful ensemble of mutant characters. The movie was notable for its distinctive animation style and youthful reinterpretation of the long-running franchise.
2024 — Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Rudd reprised Gary Grooberson in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, directed by Gil Kenan. The sequel brings the Spengler family back to New York, where they join the original Ghostbusters to confront a supernatural force capable of creating a deadly new ice age. Rudd shares the screen with Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and returning franchise stars. The film continued his role as one of the central adult characters in the modern Ghostbusters series.
2025 — Friendship
Friendship is a dark comedy directed by Andrew DeYoung in his feature directorial debut. Rudd plays Austin Carmichael, a local television meteorologist whose friendship with an awkward neighbor becomes increasingly intense and dysfunctional. Tim Robinson, Kate Mara, and Jack Dylan Grazer co-star in the film, which mixes uncomfortable humor with an examination of loneliness and male friendship. Although it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, its U.S. theatrical release came in 2025, so 2025 is the appropriate release-year entry for this article.
2025 — Death of a Unicorn
In Death of a Unicorn, Rudd played Elliot Kintner, a father whose weekend trip with his daughter takes a bizarre turn after they accidentally hit a unicorn. Written and directed by Alex Scharfman, the dark fantasy comedy horror also stars Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant. The film combines satire, family conflict, fantasy, and horror as wealthy characters attempt to exploit the mythical creature’s supposed regenerative powers. Rudd also served as an executive producer, making the project another example of his involvement behind the scenes.
2025 — Anaconda
Rudd starred as Ronald “Griff” Griffen Jr. in the 2025 Anaconda, a meta-comedy reboot of the original 1997 monster movie. Directed by Tom Gormican, the film co-stars Jack Black, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello. The story follows a group of friends attempting to remake the original Anaconda before encountering a genuinely dangerous giant snake. Released theatrically on December 25, 2025, the film gave Rudd another opportunity to combine action, adventure, horror, and comedy.
2026 — Power Ballad
Power Ballad is a musical comedy-drama directed and co-written by John Carney, with Rudd starring as Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer. The story follows Rick after he crosses paths with fading boy-band star Danny, played by Nick Jonas, leading to a complicated dispute involving a song and renewed fame. The film combines music, comedy, drama, and themes of friendship, ambition, and recognition. It premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival and received a wide theatrical release in June 2026, making it one of Rudd’s latest released feature films.
2026 — Rain Reign
In Rain Reign, Rudd plays Weldon in a drama based on Ann M. Martin’s 2014 novel. Directed by Erika Burke Rossa in her feature directorial debut, the film stars Rudd alongside Jeremy Sisto, Felice Kakaletris, Gretchen Mol, and Mary Stuart Masterson. The story centers on a young girl and her family relationships, with the film focusing on emotional connection and difficult family circumstances. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 6, 2026, making it an officially released 2026 feature rather than an upcoming project.
2026 — Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass — Cameo
Rudd appears in Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, a comedy directed by David Wain, as himself in a celebrity cameo. The film follows a Midwestern bride who travels to Hollywood after her fiancé uses their celebrity “pass” agreement, leading to an increasingly chaotic search for a famous romantic target. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026 and received a U.S. theatrical release on July 10, 2026. Rudd’s appearance is a cameo rather than a principal character role, but it is relevant to his released feature-film record.
Conclusion
Paul Rudd’s movies by year show an unusually varied career that has moved between teen comedy, independent drama, romantic comedy, animation, documentaries, horror, and major superhero productions. From Josh in Clueless and Dave Paris in Romeo + Juliet to Pete in Knocked Up and Peter Klaven in I Love You, Man, he built a reputation for combining understated humor with genuine character work. His portrayal of Scott Lang/Ant-Man transformed him into a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while still allowing him to pursue smaller and more unconventional projects. In recent years, films such as Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Death of a Unicorn, Anaconda, Power Ballad, Rain Reign, and Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass have continued to broaden his filmography. Taken together, Paul Rudd’s movies by year demonstrate a career defined by longevity, versatility, comedy, and a willingness to move between mainstream blockbusters and independent productions.
