Summary
Chris Prattis best known for starring inmassive movie hits like the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU),Jurassic World,or even theParks and RecreationTV show for some. He has established himself as a leading blockbuster star, effortlessly combining that winning mix of a funny, down-to-earth guy who steps up and gets things done when it counts. Critics might not always love him, but audiences like his fun, entertaining flicks. That audience appeal haspushed his total box officeas a lead star close to $6 billion.
WithNetflix just unleashing one of its priciest originals,The Electric State, where Chris Prattteams up with Millie Bobby Brownas a former sergeant turned robot ally named John D. Keats, it’s a perfect moment to look back at his career. Below, we’ll examinethe best Chris Pratt filmsthat highlight his charm, versatility, and his favorite character type.
To keep the selection varied, only one appearance per specific role (like Peter Quill/Star Lord or velociraptor expert Owen Grady) makes the cut. Also, voice roles in animated hits likeThe Lego Movie,The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part,Onward,The Garfield Movie, andThe Super Mario Bros. Movieare excluded to spotlight his live-action work.
Amazon’sThe Tomorrow Waris a classic streaming blockbuster with Chris Pratt at the helm. It kicks off with a cool idea: drafting men from the past to fight in a future war against aliens because soldiers are running scarce. The visuals hold up, but the story soon slips into cliché story beats and unoriginal action. Even with talents like J.K. Simmons in the mix,actors just couldn’t elevate the source material.
Pratt plays Dan Forester, an ex-Special Forces soldier now teaching biology, who gets dragged back into combat to save his daughter’s future. His skills and leadership shine, and the dynamic with his dad, James Forester, adds some nuance to this otherwise standard sci-fi flick. Still, it’s not enough forThe Tomorrow Warto break the mold ofsimilar alien-focused movies.
The modern remake ofThe Magnificent Seven, a nod to the 1960 original, doesn’t quite measure up. Even with a stacked cast like Chris Pratt,Denzel Washington, and Ethan Hawke, it falls short of making a big impact. The core idea — a mismatched crew teaming up for a noble cause while figuring themselves out along the way — gives it a hint of timeless charm. Nevertheless, the film just doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table that hasn’t been done before.
InThe Magnificent Seven,Pratt steps in as Josh Faraday, a slick Western gunslinger, gambler, and explosives expert. He’s Pratt’s usual roguish, risk-loving type, equally handy with a gun or a blast, with a penchant for theatrics. Starting off more mercenary than heroic, joining the fight just for cash, Faraday’s humane side eventually shines through, lending him a spark of grudging honor.
Mixing sci-fi spectacle with a cozy romance in near-perfect balance,Passengersmakes for a solid night in, standing out with slick style, sharp visuals, and lively performances. Chris Pratt andJennifer Lawrencespark enough chemistry to keep their bond dynamic and engaging all the way through, though the film’s big twist, laid bare from the start, might dull things a bit.
For anyone hoping to see a deeper slice of Pratt’s emotional chops,Passengersmight not fully deliver. His character, Jim Preston, is a skilled mechanical engineer turned colonist chasing a fresh start, fitting that classic everyman mold. He’s not too inventive in tackling the loneliness of a stranded spaceship, but he’s got that quiet readiness to step up when it counts. Thankfully, the film spends most of its time on the playful romance between the leads, keeping it a fun ride overall. Plus, bonus points for Pratt’s bearded looks.
Moneyballcould easily climb higher as a film on this list, but as a Chris Pratt movie, it’s tough to rank it above other picks. That’s because Pratt plays a supporting role here, clocking in at just 10 to 15 minutes of screen time, whileBrad Pitt drives the story. Based on real MLB events and people, the movie casts Pratt as Scott Hatteberg, a former catcher turned first baseman for the Oakland Athletics.
Even with limited screen time, Hatteberg is integral to the plot and felt important in the film’s emotional payoff. Unlike Pratt’s usual bold characters, this role paints Hatteberg as a gentle, injury-worn veteran facing career uncertainty. Pratt brings every ounce of nuance he’s got, nailing that everyday grit inMoneyball. Critics have generally praised the performance for its raw honesty and subtle vulnerability, proving Pratt can tackle drama just as well as blockbuster laughs.
Thehuge love for dinosaurs is tough to beat, and the never-endingJurassic Worldfranchise proves that with its wild success and devoted fanbase. Later entries likeFallen KingdomandDominionslightly dip in quality, but the firstJurassic Worldstrikes a solid balance, paying homage to the classicJurassic Parkfilms while tossing in a bit of new ideas and modernized thrills.
The film’s lead, Owen Grady, an ex-US Navy soldier turned velociraptor trainer, is one such smart twist that fits Chris Pratt like a glove. Rough around the edges and pragmatic, Grady leans on his sharpened survival skills and steady command to establish a unique connection with the raptors. This special bond leads to some nail-biting scenes that feel fresh for the series. When things go sideways, Owen may not be as refined as the older protagonists played by Sam Neil and Jeff Goldblum, but he’s a classic and convincing adventure hero for this type of movie.
Zero Dark Thirtystands out as a rare, heavy drama for Pratt, though much likeMoneyball, he’s not the star here. Still, Kathryn Bigelow’s gripping, accurate terrorist-hunt chronicle is too powerful to rank lower. It’s one of the sharpest docudramas out there, makingevery second of its long runtime count.
Unlike Pratt’s usual roles, his character, Justin, is a disciplined, no-frills member of the elite SEAL Team Six, deeply involved in field combat and tactical moves. It’s mostly a physical gig, withZero Dark Thirty’sstory not bothering to dig into his personality beyond the mission — his full name doesn’t even come up. But Pratt’s low-key, grounded take fits the film’s realistic tone perfectly. Sometimes, it’s just about getting it done, plain and simple.
Hitting the MCU scene in 2014’sGuardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt was quickly locked in as one of Marvel’s smartest casting picks, cementing himself as akey, enduring superhero in their lineup. Since then, Pratt’s music-obsessed Star-Lord has popped up in seven films and specials, with his detours into other corners likeThe Avengersalways leaving a mark — especially his hilarious duo withChris Hemsworth’s Thor.
Out of all the Marvel flicks, the firstGuardians of the Galaxymight be Pratt’s finest hour. He nails Peter Quill as a charming, wisecracking scavenger. James Gunn’s movie blends the fresh chemistry of the soon-to-be Guardians, a tight story, and a relatable, heartfelt core. Pratt’s knack for flipping from regular-guy Peter to battle-ready Star-Lord in an instant proves invaluable, and it’s tough to picture anyone else in the role now. Over a decade later, the originalGuardiansstill shines asone of the MCU’s funniest,most adventurous rides.
