Mark Ruffalo’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Mark Ruffalo has been a prominent figure in the film industry, leaving a lasting impact through his diverse and compelling roles in movies. With a career spanning more than three decades, Ruffalo’s ability to seamlessly transition between drama, comedy, and independent films has made him a respected and versatile actor. He has taken on iconic characters, including the complex Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role he took on despite initial skepticism — and he quickly won over the naysayers with his undeniable talent.

Ruffalo’s work in acclaimed projects like Spotlight, Shutter Island, Foxcatcher, and The Kids Are All Right has showcased his remarkable range, as well as the vulnerability he often brings to his roles. His enduring presence in the entertainment industry and his ability to disappear into his characters make him a quietly brilliant and indispensable actor with a long list of great movies.

10 We Don’t Live Here Anymore (2004)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Jack Linden

We Don’t Live Here Anymore gets into the complexities of marriage, fidelity, and friendships. Ruffalo plays Jack Linden, a small-town university instructor married to Terry (Laura Dern), while his best friend, Hank (Peter Krause), is married to Edith (Naomi Watts). The plot revolves around extramarital affairs that unravel both marriages and friendships. Despite mixed critical reviews of the film’s plot, Ruffalo’s performance is a notable highlight. His portrayal of Jack, a man in the throes of a midlife crisis, is impeccable. Together with Watts, Krause, and Dern, the cast delivers powerful performances that effectively convey the harsh realities of infidelity and its impact on relationships.

9 Shutter Island (2010)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Chuck Aule

Ruffalo’s performance in Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller Shutter Island showcases his ability to master subtle performances. The film follows U.S. Marshal Chuck Aule (Ruffalo) and his partner Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) as they investigate a mysterious psychiatric facility on an island. Ruffalo’s portrayal of Aule, with his concealed intentions, becomes more brilliant upon reevaluation, as he skillfully hides crucial plot twists until Shutter Island‘s ending. Ruffalo’s collaboration with a director of Scorsese’s prominence shows just how capable he is at keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

8 The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Paul

In the queer romance The Kids Are All Right, a dramedy exploring complex family dynamics, the plot revolves around a lesbian couple — Nic and Jules — and their children, who decide to seek out their biological father, Paul Hatfield. Despite not having a previous connection, Paul inadvertently disrupts the family’s harmony. Ruffalo’s portrayal of the charming but out-of-place Paul earned him his first Oscar nomination, reflecting his ability to seamlessly blend into the narrative and navigate life paths and complexities that deserve to be shared. The film’s critical and commercial success, including a Golden Globe win, underscores the overall quality of the movie.

7 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Matt Flamhaff

13 Going on 30 is a departure from Ruffalo’s usual roles, but remains one of his most memorable roles to date. The film follows Jenna Rink, played by Jennifer Garner, who magically ages from 13 to 30 overnight. Ruffalo plays Matt Flamhaff, Jenna’s childhood friend, and their rekindling relationship forms the core of the story. Ruffalo’s innate charm, quiet yet solid demeanor, and genuine performance in this rom-com set him apart. He skillfully complements Garner’s portrayal of a 13-year-old trapped in an adult’s body, creating a warm and natural on-screen chemistry that makes 13 Going on 30 an unforgettable addition to Ruffalo’s career.

6 Begin Again (2013)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Dan

Ruffalo’s performance in Begin Again is one of his best, even though Keira Knightley takes the lead. The film, directed by John Carney, features Ruffalo as Dan, a caffeine and nicotine-fueled music producer who discovers the talented singer-songwriter Gretta James, portrayed by Knightley. Ruffalo’s depiction of Dan allows him to showcase his acting strengths, embodying a character who is jaded yet endearing while adding a musical element to the film. His chemistry with Knightley results in a sweet and engaging on-screen relationship that proves Ruffalo has a knack for creating amazing chemistry with his co-stars.

5 Spotlight (2015)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Mike Rezendes

Spotlight is a gripping biographical crime drama that follows The Boston Globe’s investigative team as they uncover a child molestation scandal within the local Catholic Archdiocese. Ruffalo plays Mike Rezendes, a determined reporter on The Spotlight Team. His fiery monologue that encapsulates the outrage and determination of the investigative journalists is particularly powerful and a testament to his range and growth as an actor. This role earned Ruffalo his third Oscar nomination and contributed significantly to the film’s success, which received accolades and awards, including an Oscar for Best Picture.

4 Foxcatcher (2014)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As David Schultz

In Foxcatcher, Ruffalo delivers one of the best performances of his career, working effortlessly among a stellar cast. The film, based on real events, revolves around Olympic wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz, who become entangled with the mentally troubled multimillionaire John du Pont as they prepare for the Olympics. Ruffalo’s portrayal of Dave is mesmerizing, as he masterfully conveys the complex dynamics between the two brothers and the emotional depth of their relationship. This performance earned Ruffalo his second Oscar nomination, and Foxcatcher achieved both critical acclaim and box office success.

3 Margaret (2011)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Maretti

Margaret, a film often considered an underrated masterpiece, features an outstanding performance by Ruffalo that shouldn’t be missed. Ruffalo portrays Gerald Maretti, a New York bus driver whose life takes a tragic turn when he accidentally hits a pedestrian, leading to a complex legal and moral battle. Ruffalo’s portrayal is emotionally gripping, capturing the depth of Maretti’s denial and guilt.

Amid a cast of exceptional performances, Ruffalo’s heartbreaking portrayal stands out, adding to the film’s quality, even though it faced challenges at the box office. Ruffalo’s ability to convey the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by his character in a powerful and compelling manner, is truly what makes this film one of his greatest projects.

2 You Can Count on Me (2000)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Terry

Ruffalo’s performance in You Can Count on Me marks his emergence as a leading man in the world of independent cinema. The film tells the story of Sammy Prescott, a small-town bank employee played by Laura Linney, whose life is disrupted by the return of her well-meaning, but troubled brother, Terry. Ruffalo’s portrayal of a drifter who upends his sister’s life speaks to his stage acting background and started his journey as a respected film star. His performance captures the nuances of a character seeking connection but struggling with dysfunctional tendencies, making You Can Count on Me one of Ruffalo’s best films.

1 The Normal Heart (2014)

Mark Ruffalo Stars As Ned Weeks

Ruffalo’s most powerful performance is in The Normal Heart, a poignant film that portrays the struggle of LGBTQ+ activists in 1980s New York during the HIV-AIDS crisis. The actor’s portrayal of a gay writer, who’s part of a group raising awareness about the crisis, is both compassionate and compelling. His character takes on the frustration and anger surrounding this sensitive issue, and Ruffalo’s performance vividly brings his passion and dedication to life on the screen. Among a cast of Oscar-worthy performances, Mark Ruffalo‘s portrayal stands out the most, earning him accolades such as a Golden Globe nomination for his outstanding performance.