Paul Rudd’s most memorable roles from film and TV

To kick it all off, we have Josh from Clueless (1995). This film was pretty much everyone's introduction to Paul Rudd, and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Not only is he great as Josh, but he's not bad to look at, either.

I still can't believe Paul Rudd is in Romeo + Juliet (1996). I think of the Mark Ruffalo meme "Is that Paul Rudd?" with every rewatch, but look at that smile! He is arguably the best part of any film.

Though Wet Hot American Summer (2001) didn't do so well with critics, it's become a cult classic, with a prequel miniseries on Netflix, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015), and another Netflix miniseries released two years later, set ten years after the film. Paul Rudd's Andy is a lovable dirtbag that we could watch forever.

How could anyone forget about Phoebe's boyfriend (and eventual husband), Mike, in seasons 9–10 of Friends? We loved Mike for his goofiness, and he could not have been a better match for Phoebe. Most memorable moment: playing an invisible piano in the coffee shop.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) gave us one of Paul Rudd's most iconic and quotable characters, Brian Fantana. He and the rest of the news team make for comedy gold, and we were thankfully blessed by his presence again in the sequel Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). His best line? "Sixty percent of the time, it works every time."

I would like to say that I discovered Paul Rudd with everyone else during his Clueless era, but his role as David in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) was one of the first films I saw him in. While Paul is great in anything, David wasn't the best personality-wise, but boy, was he hilarious. His banter with his coworkers alone makes it worth watching.

Pete and his family in Knocked Up (2007) and the sequel, This Is 40 (2012), were basically a hilarious representation of how the Apatows live. Pete was a sweet family man just doing his best, and we loved watching him and Seth Rogen's character bro out together.

Role Models (2008) had an awesome cast, for one, and if there's anything we've learned over the years, it's that Paul Rudd seems to have great on-screen chemistry with just about anyone. Danny is probably one of his more underrated characters, and he gave us wonderful bits, like the one where he argues with the barista over what "venti" means.

Chuck, a.k.a. "Kunu" from Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), might be the coolest surf instructor. Paul Rudd is a super-talented actor, even when he's basically a wild card thrown in for comic relief. One of his best lines: "You sound like you're from London!"

Rudd's role as Peter in I Love You, Man (2009) is one of my favorites of all time! He and Jason Segel together again made for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about bromance. This movie is so quotable and will forever be a comfort film. Choosing a favorite line is difficult, but I'll go with "Totes McGotes."

Wanderlust (2012) didn't get enough love if you ask me. However, it didn't necessarily do well with critics, Paul as George obviously made the movie funny! The scene where he is giving himself a pep talk in the mirror is the meme that keeps on giving.

Mr. Anderson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) was a character that we honestly would've liked to have seen more of. We don't get enough dramatic Paul Rudd, so we must cherish it when it happens! He was the supportive English teacher we all would have liked to have had in high school.

Bobby Newport was only in five episodes in seasons 4–7 of Parks and Recreation, but we could've watched him be his ridiculous and entitled self in so many more! His stance on crime? He's against it, and he's not ashamed to admit it.

They Came Together (2014) was the rom-com satire we all needed! Paul and Amy together again is a match made in comedy heaven, and they freakin' delivered. My favorite scene is when they both show up to a Halloween party dressed as Benjamin Franklin.

Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the MCU is definitely at the very top of the list! Paul Rudd made his debut as Ant-Man in 2015 and has since gone on to appear in various Marvel films, including Avengers: Endgame (2019). The third Ant-Man film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was released in early 2023.

I'm unsure if The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) can be considered a "dramedy," but we all know Paul Rudd brings humor to every role. Ben is a charming caregiver dealing with issues of his own but puts them aside to take Trevor, a disabled teen, on a road trip, making the film endearing to watch.

Living with Yourself (2019) was severely underrated, and I really wish it would've gotten another season! Paul Rudd acted his butt off in this Netflix comedy-drama series. His character, Miles (and his other self), was so compelling, and I was interested to see how his relationship with his wife would play out after the season's end.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) was kind of awesome, and I cannot wait to see the sequel! We get Paul Rudd playing a teacher again, hallelujah! He, of course, fits in perfectly with the new Ghostbusters cast and brings that quirkiness that only he can.

Paul Rudd's performance as Ike in The Shrink Next Door (2021) was almost too good just because it was based on a real person who was actually this manipulative as a therapist. He and Will Ferrell together are hilarious, but the acting between them was so good I forgot it was them. 10/10.

How could I forget the iconic scene from Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007), where Dewey meets up with The Beatles? Paul is uncredited in this film but plays the best John Lennon anyone has ever seen. I rewatch this regularly just for him. Best line? "Great record."