13 Best John Krasinski Movies and Shows, Ranked

John Krasinski is known for playing the lovable Jim Halpert on the beloved comedy show The Office. Because of his memorable portrayal of the sarcastic salesman, Krasinski quickly crawled into the hearts of viewers across the globe, with him playing the role for more than eight years.

But apart from acting, Krasinski has also produced and directed several TV show episodes and films, with him finding his directing "big break" in the thriller A Quiet Place, which he stars in with his wife, Emily Blunt. With his irresistible smile and genuine charms, Krasinski is a versatile actor who doesn't back down from a challenge, as apparent in his diverse list of movies and films that his fans should definitely watch.

13 ‘It’s Complicated’ (2009)

Appeared as Harley

It's Complicated follows Meryl Streep's Jane, a successful bakery owner who is divorced from her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), but begins an affair with him while also starting a new relationship with her architect, Adam (Steve Martin). As Jane navigates her complicated love life, she must also deal with her adult children and their own relationship problems.

Krasinski's performance in It's Complicated is a supporting role, but he brings a delightful charm and humor to the character of Harley, Jane's future son-in-law. Harley becomes a likable and engaging presence on the screen thanks to Krasinski’s natural charm and genuineness. Because of its powerhouse main characters, all of whom are well-established in the world of acting, It's Complicated is an entertaining watch that puts the spotlight on the challenges of navigating complex relationships.

It's Complicated

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12 ‘The Hollars’ (2016)

Appeared as John Hollar

Krasinski’s second directorial foray was The Hollars, a movie about John Hollar, an artist in New York who movies back home after learning that his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Back in his hometown, he tries to foster connections with his lovable family, as well as his high-school sweetheart, Rebecca, who is played by Anna Kendrick from the Pitch Perfect franchise.

The Hollars is a monumental film for Krasinski as it further hones his directorial prowess. His performance in the film as a son who is riddled with regrets and insecurities is also particularly memorable. However, it wasn’t that big of a hit with critics, as many found it to be overly emotional and predictable. Still, it’s a great movie that features an authentic portrayal of the ups and downs of family life. – Jom Elauria

Rent on Amazon

11 ‘License to Wed’ (2007)

Appeared as Ben Murphy

The romantic comedy License to Wed pairs Krasinski with former pop singer Mandy Moore. In the movie, a young couple who are preparing to get married have to go through hoops just so they can satisfy the pastor of the church they want to marry at. The strange but friendly Reverend Frank (Robin Williams) gives them an unconventional marriage preparation course that they have to complete before getting married, which includes tasks such as caring for robot babies and rules like “no premarital sex.”

Krasinski's comedic talents shine in the movie, just like how it does in The Office. His on-screen with Moore is also believable and endearing, due largely to Krasinski’s innate charm and likability. However, the two of them found it hard to outshine Williams, who manages to steal the show in every movie that he’s in. The film might not be critically acclaimed, but it’s a great feel-good movie that’ll get viewers giggling.

License to Wed

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10 ‘Something Borrowed’ (2011)

Appeared as Ethan

Something Borrowed is a romantic comedy-drama film that follows Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), a successful lawyer who is in love with her best friend, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), but has never acted on her feelings. However, when Dex and Rachel's best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson), become engaged, Rachel must navigate her feelings while trying to be happy for the couple.

Krasinski played Ethan, Rachel’s confidante and friend. Despite having a minor role, Krasinski stole every scene he was in thanks to his charm and good-guy vibe. Many moviegoers were upset to learn that Rachel ended up with Dex despite the fact that Ethan always puts her first and is there for her.

Something Borrowed (2011)

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9 ‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’ (2016)

Based on the 2012 Benghazi attack in Libya, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a war film directed by Michael Bay. It follows a group of six security contractors who work for the CIA and are tasked with defending a U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA annex in Benghazi from a terrorist attack.

In 13 Hours, Krasinski plays Jack Silva, a former Navy SEAL and one of the security contractors, a role that differs from his regular ones. Krasinski brings physicality and intensity to the role, portraying a man who is skilled and trained in combat but also vulnerable and human which can easily remind fans of his role in Jack Ryan. While the movie wasn't positively received by critics, it has plenty of enjoyable and intense action scenes that'll keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Watch on Fubo

8 ‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)

Appeared as Kiro Honjo

The Wind Rises is an animated historical drama film that tells the fictionalized story of Jiro Horikoshi (voiced by Hideaki Anno in the Japanese version and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in English), a designer who created fighter planes for Japan during World War II. The film explores Jiro's passion for aviation and his relationships with the people in his life, including his wife, Naoko, and his mentor, Caproni.

Krasinski provides the voice for Honjo, a fellow designer who befriends Jiro in the English version. As he portrays Honjo's admiration of Jiro's talent and his worries about the war effort, Krasinski's voice acting is subtle and passionate. Moreover, unquestionably, The Wind Rises stands out as a Studio Ghibli movie with a ton of passion and vision behind it, bringing huge life to a narrative that fans remember and connect with on a very personal level.

The Wind Rises

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7 ‘Away We Go’ (2009)

Appeared as Burt

Away We Go follows a young couple, Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (who's played by Loot'sMaya Rudolph), who are expecting their first child and decide to travel across the country to find the perfect place to settle down and raise their family. Along the way, they encounter many people who offer different perspectives on what it means to be a family and what it takes to create a home.

The camaraderie between Rudolph and Krasinski is undeniable which makes viewers cannot help but root for their relationship. Krasinski's comedic timing is also on full display, as he delivers witty one-liners and playful banter with Rudolph's character. However, it's the emotional depth that Krasinski brings to Burt that truly shines as a man who is struggling to find his place in the world and questioning his ability to be a good father with sensitivity and vulnerability.

Away We Go

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6 ‘Big Miracle’ (2012)

Appeared as Adam Carlson

Based on a true story, Big Miracle follows a group of people who come together to save a family of grey whales that are trapped in the ice near a small town in Alaska. As news of the whales' plight spreads, a media frenzy ensues and people from all over the world come to help in the rescue efforts.

Krasinski played Adam Carlson, a news reporter who is the first to discover the trapped whales. As Adam, he brilliantly showcases the urgency and determination as the character becomes invested in the story and the fate of the whales over time. Additionally, Big Miracle demonstrates the lengths human compassion would go to, with its characters coming together to bring the whales freedom.

Big Miracle

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5 ‘Promised Land’ (2012)

Appeared as Dustin Noble

Promised Land follows Matt Damon's Steve Butler, a corporate salesman who travels to a rural town with his partner, Sue (Frances McDormand), to convince the locals to sell their land for natural gas drilling. However, their plans are complicated by an environmental activist (Krasinski) who opposes the drilling and begins to sway the opinions of the townspeople.

Krasinski's performance in Promised Land is a standout as he brilliantly conveys a sense of passion and conviction in his beliefs. He also has great chemistry with Damon, as their characters engage in a battle of wits and ideologies. With Krasinski's portrayal, the movie gains complexity and depth, moving it beyond a straightforward environmental message to a challenging examination of morality and corporate greed.

Promised Land

Rent on Apple TV

4 ‘Nobody Walks’ (2012)

Appeared as Peter

Nobody Walks follows the story of Martine (Olivia Thirlby), a young artist who comes to Los Angeles to finish her film. She stays with a family, where the father, Peter (Krasinski), becomes increasingly drawn to her. Meanwhile, the mother, Julie (Rosemarie DeWitt), is struggling with her own desires and the impact they have on her family.

Nobody Walks is an emotionally deep, keenly observed, and sensual movie that is also full of humor and humanism. Krasinski's performance in the film is a departure from his usual roles, and he brings depth to a man who is torn between his commitment to his wife and his attraction to Martine. Moreover, both sympathetic and frightening, he evokes a sense of longing and fragility.

Nobody Walks

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3 ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018 - 2023)

Appeared as Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan sees Krasinski as the titular former Marine who now works as an analyst for the CIA. In four seasons, Jack Ryan navigates the world of espionage in order to bring a stop to the horrors caused by a mysterious terrorist figure. But Jack Ryan isn't just an action hero. As he faces ever-escalating threats, he'll be forced to make tough calls that test his values and beliefs, turning him into a more nuanced and compelling character.

Jack Ryan is Krasinski's comeback in the lead role in television. Jack Ryan is a challenging role that requires him to do impressive action and fight scenes, which shows his willingness to take on other roles apart from being the lovable and quirky male lead. For his fans who want to see him in a different light, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan establishes Krasinski as a nuanced actor and potential action star.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

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2 ‘The Office’ (2005 - 2013)

Appeared as Jim Halpert

Certainly one of the most popular comedy shows in the history of television, The Office is a beloved American mockumentary sitcom that is set in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The show follows the everyday lives of the employees who work there, led by their eccentric but well-meaning boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell).

Krasinski's performance as Jim Halpert in The Office is one of his most iconic roles. Jim is a salesperson who is known for his sarcastic wit and pranks on his co-worker, Dwight (Rainn Wilson). With his natural charm and likability, Krasinski quickly made Jim a fan favorite. He also has great chemistry with his co-star, Jenna Fischer, who plays his love interest, Pam.

The Office

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1 ‘A Quiet Place Part I & II’ (2018 - 2020)

Appeared as Lee Abbott

A Quiet Place is the first film where Krasinski stepped out of his role as an actor to write and direct the film. The movies are set in a post-apocalyptic world where a family must remain silent to avoid being hunted by monsters with hypersensitive hearing. The first film follows the Abbott family's struggle to survive in silence, while the second film explores their journey to discover other survivors and find a way to defeat the monsters.

Krasinski plays Lee Abbott, a loving father who is determined to protect his family at all costs. He brings depth and vulnerability to his character that captivates the audience from start to finish. His facial expressions and body language convey the fear and desperation of a man trying to keep his family alive in a world where every sound could be their last. Krasinski's direction of the film also showcases his talent as a filmmaker, creating a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

A Quiet Place

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NEXT: The Best Emily Blunt Movies, Ranked

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