It’s not news that many actors are remembered for their most highlighted works, which overshadow the rest of their body of work. One of the flag bearers of this phenomenon is the American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director Steve Carell.
Even if one hasn’t watched ‘The Office’, everyone knows him from the numerous memes of the show floating around on social media.
But what many don’t know about him is that he’s been a part of some very amazing movies.
Here’s a list of his must-watch movies:
1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
IMDb: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
Directed by Adam McKay, this is a story of the 70s news industry, which was male-driven and highly sexist.
Steve Carell, playing Brick Tamland, a meteorologist with an IQ as low as 48, brings up his funny side with some very memorable lines. It was this movie that allowed the world and Carell himself to see what he was capable of.
2. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
IMDb: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Apart from The Office, this movie will be remembered as Steve Carell’s most memorable performance. His role as Andy Stitzer is bound to leave the audience in stitches.
The poster itself tells a story that one would look forward to. It has some of the funniest moments that will always be a part of pop culture. Carell and director Judd Apatow co-wrote the movie.
3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
IMDb: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
The movie itself is such a fantastic watch that one can easily overlook Carell’s performance when looking at the movie as a whole. But his role as Uncle Frank, a suicidal man, is equally remarkable.
His subtle performance blends in with the other characters of the movie. This is one of those movies that wasn’t a great commercial success but is praised a lot.
It is bound to make you laugh and cry in equal measures, something that one would expect Steve Carell to be a part of.
4. Despicable Me (2010)
IMDb: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
This animated movie is loved for introducing the little yellow minions, who speak a language of their own that one can only decipher when they say ‘banana’.
But anyone who’s watched the movie cannot forget the minions’ master Gru, a reformed supervillain who later becomes a very loving father, husband, and even a secret agent. And Steve Carell deserves all the praise for the role.
5. Crazy, Stupid Love (2011)
IMDb: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
While the movie is mainly remembered for Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s crackling chemistry, Carell does not fall behind in catching the audience’s attention.
His character, Cal Weaver, a recent divorcee, learns all about confidence and picking up women at a bar through his newfound friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling). His character, through his actions, leaves the audience with two thoughts:
- It’s never too late to give up on love.
- Real confidence comes from within.
6. The Big Short (2015)
IMDb: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
This biographical comedy-drama tells the 2007-2008 US financial crisis with a lot of humor and detail. Including big names like Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, the movie received a lot of praise and five Oscar nominations.
Carell’s character Mark Baum, a leader of an independent trading firm, is shown to be extremely frustrated with the conditions of the American banks.
His very believable portrayal deserves all the praise, and so does the director, Adam McKay, for such great casting.
7. Beautiful Boy (2018)
IMDb: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Many people find this movie to be too sentimental, but that is again a testament to how great an actor Carell is.
His performance as David Sheff, a New York Times writer whose son is an unrepentant drug addict, is so convincing that one can truly feel the struggles of a father who is ready to go to any lengths to save his son.
It is a ride of emotions, and Carell’s performance only adds to the sentiments.
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