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Mark Ruffalo's 20 best roles
Columbia Pictures

Mark Ruffalo's 20 best roles

Mark Ruffalo deserves all the praise in the world for what he has given us as an audience. Not only is he a phenomenal actor, but he's genuine and speaks up for what he believes in. Without further ado, here are 20 of Mark Ruffalo's best roles.

 
1 of 20

Adam, 'Thanks For Sharing'

Adam, 'Thanks For Sharing'
Lionsgate

Thanks For Sharing received relatively mixed reviews, but Ruffalo gave a wonderful performance as Adam. Even if the story about addiction and recovery wasn't perfect, its incredible cast makes up for it. Plus, we got to see him reunite with his View from the Top (2003) co-star, Gwyneth Paltrow, so that's fun.

 
2 of 20

Stephen, 'The Brothers Bloom'

Stephen, 'The Brothers Bloom'
Summit Entertainment

The Brothers Bloom certainly was a wild ride. Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, and Rachel Weisz were entertaining as always, and even though it's not at the top of my list, it's still fun and worth a watch or two.

 
3 of 20

Ray Fanning, 'Collateral'

Ray Fanning, 'Collateral'
DreamWorks Pictures

Even in a supporting role, you know the guy is going to kill it. With a star-studded cast and an exciting plot, it's easy to forget about the detective, but that's never the case with Ruffalo. One thing is for sure: he'll always make the most of every opportunity.

 
4 of 20

Brian Reilly, 'What Doesn't Kill You'

Brian Reilly, 'What Doesn't Kill You'
Sony Pictures

Mark Ruffalo really gives it his all as Brian Reilly alongside Ethan Hawke in What Doesn't Kill You. The film and his performance are significantly underrated and should've won him some kind of award.

 
5 of 20

Dylan Rhodes, 'Now You See Me'

Dylan Rhodes, 'Now You See Me'
Lionsgate

Mark Ruffalo in a law enforcement role? Good. Mark Ruffalo in a law enforcement role turned leader of a secret magician society? Amazing. Despite facing criticism for the plot, Now You See Me was a box office hit, producing a sequel with a third film in production. We have no reason to believe Ruffalo won't return for the third installment, but time will tell.

 
6 of 20

Jack Linden, 'We Don't Live Here Anymore'

Jack Linden, 'We Don't Live Here Anymore'
Warner Bros.

We love to see Mark Ruffalo show off his dramatic acting chops, am I right? Some found We Don't Live Here Anymore to be kind of hard to watch, given its dark source material, but Ruffalo and the rest of the cast's performances were undoubtedly great.

 
7 of 20

Stan, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'

Stan, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'
Focus Features

There's no denying that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an incredible film, and although Ruffalo plays a supporting role, he still shines. Being the versatile actor he is, he always brings a kind of relatable complexity to every character, no matter the genre, and that's why we love him as Stan.

 
8 of 20

David, 'Just Like Heaven'

David, 'Just Like Heaven'
DreamWorks Pictures

Is there anything better than Mark Ruffalo in a romantic comedy? I don't think so! We all know he plays charming and funny very well, so while his role in Just Like Heaven isn't his absolute best, it's definitely a favorite — at least for rom-com fans.

 
9 of 20

Dan, 'Begin Again'

Dan, 'Begin Again'
Lionsgate

Begin Again is one of my personal favorites. I love everything about this movie: the music, the story, and Mark Ruffalo! At the end of the day, it's a film about working together and bettering your lives in the process. Not forcing the characters to get together in the end is also rather refreshing. Spoiler?

 
10 of 20

Rob Bilott, 'Dark Waters'

Rob Bilott, 'Dark Waters'
Focus Features

Ever the activist and environmentalist, Mark Ruffalo took on the role of real-life attorney Robert Bilott with such compassion. Dark Waters brought to light some disturbing truths that audiences may have been oblivious to otherwise. For that, he has our respect.

 
11 of 20

David Toschi, 'Zodiac'

David Toschi, 'Zodiac'
Paramount Pictures

If you want your movie to be great, cast Mark Ruffalo as the detective. Ruffalo has a way of rounding out an already stellar cast and making a film soar, and he did just that as David Toschi in Zodiac.

 
12 of 20

Chuck Aule, 'Shutter Island'

Chuck Aule, 'Shutter Island'
Paramount Pictures

When you think of Mark Ruffalo's best roles, Shutter Island should be at the top of that list. I can't be the only one who wishes they could watch it for the first time again. You'll never be able to view it the same way afterward. A chef's kiss of a performance from both Ruffalo and Leonardo DiCaprio. 10/10.

 
13 of 20

Duncan Wedderburn, 'Poor Things'

Duncan Wedderburn, 'Poor Things'
Searchlight Pictures

Mark Ruffalo's part in Poor Things was, in a word, hilarious. We all know just how great of a comedic actor he is, but this was a whole new side that we hadn't really seen before. I don't think anyone else could have played a better Duncan Wedderburn.

 
14 of 20

Bruce Banner/The Hulk, 'The Avengers'

Bruce Banner/The Hulk, 'The Avengers'
Disney

I've lost count of how many times we've seen Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so we'll just go with the film that started it all for Mark Ruffalo: The Avengers . I'm sure Edward Norton, or even Eric Bana, could've been a great Hulk for the franchise, but Ruffalo brings a kind of likability that just works. He'll always be the best.

 
15 of 20

Terry, 'You Can Count on Me'

Terry, 'You Can Count on Me'
Paramount Pictures

You Can Count on Me was a career-defining film for Mark Ruffalo. Not only was the cast exceptional, but the story had a lot of heart, easily making it one of Ruffalo's more memorable and best roles.

 
16 of 20

Ned Weeks, 'The Normal Heart'

Ned Weeks, 'The Normal Heart'
HBO

Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of Ned Weeks in The Normal Heart was heartbreaking and incredibly compelling. As great as he was, you have to hand it to the entire cast, especially Matt Bomer. That year, Ruffalo took home a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance.

 
17 of 20

David Schultz, 'Foxcatcher'

David Schultz, 'Foxcatcher'
Sony Pictures

Mark Ruffalo is sure to give a fantastic performance every time, but it's his commitment to the role and attention to detail that makes him the best of the best. Ruffalo's portrayal of wrestler David Schultz in Foxcatcher earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

 
18 of 20

Dominick & Thomas Birdsey, 'I Know This Much Is True'

Dominick & Thomas Birdsey, 'I Know This Much Is True'
HBO

This, my friends, is what we call a masterclass in acting. Playing twins is basically the ultimate test as an actor, but when it comes to Mark Ruffalo, we're not at all surprised. I mean, the man won a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and a SAG Award for it. I Know This Much Is True is not a show to just have on in the background; it's a must-watch for Ruffalo fans.

 
19 of 20

Michael Rezendes, 'Spotlight'

Michael Rezendes, 'Spotlight'
Open Road Films

In an ensemble cast full of amazing actors, Mark Ruffalo still manages to steal the spotlight (I'm sorry). His performance as journalist Michael Rezendes once again earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

 
20 of 20

Matt Flamhaff, '13 Going on 30'

Matt Flamhaff, '13 Going on 30'
Sony Pictures

As always, I've saved the best for last! Mark Ruffalo captured our hearts as Matt in 13 Going on 30, and we wouldn't have it any other way. I'll even give him an honorable mention for The Adam Project (2022) just because we got to see him and Jennifer Garner together again on screen.

Shelby Weimer

Shelby Weimer is a content creator and comedy writer based in Brooklyn, New York, who grew up watching and quoting way too many movies, inevitably leading her to earn a film degree (oh no). She has worked in just about every role in the entertainment industry and has written for various online publications, including Screen Rant. When she isn’t writing and creating content, she’s most likely listening to her music a little too loud or tending to her cat/god of mischief, Loki

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TODAY'S BEST

Former Green Bay Packers RB to miss entire 2025 NFL season due to injury
NFL

Former Green Bay Packers RB to miss entire 2025 NFL season due to injury

The Green Bay Packers are dealing with some concerning injuries to significant members of their roster. As their fans are well aware, the Packers have seen multiple wide receivers projected to be at the top of the depth chart go down during training camp with various injuries. Christian Watson, of course, has not been practicing all offseason as he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. In addition to him, the Packers also played their previous preseason game without Romeo Doubs (back), Jayden Reed (foot) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf). And while Doubs returned to practice this week, Reed and Wicks remain out. Elsewhere around the NFL, other teams are dealing with injuries of their own, and some involve players who are former Packers. Former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is out for the 2025-26 NFL season One of these players is former Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who played in Green Bay from 2021-23. An undrafted free agent who often filled in as Green Bay’s third running back, he accumulated 261 rushing yards and a touchdown in his three seasons with the Packers. He found himself out of a job when the Packers revamped their running back room before the 2024 NFL season. Taylor ended up with the San Francisco 49ers last season and had the best year of his career with 183 rushing yards and a touchdown while appearing in 13 games. He will not be playing any games this season as San Francisco just put him on season-ending injured reserve: NFL teams can only have so many players on an injured reserve list. Interestingly, Taylor’s injury led the 49ers to release another former Packer, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, who was placed on injured reserve last week. In order to release an injured player, teams and that player must come to an injury settlement, which St. Brown received. He is now free to sign with any team in the NFL should he be able to pass a physical.

Texas' Arch Manning reacts to grandfather Archie's 2026 NFL Draft prediction
College Football

Texas' Arch Manning reacts to grandfather Archie's 2026 NFL Draft prediction

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning should keep his family group chat updated about his decision for the 2026 NFL Draft. He doesn't want it tipping his plans, especially when they're not confirmed. Manning's grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, told Texas Monthly his grandson isn't going to declare for the 2026 draft in a story published at the beginning of August. The 21-year-old passer, however, clarified he's keeping his options open. "I don't know where he got that from," Manning said Tuesday, via CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. "He texted me and apologized about that, but I'm really just taking it day-by-day right now." Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas but is already viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed him as his top QB entering the season. Still, it would reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would want to play for a team that has a stable head-coaching situation and front office. Most franchises that are picking near the top of the draft don't have that. More importantly, Manning must prove he's worthy of the No. 1 pick. Despite his family name, he doesn't have a large enough sample size to show he's pro-ready. "If his last name were 'Smith' and he were a three-star recruit instead of a five-star blue-chipper, would he still appear this high early in draft rankings? Who knows," wrote Brugler. "However, what he has put on film so far has been very impressive. Now, scouts need to see it consistently each week, especially against the top opponents on Texas' schedule." Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at noon ET (Fox). The QB should probably tell his family to deflect questions about the draft until he's ready to make a decision. Speculation about his future could create even more pressure, which he doesn't need.

Russell Westbrook already made his biggest free-agency mistake
NBA

Russell Westbrook already made his biggest free-agency mistake

A first-ballot Hall of Famer whenever he decides to hang it up, Russell Westbrook has long been revered as one of the NBA's premier point guards, both with his aggressive play and infectious energy. Despite the former MVP's impressive resume, though, he remains unsigned nearly two months after free agency opened on June 30. It's no secret that Westbrook is no longer an All-Star-caliber player, but it's certainly jarring to see his name alongside the summer's other leftovers. Over the last two seasons, Russ has willingly accepted a bench role and shown his ability to contribute even without being the offense's focal point. He finished top-10 in Sixth Man of the Year voting with both the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023-24 and the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25. The Nuggets may have been Westbrook's most seamless fit since the 36-year-old left the Oklahoma City Thunder, which brings us to the key mistake he made this offseason: He decided to bet on himself when his career was trending south. It's understandable why Westbrook decided to decline his player option with Denver. $3.5 million is pocket change relative to today's NBA salaries, so it's possible the nine-time All-Star expected to land a bigger payday on name brand alone. But that's no longer the case with Westbrook. The Nuggets, like several teams before them, took a chance on Westbrook, whose play has been nothing short of a wild card in recent years. Alongside Nikola Jokic, though, he found success operating off-ball by utilizing his natural explosiveness, a sensible calling card for one of basketball history's most athletic playmakers. It seemed like the perfect spot for Westbrook to finish out his career. Instead, he has continued to seek out a more lucrative deal with a team that is looking to give him more offensive freedom. While the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are both reportedly interested in adding his services, neither team can offer both a higher salary and an expanded role. It also seems unlikely that Westbrook will find a more seamless fit for himself than what he had in Denver. Whether it's due to his erratic offensive tendencies or his relentless determination to involve himself in every action, it's easy to see why teams have to talk themselves into Westbrook at this point in his career. It appears that Russ will finally be picked up soon, but the damage has already been done. The two-time scoring champion already gave up his best chance at winning a title once he departed from Denver.

Angel Reese has profane taunt for opponent during her return
WNBA

Angel Reese has profane taunt for opponent during her return

Angel Reese made the most of her return to the court on Tuesday night. The Chicago Sky star Reese, who was playing in her first game in three weeks due to a back injury, went viral for her profane taunt of Seattle Storm opponent Dominique Malonga. In the second quarter of the game between the two sides at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, Malonga got the ball down low and tried to score one-on-one against Reese. Reese read Malonga’s post move all the way though and swatted her shot right out of bounds. As Reese made the rejection, she yelled out loud, “Give me that s–t!” Here is the video (but obviously beware of the audible cursing). Malonga is a 19-year-old rookie who was the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft (behind only Paige Bueckers). Thus, it looks like Reese was trying to give Malonga her “welcome to the WNBA” moment there. In the end however, it was the Storm who got the last laugh over the Sky. While Reese (19 points and seven rebounds) won the individual battle over Malonga (15 points and seven rebounds), it was Seattle that defeated Chicago by a final score of 94-88. Not a lot has gone right for the Sky this season as they are now a horrid 8-26 on the year. But at least Reese is now back in the lineup, her statistics look good (14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game overall), and she is adding again to the many viral moments that she has produced this season.