Steve Carell has acted in a lot of movies and TV Shows, some of his roles were the best some were the worst, but he remains and will remain one of the best American actors. This article is about Steve Carell’s movies and TV Shows, ranked from worst to best.
He made his debut on the big screens in 1991 in ‘Curly Sue,’ a comedy-drama film. The movie received mixed emotions from the critiques and remained a moderate box office success.
However, Steve Carell really rose to fame when he appeared as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’ and remained a regular cast member from 1995-2005. This show set the stepping stone for his successful career and transformed him into one of Hollywood’s most likable leading men.
Post the nightly news satire, Steve Carell played the role of ‘Michael Scott’ in The Office. This role brought him a Golden Globe in 2006, and he was nominated for six Emmy nominations, putting him on the map as a strong actor.
lately we've been dressing for revenge pic.twitter.com/RL6RC9aaQC
— The Office on Peacock (@theofficetv) October 27, 2022
From playing the supporting role in films like ‘Bruce Almighty‘ (2003), ‘Melinda and Melinda‘ (2004), ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy‘ (2004), and ‘Bewitched‘ (2005), Steve Carell evolved into the leading role for the first time in ‘The 40-year-old Virgin‘ (2005). The following year, he played a gay Proust scholar in the multi-award-winning film Little Miss Sunshine (2006).
Carell received an Oscar nomination for his role as an eccentric billionaire John Du Pont in a true-life sports drama by Bennett Miller called ‘Foxcatcher‘ (2014). The following year, he won a Golden Globe for ‘The Big Short‘ (2015), where he played a hot-headed hedge fund manager, reuniting with the ‘Anchorman’ director Adam Mckay.
Is anyone else watching Steve Carell act his heart out in the Patient? It’s fucking great #ThePatientHulu #stevecarell #domnhallgleeson pic.twitter.com/BZWBwSrIWG
— Christina Jay (@ChristinaJayArt) October 4, 2022
26 Steve Carell Movies and TV Shows, Worst to Best:
Steve Carell continued to win numerous awards, from Golden Globe to SAG, for his brilliant performances. Acting in various powerful dramatic roles, Carell continues to make his mark in the industry despite being under-appreciated by critics. Following are Steve Carell’s movies and TV Shows, ranked from worst to best.
26. Sleepover (2004)
- Director: Joe Nussbaum
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
About Sleepover:
A film about four teenagers, Hannah, Julie, Yancy, and Farrah, competing in a high-stakes scavenger hunt against the popular group of the school to enhance their status. A charming and hilarious movie that has you rooting for the four friends to have a joyful adventure along the way.
Steve Carell plays a security guard, Sherman, who tries to capture these rebellious girls throughout the night.
Sleepover Review:
It is an underwhelming film that is a good watch for an excuse to kill time. However, critics claim the movie to be unoriginal and out of style.
25. Curly Sue (1991)
- Director: John Hughes
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Directed by a renowned filmmaker, Curly Sue was shot in the real world.
Curly Sue Plot:
The story revolves around a drifter (James Belushi) who travels around the highways with a young, orphaned girl, Curly Sue (Alisan Porter). Curating scams to curb their hunger, their lives take a turn when they meet divorce lawyer Grey Ellison (Kelly Lynch).
Curly Sue Review:
An incredibly corny, sentimental film that will leave you with a smile on your face. In Curly Sue, Carell stars as a waiter in his debut film role. A few minutes on-screen with no dialogues, the movie was the first in a long line of forthcoming comedic roles.
24. Bewitched (2005)
- Director: William Asher
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Bewitched Plot:
A romantic comedy revolves around an actor (Will Ferrell) who slowly realizes that his co-star (Nicole Kidman) is actually a witch. Little does he know that he is about to be bewitched into love.
Steve Carell played Uncle Arthur as a supporting actor in this TV series remake. However, it did not sit well in the eyes of the critics, who called it “phony.”
23. Evan Almighty (2007)
- Director: Tom Shadyac
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
In the spin-off sequel to Bruce Almighty, Steve Carell stars as Congressman Evan Baxter.
Evan Almighty Plot:
As the protagonist moves to North Virginia with his family, he receives a message from God to build an ark to stay safe during the upcoming floods and save the lives of himself and the animals. Remaining ignorant of it, he slowly begins to get deliveries of numerous types of equipment and perceives himself as Noah.
Evan Almighty Review:
Evan Almighty plays between two significant areas of religion and politics. Less funny than Bruce Almighty, the movie hints at subtle religious cues. The storytelling is plain cliche. The film is a one-time watch that accompanies you through monotony but does not offer much, apart from a few good laughs.
22. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)
- Director: Don Scardino
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Plot:
In this film, Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and his partner Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) are unbelievably successful until the wrath of Burt takes over. Challenged by Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), a careless Wonderstone leads to an end of a successful partnership.
Living Michael Scott’s dream of being a magician, Carell plays a clueless, cheesy, and old-fashioned act headlining his own theater. Unfortunately, despite the movie starring some of the most brilliant actors, the film did not sit well with the critics.
21. Dinner for Schmucks (2010)
- Director: Jay Roach
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Dinner for Schmucks Plot:
In a remake of the French film ‘Le Diner de Cons,‘ an executive called Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd) quickly realizes that his boss hosts a monthly ‘dinner for idiots’ where the employee brings the most peculiar guest and gains a chance at a promotion. So, Paul Rudd brings Barry Speck (Steve Carell) to the dinner, only for it to threaten to destroy his life.
Carell plays Barry, a pitiful schmuck that is truly at peace with himself. According to the critics, a goofy film that suffered because of its countless cheap jokes. This film is a one-time watch indeed because Rudd and Carell’s characters are so likable, saving the movie from being an utter flop.
20. Irresistible (2020)
- Director: Jon Stewart
- Genre: Comedy, Satire, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Irresistible Plot:
In this political satire, Steve Carell starred as Gary Zimmer, a liberal, typically untrustworthy, and high-maintenance political strategist. Taken aback by Donald Trump’s win in 2016, he realizes that the democrats require a ‘rural friendly’ face. In his search, he comes across a viral video of John Hastings (Chris Cooper).
Irresistible Review:
Irresistible is an illuminating film that keeps telling us what to think through its overly obvious depiction. But unfortunately, the critics were displeased by this political comedy. The movie focuses on the right target but fails to rock the boat.
19. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
- Director: Miguel Arteta
- Genre: Family, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Plot:
Based on Judith Viorst’s book, Arteta brings it to the big screens while maintaining the familiar elements. Alexander Cooper’s (Ed Oxenbould) day begins with gum stuck in his hair, a beginning to a day of numerous calamities to follow. Drowning in their own problems, his parents and siblings fail to sympathize, leaving Alexander wondering if bad things only happen to him.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Review:
Steve Carell efficiently brings out real-world feelings into his role. The movie brings out the book’s message perfectly, setting a reminder to those who need to hear it. Despite a couple of scenes falling band, it is a humorous film that will bring out a good laugh.
18. Hope Springs (2012)
- Director: David Frankel
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Hope Springs Plot:
In a plot about a couple married for many years, Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) find themselves losing their spark in a long-lasting relationship. So, to rekindle their relationship, Kay signs the couple up for a week of intense counseling with Dr. Bernie Feld (Steve Carell).
Hope Springs Review:
A movie that sheds light on the harsh realities of love. The counseling scenes are not very surprising, yet it’s where the movie really takes off. Carell truly shows off his warm side by being a friendly moderator and through his even-tempered character.
17. Date Night (2010)
- Director: Shawn Levy
- Genre: Comedy, Thriller, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Date Night Plot:
The plot revolves around a married couple. To get away from their monotonous lives, they decide to go on a date night at a Modern Manhattan restaurant. To get a reservation, Phil (Steve Carell) decides to impersonate the Tripplehorn’s, the no-show couple. The borrowed identities lead then to a string of adventures.
Date Night Review:
A subtle comedy that brings out its tones through its characters. A humorous movie starring natural performers brings a promise of something unique, but the movie just falls short of the nail. However, blessed moments and a few great laughs make the movie an entertaining watch.
16. Melinda and Melinda (2004)
- Director: Woody Allen
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Melinda and Melinda Plot:
The film revolves around two storylines that portray various versions of a woman named Melinda and how she deals with her divorce. Carell plays the supporting role of Walt Wagner.
Melinda and Melinda Review:
Melinda and Melinda do not connect emotionally with their viewers, falling short of the expectations of most of the audience. The characters were not relatable; they did not seem real. Though the story’s plot was exciting, critics claim the movie did not deliver on its potential.
15. Get Smart (2008)
- Director: Peter Segal
- Genre: Comedy, Action
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Get Smart Plot:
A remake of a 1965 TV Series, the plot evolves when the identities of secret agents are compromised after an attack at a spy agency; analyst Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) takes over as field agent along with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway).
Get Smart Review:
Steve Carell‘s ability to deliver punchlines adds to the essence of the film, though it received mixed reviews. The critics believed that the casting was just about perfect. In addition, the movie is hilarious and preposterous, and its cinematography is technically sound.
14. Cafe Society (2016)
- Director: Woody Allen
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Cafe Society Plot:
Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), a young man, moves to Hollywood to take up a job where he runs errands for his uncle Phil Stern (Steve Carell). On duty, he falls immensely in love with Secretary Veronica (Kristen Stewart), only to be heartbroken when he finds out she is having an affair with his uncle.
Cafe Society Review:
A movie that is aesthetically pleasing, from its storyline to the filmmaking, it sits just right. Though some critics say the plot is uninspired, it remains popular with numerous viewers, and the film’s casting is right on the dot.
13. Battle of the Sexes (2017)
- Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
- Genre: Biography, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Battle of the Sexes Plot:
An American biographical sports comedy, the movie centers around a true story based on an iconic tennis match between two champions, Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), in a high stakes match.
Battle of the Sexes Review:
A movie with a message emanates a series of emotions about a battle women continue to fight for today. An entertaining film that makes you cry and laugh simultaneously as it transcends from an LGBTQ love story to a powerful, statement-making human drama.
Despite missing out on Oscar nominations, this movie was a significant success. It brought Golden Globe nominations for both Carell and Emma Stone.
12. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
- Director: Lorene Scafaria
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Plot:
An asteroid 70 miles wide is on its path to obliterating Earth, and the citizens of the world only have three weeks, according to the government. Amidst this chaos, Dodge (Steve Carell) forms a friendship with his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley). They go on a road trip to fulfill their desires; Penny helps Dodge reach a woman he always wanted to marry, and he allows Penny to seek her family.
Looking a little gloomier and more haunted, Steve Carell plays Dodge, a timid insurance salesman but finds no point in it with the world ending.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Review:
The movie lies in the journey of their trip rather than the destination. The witty, original characters and the two natural actors make this film likable. With the world ending, the movie gives us one final message: All you need is love.
11. Last Flag Flying (2017)
- Director: Richard Linklater
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, War
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Last Flag Flying Plot:
Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne are three Vietnam veterans who reunite to bury Larry’s (Carell) son after he was killed in the Iraq war. As they travel to New Hampshire, they relive memories from a war that still impacts their lives today.
Last Flag Flying Review:
An emotionally moving film with a powerful story goes deeper than you can anticipate. It is a philosophical movie that genuinely plays to Carell’s strengths and perfectly balances moments of drama and humor. Last Flag Flying is a film that effectively plays with the lines of friendship and loss and reminds people, more than anything, to be human.
10. Dan in Real Life (2007)
- Director: Peter Hedges
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Dan in Real Life Plot:
Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is an advice newspaper columnist. A widowed single father, he takes his three daughters on a trip to his parent’s house to deal with their family problems.
While visiting, he comes across Marie (Juliette Binoche), a mysterious woman with whom he instantly develops a connection. But unfortunately, he discovers that Marie has a boyfriend – his brother Mitch (Dane Cook).
Dan in Real Life Review:
Carell dwells into his character well. He makes a great father who balances doing good for his daughters and himself. Steve Carell is the right amount of romantic and funny, which makes him fit perfectly into the role. Dan in Real Life is a wholesome and entertaining film that will bring surprises and loud laughs along the way.
9. The Patient (2022)
- Creator: Joseph Weisberg, Joel Fields
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
This is an American thriller created by Joseph Weisberg and Joel Fields. It is a series consisting of 10 episodes and it holds 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans very much appreciated Steve’s acting in this show.
The Patient Plot:
A serial killer who wants to control his homicidal desires confines a therapist, Alan Strauss, who is mourning for his wife’s death, to seek help from him. Steve Carell plays the therapist, Alan Strauss.
men will literally kidnap a therapist instead of going to therapy
#ThePatient pic.twitter.com/MgT9sDveju
— sana🌞 (@existentialera) October 29, 2022
8. Foxcatcher (2014)
- Director: Bennett Miller
- Genre: Biography, Thriller, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
Foxcatcher Plot:
An eccentric John Du Pont (Steve Carell) invites Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and David Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) to join “Team Foxcatcher.” However, things take a drastic turn when David intervenes in John’s toxic relationship with Mark, leading to a path of ultimate disaster.
Foxcatcher Review:
The film is a chilling drama that brings out brilliant performances by its leading actors. In Foxcatcher, Carell takes a step back from his usual comedic roles and brings out his talent like never before through a serious character.
7. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
- Director: Adam McKay
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Plot:
In the 1970s, in San Diego’s male-dominated society, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is a highly successful news anchorman. However, the arrival of Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), an aspiring newswoman to the studio, threatens his position. Veronica’s success lays the beginning of a fierce rivalry with Ron Burgundy.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Review:
Carell stars as a sweet-natured meteorologist, Brick Tamland. He delivered a remarkable comic performance, and his dialogues remain etched in the viewers’ minds. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is a goofy film that made fun of the attitudes back then that will leave you entertained.
6. Beautiful Boy (2018)
- Director: Felix Van Groeningen
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Beautiful Boy Plot:
Based on a true story, Beautiful Boy is about a young boy who has everything he has ever dreamed of, from being academically sound to being successful in sports and a true all-rounder. However, he embarks on a journey of self-destruction through his addiction to meth. The story revolves around David Sheff (Carell), who tries to help his son Nic (Timothee Chalamet) out of the addiction.
Beautiful Boy Review:
Beautiful Boy is a movie that is heartbreaking and will hit all the right spots. Embracing the harsh realities and providing an insight into relapses and the journey of recovery elicits numerous emotions in the viewers.
In addition, the incredible performances by the actors will leave us invested in the story and make it feel like our own. Carell’s performance in Beautiful Boy is considered one of the greatest in his career.
5. Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
- Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Crazy Stupid Love Plot:
Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) lives his dream life with his high school sweetheart, two kids, and a promising career. However, his life drastically turns when he finds his wife (Julianne Moore) cheating on him and calls for a divorce. Cal turns to his newfound friend, Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), to learn how-to pick-up women.
Crazy Stupid Love Review:
Crazy Stupid Love is a film remembered for Ryan Gosling-Emma Stone and their love story, but it truly stands out through Carell’s lead performance. It is a refreshing and somewhat meaningful romantic comedy with a spot-on cast. A tad bit silly, wild, and a whole lot of entertaining that sends a message we can all take back – Love is all you need.
4. Despicable Me (2010)
- Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
- Genre: Animation, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Despicable Me Plot:
Steve Carell voices the criminal mastermind Gru, who adopts three girls as pawns in a grand scheme as he plots to shrink and steal Earth’s moon. But instead, he is engulfed with affection and learns what it means to love and be loved.
Carell in Despicable Me:
Carell plays an evil mastermind with a funny accent while bringing a certain aura to the character that makes him likable. Though Carell remains behind the scenes, his passion shines through his vocal performance. A discovery of a voice so charismatic that Steve Carell has returned for the two sequels of Despicable Me, bringing more energy to the audience.
3. The Big Short (2015)
- Director: Adam McKay
- Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Based on the novel “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” by Michael Lewis was inspired by a true story that led to the US financial crisis of 2008.
The Big Short Plot:
Mark Baum (Steve Carell) is a hedge fund head and disgusted by American banks. Co-stars Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling star as big-money players. They profit from the collapse of the American economy and derive a fortune during the economic crisis.
The Big Short Review:
Carell played the role with his whole heart, displaying contempt for banks, and he brought about a subtle sadness to his character. A hilarious and engaging recreation of the American tragedy, it received numerous Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.
2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
- Director: Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Little Miss Sunshine Plot:
The plot centers around a dysfunctional family traveling in a Volkswagen bus to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, where their 7-year-old daughter Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin) is a contestant. During their journey, many hurdles disrupt their lofty dreams, from Olive being forgotten at a gas station to a vehicle breakdown.
Frank Ginsberg (Carell) is a gay Proust scholar who lives with his sister (Toni Collette) following a suicide attempt.
Little Miss Sunshine Review:
Carell put on a remarkable and authentic performance, broadening his own comedic horizon. Little Miss Sunshine is so well cast, and the actors genuinely prove that actions make a more significant impact than mere dialogues. The chaotic family of Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, and Carell leave an unforgettable image in your memory.
1. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
- Director: Judd Apatow
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The 40-Year-Old Virgin Plot:
A sex comedy centers around a 40-year-old virgin Andy (Carell), and his friends (Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen) help him lose his virginity. Through his people, he meets a single mother (Catherine Keener) but does not take it all the way in fear of being left afterward.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin Review:
The 40-year-old Virgin is Carell‘s first film and remains one of his most influential and successful films. It laid the foundation for a string of leading roles to follow. Apart from the comic side and the many sexual innuendos, the film is charming and reaches out to the hearts of its audience.
The movie was a massive box office hit, and the audience learns with its protagonist- it is an intimacy that is hard, and sex is the easy part!
