John Krasinskiis known for playing the lovable Jim Halpert on the beloved comedy showThe 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 thrillerA 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 filmsthat his fans should definitely watch.
13‘It’s Complicated’ (2009)
Appeared as Harley
It’s ComplicatedfollowsMeryl 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 inIt’s Complicatedis 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 Complicatedis an entertaining watch that puts the spotlight on the challenges of navigating complex relationships.
It’s Complicated
It’s Complicated is a romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. The film centers around a divorced woman who rekindles a romance with her ex-husband, while simultaneously embarking on a new relationship with a charming architect. The narrative explores themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of modern romance.
12‘The Hollars’ (2016)
Appeared as John Hollar
Krasinski’s second directorial foray wasThe 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 byAnna Kendrickfrom thePitch Perfectfranchise.
The Hollarsisa 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 comedyLicense to Wedpairs Krasinski with former pop singerMandy 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 inThe 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 agreat feel-good moviethat’ll get viewers giggling.
License to Wed
10‘Something Borrowed’ (2011)
Appeared as Ethan
Something Borrowedis 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 thatRachel ended up with Dexdespite the fact that Ethan always puts her first and is there for her.
Something Borrowed
9‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’ (2016)
Based on the 2012 Benghazi attack in Libya,13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghaziis a war film directed byMichael 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.
In13 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 inJack 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 Risesis an animated historical drama film that tells the fictionalized story ofJiro Horikoshi(voiced byHideaki Annoin the Japanese version andJoseph Gordon-Levittin 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 Risesstands out asa Studio Ghibli moviewith 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
7‘Away We Go’ (2009)
Appeared as Burt
Away We Gofollows a young couple, Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (who’s played byLoot’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-linersand 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
6‘Big Miracle’ (2012)
Appeared as Adam Carlson
Based on a true story,Big Miraclefollows 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 storyand the fate of the whales over time. Additionally,Big Miracledemonstrates the lengths human compassion would go to, with its characters coming together to bring the whales freedom.
Big Miracle
5‘Promised Land’ (2012)
Appeared as Dustin Noble
Promised LandfollowsMatt 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 inPromised Landis a standout as he brilliantly conveys a sense of passionand 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 Walksfollows 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 Walksis 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.
