Top 24 Best Paul Rudd Movies On Netflix In 2023 [Ranked]

 

Actor, Writer, and Producer Paul Rudd, for superhero geeks, is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ant-Man. While for sitcom watchers, Paul starred in many TV shows through one-time and recurring appearances. His filmography began with his role in Sisters, and most notably, he appeared in Friends as Mike, Phoebe Buffay's love interest and was one of few side characters on the series that got attached with the main six.

 

His charming looks and reflective screen presence have made Paul a popular name who has enjoyed the audience's attention. Rudd made his film debut in 1995's cult classic, Clueless and played leads in several romances and comedies and continued to portray challenging characters in his long, memorable, growing career.

 

Some of the movies from his filmography readily available on Netflix are listed below.

 

 

1. Knocked Up (2007)

 

 

With a budget of $30,000,000, this blockbuster film raked in an impressive $219,922,417 at the box office. Directed by Judd Apatow and featuring a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, and Paul Rudd, this movie is a must-watch for all movie fans.

 

Ambitious Alison meets immature Ben, and despite having nothing in common, they hook up and decide to go their separate ways. Months later, Alison finds out she is pregnant; fearing it would jeopardise her promotion, she tries to hide it.

 

After contacting Ben, they attempt to build a relationship and make it work. But Alison's apprehensions about romance stemming from her sister's failed marriage and Ben's irresponsible attitude make her doubtful. Ben seizes this opportunity to sort out his life.

 

 

 

2. The Cider House Rules (1999)

 

 

John Irving’s screenplay in The Cider House Rules is so amusing and engaging that it seems to come along once in a blue moon. Needless to say, this drama-romance feature is one that most fans of the genre must include in their watchlist.

 

Homer Wells is an orphan returned twice by foster parents and becomes a favourite of the orphanage director, Dr Wilbur Larch. As Homer is the oldest of all orphans, Dr Larch who is addicted to ether and performs abortions, decides to train him in obstetrics as an apprentice.

 

This leads Homer to become a skilled and confident obstetrician, albeit unlicensed. Yearning for a life beyond the orphanage, he leaves with Candy Kendall and her pilot boyfriend Wally Worthington, a couple who comes to Larch for an abortion.

 

While Wally leaves for military services and Homer starts working at the Worthington family's apple orchard, he begins to have an affair with Candy.

 

 

 

3. The Little Prince (2015)

 

 

Bankrolled by Onyx Films and helmed by Mark Osborne, The Little Prince is an animation-adventure that hit the screens in 2015.

 

A little girl and her mother move into a better neighbourhood to increase the girl's probability of getting admission to a prestigious school. The mother draws out a schedule for her to maximise her productivity.

 

The little girl meets an old man and finds herself getting attached to a little prince's story, which the old man tells her. Soon enough, the little girl starts to realise the fault in the way she is living her life.

 

 

 

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

 

 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower has a screenplay that is widely considered to be iconic among movie critics and fans alike; primarily because of its tight structuring and inclusion of impressive and relatable characters.

 

Expectedly, Stephen Chbosky's narrative and execution of the same helped him win Boston Society of Film Critics Awards, Chlotrudis Awards, and Film Independent Spirit Awards.

 

Charlie is starting freshman year at high school and is quite nervous on his first day. His shy demeanour means difficulty in socialising, while his English teacher, Mr Anderson, is the only one he shares some connection.

 

Things change for him when Charlie meets two seniors, Sam and Patrick. He can be himself before them and, in turn, learn about their troubles. Soon Charlie's safety people start branching out on their way, making Charlie blossom as well.

 

 

 

5. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

 

 

The success of The 40-Year-Old Virgin at the box office is a testament to its brilliance. With a staggering $177,378,645 gross, this movie is a must-see for all movie lovers.

 

Directed by Judd Apatow and featuring an incredible cast led by Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, and Paul Rudd, it is no surprise that it was so well-received by audiences.

 

Andy, working in an electronics store, keeps a secret close to him. In his 40 years of life, he never had sex, making him a virgin resulting due to his shy nature. When the news about his sex life gets revealed in the office, he goes neck-deep in embarrassment.

 

During this time, his office mates come to his rescue and try to help him lose his virginity through various means leading to Andy earning a life partner.

 

 

 

6. I Love You, Man (2009)

 

 

Looking for a movie to watch? I Love You, Man could be a good option. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 min and released in 2009, it stars Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones and was directed by John Hamburg.

 

Peter and Zooey are getting married, but Peter realises he has no male friend to decide for his best man. After making an unsuccessful attempt to make a friend out of Zooey's sister's husband, he meets Sydney, an investor.

 

The two men bond together over their shared love of a rock band, and Peter makes Sydney his best man. However, this new relationship brings certain complications in Peter's life, making him doubt his decision and Sydney's intentions.

 

 

 

7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

 

 

Bankrolled by Universal Pictures, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a comedy-drama starring Kristen Bell, Jason Segel, and Paul Rudd in prominent roles.

 

Helmed by Nicholas Stoller, the motion picture became a box-office success as it amassed $63,172,463 in the United States of America and Canada. Its worldwide total was $105,833,257 against a production budget of $30,000,000.

 

Composer Peter's five-year relationship with his girlfriend, Sarah, ends, leaving him heartbroken and miserable. He decides to take a vacation at a resort in Hawaii but discovers his ex is also present with her new boyfriend.

 

Peter befriends Rachel, a hotel concierge, and they grow close, which leads to Sarah's jealousy. As she attempts to get back with Peter, it makes him realise the bad aspects of their affair, and he decides to stick with his feelings for Rachel.

 

 

 

8. Clueless (1995)

 

 

With a budget of $12,000,000, this blockbuster film raked in an impressive $56,631,572 at the box office. Directed by Amy Heckerling and featuring a star-studded cast including Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and Brittany Murphy, this movie is a must-watch for all movie fans.

 

Social queen-bee Cher is as shallow as she is wealthy. She rules Beverly Hills high school with a glamourous fist and fulfills the self-appointed role of matchmaker. She finds herself at her wit's end when she attempts to bring two teachers together while balancing her own adolescent life on the side.

 

Behind Cher's façade of superficiality, however, rests a hidden intelligence that gradually guides the girl back to what is truly worth her time.

 

 

 

9. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

 

 

The success of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy at the box office is a testament to its brilliance. With a staggering $90,709,367 gross, this movie is a must-see for all movie lovers.

 

Directed by Adam McKay and featuring an incredible cast led by Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, and Steve Carell, it is no surprise that it was so well-received by audiences.

 

It's the late 70s and Ron Burgundy is the top-rated anchorman of San Diego's male-dominated Channel 4. But then comes Veronica Corningstone, who means business and is determined to become a news anchor herself.

 

At first, considering it a joke and assuming she is just a 'sex object,' Ron is left stunned when he realises Veronica isn't joking and she's here to stay. Seeing her growing popularity, Ron begins to grow increasingly jealous of her. How far will this animosity go and what will it lead to?

 

 

 

10. This Is the End (2013)

 

 

Released in 2013, This Is the End is credited with bringing well-deserved acclaim to Evan Goldberg, and Seth Rogen. His sharp and confident direction kept the viewers glued to their seats for about 1 hour and 47 min.

 

Needless to mention, the motion picture managed to rake in the moolah at the box office and ended up delighting its producers. Its total global gross stood at around $126,041,322 by the end of its theatrical run.

 

Jay Baruchel arrives in Los Angeles to visit fellow Canadian Seth Rogen who invites him to James Franco's housewarming party. While there, Jay and Seth go out to buy cigarettes and are blinded by blue light which ends up sucking numerous people.

 

This is followed by an earthquake and the opening up of a sinkhole in James' yard. While several celebrities and partygoers are killed and everyone around tries to make sense of what's happening, Jay believes the disaster is the Apocalypse.

 

 

 

11. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

 

 

Starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, and Selena Gomez, The Fundamentals of Caring is your run-of-the-mill comedy-drama that hit the screens in 2016. The film's screenplay was written by Rob Burnett and it was made under the direction of Rob Burnett. It opened to mixed reviews from critics and failed to gain widespread recognition.

 

Ben is not getting anywhere as a writer and takes a course to become a registered caregiver while avoiding his wife, who wants a divorce. Ben is hired by a bank manager, Elsa, to care for her son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Trevor.

 

Trevor and Ben begin to bond when one day, Trevor suddenly asks to meet his estranged father. Ben convinces Elsa to take Trevor on a road trip to see his dad and visit the world's biggest pit.

 

 

 

12. Sausage Party (2016)

 

 

Bankrolled by Annapurna Pictures, Sausage Party is an animation-adventure starring Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, and Jonah Hill in prominent roles.

 

Helmed by Greg Tiernan, and Conrad Vernon, the motion picture became a box-office success as it amassed $97,685,686 in the United States of America and Canada. Its worldwide total was $140,705,322 against a production budget of $19,000,000.

 

Frank, a sausage from a superstore filled with anthropomorphic grocery items, cannot wait to be taken to 'Great Beyond', which he thinks is a utopian place where shoppers take their groceries. A returned honey mustard, having seen the reality behind the Great Beyond, informs Frank and his friends about the truth; however, none believes it.

 

As Frank tries to conjure a plan to expose the accurate information, he and his pals are chased by an angry douche seeking revenge.

 

 

 

13. Ideal Home (2018)

 

 

Headlined by Steve Coogan, Paul Rudd, and Jesse Luken, Ideal Home is a comedy-drama that hit the screens in 2018.

 

Andrew Fleming brought the story to life with the help of competent crew members such as Andrew Fleming (screenplay), Alexander Gruszynski (cinematography), and many others.

 

A gay couple, Erasmus and Paul, finds themselves taking care of a 10-year-old boy, Bill, who claims to be Erasmus' grandson. Bill's father, Beau, the result of Erasmus having a one-time heterosexual hook-up, is serving time in jail on drug charges.

 

The couple grows close to Bill and spends holidays together. And wishes to stay with him, but Beau, cleaning up his act, wants to keep Bill with him after he is out of prison.

 

 

 

14. This Is 40 (2012)

 

 

This Is 40 is a comedy-drama which has been helmed for the screen by Judd Apatow.

 

Toplined by actors such as Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and Maude Apatow (main characters), the film was released in 2012 with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 min.

 

Debbie and Pete, settled into their career, have reached 40, deal with the drama that comes with raising two teenage daughters, and realise they are in a weird phase of their marriage. As money becomes an issue, the couple also shares varied relationships with their fathers, where Debbie feels her perfect father keeps her at a distance, and Pete struggles to lend money to his dad.

 

With more arguments than solutions taking place, Debbie discovers her third pregnancy.

 

 

 

15. Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)

 

 

Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a competent, if unremarkable, entry in the comedy genre. The cast and direction are serviceable, but the predictable plot and lack of surprises may leave some viewers underwhelmed.

 

Will Ferrell, after discovering Zach Galifianakis' public access TV show "Between Two Ferns", went a step ahead by uploading it to Funny or Die, and it brought laughter in Zach's way, but people weren't people with him but instead at him.

 

It affected Zach immensely since he had dreamed of becoming a star. He became famous, but not in the way he wanted. As a solution, he embarks on a road trip with his crew for high-profile celebrity interviews.

 

 

 

16. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

 

 

Monsters vs. Aliens premiered in theatres in 2009. Directed by Rob Letterman, and Conrad Vernon, this movie features Reese Witherspoon, Rainn Wilson, and Stephen Colbert in the lead. If you have a particular liking for animation-action movies, then you can try this title.

 

Monsters vs. Aliens received a score of 6.4 on IMDb and 56 on Metacritic.

 

On her wedding day, Susan is hit by a meteorite, and Susan's body soaks up its radiation which results in her growing 50 feet tall and ending up being arrested. In the facility Susan is kept, she meets other monsters who are the products of failed experiments and mutations.

 

Meanwhile, an overlord named Gallaxhar of a mysterious spaceship prepares to extract a powerful substance called quantonium out of Susan's body and plans to invade Earth.

 

 

 

17. They Came Together (2014)

 

 

Featuring Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, and Bill Hader in the lead, They Came Together is a comedy-romance movie that was released in 2014. It comprises a talented team of crew members David Wain (director), Michael Showalter, and David Wain (screenplay), Tom Houghton (cinematography), and others.

 

The motion picture received a score of 5.6 on IMDb, while it received 60 out of 100 on Metacritic.

 

Joel and Molly met on Halloween. After their initial conflict, they agree to a date. Joel and Molly get together despite their differences and hesitation, and their relationship takes several turns. When Joey gets back with his ex and Molly decides to marry her banker, they realise their love for each other and leave their respective partners.

 

As their marriage faces troubles, they have decided to call it quits but agree to give it another chance.

 

 

 

18. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

 

 

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is an adventure-comedy film that has been helmed for the screen by Jason Reitman. It features actors Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, and Finn Wolfhard in pivotal roles. The motion picture was released in 2021 with a 2 hours and 4 min runtime.

 

Single mom Callie moves to the small town of Summerville with her two teen kids, Phoebe and Trevor. She has few financial options left and so moves into her late father's broken-down house. Before long, Callie gradually realizes that her eccentric dad had plenty of secrets of the ghostbusting kind.

 

A bizarre series of seismic activities in Summerville soon uncovers another paranormal plot. With history now repeating, it falls to Callie, her kids, and their newfound ally Grooberson to stop the spirit world from taking over the Earth plane.

 

 

 

19. P.S. (2004)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Dylan Kidd, P.S. is a comedy-drama that hit the screens in 2004.

 

Its crew members include Helen Schulman, and Dylan Kidd (screenplay), Joaquín Baca-Asay (cinematography), and Amy Westcott (costume), among others. The full-length feature was able to amass over $273,023 at the box office and received Mar del Plata Film Festival, National Board of Review, USA, and New York Film Critics, Online.

 

Louise Harrington working in the admission office of Columbia University notices an application with the name F. Scott Feinstadt. Louise and a guy of the same name were together in high school before he died.

 

During the meeting, she notices many similarities between the new Scott and her Scott, believing the former to be an incarnation. As Louise comes to terms with the realisation, she also has to deal with faulty relationships with her brother and best friend.

 

 

 

20. Wanderlust (2012)

 

 

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Wanderlust still manages to be a movie that's worth watching. The film features a talented cast led by Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, and Malin Akerman and direction by David Wain, and while it may not be perfect, it still has plenty of redeeming qualities.

 

George and Linda Gergenblatt, a young urban couple, find themselves at a crossroads in life. After the devastating loss of both their jobs and apartment, they embark on a journey to Atlanta to start anew.

 

However, a chance detour leads them to Elysium, a hippie commune unlike any they've ever experienced. Here, they are welcomed with open arms and find themselves in the midst of a movement that challenges their beliefs and forces them to re-evaluate what they really want in life.

 

 

 

21. How Do You Know (2010)

 

 

How Do You Know might not have been the most well-received comedy-drama movie, but it still manages to hold its own. Directed by James L. Brooks and starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson, the movie has its fair share of flaws, but it's still worth a watch.

 

Lisa is a star softball player whose been cut from the National softball team, while George gets entangled in a federal criminal investigation for corporate misconduct at his father's company.

 

Meanwhile, Lisa's baseball player boyfriend Matty is as clueless as it gets and George has just been dumped. With life as they know it, taking a massive turn, the two meet up by chance and an unlikely friendship blossoms.

 

 

 

22. Fun Mom Dinner (2017)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Alethea Jones, Fun Mom Dinner is a comedy that hit the screens in 2017.

 

Its crew members include Julie Rudd (screenplay), Sean McElwee (cinematography), and Allyson B. Fanger, and Heather Pain (costume), among others. The full-length feature was able to amass over $332,886 at the box office and received Yoga Awards.

 

Four women are raising children, but with poop, dirt, and sibling rivalry getting in the way, parenting isn't smooth sailing. They enrol their kids in preschool and crosses path with each other. As the school becomes their shared space, the moms go for a harmless but much-needed dinner outing.

 

Things turn differently, though, bordering on disaster. However, with laughter and vulnerability, the women build a relationship on the common ground other than just men, marriage and motherhood.

 

 

 

23. Mute (2018)

 

 

Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux, Mute tells a familiar story with a competent script and direction. While not a standout in any particular area, it provides a solid movie-going experience.

 

Leo is mute, resulting from a childhood incident, is a skilled wood carver and works as a bartender. He loves Naadirah, a cocktail waitress. When Naadirah goes missing, Leo, in his efforts to find her, crosses paths with a duo of surgeons, Bill and Duck.

 

Bill wishes to leave the city with his young daughter, Josie and Duck is attracted to girls of little age. Leo's search takes him to Naadirah's apartment, and he discovers the skeletons of her past.

 

 

 

24. Year One (2009)

 

 

Year One is a prime example of a movie that failed to resonate with audiences. The film's low rating and poor word-of-mouth reflect its lack of popularity and poor execution.

 

In a primitive tribe, hunter Zed is banished for eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As he burns down the village by accident, gatherer Oh joins him on a journey to discover the world beyond their tribe and embark on a series of adventures.

 

Together, they encounter Cain and Abel, and as fate would have it, Zed and Oh end up being sold as slaves along with their love interests, Maya and Eema.