Beyond his role as an Avenger, Mark Ruffalo is one of the finest actors working on the screen and stage today. The three-time Oscar nominee is not only one of the best character actors, but when called for, he's also a tremendous leading man as well. Whether playing small roles in indie films or major parts in massive blockbusters, Ruffalo delivers plenty of memorable roles.
Take 2019 for example. Ruffalo not only starred in Avengers: Endgame, but he also partook in Todd Haynes's legal drama Dark Waters. Two films at the end of the spectrum, yet bonded by the brilliance Ruffalo brings each time out.
Updated on August 18th, 2022 by Colin McCormick: Mark Ruffalo returns to his most famous role of Bruce Banner aka Hulk in the MCU series She-Hulk. Though this is the character most fans will likely know Ruffalo from these days, he is an incredibly versatile actor who has appeared in countless terrific projects and taken on so many interesting roles. From intense dramas to light-hearted comedies to blockbuster adventures, fans can revisit some more of Ruffalo's best roles while checking out his MCU return in She-Hulk.
Louis Reed - The Adam Project (2022)
- Available on Netflix
Ruffalo ed the recent Netflix sci-fi adventure The Adam Project in a charming role. The movie stars Ryan Reynolds as a soldier from the future who comes back in time to team up with his younger self and the father that he lost years ago (Ruffalo) in order to save his reality.
The inventive time-travel story works especially well as it leans into the family aspects of the characters. Ruffalo is particularly effective as the father who gets a second chance with his son while also playing into some funny father-son dynamics that are not always so easy.
David Toschi - Zodiac (2007)
- Available on Hoopla
Before teaming up in the MCU, Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. starred together in Zodiac. Directed by David Fincher, it tells the story of the investigation into the infamous Zodiac Killer who killed several people in the San Francisco area in the 1970s.
Ruffalo leads the police side of the investigation as Detective David Toschi. He is an intelligent and grounded cop unlike some of the more colorful ones seen in most movies. Yet Toschi's dedication to finding the truth becomes an obsession even as years go on with no answers.
Fanning - Collateral (2004)
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Ruffalo stepped into the world of Michael Mann's intense crime story in Collateral. The movie stars Tom Cruise as an assassin who kidnaps a Los Angeles cab driver (Jamie Foxx) to drive him around as he picks off his list of targets.
Ruffalo has a ing role in the movie as Fanning, a detective who finds himself on the hitman's deadly trail. Fanning is shown to be a more intelligent cop than many of his colleagues, seeing the truth of the situation and putting himself in the path of this formidable enemy.
Dan - Begin Again (2013)
- Available on Netflix
Ruffalo has starred in a number of charming comedies over the years, but Begin Again adds a fun musical aspect to it. Ruffalo plays Dan, a down-and-out music producer who finds an undiscovered talent in a reserved young singer-songwriter, played by Kiera Knightley.
The role plays to many of Ruffalo's strengths as an actor, allowing him to play someone who is somewhat lost and jaded yet with an endearing charm to him as well. He also has great chemistry with Knightley, making for a sweet relationship.
Chuck Aule - Shutter Island (2010)
- Available on Apple TV
Ruffalo achieved the goal many actors have when he worked with Martin Scorsese on the thriller Shutter Island. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels, a US Marshal investigating the disappearance of a prisoner on an island that houses a psychiatric facility for dangerous criminals.
Ruffalo plays Chuck Aule, a fellow Marshal who partners with Teddy on the investigation. It is a tricky role for Ruffalo as more about his character is gradually revealed making his performance thrilling to watch on a second viewing.
Dwight Arno - Reservation Road (2007)
- Available on HBO, HBO Max and DIRECTV
Starring opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Ruffalo gives an achingly emotional turn as Dwight Arno in the movie Reservation Road.
The film revolves around one unspeakable tragedy that alters the lives of two families forever. One half of the movie tracks Phoenix's character and his family leading up the accident, while the other half focuses on Ruffalo's. The latter plays a young law clerk with a strong bond with his 11-year-old son, Lucas, both of whom are forever changed following their time on Reservation Road.
Dylan Rhodes - Now You See Me (2013)
- Available on Fubo TV, Peacock, Peacock and USA
In the two Now You See Me movies, Ruffalo is afforded the rare chance to show off his silly side and comedic chops in a way that isn't redolent of his work as Bruce Banner.
As Dylan Rhodes, Ruffalo excels as a bumbling FBI agent who the conniving Horsemen make a fool out of repeatedly. Every time Dylan thinks he's about to make an arrest, he's left with severe egg on his face as the butt of a practical joke. What makes the role so unique, aside from playing it twice over two films, is how Ruffalo appears to be the smartest man in the room, despite being anything but.
Stan - Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
- Available on Peacock
Ruffalo ed the mind-bending comedy Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind opposite some big names like Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. As Stan, the awkward technician who operates the hardware that allows one to map a person's mind while they sleep, Ruffalo stands out more than most.
Despite the unusual style of the movie, it has become one of the most rewatchable movies of the 2000s with new things revealed with each viewing. Ruffalo brings a quirky charm and humor to his ing role, adding to wonderful ensemble.
Stephen Bloom - The Brothers Bloom (2008)
- Available on Youtube Free
Under the swift direction of Rian Johnson, Ruffalo's charming wit is on full display as one-half of the criminal Brothers Bloom, one of the richest characters he's been given the chance to play thus far.
The sprawling, globe-trotting heist film concerns the titular siblings, self-declared as the greatest conmen in all the land. But when they plan one last heist before retiring into the sunset with all their loot, they get way more than they bargained for. Ruffalo absolutely owns the role of Stephen opposite Adrien Brody.
Rob Bilott - Dark Waters (2019)
- Available on Freevee
Though it didn't get much attention when it was released, Dark Waters has become one of Ruffalo's best recent movies. Ruffalo plays Rob Bilott, a high-profile lawyer bold and brazen enough to take on corporate pollution case.
With vast evidence showing that a corporation knowingly polluted their chemical supply, Bilott fights the lawsuit tooth and nail to exonerate the lucrative company. It is a gripping and thought-provoking legal thriller with Ruffalo giving an excellent performance as a movie hero who won't give up.