The best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows showcase his remarkable versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor. Born in 1970, Nick Offerman first gained national attention as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, a role that turned him into a pop culture icon. Known for his deadpan humor, deep voice, and trademark mustache, Offerman has built a career that spans animation, indie films, and many high-profile TV shows. He has also become a respected voice actor and an acclaimed dramatic performer, proving that his range extends far beyond comedy.

Nick Offerman's performances as both comedic characters and dramatic presences have been widely praised, particularly his Emmy-nominated role in The Last of Us. His ability to balance humor with emotional depth has made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Whether he’s playing an eccentric survivalist, a ruthless tech mogul, or a pirate made of LEGO bricks, Offerman’s screen presence is undeniable. From animated adventures to dystopian dramas, this list ranks his greatest roles, celebrating his contributions to some of the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows.

10 3Below: Tales Of Arcadia (2018-2019)

Nick Offerman Plays Commander Varvatos Vex

Guillermo del Toro’s 3Below: Tales of Arcadia is an animated sci-fi series following two alien royals who crash-land on Earth and must blend in as humans while evading intergalactic bounty hunters. As part of the Tales of Arcadia universe, which also includes Trollhunters, 3Below offers a mix of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling - with some impressive sci-fi visuals and concepts thrown in too. It became a hit with younger audiences and those who appreciate well-crafted animated adventures with deep mythology and world-building.

Nick Offerman lends his voice to Commander Varvatos Vex in 3Below, a gruff but loyal warrior dedicated to protecting his young royal charges. His portrayal brings both intensity and humor to the character, balancing stern military leadership with moments of comedic gold. Offerman’s distinctive voice is a perfect fit for the role, adding depth to a character who evolves from a rigid protector to a true hero. Though 3Below didn’t receive major awards recognition, it remains a solid entry in Offerman’s filmography, showing his ability to bring complex animated characters to life.

9 Civil War (2024)

Nick Offerman Plays The President

Directed by Alex Garland, Civil War is a tense, dystopian thriller that imagines a fractured United States embroiled in violent conflict. The 2024 movie from A24 follows a team of journalists navigating the dangers of war-torn America while uncovering shocking truths about the country’s leadership. With its gripping political commentary and intense action sequences, Civil War is one of 2024’s most talked-about films, earning praise for its thought-provoking narrative and unflinching realism.

Nick Offerman plays the President of a divided United States - a widely despised leader caught in the chaos of a crumbling nation. Though his screen time is limited, Offerman’s performance is chilling, portraying a politician whose authority is slipping away in real time. While he may be mostly known for his comedic timing, Civil War is one of several recent projects that see Nick Offerman take a turn into darker territory, delivering a layered performance that hints at both power and desperation. His role in Civil War further cements his ability to handle serious drama, proving that some of the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows showcase his range beyond comedy.

8 The Resort (2022)

Nick Offerman Plays Murray Thompson

2022’s The Resort is a mystery-comedy series created by Andy Siara, blending elements of romance, adventure, and crime. The show follows a married couple who, while vacationing in Mexico, stumble upon an unsolved disappearance from 15 years earlier. As they dig deeper into the case, the narrative shifts between past and present, weaving an intricate web of secrets and coincidences. Praised for its unique tone and engaging performances, The Resort stands out as a refreshing take on the mystery genre.

Nick Offerman plays Murray Thompson in The Resort, a key figure in the show’s unfolding mystery. While his role isn’t the largest, Offerman brings emotional weight to his performance, portraying a man caught between love, loss, and the age of time. His ability to seamlessly shift between humor and heartfelt drama enhances the show’s emotional depth. Though The Resort flew under the radar compared to some of Offerman’s more well-known projects, it remains one of the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows, proving his talent for elevating ensemble casts across almost any genre.

7 Pam & Tommy (2022)

Nick Offerman Plays Uncle Miltie

Hulu’s Pam & Tommy 2022 miniseries is a dramatization of the infamous sex tape scandal involving Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the 1990s. Created by Robert Siegel, Pam & Tommy dives into the media frenzy, the exploitation behind the scandal, and its impact on the people involved. Starring Lily James and Sebastian Stan as the titular couple, the show gained widespread attention for its performances and compelling retelling of a true Hollywood scandal.

Nick Offerman plays Uncle Miltie in Pam & Tommy, one of the key figures responsible for distributing the stolen tape. His performance brings a sleazy yet oddly charismatic energy to the character, making him both repulsive and entertaining. Unlike his usual lovable roles, Offerman leans into the darker aspects of the real-life figure, offering a stark contrast to his more wholesome persona. While Pam & Tommy received Emmy nominations, Offerman’s performance, though underrated, added a memorable layer to the show’s depiction of media exploitation and celebrity culture.

6 The Little Hours (2017)

Nick Offerman Plays Lord Bruno

Directed by Jeff Baena, 2017’s The Little Hours is a medieval comedy with a modern, irreverent twist. Loosely inspired by The Decameron, The Little Hours follows a group of unruly nuns whose peaceful convent is turned upside down when a runaway servant arrives. With a cast including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Dave Franco, the movie blends historical satire with absurdist humor, making for a hilarious and unconventional period piece.

As for Nick Offerman, the Parks and Recreation star plays Lord Bruno in the cast of The Little Hours, a pompous and overly dramatic nobleman whose misfortunes add to the film’s comedic chaos. Offerman’s deadpan delivery and ability to make even the most ridiculous dialogue sound serious make him a scene-stealer. While The Little Hours didn’t receive major awards recognition, it became a cult favorite indie comedy. Offerman’s performance proves that even in a movie filled with absurdity he can maintain his signature dry wit, ensuring that The Little Hours remains a standout in his wider filmography.

5 The Lego Movie (2014)

Nick Offerman Plays MetalBeard

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s The Lego Movie took the animation world by storm with its witty writing, fast-paced humor, and heartwarming message. Following the adventures of an ordinary LEGO figure thrust into an epic battle to save the world, The Lego Movie became a massive hit and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

Nick Offerman voices MetalBeard, a grizzled, cybernetic pirate with a vendetta against the evil Lord Business. His gruff, over-the-top performance perfectly suits the larger-than-life character, making MetalBeard one of the film’s most memorable ing (mini)figures in the on-screen LEGO world. Offerman’s ability to inject humor into the role while maintaining an air of exaggerated toughness is a testament to his voice-acting talents. As one of the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows, The Lego Movie remains a standout, proving that Offerman’s unique brand of comedy works just as well in animation as it does in live-action.

4 Devs (2020)

Nick Offerman Plays Forest

Created by Alex Garland (who Nick Offerman would later collaborate with once again in 2024’s Civil War), Devs is a cerebral sci-fi thriller that explores themes of determinism, technology, and morality. The FX on Hulu show follows Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno), a young software engineer who investigates the secretive development division of a powerful tech company after her boyfriend’s mysterious disappearance. With its haunting atmosphere and philosophical depth, Devs received critical acclaim for its storytelling and visual style, cementing Garland’s reputation for thought-provoking science fiction.

Nick Offerman creates the Devs with his performance as Forest, the enigmatic CEO of Amaya, a tech giant developing a project with world-altering implications. Unlike his usual comedic roles, Offerman’s Forest is a subdued yet chilling presence, portraying a grieving father whose obsession with quantum computing leads to devastating consequences. The melancholic and unsettling and unsettling Forest anchors the series, making Forest one of his most compelling characters. Offerman’s performance in Devs was widely praised, and the series is one of several among the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows that demonstrate his ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous figures.

3 The Last Of Us (2023)

Nick Offerman Plays Bill

HBO’s The Last of Us is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game, set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive against a deadly fungal infection. Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series received widespread acclaim for its faithfulness to the source material, emotional storytelling, and powerhouse performances. It became one of the most talked-about TV shows of 2023, solidifying itself as one of HBO’s best adaptations.

Despite Bill, a survivalist who builds a self-sufficient fortress in a small town after society collapses, appearing relatively little in The Last Of Us, the show still easily stands as one of the best Nick Offerman has been a part of. His episode, “Long, Long Time,” explores his unexpected love story with Frank (Murray Bartlett), delivering one of the most heartbreaking and beautifully acted episodes in the series. Offerman’s performance in The Last of Us was met with universal praise, earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. His portrayal of Bill as a tough yet deeply vulnerable man added layers to a character who was initially a side figure in the game. The Last of Us easily ranks among the best Nick Offerman movies and TV shows and stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant performances of his career.

2 Fargo (2015)

Nick Offerman Plays Karl Weathers

Based on the Coen brothers’ iconic movie, FX’s Fargo is an anthology crime series that reinvents itself with each season, delivering twisted tales of crime, deception, and dark humor. The second season, set in 1979, revolves around a war between a local crime family and a ruthless syndicate, with multiple characters caught in the crossfire. With its sharp writing, atmospheric direction, and stellar performances, Fargo has been hailed as one of the best modern TV dramas.

As the fast-talking, conspiracy-loving lawyer Karl Weathers, Nick Offerman ensured Fargo would forever be a career-defining project in his filmography. What’s more, his performance brings a much-needed dose of humor to Fargo’s otherwise tense and brutal narrative. Offerman masterfully balances Karl’s eccentricities with a surprising level of competence, making him a standout character despite limited screen time. His performance in Fargo season 2 was widely praised, reinforcing his ability to tread the finest lines between comedic and dramatic tones (often within the same scenes).

1 Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Nick Offerman Plays Ron Swanson

Few roles have accelerated an actor’s career with as much velocity as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation did for Nick Offerman. Parks and Recreation, created by Michael Schur and Greg Daniels, is a cult classic mockumentary sitcom which follows the employees of the Pawnee Parks Department as they navigate government bureaucracy, friendship, and personal growth. With an ensemble cast led by Amy Poehler, the show became one of the most beloved sitcoms of its era, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Ron Swanson, the libertarian, meat-loving, woodworking director of the Parks Department, turned him into a cultural icon. His deadpan delivery, love of breakfast foods, and disdain for government inefficiency made Ron one of the show’s most quotable characters. Offerman’s real-life ion for woodworking and deadpan humor infused the character with authenticity, making his performance both hilarious and heartfelt. Though he never received any major accolades for playing Ron Swanson, his work in Parks and Recreation is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedic performances in modern TV history. Parks and Recreation remains the best Nick Offerman TV show, cementing his legacy as one of television’s most memorable characters.