Mark Ruffalo’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors that gained fame years ago are as beloved as Mark Ruffalo. Since the 1990’s, Ruffalo has become an icon. Whether it’s detectives solving murders, strong news reporters or comic-book heroes, Ruffalo has played many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Spotlight

Journalism is a profession that I’ve always regarded with admiration. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that sought to become a successful news reporter. An aspiring news reporter, he would strive to uncover the truth behind each story. He was a journalist that was dedicated to writing stories which were realistic. Few films I’ve ever seen have celebrated journalists shining a spotlight on stories as powerfully as “Spotlight”. Released in 2015, Mark Ruffalo’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of shining light on a real-life scandal involving the Catholic Church. In the greatest role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a news reporter determined to uncover a scandal that’s a heavy burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, committed and emotional in his most persuasive role. Ruffalo has always had aptitude for conveying emotions through monologues, and “Spotlight” demonstrated his strengths as an actor. For instance, the scene in which Mike expresses outrage after discovering that religious authorities knew about the scandal is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” Mark Ruffalo’s greatest movie is its message. Unlike most movies about journalism intended for an intellectual audience, it discusses themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about abuse resonating with everyone. A spectacular portrait of shocking scandals hidden in plain sight about which reporters sought to write, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of an actor that succeeds manufacturing movies shining a spotlight on hardships journalists fight.

2. Poor Things

Feminist women with strong personalities have always inspired me. Several years ago, I bonded with a girl in school that sought to become a feminist hero. Inspiring wonder in women, she fought oppression. In a prejudiced country that pushed women aside, she always took pride. I grew up to value an inspiring girl with a feminist worldview that motivated me to make my dreams come true. As someone valuing a girl that gave me understandings of feminism, I loved “Poor Things”. Released in 2023, Mark Ruffalo’s Oscar-winning film offered a fantastic adaptation of a famous feminist book about women. In the most comical role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a man pursuing an affair with a woman whose life spirals out of control. Ruffalo has spent most of his career playing serious roles in dramatic movies. With “Poor Things”, however, he showcased an aptitude for comedy that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Duncan attempts to stop Bella from dancing in balls causing embarrassment showcased the actor’s strengths for comedy. Ultimately, what makes “Poor Things” one of Mark Ruffalo’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a strong message about value of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic adaptation of a famous feminist book about curious women seeking to conquer obstacles that are dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose movies audiences consider precious.

3. Zodiac

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I became scared of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper became the victim of a gruesome murder. Police never investigated the reason behind a murder that left my family emotionally devastated. As someone haunted by a mysterious murder case that detectives couldn’t crack, I loved “Zodiac”. Released in 2007, Mark Ruffalo’s movie did an exceptional job of capturing the real-life case of the Zodiac serial killer. In the most methodical role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a dedicated detective that’s driven to investigate a sadistic serial killer that evokes fear. Ruffalo has always been one of those actors that excels at conveying strong emotions through his body mannerisms, and “Zodiac” showcased his strengths as a performer. For instance, the scene in which inspector Dave Toschi expresses his frustrations with being unable to resolve the Zodiac case is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a poignant message about the dangers of obsession that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with murders in the San Francisco Bay Area without facing a price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose timeless movies deserve to be celebrated today.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Memory loss is a painful condition causing tragedy. Recently, my grandmother suffered memory loss that affected her ability to function. She got in the habit of forgetting about certain events, people and places. It was heartbreaking seeing my grandmother become forgetful. Her memory loss became so bad that at one point she forgot who she was married to. As someone that witnessed a grandmother losing her memory with a spotless mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Mark Ruffalo’s movie depicted the impact of memory loss on relationships. In the most complex role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a technician involved in the procedure of memory erasure. Ruffalo has always excelled at playing characters under pressure, and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” showcased his strengths as an actor. For instance, the scene in which Stan endures a nervous breakdown over his job showcased Ruffalo’s strengths as a performer. Ultimately, what makes “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” one of Ruffalo’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a message about memory loss which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent portrait of memory loss causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose commemorated movies audiences appreciate.

5. The Avengers

The Hulk is a great superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that was a huge fan of the hulking hero. I remember a high school teacher that loved the comic-book character with a short temper. A comic-book nerd, he adored a hero that made him feel heard. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that loved the Hulk, I adored “The Avengers”. Released in 2012, Mark Ruffalo’s movie celebrated a hulking hero with short temper. In the most angry role of his career, Mark Ruffalo embodies a hero with a temper that’s severe. Ruffalo brought an intensity to the Hulk missing from previous portrayals of the character in cinematic history. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing characters with a short temper. For instance, the iconic scene in which Bruce Banner states he’s always angry before becoming the Hulk showcased the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “The Avengers” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. A marvellous tribute to a superhero that’s always angry, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose movies are regarded highly.

6. Collateral

Mark Ruffalo is one of those actors that has always has abilities to steal the show in supporting roles in movies. Ever since his career began years ago, Ruffalo has had a gift for stealing the show in films with limited screen-time. Ruffalo’s special talent for stealing the show in small roles is clearly evident in his film “Collateral”. In the briefest role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a cop investigating murders committed by a hitman causing despair. Despite limited screen-time, Ruffalo steals every scene he’s in through his larger-than-life presence. Ruffalo brings out a menacing side to himself audiences haven’t seen before. A captivating portrayal of cruel hitmen experiencing collateral damage, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has never lost his abilities to engage making movies that deliver a meaningful message.

7. Dark Waters

When it comes to corporations that have attracted legal controversy, it’s worth discussing DuPont. In 1998, corporate defense lawyer Robert Bilott discovered that DuPont poisoned the community of West Virginia. Not only did DuPont dump toxic chemicals into the environment, but it endangered citizens. Bilott embarked on a 20-year crusade to sue the company. In 2019, Mark Ruffalo did an excellent job depicting the lawyer treading dark waters on the big-screen in his film “Dark Waters”. In the most focused role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a dedicated lawyer that’s driven to achieve a goal. It’s a role that gave Ruffalo the chance to showcase his aptitude for playing dedicated characters. Nearly 30 years after a lawyer discovered corporate danger, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies audiences treasure.

8. Foxcatcher

As far as I remember, I have always shared a bond with my brother. During my childhood, I bonded with a brother that was fond of playing soccer in the neighbourhood. With the physique of a warrior, my brother enjoyed playing soccer every week. As someone treasuring a brother that sought to become a famous sports player, I loved “Foxcatcher”. Released in 2014, Mark Ruffalo’s movie celebrated real-life wrestling brothers In the most emotionally demanding role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a boxing trainer guiding his brother to achieve victories. It’s a role that gave Ruffalo a chance to showcase an emotional side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. A touching tribute towards real-life brothers gaining victories in wrestling, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose commemorated movies are definitely worth watching.

9. Shutter Island

Few filmmakers in Hollywood created a legacy as strong as Martin Scorsese. With their compelling themes, strong storytelling and amazing acting, Scorsese’s films have earned a massive fan following. Scorsese has always had an eye for casting great actors in movies. In 2010, Scorsese showcased his skills when he cast Mark Ruffalo in his film “Shutter Island”. In the most psychological role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a dedicated detective investigating a mental institution that evokes fear. Ruffalo excels at playing deceptive characters that aren’t who they appear to be, and “Shutter Island” showcased his talents clearly. A magnificent portrayal of dangerous mental health institutions housing psychopathic patients that are delusional, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that thrives making movies that are psychological.

10. You Can Count on Me

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. I remember bonding with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she became a source of inspiration. Her words of wisdom inspired me to pursue dreams of film criticism. The role mothers play shaping destinies of children is beautifully depicted in “You Can Count on Me”. Released in 2000, Mark Ruffalo’s movie celebrated single mothers. In the most likeable role of his career, Ruffalo embodies a man providing support to his sister after they lose their parents in a car crash. It’s the role that established Ruffalo as a great actor with a promising future. A heartbreaking portrait of hardships that single mothers seeking somebody to count on are facing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose engaging movies I will forever treasure for shaping my love of filmmaking.