Not many actors in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Scoot McNairy. Since the 1990’s, McNairy has become a beloved American icon. Whether it’s political leaders, cruel slave owners or theatre actors, McNairy has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Argo
The Middle East is a misunderstood country that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s prosperous oil economy or vast deserts, I grew up to value a country I love dearly. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the beauty of a country that I grew up in several years ago as powerfully as “Argo”. Released in 2012, Scoot McNairy’s best movie offered a powerful portrait of hostage crises in Middle Eastern history. In the greatest role of his career, McNairy portrayed an American diplomat that becomes a victim of a hostage crisis in the Middle East causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. McNairy has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in period dramas. With “Argo”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing an American diplomat that’s well-known. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also amazing, McNairy created a portrait of the hostage crisis that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Joe becomes aware that his life is in grave danger during the hostage crisis causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” Scoot McNairy’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Middle East, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a CIA agent that saved hostages in Iran facing a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
2. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. Several years ago, I formed long-lasting relationships with a friend that took great interest in slavery. As someone treasuring memories of a friend fascinated with the grave consequences faced by a slave, I adored “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Scoot McNairy’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery in American history. In the most complex role of his career, McNairy portrayed a businessman that sells an African-American man into slavery causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor who is also amazing, McNairy created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Brown first meets Solomon Northup becoming aware of his talents as a musician is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a masterpiece is its universal message. The film delivers a profound message about freedom which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of slavery in American history that caused lives to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor that audiences commonly appreciate.
3. Gone Girl
It’s challenging to cope with disappearances of a loved one. Several years ago, my family faced sorrow when our beloved housemaid was murdered by a psycho. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of psychotic murder. As someone haunted by heartbreaking memories of a housemaid that became a gone girl, I loved “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, Scoot McNairy’s movie captured a mesmerizing murder mystery. In the most emotional role of his career, McNairy portrayed a tragic man that has a doomed romantic affair with a woman that goes missing causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also amazing, McNairy created a mystery movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Tommy reveals his past incidence of sexual abuse causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gone Girl” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message that would resonate with everyone witnessing broken marriage at an early age. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved book about men becoming suspects of their wives’ sudden disappearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with intelligence whose movies always attract audience.
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
L.A. is a beautiful city that my father always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a father that adored Hollywood. Fascinated with the film industry, he adored a city that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that once loved Hollywood, I adored “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Released in 2019, Scoot McNairy’s movie celebrated Hollywood during the 1960’s. In the most stylish role of his career, McNairy portrayed a famous Western actor seeking to prepare for film shoots causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, McNairy created a portrait of Hollywood that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Bob seeks to prepare for a film shoot causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A touching tribute to an era once upon a time in in Hollywood, it’s a bold reminder of a great actor that has stood the test of time making movies that are commonly good.
5. A Quiet Place: Part Two
It’s challenging to survive in a world of silence. At an early age, my family faced a bombing in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. Through my parents’ abilities to remain silent, I survived a traumatic bombing incident. As someone witnessing hardships silent survivors go through, I adored “A Quiet Place: Part Two”. Released in 2021, Scoot McNairy’s movie captured silent survivors facing catastrophe. In the most silent role of his career, McNairy portrayed a man seeking to survive an apocalypse causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase rare talent for communicating emotions without any dialogue. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, McNairy created a horror movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which the Marina Man becomes aware that aliens are attacking his town causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Quiet Place: Part Two” a horror classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most commemorated horror movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Samira’s desire to survive in a quiet place, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences commonly embrace.
6. A Complete Unknown
When it comes to the world’s greatest singers that deserve recognition, it’s worth discussing Bob Dylan. With his compelling themes, strong lyrics and meaningful melodies, Dylan has earned a huge following. In 2024, Scoot McNairy honoured the well-known musician in his movie “A Complete Unknown”. In the most musical role of his career, McNairy portrayed a musician seeking to prepare melodies causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a musician that’s well-known. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also amazing, McNairy created a commemorated musical drama that’s captivating. As strong as Bob Dylan’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actor making iconic movies throughout his long-lasting career which have always captivated public.
7. Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Few superheroes have earned a fan following as huge as Batman. With his strong presence, compelling personality and desire for justice, Batman has built a lasting legacy. In 2016, Scoot McNairy honoured the iconic comic-book hero seeking justice in his movie “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice”. In the most righteous role of his career, McNairy portrayed a lower-class worker that witnesses superhero destruction causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also outstanding, McNairy honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufacutred memorable movies throughout his long-lasting career audiences treasure.
8. C’mon C’mon
Bipolar is a misunderstood disease that is rarely depicted in movies. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting a disorder that tends to be misunderstood. In an industry where Bipolar is rarely given attention, it’s worth praising “C’mon C’mon”. Released in 2021, Scoot McNairy’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Bipolar disorder. In the most tragic role of his career, McNairy portrayed a man with severe Bipolar disorder causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also outstanding, McNairy created a portrait of Bipolar disorder that’s compelling. A marvellous depiction of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that has become a commemorated icon in the modern-day entertainment business.
9. Frank
Scoot McNairy has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing adversity. McNairy has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing emotional damage. McNairy’s strength for playing characters that are frank is clearly evident in his movie “Frank”. Released in 2014, Lenny Abrahamson’s comedy showcased the actor at his best. In the most comical role of his career, McNairy portrayed a musician that embarks on a road trip causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also amazing, McNairy created a musical drama that’s engaging. As strong as Frank’s love for performing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making captivating movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.
10. Herbie: Fully Loaded
Scoot McNairy hasn’t always made great movies audiences love dearly. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Herbie: Fully Loaded” falls into the latter category. Released in 2005, Angela Robinson’s comedy was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, McNairy portrayed a car manufacturer facing despair. McNairy brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of an abysmal movie. Although “Herbie: Fully Loaded” is a bad movie, it honoured McNairy’s legacy. As precious as Herbie, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy by manufacturing memorable movies throughout his illustrious career which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into foreseeable reality.
The Film Buff 