Owen Wilson’s Top 15 Performances That Showcase His Range

Owen Wilson is loved for his laid-back look and distinct voice, and he has been a comedy mainstay since the 1990s. Beyond comedy, his talent really shines in romantic films and dramas. Having been in this industry for nearly 30 years, he has delivered numerous award-nominated performances and contributed as a writer and producer. Here are some of his standout performances throughout his career. 

Wedding Crashers

Regarded as one of his iconic comedic roles, Wilson stars as John in “Wedding Crashers,” where he and Vince Vaughn’s character Jeremy crash weddings to meet women. The plot takes a turn when John breaks a rule by falling for Claire (Rachel McAdams), causing tension between the duo. Despite the cliché plot, the cast’s charm made the 2005 film a box office success.

No Escape

Starring in the movie “No Escape,” Wilson’s character, Jack Dwyer, relocates his family to South Asia for a promising job but finds himself amid a violent rebellion. As armed rebels target foreigners, Dwyer must fight to keep his family safe and reach the American Embassy. The film is packed with action and suspense, differing from Wilson’s usual roles.

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

In this comedy, Owen Wilson teams up with Ben Stiller once more to adapt a 1970s TV series. Playing two contrasting cops, Hutch and Starsky, they join forces to tackle drug criminals. This movie highlights Owen’s chemistry with Stiller, as always, impeccable, making their dynamic one of the film’s highlights. 

The Royal Tenenbaums

The movie follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, with Wilson as Eli Cash, their neighbor longing to be part of the family. Eli is also Richie’s best friend, portrayed by Wilson’s real-life brother, Luke Wilson. Besides acting, Wilson co-wrote the script, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. His character, Eli Cash, has incredible humor with subtle sadness.

Shanghai Noon

In the 2000 martial arts western comedy Shanghai Noon, Owen stars with Jackie Chan. The film is an excellent mix of martial arts, westerns, and buddy cop comedies, featuring Wilson as Roy O’Bannon, a Western outlaw, and Chan as Chon Wang, a Chinese Imperial Guard. The box office hit received positive reviews, sparking hopes for a third film despite the sequel’s disappointment.

Marley and Me

Featuring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, “Marley and Me” depicts a journalist couple navigating life’s lessons through their naughty dog, Marley. As they balance training Marley with their careers and personal lives, the film resonated with audiences, grossing around $247 million and receiving positive reviews. It also won the Bromantic Comedy Award at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

Zoolander

“Zoolander” is a standout collaboration between Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller, who play egotistical models in this hilariously absurd film. Derek Zoolander (Stiller) faces career setbacks when Hansel snatches his VH1 Male Model of the Year Award. Offered a chance to reinvent himself by fashion mogul Mugatu (Will Ferrell), Derek falls into a deadly trap. Stiller and Wilson nailed their roles, and their comedic energy is contagious.

Wonder

Based on R.J. Palacio’s 2012 bestseller Wonder, the film adaptation captures the book’s emotional depth. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson star as August Pullman’s supportive parents, facing the challenge of his genetic condition. They enroll him in Beecher Prep to foster resilience while providing unwavering support. Wilson’s heartfelt performance as August’s father, especially his wise advice, adds a nostalgic touch.

Bottle Rocket

Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Owen Wilson starred in several films, including a brief role in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore. His breakthrough came in 1996 with Bottle Rocket, where he co-wrote and played Dignan, a charmingly clueless wannabe criminal. His endearing clumsiness and goofy schemes make the misadventures with his friends even funnier.

The Darjeeling Limited

 “The Darjeeling Limited” follows brothers Francis (Wilson), Peter (Adrien Brody), and Jack (Jason Schwartzman) on a journey through India to reconnect and possibly visit their mother Patricia (Anjelica Huston) on the anniversary of their father’s death. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film explores themes of loss, love, and grief, with Wilson delivering a nuanced performance as the overbearing Francis.

Midnight in Paris

Owen Wilson plays Gil Frisbee in “Midnight in Paris,” a successful writer who is dissatisfied with his success. While visiting Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams), he longs for the city’s 1920s artistic glory. Transported back in time, Wilson meets admired figures like Gertrude Stein and Salvador Dalí. The actor played Gil with charm and positive energy, capturing the Bohemian spirit of Paris.

Cars (2006)

As the voice of Lightning McQueen, Wilson brought a new kind of delight to the animated world. His portrayal of the brash race car who learns the value of friendship and humility is entertaining and heartwarming. His vocal performance infuses Lightning with personality and depth, making the character’s journey from arrogance to compassion believable. 

Behind Enemy Lines

Owen Wilson, known for his comedy roles, impresses in this intense movie. He plays a US Navy pilot who unintentionally captures images of a Serbian military site during the Bosnian War. As Serbian defenses react, Wilson’s character becomes trapped in enemy territory, leading to a suspenseful journey filled with gripping action and unexpected twists.

The Internship

For this comedy, Nick (Owen) and Billy (Vince), two chatty salesmen, are fired for being outdated and land an internship at Google, thanks to their relentlessness. As mid-aged professionals, they face the challenge of proving their worth in a tech-centric world dominated by younger competitors, highlighting the difficulties of modern job acquisition with humor.

The French Dispatch

This 2021 film is set in a fictional 20th-century French city where a magazine, The French Dispatch, faces a crisis after its editor’s death. His will calls for the magazine’s suspension. The movie then explores four segments that mirror magazine articles. Wilson’s character, Herbsaint Sazerac, appears in a segment and plays a quirky role.