Charlie Day’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Charlie Day movies and TV shows highlight why he’s known for much more than his long-running role in It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Born in New York in 1976, Charlie Day rose to fame in 2005 due to playing Charlie Kelly in the aforementioned sitcom, IASIP. However, this only marks one role in his wider career, one that started almost a decade earlier in 1997.

Charlie Days earliest roles were as a named extra and in several commercials. However, he soon began to land more central one-off parts on shows like Law & Order, followed by recurring roles in the likes of Luis and Reno 911! It was joining It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia that proved to be his big break – though the best Charlie Day movies and TV shows reveal he has a range far wider than playing the illiterate janitor of Paddy’s Pub.

10

Fool’s Paradise (2023)

Charlie Day Plays Latte Pronto/Sir Tom Bingsley

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Fool’s Paradise

R

Comedy

Release Date

May 12, 2023

Runtime

97 Minutes

Director

Charlie Day

Writers

Charlie Day

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Charlie Day

    Charlie Day

  • Headshot Of Jason Sudeikis In The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

    Jason Sudeikis

  • Headshot Of Adrien Brody

    Adrien Brody

  • Headshot Of Kate Beckinsale

    Kate Beckinsale

Fool’s Paradise is a satirical comedy directed and written by Charlie Day. The movie also stars Day as Latte Pronto, a mute person who becomes famous after impersonating a method actor that won’t leave his trailer. The film features a star-studded cast, including Ken Jeong, Ray Lotta, Kate Beckinsale, and Adrien Brody, to name a few.

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2023’s Fool’s Paradise is an important entry among the best Charlie Day movies and TV shows because it marks his directorial debut (and he also wrote the screenplay). What’s more, his reputation both as a comic actor and creative force managed to bring the likes of Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale, Adrien Brody, Jason Sudeikis, and John Malkovich on board for the ensemble cast.

The story of Fool’s Paradise focuses on a struggling publicist who, when sneaking onto a movie studio, comes across a many he believes is named “Latte Pronto” (played by Charlie Day). The publicist (Ken Jeong) tries to make Pronto a star, but things soon backfire due to Pronto’s oddball personality. While not his most critically acclaimed work, Fool’s Paradise makes for a heartwarming and funny viewing experience and was a solid directorial debut from Charlie Day.

Lenny (Ken Jeong) smiling and posing for a picture with a perplexed Latte Pronto (Charlie Day) in Fool's Paradise

Related

Is Charlie Day’s Fool’s Paradise Worth Watching? Reviews & Where To Stream

Fool’s Paradise, written and directed by Charlie Day, was released in May 2023, and here’s what the critics thought of the Hollywood satire.

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9

Fist Fight (2017)

Charlie Day Plays Andy

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Fist Fight

R

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

5/10

Release Date

February 17, 2017

Runtime

91 Minutes

Director

Richie Keen

Writers

Evan Susser, Van Robichaux

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Ice Cube

    Ice Cube

  • Headshot Of Max Carver

    Max Carver

Directed by Richie Keen, Fist Fight is a comedy film that was released in 2017 and starred Ice Cube, Jillian Bell, Charlie Day, and Tracy Morgan. The film follows the story of two faculty members at a school that become the subject of a prank and end up in a tense situation with one another as tempers flare.

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Not only did Charlie Day star in Fist Fight alongside Ice Cube, but he also served as an executive producer. The 2017 comedy from director Richie Keen focuses on the teachers at a struggling high school. Due to a misunderstanding, Charlie Day’s history teacher Andy ends up being challenged to a fist-fight after hours by Ice Cube’s Ron Strickland, a history teacher.

Since the pair are so clearly physically mismatched, Fist Fight proceeds more-or-less as a movie that sees Charlie Day trying to avoid a fight with Ice Cube is expected to. However, despite containing few surprises, Fist Fight still makes for an incredibly hilarious viewing experience. The movie maximizes all the unique aspects of Charlie Day’s comedic talents, and the way he and Ice Cube play off one another is tear-jerkingly funny.

8

Pacific Rim (2013)

Charlie Day Plays Dr. Newton Geiszler

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Pacific Rim

PG-13

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6/10

10

7.9/10

Release Date

July 12, 2013

Runtime

131 minutes

Director

Guillermo del Toro

Writers

Travis Beacham

Sequel(s)

Pacific Rim 3, Pacific Rim: Uprising

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Charlie Hunnam

    Charlie Hunnam

  • Headshot Of Idris Elba In The World premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun at the BFI IMAX in London.

    Idris Elba

In a post-apocalyptic future, Earth battles a deadly race of alien monsters called the Kaiju, who have begun arriving on the planet through an interdimensional portal in the Pacific Ocean. In an attempt to combat the Kaiju, humanity has created Jaegers, giant robot suits powered by at least two pilots that can match their enemy for size and strength. When the Kaiju begin to become too strong, however, a washed-up Jaeger pilot must return to the program to participate in one final mission to save Earth for good.

Franchise(s)

Pacific Rim

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Pacific Rim is the epic 2013 kaiju sci-fi from director Guillermo Del Toro, and represents perhaps the most blockbuster live-action movie Charlie Day has been cast in so far. It stands out as one of his best movies not because of the high production value, however, but because of his performance as Dr. Newton Geiszler. Not only that, it’s also one of the few occasions Day has ventured outside the realms of comedy on the big screen.

Charlie Day’s Dr. Newton Geiszler is a typical sci-fi scientist which means, in the world of Pacific Rim, he has an obsession with the titanic monsters that have emerged from the sea bed to inflict destruction upon humanity. Dr. Geiszler is also quite understated compared to many of Charlie Day’s other roles, and this groundedness helped the It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia star display some less-explored areas of his range as a performer.

7

Monsters University (2013)

Charlie Day Plays Art

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Monsters University

G

Animation

ScreenRant logo

7/10

8.2/10

Release Date

June 21, 2013

Runtime

104 minutes

Director

Dan Scanlon

Writers

Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton

Prequel(s)

Monsters, Inc.

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Billy Crystal

    Billy Crystal

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jennifer Tilly

This prequel to Monsters, Inc. takes viewers back to a time before James P. “Sully” Sullivan and Michael “Mike” Wazowski formed the most successful “scarer” team in Monsters, Inc. history. The film chronicles the pair’s Monsters University origins, where 18-year old Sulley and Mike first meet and become competitive rivals. However, as the two monsters go head-to-head, a larger dilemma forces them together, forging a lifelong friendship.

Franchise(s)

Disney

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2013’s Monsters University was the long-awaited prequel to 2001’s Monsters Inc., Pixar’s timeless reveal of why monsters enjoy spending so much time hiding in the closets of children around the world. Monsters University took place during the years that Monsters Inc.’s Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) were students at the prestigious Monsters University learning how to scare kids.

Monsters University introduced dozens of new monsters into Pixar’s animated wonderland, among them Charlie Day as Art, a hapless member of the Oozma Kappa frat house. Day brings a hilarity to the character that makes Art instantly stand out even among the widely colorful and varied roster. Art is incredibly easily excited, making him the perfect character for Charlie Day, and the end result ensures Monsters University will always be considered one of Day’s best movies.

6

The Lego Movie (2014)

Charlie Day Plays Benny

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The Lego Movie

PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

ScreenRant logo

9/10

8/10

Release Date

February 7, 2014

Runtime

100 Minutes

Director

Phil Lord, Chris Miller

Writers

Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord, Chris Miller

Sequel(s)

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, The Lego Batman Movie, The LEGO Ninjago Movie

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Chris Pratt In The European Gala Event of Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy. Vol 3'

    Chris Pratt

  • Headshot Of Alison Brie In The Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2024

    Alison Brie

The first film in the Lego movie franchise, 2014’s The Lego Movie tells the story of Emmett Brickowski (Chris Pratt), an average construction worker from the Lego city of Bricksburg. After finding the fabled “Piece of Resistance”, Emmett finds himself opposing the plans of the villainous Lord Business (Will Ferrell) with the help of both original characters and licensed ones such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.  

Franchise(s)

LEGO

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Charlie Day’s role in 2014’s The Lego Movie and its 2019 sequel, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part may be relatively minor, but that didn’t stop him being one of the most memorable presences in either film. Charlie Day’s character in The Lego Movie is Benny, a stereotypical Lego spaceman from the playsets of the 1970s and 1980s.

Benny helps the central hero, Chris Pratt’s Emmet, and the rest of the protagonists on their quest to infiltrate the lair of Lord Business (Will Ferrell) to prevent their reality from being frozen in place with superglue. Benny became an instant favorite viewers thanks to his habit of shouting “SPACESHIP!” when an opportunity to build anything arises (which it does often). This is the key reason The Lego Movie stands as one of the best Charlie Day movies, as it demonstrates his ability to take even a minor role and make it into something incredible.

5

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Charlie Day Plays Luigi

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The Super Mario Bros. Movie

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

6/10

34

7.4/10

Release Date

April 5, 2023

Runtime

92 Minutes

Director

Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Writers

Matthew Fogel

Sequel(s)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Chris Pratt In The European Gala Event of Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy. Vol 3'

    Chris Pratt

  • Headshot Of Charlie Day

    Charlie Day

Mario jumps to the big screen in The Super Mario Bros Movie, directed by Teen Titans Go! collaborators Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and more appear in this animated comedy that pits the characters in an all-new adventure set in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. 

Franchise(s)

Super Mario Bros.

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When it was announced that Chris Pratt and Charlie Day would be voicing Mario and Luigi in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the casting decision was met with no shortage of skepticism. However, not only did both prove they were the right choice when the movie released, but Charlie Day excelled as the cowardly and timid brother of the most recognizable videogame icon in history.

Charlie Day’s unique spin on the character of Luigi was perfect for The Super Mario Bros. movie, despite the fact he sounded nothing like the traditional whimpering voice the character has in the games. Day brings plenty of energy to the role, and The Super Mario Bros. is one of his best performances because of it, voice-acting or otherwise. What’s more, with a sequel in the works, it’s highly likely Charlie Day will be back to voice Luigi once again

4

Hotel Artemis (2018)

Charlie Day Plays Acapulco

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Hotel Artemis (2018)

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Hotel Artemis

R

Action

Crime

Drama

ScreenRant logo

5/10

Release Date

June 8, 2018

Runtime

94 Minutes

Director

Drew Pearce

Writers

Drew Pearce

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Jodie Foster In The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

    Jodie Foster

  • Headshot Of Sterling K. Brown In The Los Angeles premiere of 'Atlas'

    Sterling K. Brown

Hotel Artemis is a dystopian thriller set in a riot-torn future Los Angeles. Jodie Foster stars as The Nurse, who operates a secret, members-only hospital for criminals. The facility, run with strict rules, provides sanctuary and medical care amidst the chaos outside. The film features an ensemble cast, including Sterling K. Brown, Sofia Boutella, and Jeff Goldblum. Drew Pearce makes his directorial debut with this tense, action-packed narrative.

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Hotel Artemis stands out among the best Charlie Day movies and TV shows because it’s one of the few that isn’t a comedy. Directed by Drew Pierce and featuring an ensemble cast that also includes Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Quinto, and Dave Bautista, Hotel Artemis is a slick action thriller.

While his performance is still somewhat lighthearted (and helps to counter-balance the ultra seriousness of Jodie Foster’s character, Jean Thomas, Acapulco in Hotel Artemis highlights that Charlie Day has no problem crossing into genres outside comedy. He plays a brilliant protagonist in the film, and few projects he’s been part of on the big or small screens highlight his versatility quite as strongly.

3

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Charlie Day Plays Dale Arbus

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Horrible Bosses

pg-13

Comedy

Crime

ScreenRant logo

6/10

6/10

Release Date

July 8, 2011

Runtime

106minutes

Director

Seth Gordon

Writers

Michael Markowitz, John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein

Sequel(s)

Horrible Bosses 2

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Jason Bateman

    Jason Bateman

  • Headshot Of P.J. Byrne In The LA Family Housing (LAFH) Awards 2022

    P.J. Byrne

Friends Nick, Dale, and Kurt all work for despicable bosses: Nick’s boss is a sadistic man on a power trip, Dale’s boss sexually harasses him, and Kurt’s boss is an arrogant, indifferent cocaine addict. When Kurt jokes that their lives would be better without their bosses in them, the three decide to team up and kill each other’s tormentors.

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2011’s Horrible Bosses marks one of the first occasions Charlie Day was co-leading as part of an ensemble. Appearing as part of a trio of friends (the other two of whom are portrayed by Jason Bateman and Jason Sudeikis), Horrible Bosses sees Charlie Day starring as Dale Arbus. Dale, alongside his pals Nick (Bateman) and Kurt (Sudeikis) each has a boss they can’t stand – and so the trio hatches a plan for them to work together to get rid of them.

In Dale’s case, the titular horrible boss is Jennifer Aniston as Dr. Julia Harris, a dentist who keeps sexually assaulting Dale (who works as a hygenist). Charlie Day and Jennifer Anniston have several absolutely hilarious scenes together which make full use of Day’s unique brand of blustering nervousness that he’s brought to so many characters. Alongside the 2014 sequel, Horrible Bosses 2, this 2011 comedy should be considered essential viewing for Charlie Day fans.

2

I Want You Back (2022)

Charlie Day Plays Peter

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I Want You Back

R

Romance

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

6/10

Release Date

February 11, 2022

Runtime

111 Minutes

Director

Jason Orley

Writers

Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Scott Eastwood

    Scott Eastwood

  • Headshot Of Mason Gooding

    Mason Gooding

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The Amazon Prime original romantic comedy I Want You Back sees Charlie Day co-starring alongside Jenny Slate as two friends who join forces to sabotage their ex-partner’s new relationships – and the results are hilarious. Directed by Jason Orley, the 2022 movie focuses on Peter (Day) and Emma (Slate) who, over the course of their attempts to make their exes single again, find romance with one another instead.

Critics and viewers alike praised I Want You Back when it released in 2022, with the movie currently sitting with an 87% Tomatometer score and 71% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. The performances of the cast, and especially the chemistry between Charlie Day and Jenny Slate, was a regular source of praise. Not only is I Want You Back among the best Charlie Day movies, it’s also one of the most refreshing rom-coms in years.

1

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

Charlie Day Plays Charlie Kelly

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

10/10

32

9.2/10

Release Date

August 4, 2005

Network

FX

Showrunner

Rob McElhenney

Directors

Matt Shakman, Fred Savage, Daniel Attias, Randall Einhorn, Richie Keen, Todd Biermann

Writers

Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, David Hornsby

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Charlie Day

    Charlie Day

  • Headshot Of Rob McElhenney

    Rob McElhenney

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends that own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.

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Charlie Day often takes center stage in the long-running sitcom It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, playing the illiterate self-described “wild card” Charlie Kelly, the janitor of Paddy’s Pub. Created by co-stars Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia went from being a cult hit to one of the most successful sitcoms of the 21st century. Charlie Day has been a central cast member since IASIP season 1, and it remains his best movie or TV show to date.

While the entire ensemble cast of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is hilarious in its own right, it’s Charlie Kelly who truly shines. Playing Charlie Kelly has brought Day several award nominations, including a Critics Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. The sitcom has become synonymous with the actor’s career, and its place as the best of Charlie Day’s work is hard to deny.

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