Jonathan Groff’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows showcase the incredible range that’s led him to be viewed as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents. Born in 1985 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jonathan Groff got his start on Broadway before seamlessly leaping the screen. Whether he’s charming audiences with his voice work in beloved animated films like Frozen or diving deep into dramatic roles in shows like Mindhunter, Groff has proven himself to be a magnetic presence in any genre or medium.

Fans have come to love Jonathan Groff’s ability to fully inhabit every character he plays, whether it’s a quirky romantic, a tormented FBI agent, or an animated reindeer wrangler. His performances consistently bring emotional depth, authenticity, and a dash of charisma. He’s equally at home in musicals, psychological thrillers, animated adventures, and groundbreaking dramas. From Broadway royalty to Netflix leading man, Groff’s career is a mix of fan favorites and critical darlings. The best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows include both lesser-known gems and blockbusters, and he shines in every single one.

10

Lost Ollie (2022)

Jonathan Groff Plays Ollie

Lost Ollie (2022)

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Lost Ollie

TV-PG

Animation

Family

Drama

Release Date

2022 – 2021

Cast

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    Jonathan Groff

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    Mary J. Blige

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    Tim Blake Nelson

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    Jake Johnson

Creator(s)

Shannon Tindle

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Netflix’s Lost Ollie, based on the book Ollie’s Odyssey by William Joyce, is a beautifully animated hybrid series that tells the poignant tale of a lost toy searching for the boy who lost him. Created by Shannon Tindle and directed by Peter Ramsey, the series blends live-action with CG animation to deliver a story that’s equal parts Toy Story and The Velveteen Rabbit. While it may have flown under the radar for some, Lost Ollie is a hidden treasure in Groff’s filmography.

gina rodriguez & jonathan groff - lost ollie interview

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Jonathan Groff lends his voice to the titular Ollie, a stuffed bunny with big eyes and an even bigger heart. It’s a voice performance filled with warmth and wonder, capturing Ollie’s childlike innocence and unwavering loyalty. Groff’s vocal work adds an emotional resonance that makes Ollie’s journey deeply affecting. Alongside stars like Gina Rodriguez and Jake Johnson, Groff anchors the heart of the story. Although Lost Ollie didn’t garner major awards buzz, it earned praise for its storytelling and animation, and Groff’s performance was one of the key reasons it struck an emotional chord with audiences.

9

Glee (2010-2015)

Jonathan Groff Plays Jesse St. James

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Glee

TV-14

Comedy

Drama

Musical

ScreenRant logo

8/10

12

6.9/10

Release Date

2009 – 2015-00-00

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

Writers

Ian Brennan, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

Cast

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    Dianna Agron

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    Chris Colfer

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Ryan Murphy’s musical dramedy Glee became a cultural phenomenon when it first hit screens in 2009, and one of Jonathan Groff’s earlier roles was as as Jesse St. James, the cocky and ultra-talented lead singer of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline. Groff’s character instantly made waves by becoming a love interest for Rachel Berry (played by Lea Michele, his real-life best friend), creating some of the show’s most memorable dramatic moments.

Jonathan Groff brought an irresistible swagger and Broadway flair to Jesse, delivering standout musical performances that showed off his incredible musical talent and stage charisma. His chemistry with Michele was electric, and even as Jesse made some morally questionable choices, Groff kept him charismatic and compelling, and his guest appearances, especially in the early seasons, helped cement him as a fan favorite. While Glee didn’t earn Groff any individual awards, his presence was a major part of some of the series’ most iconic performances, earning him a spot among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for his infectious energy and vocal talent.

8

Looking (2014-2015)

Jonathan Groff Plays Patrick Murray

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Looking

TV-MA

Drama

Romance

TV Movie

Release Date

2016 – 2014

Directors

Andrew Haigh

Writers

Michael Lannan

Cast

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    Jonathan Groff

    Patrick Murray

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    Frankie J. Alvarez

    Agustín Lanuez

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    Murray Bartlett

    Dom Basaluzzo

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    Lauren Weedman

    Doris

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In Looking, HBO’s quietly powerful dramedy created by Michael Lannan and based on his book Lorimer, Jonathan Groff took center stage as Patrick Murray, a San Francisco-based video game designer navigating love, friendship, and identity. The series was praised for its subtle, character-driven storytelling and its refreshingly realistic depiction of modern gay life.

Jonathan Groff’s portrayal of Patrick was vulnerable, charming, and deeply human. He infused the character with a unique blend of optimism and insecurity, making him one of the most relatable characters on TV at the time. Looking was ahead of its time in its quiet complexity, and Groff’s performance was central to its success. He shared the screen with a stellar cast, including Murray Bartlett, Frankie J. Alvarez, and Russell Tovey, creating a believable and heartfelt friend group dynamic. Though the show only lasted two seasons (and wrapped up with a feature-length special in 2016), it earned a loyal fanbase and critical praise, with Groff winning NewNowNext award for Best New Television Actor.

7

One Life To Live (2007)

Jonathan Groff Plays Henry Mackler

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One Life To Live

Drama

Soap

Release Date

1968 – 2013-00-00

Cast

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    Erika Slezak

    Erika Slezak

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    Michael Storm

    Michael Storm

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    Michael Easton

    Michael Easton

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    Kristen Alderson

    Kristen Alderson

Creator(s)

Agnes Nixon

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Before his rise to Broadway and Hollywood stardom, Jonathan Groff had a brief but memorable stint on the long-running ABC soap opera One Life to Live. He appeared in 11 episodes as Henry Mackler, a high school student who becomes entangled in a dramatic and ultimately tragic storyline. It may not be his most famous role, but it marked a key stepping stone in his career since his performance stood out, even among the heightened drama of daytime TV.

Groff brought a sincerity and groundedness to Henry, which made the character’s fate all the more devastating. The soap, created by Agnes Nixon, served as a launchpad for many future stars. Though he didn’t receive any awards for this role, Groff’s natural screen presence and emotional delivery made him one to watch. Appearing alongside actors like Kristen Alderson and Melissa Archer, Groff proved early on that he had the chops for serialized drama. While it’s one of the lesser-known entries on this list, it earns its place among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for being a compelling glimpse at his raw early talent.

6

The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

Jonathan Groff Plays Smith

The Matrix Resurrections Poster

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The Matrix Resurrections

r

Action

Sci-Fi

27

6.6/10

Release Date

December 22, 2021

Runtime

148 Minutes

Director

Lana Wachowski

Writers

Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell, Aleksandar Hemon, Lilly Wachowski

Cast

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When Lana Wachowski revived the iconic Matrix franchise with The Matrix Resurrections, fans were curious to see how familiar characters would return and how new actors would fit into the mythology. Enter Jonathan Groff into the cast of The Matrix 4 as a reimagined version of Agent Smith, originally played by Hugo Weaving. It was a bold casting choice, and Groff didn’t disappoint. Groff’s Smith is suave, unpredictable, and unnervingly charismatic – a sharp contrast to the cold menace of Weaving’s version. He brings a sly, almost theatrical energy to the role, making it uniquely his own while still paying homage to the character’s origins.

Sharing the screen with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, Groff holds his own in intense fight sequences and cerebral showdowns alike. As far as the wider viewing experience is concerned, Resurrections was a visually dazzling and meta-heavy continuation of the sci-fi saga – and a unique blockbuster in Jonathan Groff’s filmography. While The Matrix Resurrections was divisive among fans, Groff’s performance was one of its standout elements, earning praise for injecting new life into a classic character. It’s an exciting entry among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows, demonstrating his range in action-heavy, franchise-driven storytelling.

5

Frozen 2 (2019)

Jonathan Groff Plays Kristoff

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Frozen II

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

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7/10

8/10

Release Date

November 22, 2019

Runtime

103 minutes

Director

Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck

Writers

Allison Schroeder

Prequel(s)

Frozen, Frozen Fever

Cast

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    Kristen Bell

Franchise(s)

Disney

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In Frozen II, the magical sequel to Disney’s 2013 megahit, Jonathan Groff returnED as Kristoff, the ice harvester with a heart of gold. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the film dives deeper into the mythology of Arendelle while delivering a more mature and emotionally layered story. While Jonathan Groff had few singing lines in the first movie, the sequel finally gave him a showstopping number – and he ran with it.

“Lost in the Woods,” Kristoff’s ‘80s-inspired power ballad, is a comedic and emotional high point of the film, and Groff delivers it with full vocal flair and hilarious sincerity. His performance balances heartfelt charm with endearing awkwardness, making Kristoff more than just a love interest – he’s a full-fledged hero in his own right. With co-stars Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Josh Gad all returning, the ensemble magic remains strong. Frozen II was a massive box office success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Groff’s expanded role solidified Kristoff as one of Disney’s most beloved male characters. Without question, Frozen II earns its place among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for finally letting him shine musically.

Side by side images of Kristoff from Frozen holding Anna and looking up with his hand on his chest

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4

Hamilton (2020)

Jonathan Groff Plays King George III

Hamilton Disney Performance Poster

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Hamilton

PG-13

Biography

Drama

History

Music

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9/10

8.8/10

Release Date

July 3, 2020

Runtime

160 Minutes

Director

Thomas Kail

Writers

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Cast

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    Lin-Manuel Miranda

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When Disney+ released the filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway juggernaut Hamilton, fans around the world finally got to see Jonathan Groff’s scene-stealing turn as King George III. Directed by Thomas Kail, the 2020 film is a live-stage capture of the original Broadway cast performing the groundbreaking musical that revolutionized theater. Though Groff’s screen time is brief, his impact is massive – making his portrayal one of the most unforgettable parts of the entire production.

As the delightfully petty and unhinged King George, Groff turns every moment onstage into comedic gold. With exaggerated facial expressions, precise comedic timing, and a devilishly catchy rendition of “You’ll Be Back,” he brought royal sass to a hip-hop revolution. Sharing the spotlight with Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Phillipa Soo, Groff stood out in a cast full of stars. He earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance. Among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows, Hamilton is a prime example of how Groff can steal the show with just a few songs and a crown.

3

Knock At The Cabin (2023)

Jonathan Groff Plays Eric

Knock at the Cabin Poster-1

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Knock at the Cabin

R

Horror

Mystery

Thriller

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7/10

8.7/10

Release Date

February 3, 2023

Runtime

139 minutes

Director

M. Night Shyamalan

Writers

M. Night Shyamalan, Steve Desmond, Michael Sherman

Cast

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    Jonathan Groff

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M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin is a tense, intimate psychological thriller that puts Jonathan Groff in one of the most emotionally demanding roles of his career. Released in 2023, the apocalyptic movie tells the story of a family held hostage by four strangers who claim the world will end unless one of them is sacrificed. Jonathan Groff stars as Eric, one half of the central couple, navigating grief, fear, and love in a high-stakes nightmare scenario.

Jonathan Groff’s performance is subtle, heartbreaking, and deeply human. He plays Eric with a quiet vulnerability that makes the film’s moral and emotional dilemmas hit hard. His chemistry with co-star Ben Aldridge, who plays his husband Andrew, adds a powerful layer of realism to their relationship. Alongside Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint, and Nikki Amuka-Bird, Groff holds his own in a cast packed with strong performers and noted character actors. Though Knock at the Cabin didn’t receive major awards recognition, Groff’s portrayal was praised by critics. It stands tall among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for its emotional weight and dramatic intensity.

Jonathan Groff bautista rupert grint knock at the cabin

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2

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Jonathan Groff Plays Holden Ford

Mindhunter TV Poster

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Mindhunter

TV-MA

Crime

Drama

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

10/10

25

9.3/10

Release Date

2017 – 2019-00-00

Showrunner

Joe Penhall

Directors

David Fincher

Writers

Joe Penhall

Cast

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    Jonathan Groff

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In Mindhunter, the chilling and cerebral crime drama from executive producer David Fincher, Jonathan Groff delivers what is arguably his most riveting performance to date. The Netflix series, based on the true-crime book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, follows two FBI agents as they develop criminal profiling in the 1970s. Jonathan Groff plays Holden Ford, a bright but emotionally complex agent whose obsession with understanding serial killers begins to consume him.

As Holden, Groff dials into a quieter, more introspective energy. His performance is precise, unsettling, and hypnotic, portraying the gradual psychological toll of diving into the darkest corners of the human mind. From his unsettling interviews with real-life killers like Edmund Kemper to the growing rift between him and his partner Bill Tench (played masterfully by Holt McCallany), Groff nails the slow-burn tension that defines the show. Created by Joe Penhall and directed in part by Fincher himself, Mindhunter received universal acclaim and quickly became a cult favorite. Though the show never got the awards attention it deserved, Groff’s performance remains a career-defining moment. There’s a clear reason that Mindhunter lands so high among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows – it’s his most psychologically complex work yet.

1

Frozen (2013)

Jonathan Groff Plays Kristoff

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Frozen

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

8/10

13

8.5/10

Release Date

November 27, 2013

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Writers

Jennifer Lee

Sequel(s)

Frozen II, Frozen Fever, Frozen 3

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Edie McClurg

    Edie McClurg

  • Headshot Of Kristen Bell

    Kristen Bell

Franchise(s)

Disney

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It’s no surprise whatsoever that the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows is the cultural phenomenon that helped launch him into mainstream stardom: Disney’s Frozen. Released in 2013 and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the animated fantasy musical became a worldwide sensation, with Groff voicing Kristoff, the rugged ice harvester with a soft side and a lovable reindeer named Sven.

Though Kristoff doesn’t have a full solo song in the original film (a fact later remedied in Frozen II), Groff’s vocal work gave Kristoff humor, heart, and a grounded, endearing presence. His scenes with Anna (Kristen Bell) are filled with warmth and chemistry, and his silly reindeer voice for Sven is an underrated highlight. Alongside an all-star voice cast including Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, Groff helped Frozen become one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The movie won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Let It Go.” While his role wasn’t the flashiest, Groff’s subtle charm brought Kristoff to life and made him a fan favorite. Frozen remains one of the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows – not just for its global impact, but for the heart Groff brought to it.

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