12 Best Chris Pine Movies, Ranked

When hanging out with your nerdy pals, there's a chance that one question will enter the conversation: "Which is the superior Hollywood Chris?" Most of your friends will be "Saturday Night Live"-avoiding Chris Evans fans since he's the All-American hunk, while others might side with "Extraction" franchise star Chris Hemsworth, as he's the perfect blend of a Golden Retriever and a Ken doll. And though there are other stars named Chris to choose from (including the dinosaur-fighting Pratt), there's one Chris that deserves the most respect: Chris Pine.

With his classic-meets-avant-garde aesthetic, Pine represents those who color outside the lines, enjoy lavender lattes with an extra shot of espresso, and listen to live recordings of Fleetwood Mac on rainy days. He's a performer who is immensely talented as an actor but also possesses the kind of dreamy singing voice that is impossible not to swoon over. Plus, Pine isn't afraid to laugh at himself, especially when he is made into a meme.

But it is Chris Pine's filmography that really establishes that he's something special. From historical dramas to blockbuster adventures, Pine has dipped his acting toe into many a cinematic pond. Yet, which of his movies shines the brightest in Hollywood's metaphorical night sky? And what films showcase his Hollywood Chris excellence? Let's dive into Pine's collection of movies to discover the answer.

As time passes, fans will likely remember Olivia Wilde's stylish "Don't Worry Darling" more for its behind-the-scenes drama than the actual movie itself. But when you push aside the crazy film festival stories, casting changes, and other scandals, it's hard to ignore the movie's good qualities – including Chris Pine's performance. The film casts him as Frank, the charismatic social leader of a heavenly, mid-century community. All seems perfect for Frank in this idyllic world until a young married woman named Alice (Florence Pugh) begins to notice the truth behind Frank's "Stepford Wives"-adjacent schemes.

While "Don't Worry Darling" didn't quite deliver on all of its theatrical promises, Pine certainly lived up to the creepy vibes his character displays in the ad campaign. From the off-kilter glances Frank gives to Alice to their intense, eye-opening conversation at the dinner table, you can tell how much fun Pine is having when playing an antagonist, a major departure from his other roles. It's an aspect of the actor audiences rarely get to see and that hopefully will lead to more delicious examples of villainy in Pine's future filmography.

What do you get when you tap Pine as another mid-century protagonist but mix it with giant ships? That would be 2016's "The Finest Hours," a paint-by-numbers period drama detailing the epic rescue of the crew of the SS Pendleton. In the flick, Pine plays real-life figure Bernard "Bernie" Webber, an ordinary guy who is as adorably shy as his Boston accent is cartoonishly thick. At first glance, this guardsman might seem a bit out of his league when it comes to the larger-than-life task that lies ahead of him, yet as the movie unfolds, it's clear that Bernie (and Pine) are more than capable of leading a small group of soon-to-be heroes to save the day.

Though "The Finest Hour" might not be the best shipwreck action film of all time, Pine's performance sticks out amongst the sea of forgetful elements within. Sure, his attempt at an authentic Bostonian voice may sound a tad silly, but there's no denying his portrayal of Webber has a sweetness at its center. He evokes just the right blend of movie icons like Jimmy Stewart and Gene Kelly but infuses his own delightful Pine energy into the movie's most intense sequences. Even better, the chemistry Pine shares with Holliday Grainger as Bernie's eventual wife, Miriam, makes the movie sparkle and the plot's genuine stakes even more thrilling.

Is there anything better than watching Pine act alongside Denzel Washington? That's the question at the center of the 2010 flick "Unstoppable," which is directed by the late Tony Scott and is based on the true story of the CSX 8888 train incident. Audiences watch Pine take on the role of Will Colson, a rookie conductor who doesn't get along with his fellow engineers, including Frank Barnes (Washington.) As the story progresses, the unlikely pair must work together to stop a runaway freight train from causing further destruction since it contains hazardous materials. But the real challenge is watching the improbable duo trying to put their differences aside to accomplish the impossible.

Taking a page out of Bruce Willis' playbook, Pine plays Will Colson with a certain underdog quality akin to "Die Hard's" John McClane. His character (like McClane) is going through tough times with his wife and missing his kids, and Pine isn't afraid to show Colson's poor choices in his personal life. Pine does a fantastic job of balancing the angsty qualities of Colson without losing his likable attributes that compel you to root for his success. And while the train hijinks within this underrated thrill ride are a gem to behold, Pine's ever-evolving acting skills and his chemistry with Washington are why "Unstoppable" deserves to be on the list.

Back in 2004, Pine had yet to become a household name. But once Disney's "The Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement" arrived in theaters, the world finally began noticing the brilliant and hilarious young thespian. In his big screen debut, Pine co-stars as the regal Sir Nicholas Devereaux, a rival to Princess Mia's (Anne Hathaway) Genovian throne who (through movie magic) eventually becomes the romantic apple of her eye. Yet, with all that being said, what exactly secures this adorably cheesy role a spot in Pine's movie legacy? It all concerns how this performance previewed Pine's signature acting talents.

From his piercing blue gaze to his excellently dorky comedic timing, it's evident that Pine studied the great animated princes of the past to perfect his take on Nicholas. He's got a bit of the refined stature of "Sleeping Beauty's" Prince Philip, the goofiness of Aladdin, and even a bit of jerky sweetness from "Anatasia's" Dimitri tossed into the mix. It's a combination that not only cements that Pine is a near-master of his rom-com craft but that he was destined for lovey-dovey brilliance further down the line. Plus, there's nothing quite like seeing him riding a vintage bike and then a horse to proclaim his love, demonstrating the actor's willingness to look foolish on screen.

Imagine the following scenario: Chris Pine and Tom Hardy play hunky CIA agents who, after some typical cinematic insanity, discover that they're both dating Reese Witherspoon's Lauren Scott simultaneously. Is it a fanfiction or a dream? Nope, it's a real movie that just happens to be called "This Means War." This 2012 McG-directed flick follows the goofy rivalry between the two handsome spies as they fight for Lauren's heart in any way possible, including shooting sleeping darts and participating in explosive car chases. But even with all this secret agent craziness on display, what confirms this rom-com as an essential Pine flick is how it shows off his ability to make any performance (regardless of how silly it is) exciting to watch.

When he enters the frame, Pine's FDR Foster looks like the most stereotypical of CIA agents. He's got the smooth delivery, the cool suits, the award-winning smile, and knows how to charm his way out of any situation. But as the movie continues, Foster's transformation from a somewhat egotistical ladies' man into a (mostly) likable romantic hero is a treat to behold. Plus, any excuse to see Pine's boy-next-door aesthetic next to Witherspoon's similar on-screen persona is a match made in movie heaven.

While no comic book movie protagonist named "Steve" is as extraordinary as Marvel's Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Pine's Steve Trevor from DC's "Wonder Woman" is pretty darn awesome in his own right. Beginning with Trevor's "Little Mermaid"-inspired sequence on the beaches of Themyscira to his courageous actions within the third act, Trevor leaves a stunning cinematic impression on audiences with his good nature and willingness to do anything to save the day. Yet it's Pine's signature acting magic that makes Trevor something special, especially with his connection to the beautiful immortal, Diana (brought to life by Gal Gadot).

From the moment their characters meet, both Pine and Gadot (along with Steve and Diana) share a chemistry that feels unique and simultaneously timeless. How so? Because the actors and their respective roles are total opposites of one another. Pine and Steve represent the hometown hero with rough edges, while Diana and Gadot symbolize the traditional warrior with perfect godly skills. But when they are placed beside each other, the two create a believable combo that rarely works in modern cinema, proving that even a mortal and a god can find commonality (and romantic sparks) if given a chance.

One aspect of Pine's talents that needs to be discussed more is his glorious set of pipes. Sure, most fans will know him for his more Frank Sinatra-inspired vocal performances, but Pine is arguably at his musical best when he gets to sing more traditional Broadway material. Take, for example, his work in the 2014 film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's classic, "Into The Woods," a fairy tale-related project that allowed Pine to flex — impressively so — his singing voice. 

Turning up the camp factor to 11 and beyond, Pine takes on the often-forgotten role of Cinderella's Prince with comedic confidence that defies logic. If you need proof, look no further than the "Agony" sequence, in which Pine and Billy Magnussen, as Rapunzel's Prince, splash water aggressively around as they sing of their romantic frustrations. It's a number that serves Pine's talents on a theatrical silver platter. Sure, this incarnation of "Into the Woods" has its flaws as it proceeds towards its final destination, but Pine makes the film's good moments shine even brighter.

When casting a new adaptation of the tabletop game "Dungeons & Dragons," you must find the right actor to take on the role of a bard. They must be confident, musically talented, a bit ridiculous, and full of good-natured fun at their center. Thankfully, in the case of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," writers/directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein picked the perfect man for the job, aka Chris Pine. Throughout his career, Pine has shown that he's more than capable of leading a fantasy adventure, especially one that requires just as many laughs as it does punches. But what makes this "D&D" one of Pine's most remarkable movies isn't as much the excellent use of his good looks and singing skills but seeing Pine fully commit to the material.

In the hands of any other actor, Edgin Darvis could come across too severely or immaturely to be taken as a believable, imperfect protagonist. But in the capable acting grasp of Pine, Edgin emerges as a multi-dimensional force in every way, which makes you want to see him succeed despite his obvious flaws as a father and as a warrior. The movie also serves as a great excuse to see Pine work with similarly underappreciated actors such as Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and a host of other talents, who like Pine, have a tremendous theatrical energy to them that's perfect for any fantastical project, especially the "D&D" universe.

Most audiences know Pine for his clean-shaven looks, but in David Mackenzie's epic "Outlaw King," viewers see a more rugged, natural side to the magnetic thespian. The movie depicts the real-life tale of Robert the Bruce, a 14th-century Scottish ruler deeply involved in the Scottish Wars of Independence. Showcasing Bruce's strategic war preparations to his actions in the Battle of Loudoun Hill in brutal detail, this well-paced but historically flawed drama knows just the right things to focus on without losing its medieval edge.

Though if there is a real selling point to seeing Pine's performance in "Outlaw King," it is to experience his evolving romance with Florence Pugh's Elizabeth de Burgh. Amid their first encounters, the couple has an awkward dynamic typical for historical tales involving politically forced marriages. As the story unfolds, Bruce and Elizabeth's chemistry changes to one that feels natural, thanks to the fantastic acting spark between Pine and Pugh. Each actor is electric on-screen in their own right, but when they're together, the duo leaves a sweeping romantic impact that doesn't get enough recognition.

Though some of you might look at this choice (along with its high ranking) and scratch your heads, there's a laundry list of reasons why Pine's work in "Rise of the Guardians" deserves a vital place on this list. For those unfamiliar with this Dreamworks underrated classic, Pine assumes the role of Jack Frost, a magical being forced to become one of the Guardians of Childhood to protect kids' hopes and dreams. Working alongside Santa Claus, aka North (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), and the Sandman, Jack finds himself struggling to find his purpose in the grand scheme of his new job.

While perhaps not as theatrical as other iconic animated performances, Pine's take on Jack Frost is terrific. From the moments where Jack tries to encourage playful fun amongst a group of kids to the scenes where the Guardian is left to examine his unselfish past, Pine doesn't shy away from digging deep into the emotional core of this often-forgotten holiday hero. Yet the heartfelt exchange between Jack and Jamie (Dakota Goyo) elevates Pine's portrayal into something to admire, as it evokes tearful joy and childhood wonder like no other.

Regarding Pine's blockbuster movie roles, few are as iconic as his portrayal of the beloved captain, James T. Kirk, in J.J. Abrams' 2009 reimagining of "Star Trek." But why exactly is Pine such a perfect fit for stepping into William Shatner's pop culture-defining shoes? Is it his cocky attitude or his farm boy appeal? What about his comedic timing or his over-the-top heroic poses? The answer? All of these elements and so many more cement Pine as an excellent sci-fi movie icon.

Right from the get-go, Pine's Kirk walks the fine line of paying homage to Shatner while setting his own cinematic course. Sure, he recreates into the playboy side of the soon-to-be Enterprise captain, but Pine isn't scared to show the more misfit side of 2009's Kirk that other "Star Trek" material doesn't focus on. This is particularly evident when Pine acts next to the brilliant Zachary Quinto, whose take on Spock similarly dives deep into the character's inner shame, allowing the two to feel like they're going through one heck of an intergalactic therapy session together. It's an honest approach that makes Pine's Kirk feel like more than just a reboot of the confident protagonist but rather an investigation into what made him so great in the first place.

Simply put, "Hell or High Water" won't be everyone's cup of movie-going tea. It contains gritty cinematography, rough-around-the-edges characters, and David Mackenzie's unique directorial quirks, making for an experience that can be a lot to take in for casual viewers. But in the case of this writer and many other film lovers, there's something inherently fascinating about this intense modern Western that draws audiences to revisit it repeatedly. A big part of that is Pine's impactful work, as he plays a bank robber trying to keep his partner-in-crime brother from flying off the handle as they run away from Jeff Bridge's Marcus Hamilton.

From his first scene to his last, Pine's drive to portray a Steve McQueen-meets-Clint-Eastwood-inspired rebel makes his performance the definition of engaging. Sure, you can't take your eyes off his incredible mustache, but it's the multi-layered elements within Pine's interpretation of Taylor Sheridan's screenplay that enable his Toby Howard to leap off the screen. Because if you didn't believe in Howard's struggles, you could never get behind the film's rich narrative. Ultimately, Pine's portrayal in "Hell or High Water" wonderfully exhibits his maturity as an actor and proves he's far more than a pretty movie star.