Top 19 Ranked

The Ultimate Will Arnett Movie Ranking: From Gotham to Gritty Comedies

Voice Performance Mastery and Comedic Excellence

Explore the definitive ranking of Will Arnett's most iconic film roles, from the gravel-voiced LEGO Batman to his standout live-action comedy performances.

Draft Best Will Arnett Movies with friends and our judges will crown a winner!

About Will Arnett

Will Arnett

Will Arnett possesses a voice that sounds like it was filtered through a layer of expensive gravel and aged scotch. It is a world-class instrument of arrogance, designed to convey a specific kind of delusional confidence that has defined modern screen comedy. While many actors strive for likability, he found his lane by leaning into the hilariously unearned ego of the modern American male. He doesn't just play characters who think they are the smartest people in the room; he plays men who are offended that you haven't already noticed.

This particular brand of haughtiness found its ultimate expression in the plastic world of Bricksburg. As the lead in The Lego Batman Movie and its predecessor, he dismantled decades of brooding superhero tropes with a single, husky whisper. His Dark Knight was a lonely metal fan who mistook isolation for coolness, transforming a commercial property into a poignant, absurd character study. This gift for voice work isn't a fallback but a centerpiece of his craft. Whether he is playing the menacing but incompetent Slade in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies or adding textures of villainy to Minions: The Rise of Gru and Despicable Me, he understands how to make a vocal performance feel physical. Even in Ratatouille, he managed to make a supporting chef feel like a lived-in presence through sound alone.

On screen, his physicality matches that sonic bravado. He excels at playing the foil, the man whose intensity is constantly undercut by his own stupidity. In the cult classic Hot Rod, he dialed the toxicity up to ten as a sleazy suitor, and he brought a similar, hyper-competitive energy to the ice in Blades of Glory. There is a specific joy in watching him collapse under the weight of his own vanity, a trope he explored with cynical glee in Let's Go to Prison and the basketball comedy Semi-Pro. He represents the hilarious reality of the alpha male who is actually a beta in disguise.

Despite the broadness of his comedic beats, there is a surprising versatility that allows him to anchor massive franchises. He served as the human grounding for the recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, providing a cynical wit that bridged the gap between giant CGI reptiles and the audience. Recently, in Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, he reminded viewers that he can handle the corporate shark archetype with a menacing elegance. He even leaned into the darker, stranger corners of Hollywood nostalgia in Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers, playing a jaded, distorted version of a legacy character that felt like a meta-commentary on his own career.

Audiences gravitate toward him because he is the master of the lovable jerk. He taps into the insecurity behind the mask of authority, making the powerful look ridiculous and the ridiculous feel strangely human. He has spent decades perfecting the art of the confident idiot, and in doing so, he became one of the most reliable comedic engines in the industry. Whether he is a billionaire in a cape or a disgraced executive, he remains the king of the high-status fail.

The Complete Rankings

Based on the top picks in drafts on SnakeDrafts

See Top Ten
19
Will Arnett in The Rocker (2008)
The Rocker
2008

In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.

Comedy
Music
1h 42m
Peter Cattaneo
Rainn Wilson, Teddy Geiger, Josh Gad, Emma Stone
18
Will Arnett in The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017)
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
2017

When the evil mayor of Oakton decides to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place, Surly Squirrel and his ragtag group of animal friends need to band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.

Animation
Family
1h 31m
Cal Brunker
Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Cannavale, Bobby Moynihan
17
Will Arnett in G-Force (2009)
G-Force
2009

A team of trained secret agent animals, guinea pigs Darwin, Hurley, Juarez, Blaster, mole Speckles, and fly Mooch takes on a mission for the US government to stop evil Leonard Saber, who plans to destroy the world with household appliances. But the government shuts them down and they are sentenced to a pet shop. Can they escape to defeat the villain and save the world?

Family
Fantasy
1h 28m
Hoyt Yeatman

Draft this topic with friends

Think you'd pick differently? Start a draft with your crew and see who really has the best taste in Best Will Arnett Movies.

16
Will Arnett in The Brothers Solomon (2007)
The Brothers Solomon
2007

A pair of well-meaning, but socially inept brothers try to find their perfect mates in order to provide their dying father with a grandchild.

Comedy
Will Arnett, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Chi McBride
15
Will Arnett in Next Goal Wins (2023)
Next Goal Wins
2023

Dutch coach Thomas Rongen attempts the nearly impossible task of turning the American Samoa soccer team from perennial losers into winners.

Comedy
Drama
1h 44m
Taika Waititi
Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane
14
Will Arnett in Semi-Pro (2008)
Semi-Pro
2008

Jackie Moon is the owner, promoter, coach, and star player of the Flint Michigan Tropics of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the worst team in the league. In 1976 before the ABA collapses, the NBA plans to merge with the best teams of the ABA at the end of the season. Only the top four teams will make the move and the worst teams will fold. If the Tropics want to make it to the NBA, Jackie Moon must rally his team and start winning.

Comedy
1h 31m
Kent Alterman
Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André 3000, Maura Tierney
13
Will Arnett in Let's Go to Prison (2006)
Let's Go to Prison
2006

When a career criminal's plan for revenge is thwarted by unlikely circumstances, he puts his intended victim's son in his place by putting him in prison...and then joining him.

Comedy
Crime
Dax Shepard, Will Arnett, Chi McBride, David Koechner
12
Will Arnett in Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Minions: The Rise of Gru
2022

A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them, with the backup of his followers, the Minions.

Family
Comedy
1h 27m
Kyle Balda
11
Will Arnett in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
2016

After supervillain Shredder escapes custody, he joins forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman and two dimwitted henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady, to unleash a diabolical plan to take over the world. As the Turtles prepare to take on Shredder and his new crew, they find themselves facing an even greater evil with similar intentions: the notorious Krang.

Action
Adventure
1h 52m
Dave Green
Pete Ploszek, Alan Ritchson, Jeremy Howard, Noel Fisher
10
Will Arnett in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
2019

It's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.

Action
Adventure
1h 47m
Mike Mitchell
Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish
Why it ranks

Returning to the cowl, Arnett explores the domestic vulnerabilities of his plastic protagonist without losing the satirical sharpness established in previous entries. He successfully matures the character while maintaining the relentless joke delivery his fans expect.

9
Will Arnett in Hot Rod (2007)
Hot Rod
2007

For Rod Kimble, performing stunts is a way of life, even though he is rather accident-prone. Poor Rod cannot even get any respect from his stepfather, Frank, who beats him up in weekly sparring matches. When Frank falls ill, Rod devises his most outrageous stunt yet to raise money for Frank's operation -- and then Rod will kick Frank's butt.

Comedy
Action
1h 28m
Akiva Schaffer
Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, Danny McBride
Why it ranks

Arnett is peak smarmy as the arrogant Trevor, a role that distilled his talent for playing the man everyone loves to hate. This performance remains a cult favorite for its sheer commitment to unearned confidence.

8

When a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home.

Science Fiction
Action
1h 41m
Jonathan Liebesman
Pete Ploszek, Alan Ritchson, Jeremy Howard, Noel Fisher
Why it ranks

Providing much-needed levity in a massive blockbuster, Arnett’s turn as the wisecracking cameraman Vernon Fenwick anchors the spectacle in relatable human sarcasm. He manages to carve out a distinct comedic space amid the heavy visual effects.

7
Will Arnett in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
2022

Decades since their successful television series was canceled, Chip has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale, meanwhile, has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. When a former cast mate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend’s life.

Animation
Family
1h 39m
Akiva Schaffer
Andy Samberg, John Mulaney, KiKi Layne, Will Arnett
Why it ranks

As the disillusioned Sweet Pete, Arnett provides a weathered and cynical edge that grounds the film's frenetic nostalgia trip. This performance highlights his knack for portraying washed-up industry figures with a bite of dark humor.

6
Will Arnett in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
2018

All the major DC superheroes are starring in their own films, all but the Teen Titans, so Robin is determined to remedy this situation by getting over his role as a sidekick and becoming a movie star. Thus, with a few madcap ideas and an inspirational song in their hearts, the Teen Titans head to Hollywood to fulfill their dreams.

Animation
Action
1h 24m
Aaron Horvath
Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong
Why it ranks

Arnett mocks his own gravelly reputation by voicing Slade, leaning into the meta-humor that has come to define his modern career. He serves as the perfect foil for the film's self-aware take on the superhero industrial complex.

5
Will Arnett in Blades of Glory (2007)
Blades of Glory
2007

When a much-publicized ice-skating scandal strips them of their gold medals, two world-class athletes skirt their way back onto the ice via a loophole that allows them to compete together as a pairs team.

Comedy
1h 33m
Josh Gordon
Why it ranks

Channeling pure antagonistic energy, Arnett thrives as the villainous figure skater Stranz Van Waldenberg. His live-action physical comedy here perfectly mirrors his animated eccentricity, proving his natural flair for comedic rivalry.

4

Gru is a supervillain determined to prove he’s the greatest by stealing the Moon. To pull off his plan, he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—intending to use them as part of his scheme. However, as Gru bonds with the girls, his cold, villainous exterior begins to melt.

Family
Comedy
1h 35m
Chris Renaud
Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier
Why it ranks

Playing against type as the menacing Mr. Perkins, Arnett utilizes the lower registers of his voice to inhabit a corporate villainy that feels both looming and hilarious. It remains a sharp example of his capacity for intimidating vocal presence.

3
Will Arnett in Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille
2007

Remy, a resident of Paris, has quite a sophisticated palate. He would love to become a chef so he can create and enjoy culinary masterpieces to his heart's delight. The only problem is, Remy is a rat. When he winds up in the sewer beneath one of Paris' finest restaurants, Remy finds himself ideally placed to realize his dream. He forms an unusual alliance with the restaurants rookie employee, and together they work through challenges stemming from Head Chef Skinner, Remy’s colony, and renowned food critic Anton Ego, who strikes fear in the hearts of chefs all throughout France.

Animation
Comedy
1h 51m
Brad Bird
Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy
Why it ranks

In a departure from his usual bombastic personas, Arnett disappears into the role of Horst, the German sous-chef with a mysterious past. This subtle supporting turn proved he could master character-driven ensemble work within a Pixar masterpiece.

2

An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant from conquering the universe.

Animation
Family
1h 40m
Phil Lord
Why it ranks

Stealing every scene through pure vocal bravado, Arnett transforms a familiar superhero archetype into a relentless gag machine. This role solidified his status as the premier voice for high-energy comedic animation.

1
Will Arnett in The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
The Lego Batman Movie
2017

A cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick.

Animation
Action
1h 44m
Chris McKay
Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes
Why it ranks

Arnett finds the soulful center of a plastic parody, weaponizing his signature raspy baritone to deconstruct the Caped Crusader's vanity. It is the definitive showcase of his ability to balance narcissistic absurdity with genuine pathos.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this list and SnakeDrafts

Will Arnett's gravelly voice brings a unique blend of arrogance and charm to Batman, creating a memorable character that balances humor with heroism. His vocal performance is a key factor in the film's appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Arnett’s comedy thrives on portraying hilariously unearned confidence and delusional bravado, which he masterfully showcases in movies like Blades of Glory and Semi-Pro. This distinct style adds a dynamic layer of humor that sets his characters apart in live-action comedies.

Will Arnett’s knack for delivering witty and confident characters enhances the storytelling in animated hits like Ratatouille and Despicable Me. His voice roles add a comedic edge that complements the films’ heartwarming narratives, making them enjoyable for diverse audiences.

Arnett’s involvement in action-packed animated films such as Teen Titans Go! To the Movies showcases his ability to merge comedy with superhero tropes. His performances bring a playful yet sardonic tone that resonates well with comic book fans and casual viewers alike.

Over the years, Will Arnett has evolved from primarily voicing animated characters like in The Lego Movie franchise to taking more diverse live-action roles that still highlight his signature comedic arrogance. This evolution illustrates his versatility while maintaining the essence of his unique screen persona.

Will Arnett’s signature acting style hinges on portraying men who exude unwarranted confidence and self-importance, which adds layers of humor and relatability. This archetype is evident across many of his roles, making his characters distinctively memorable and entertaining.

In Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Will Arnett stars in a film that uniquely blends comedy with mystery and adventure. His performance contributes to the movie's witty and intriguing narrative, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new viewers.

Will Arnett skillfully balances his career by taking on iconic voice roles in major animated franchises while also delivering standout performances in live-action comedies. This balance demonstrates his range as an actor and keeps his work fresh and engaging across different audiences.
Join Thousands of Drafters

Think You Can Pick Better?

Challenge your friends, make your picks, and let AI + human judges decide who has the best taste!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play