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6 Paul Rudd Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now

From accidental pregnancies to espionage

paul-rudd-movies-on-netflix: paul rudd at the 'ant man and the wasp' premiere.
Hanna Lassen /Getty Images

Paul Rudd might be one of the most beloved actors ever. He’s so handsome that he was voted People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2021, plus he’s approachable, seems like a totally decent person and his face is just so kind…OK, I digress. The point is that you’re here to find out about Paul Rudd movies on Netflix because you want to stream his face, stat. Without further ado, here’s a comprehensive list of the films you can watch on Netflix where Paul Rudd plays a main part.

1. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

  • Who’s In It: Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Megan Ferguson
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Rob Burnett
  • Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

This poignant film features Paul Rudd as a retired writer who, after a personal loss, commits himself to the care of a disabled teen. The story evolves into a road-trip movie with plenty of dark humor, a fair amount of profanity and a lot of heart. In other words, you’ll laugh and cry, so get the tissues ready.

2. The Catcher Was a Spy (2018)

  • Who’s In It: Sienna Miller, Paul Giamatti, Mark Strong, Guy Pearce
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Ben Lewin
  • Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes

Based on the real life story of Moe Berg, a Major League Baseball player and spy (played by Paul Rudd in the film), this espionage thriller is an engaging watch with a World War II backdrop. That said, I might be able to predict whether it will delight or disappoint a true history buff…but I’m not telling.

3. Wanderlust (2012)

  • Who’s In It: Jennifer Aniston, David Wain, Justin Theroux
  • Rating: R
  • Director: David Wain
  • Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes

Here, a slightly absurd comedy about a couple who find themselves unexpectedly unemployed and look into alternate living arrangements to suit their new, rather unfortunate situation. Their experimental solution? A rural commune where free love reigns supreme. Needless to say, lots of comedy ensues, and most of it is of a sexual nature.

4. Role Models (2008)

  • Who’s In It: Seann William Scott, David Wain, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
  • Rating: R
  • Director: David Wain
  • Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes

Wherever there is a bromance that involves immature antics, Paul Rudd is near.  Here, the oh-so charming actor is an energy drink salesman who finds himself in trouble with the law after vandalizing a company truck with one of his pals. The two doofuses opt for community service over jail time and find themselves in a Big Brother program…and let’s just say the challenging teenagers they’re paired with have a hand in adjusting their perspective.

5. Knocked Up (2007)

  • Who’s In It: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Judd Apatow
  • Run Time: 2 hours 9 minutes

If you haven’t seen Knocked Up already and are in the mood for a rom-com that leans heavily into the comedy side, this movie is for you. Long story short, there’s a one-night stand that results in an unexpected pregnancy and a very unlikely union between an uptight woman (Katherine Heigl) and an emotionally immature slacker who’s still stuck in his carefree, pothead college days (Seth Rogen). Will the parents-to-be make it work? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out.

6. Mute (2018)

  • Who’s In It: Alexander Skarsgard, Justin Theroux, Sam Rockwell, Seyneb Saleh
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Duncan Jones
  • Run Time: 2 hours 6 minutes

Mute is a futuristic sci-fi flick about a mute bartender and his search for a missing girlfriend in Berlin. It’s loaded with suspense, in part because of the neo-noir style, but also because the storyline involves actor Alexander Skarsgard descending into the city’s seedy underbelly. There’s a pervasive sense of alienation throughout the film and the storyline is an interesting experiment, but it’s worth noting that this particular Paul Rudd movie was pretty much panned by critics and viewers alike. (I still love you though, Paul.)



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  • Has 5+ years of experience writing family, travel and wellness content for PureWow
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  • Studied Sociology, Political Science and Philosophy in the CUNY Baccalaureate independent study program.