Aaron Paul’s Best Roles

Aaron Paul has built a fascinating career, moving from smaller television roles to becoming a household name. Many people first noticed him in his most famous role, but he had been working steadily for years before that breakout performance. His filmography showcases a wide range of characters, from troubled youths to leading men in big-budget action films, demonstrating his incredible versatility as an actor. He has a knack for bringing a deep sense of humanity to every character he portrays, making them feel relatable and real.

Exploring his body of work reveals a dedicated performer who consistently delivers compelling performances. Whether he is lending his voice to an animated character or taking on a complex, dramatic role, Paul fully commits to the part. This dedication has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase that eagerly anticipates his next project. His journey through Hollywood is a testament to his talent and hard work, proving that he is much more than a one-hit wonder and has firmly established himself as a respected actor in the industry.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

Before he became a widely recognized actor, Aaron Paul appeared in a notable episode of the classic science fiction series ‘The X-Files’. He played a character named David “Sky Commander Winky” Winkle in the season nine episode titled “Lord of the Flies”. The episode revolves around a teenager who has control over insects and the strange events that unfold around him and his friends. Paul’s character is the daredevil host of a local cable access show that performs dangerous and ridiculous stunts.

His role in ‘The X-Files’ was a small but memorable one, showcasing his early talent for playing intense and slightly offbeat characters. The episode itself blends elements of horror and dark comedy, and Paul’s performance fits perfectly within that tone. For fans of his later work, seeing him in this early role offers a glimpse of the charisma and energy that would eventually make him a star. It was one of many guest appearances he made on popular television shows as he was building his career in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

‘Whatever It Takes’ (2000)

In the teen comedy ‘Whatever It Takes’, Aaron Paul played a supporting role as Floyd, a comically aggressive and misguided friend. The film is a modern retelling of the 1897 play ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’, set in a contemporary high school. It follows two very different teenage boys who team up to win the hearts of the girls they desire. Paul’s character is part of the social circle of one of the main protagonists, often offering terrible advice and getting into humorous situations.

This role was one of his earliest appearances in a feature film, and it allowed him to explore his comedic timing. As Floyd, he portrays a character who tries to be tough and cool but often comes across as more goofy than intimidating. The movie itself features a cast of young actors who would go on to have successful careers. His performance in ‘Whatever It Takes’ is a fun example of his work before he became known for more dramatic and serious roles.

‘K-PAX’ (2001)

Aaron Paul had a small but significant role in the science fiction drama ‘K-PAX’. The film stars Kevin Spacey as a mysterious patient in a psychiatric hospital who claims to be an alien from the planet K-PAX, and Jeff Bridges as his psychiatrist. Paul plays the son of one of the hospital’s patients, and his character has a brief but emotional interaction that contributes to the film’s overall themes of connection and humanity.

Although his screen time is limited, his appearance is part of a key subplot within the movie. His character’s story helps to ground the more fantastical elements of the plot in real-world emotion and family dynamics. The film explores ideas of mental health, belief, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, all through the lens of the relationships between the characters. Paul’s involvement in a project with such established actors was an important step in his early career.

‘National Lampoon’s Van Wilder’ (2002)

In the college comedy ‘National Lampoon’s Van Wilder’, Aaron Paul had a memorable uncredited role as a drunken guy. The film stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular character, a seventh-year senior who is the most popular student on campus and an expert party planner. The story follows his efforts to stay in school after his father cuts off his tuition, and the student journalist who is assigned to write a story about him.

Paul’s character appears in one of the film’s many party scenes, where he delivers a humorous and rambling monologue. Though a very minor part, it is one that fans often point out as an early, comedic appearance. His role adds to the chaotic and wild atmosphere of the college parties depicted in the movie. This appearance is another example of the small but numerous roles he took on in the early 2000s that helped him gain experience in the film industry.

‘Mission: Impossible III’ (2006)

Aaron Paul had a role in the high-octane action film ‘Mission: Impossible III’ as Rick Meade, the brother-in-law of Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. His character lives a quiet, suburban life and is completely unaware of Ethan’s true profession as a secret agent. Rick is married to Julia Meade, Ethan’s fiancée, and their home becomes a significant location in the film.

His character serves as a representation of the normal life that Ethan Hunt is trying to protect and, in some ways, hopes to have. The presence of Rick and his family raises the personal stakes for Ethan, as they become potential targets for the film’s villain. Paul’s performance helps to establish this grounded, domestic world that contrasts sharply with the espionage and action sequences. His involvement in such a major blockbuster franchise was a significant credit on his resume at the time.

‘The Last House on the Left’ (2009)

In the horror-thriller remake ‘The Last House on the Left’, Aaron Paul portrayed the character Francis “Frank” Tuggs. The film is a brutal and intense story about two teenage girls who are kidnapped and assaulted by a gang of escaped convicts. Paul’s character is a member of this ruthless group, led by the sadistic Krug. After their car crashes, the criminals unknowingly seek refuge at the home of one of their victim’s parents.

Paul’s performance as Frank is menacing and contributes to the terrifying atmosphere of the film. His character is a follower, often participating in the horrific acts committed by the gang, but also showing moments of hesitation and weakness. This role required him to delve into a much darker and more villainous character than many of his previous parts. The film itself is known for its graphic violence and suspenseful plot, and Paul’s portrayal of a disturbed and dangerous individual is a key component of its chilling effect.

‘Smashed’ (2012)

In the independent drama ‘Smashed’, Aaron Paul co-stars as Charlie Hannah, the husband of the main character Kate, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The film follows a young married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of music, fun, and drinking. However, when Kate’s drinking leads to dangerous situations, she decides to get sober, which creates a rift in their relationship.

Paul’s character, Charlie, struggles to understand his wife’s decision to quit drinking and is not ready to change his own lifestyle. The film offers a realistic and nuanced look at addiction and the challenges it presents to relationships. His performance captures the complexity of a person who loves his partner but is also deeply enmeshed in a culture of alcohol dependency. The movie was praised for its honest and powerful performances from both lead actors.

‘A Long Way Down’ (2014)

Aaron Paul starred in the dark comedy-drama ‘A Long Way Down’, based on the novel by Nick Hornby. He plays JJ, an American pizza delivery guy and failed musician who finds himself on the roof of a tall building in London on New Year’s Eve, planning to end his life. There, he meets three other strangers who have the same intention, and the four of them form an unlikely pact to stay alive until Valentine’s Day.

His character, JJ, is charismatic but also deeply troubled, revealing the reasons for his despair as the story unfolds. The film follows this makeshift family of misfits as they navigate their personal crises together, finding unexpected support and friendship. Paul’s performance balances the comedic and tragic elements of the story, bringing both humor and pathos to the role. He shares the screen with Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, and Imogen Poots, and their chemistry as a group is central to the film’s narrative.

‘Need for Speed’ (2014)

Aaron Paul took on the lead role of Tobey Marshall in the action film ‘Need for Speed’, based on the popular series of video games. His character is a blue-collar mechanic and skilled street racer who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. After his release, he embarks on a cross-country journey of revenge and redemption, culminating in a high-stakes underground race.

This role was a significant one for Paul, as it was his first major lead in a big-budget studio film following the conclusion of his most famous television role. He performed many of his own driving stunts, adding a layer of authenticity to the thrilling race sequences. The movie is packed with practical car stunts and focuses on the culture of American muscle cars. His character is a classic anti-hero, driven by a strong sense of justice and a passion for cars.

‘Eye in the Sky’ (2015)

In the tense military thriller ‘Eye in the Sky’, Aaron Paul plays Second Lieutenant Steve Watts, an American drone pilot. The film explores the ethical and political complexities of modern warfare, focusing on a single drone mission to capture terrorists in Kenya. When a young girl enters the kill zone, the military and political leaders involved must grapple with the moral implications of their decision to strike.

Paul’s character is at the center of this dilemma, as he is the one who must physically pull the trigger from thousands of miles away. His performance powerfully conveys the immense stress and emotional toll of his job. He portrays the conflict and humanity of a soldier who sees the direct consequences of his actions through a screen. The film also stars Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman, and it was praised for its gripping suspense and thought-provoking examination of drone warfare.

‘Triple 9’ (2016)

Aaron Paul had a role in the gritty crime thriller ‘Triple 9’ as Gabe Welch, a former police officer who is part of a crew of criminals and corrupt cops. The film’s plot revolves around this group being blackmailed by the Russian mob into pulling off a nearly impossible heist. To do so, they plan to stage a “999” incident, which is police code for an officer down, to distract the rest of the police force.

His character, Gabe, is the troubled brother of one of the crew’s leaders and struggles with his own demons throughout the film. Paul’s performance adds to the dark and violent tone of the movie, portraying a man caught up in a dangerous world from which he cannot escape. The film features a large ensemble cast of well-known actors and is known for its intense action sequences and morally ambiguous characters.

‘Central Intelligence’ (2016)

In the action-comedy ‘Central Intelligence’, Aaron Paul had a significant supporting role as Phil Stanton, the former partner of CIA agent Bob Stone, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film follows an accountant who is lured into the world of international espionage after reconnecting with his old high school classmate. Paul’s character is initially presumed dead but plays a crucial part in the film’s unfolding plot twists.

His character is central to the mystery that the two main characters are trying to solve. The role allowed him to showcase his versatility, blending dramatic tension with the film’s overall comedic tone. His performance as a rogue agent adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the story. The movie was a box office success, praised for the chemistry between its two leads, and Paul’s role was a key piece of its espionage-filled narrative.

‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ (2019)

Aaron Paul reprised his most iconic role in ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’, a film that serves as a sequel and epilogue to the acclaimed television series. The movie picks up immediately after the events of the show’s finale, following his character as he is on the run from the law. He must come to terms with his past and try to forge some kind of future for himself.

The film is centered entirely around his character’s journey, and Paul delivers a powerful and emotional performance. He seamlessly steps back into the role, showing the deep psychological scars and trauma his character has endured. The movie was praised for providing a satisfying conclusion to his story arc and for bringing back several familiar faces from the original series. It allowed him to explore the character in even greater depth, solidifying his connection to the role that made him a star.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Aaron Paul joined the cast of the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ in its third season, playing the new main character Caleb Nichols. Caleb is a former soldier living in a futuristic, technologically advanced version of Los Angeles, working in construction and taking on small criminal jobs to make ends meet. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Dolores, one of the sentient android “hosts” from the Westworld park.

His character provides a new perspective for the series, showing what life is like for an ordinary human in the show’s dystopian future. Caleb becomes a key figure in the hosts’ revolution against their human creators. Paul’s performance brings a sense of grounded realism and emotional weight to the complex, high-concept narrative of the show. He continued in the role for the fourth season, further exploring his character’s journey and his place in the conflict between humans and artificial intelligence.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Aaron Paul’s career-defining role came in the critically acclaimed television series ‘Breaking Bad’. He portrayed Jesse Pinkman, a small-time methamphetamine cook and dealer who becomes the partner of his former high school chemistry teacher, Walter White. What begins as a business arrangement quickly spirals into a dangerous and destructive journey into the criminal underworld.

His portrayal of Jesse is a masterclass in character development, as he transforms from a streetwise, carefree young man into a deeply tormented and morally conflicted individual. Paul’s ability to convey Jesse’s vulnerability, guilt, and occasional moments of joy earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. The dynamic between his character and Bryan Cranston’s Walter White is the heart of the series, creating one of the most compelling and celebrated partnerships in television history.

Let us know in the comments which Aaron Paul role is your absolute favorite.