Top 10 Coolest Things About Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd has quietly built one of the most versatile screen careers around, bouncing from teen classics and cult comedies to blockbuster superheroes and thoughtful TV roles. Below are ten standout moments from his film and television work, followed by one unforgettable late-night bit that turned into a legend of its own.

‘Clueless’ (1995) – Scene-stealing breakout as Josh

Rudd’s big breakthrough came as Josh, the principled, good-humored ex-stepbrother who keeps Cher grounded. The film, written and directed by Amy Heckerling, became a touchstone teen comedy and launched several young actors into wider recognition. Rudd’s role balanced romantic lead duties with wry, understated comedy that fit the movie’s fast, literate tone. His performance helped establish him as a go-to for affable charm in studio comedies.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004) – Mike Hannigan becomes part of the core family

Rudd joined the sitcom as Mike Hannigan, who starts dating Phoebe and eventually marries her in a snowy street ceremony. He appears across multiple seasons and is present in the series finale, a rarity for late-addition characters. The role showcased his ability to plug into an established ensemble without disrupting its rhythm. Fans still cite his musical “Regina Phalange” moments and piano gags as quintessential late-series highlights.

‘Ant-Man’ (2015) – Superhero lead and credited screenwriter

As Scott Lang, Rudd headlined a heist-flavored Marvel entry that leaned into scale gags and everyday-guy stakes. He holds an official screenplay credit alongside collaborators that included Adam McKay, reflecting his hands-on role in shaping the character’s voice. The movie’s tone positioned Ant-Man as a nimble counterpoint to heavier franchise chapters. Rudd went on to reprise the role across multiple interconnected films and a direct sequel.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) – Scott Lang helps unlock the time-heist plan

When Scott escapes the Quantum Realm, his account of time dilation gives the team a path to retrieve the Stones. Rudd’s character becomes the connective tissue between smaller-scale Ant-Man science and the ensemble’s universe-saving mission. He anchors key exposition scenes while still delivering the light, human beats that cut through the epic stakes. The film cements Scott Lang as pivotal to the wider saga’s resolution.

‘Living with Yourself’ (2019) – Dual roles and awards recognition

Rudd plays both Miles and his improved clone in this high-concept comedy-drama on Netflix. The series uses tight, overlapping scenes to underline the differences in mannerism and energy between the two characters. His double performance earned major awards attention, including a Golden Globe nomination for lead actor in a comedy or musical series. The show also marked a notable turn toward darker, introspective material within his TV work.

‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004) – Brian Fantana and the news team chaos

Rudd’s Brian Fantana rounds out the Channel 4 news crew with cologne jokes, street brawls, and competitive posturing. The production famously encouraged improvisation, giving the ensemble room to spin running gags into quotable bits. The movie’s success led to a sequel where the newsroom escalates its wars and on-air antics. Rudd’s character remained central to the group dynamic, especially in newsroom and field-reporter set pieces.

‘Wet Hot American Summer’ (2001) – Cult favorite that grew into two Netflix series

Rudd plays Andy, the too-cool camp counselor whose antics became a fan favorite as the film found its audience on home release. The property expanded with a prequel series and a follow-up series on Netflix, reuniting the original cast to send up and extend the camp mythology. Rudd leaned into the joke of looking unchanged as the “younger” version of his character. The ongoing revival helped cement the movie’s place in comedy history.

‘The Shrink Next Door’ (2021) – A chilling dramatic turn as Dr. Ike Herschkopf

On Apple TV+, Rudd portrays a real-life psychiatrist who insinuates himself into a patient’s life and finances. The limited series adapts a reported podcast, bringing documented events to the screen with a focus on manipulation and blurred professional boundaries. Rudd subverts his congenial image to play charisma turned coercive. The project broadened perceptions of his range beyond comedy and superhero work.

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021) – Sliding into a legacy franchise

Rudd joins the franchise as schoolteacher and seismology buff Mr. Grooberson, who helps a new generation make sense of strange phenomena. The film ties directly to the original team’s equipment and mythology while introducing a younger lead cast. He returned for the follow-up, continuing the mentor-ally role amid bigger spectral threats. His presence bridges nostalgic elements with contemporary characters and settings.

‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ (1993–2009) – The long-running ‘Mac and Me’ prank

For years, whenever Rudd visited Conan’s shows, he promised to roll a clip from his latest project and instead played the same wild scene from the movie ‘Mac and Me’. The bit persisted across networks and show iterations, turning into a meta-tradition fans awaited each appearance. It’s one of late-night TV’s longest, most elaborate recurring gags between a host and guest. The prank became a calling card for Rudd’s deadpan commitment to a joke.

Share your favorite Paul Rudd moment in the comments and tell us which role you think deserves more love!