John Leguizamo’s best movies and TV shows highlight his amazing decades-long career in Hollywood that has resulted in many classic roles. Few character actors have cemented their own unique voice in projects as effectively as Leguizamo. The actor has been working steadily since the 1980s, and while his breakout role in Super Mario Bros. as Luigi is one that the actor himself has heavily criticized, he has managed to prove himself a multi-talented and versatile performer in countless movies and shows.
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Leguizamo became known for his comedic style as an actor, with his energetic and fast-talking delivery getting him some of his biggest roles including as a member of the talented Encanto cast. However, the actor quickly showed the world he was just as effective in dramatic roles, playing everything from sympathetic characters to ruthless villains. Though Leguizamo’s career shows no signs of slowing down, he has provided more than enough work to look back on and admire.
10 Violent Night (2022)
As “Scrooge”
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8/10 Violent Night RActionComedyHoliday
David Harbor dons the silk red coat and hat of Santa Claus in Violent Night, a black comedy Christmas action film by director Tommy Wirkola. A group of mercenaries lays siege on the property of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve in hopes of scoring a self-bestowed gift of $300 million, leaving Santa Claus as the unlikely but capable last line of defense. Though the family themselves may not be perfect, the youngest daughter remains a kind-hearted child. With her help, and a unique repertoire of magical skills and tools at his disposal, Santa will double-check his naughty and nice list as he dispenses his own brand of justice to the assailants.
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*Availability in US Director Tommy Wirkola Release Date December 2, 2022 Cast David Harbour , John Leguizamo , Beverly D’Angelo , Cam Gigandet , Brendan Fletcher , Edi Patterson , Alex Hassell Runtime 101 minutes
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John Leguizamo has spent his entire career effortlessly bouncing between comedic roles and serious roles. That versatility proved very helpful when it came to his part in the R-rated Christmas movie, Violent Night. David Harbour takes on the role of Santa Claus who has become disheartened by the world and lost his passion for his job. However, when he stumbles upon a wealthy family being held hostage by a gang of thieves, he decides to redeem himself and become a hero.
Leguizamo plays “Scrooge,” the villainous leader of the team of thieves. Leguizamo does a great job of playing into the tricky tone of the movie. While Violent Night wisely doesn’t take itself too seriously, Leguizamo largely plays it straight to help keep the intense stakes of the movie and his performance actually makes it funnier as well. For those who embrace the ridiculousness of the film, it has already started to become a Christmas classic enjoyed each year.
9 John Wick (2014)
As Aurelio
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11 9.3/10 John Wick RThrillerAction
John Wick is the first entry in the action-thriller franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. Retired hitman John is brought back into the field when the dog his recently deceased life left him is murdered. Full of rage and equipped with unparalleled combat skills, John begins to track down the ones responsible for the act of violence and lays waste to any who dare to cross his path, sending panic throughout the criminal underworld.
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*Availability in US Director David Leitch , Chad Stahelski Release Date October 24, 2014 Cast Keanu Reeves , Adrianne Palicki , Willem Dafoe , Bridget Moynahan , Jason Isaacs , Alfie Allen Runtime 101 Minutes
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While John Wick has been hailed as one of the best action movies of the 21st century and the start of an incredibly successful franchise, for those searching for a movie to showcase John Leguizamo’s talents, it only offers a brief look. However, the iconic nature of the film and Leguizamo’s ability to stand out in even a small supporting role make it a notable movie in his long career.
Leguizamo has a couple of great scenes in the first act, helping to solidify the mythology and fear surrounding John Wick.
Keanu Reeves debuts his beloved character, John Wick, a skilled assassin who comes out of retirement when the son of a Russian crime lord kills his puppy. Leguizamo has a small role early in the movie as Aurelio, a criminal who runs a chop shop and knows of John’s reputation. Leguizamo has a couple of great scenes in the first act, helping to solidify the mythology and fear surrounding John Wick. The movie is an energetic and hard-hitting ride, and it is a shame Aurelio didn’t become a bigger part of the John Wick franchise.
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8 Chef (2014)
As Martin
Chef RComedyDramaAdventure
Chef is a road movie written, directed, and starring Jon Favreau, where his character Carl Casper quits his job at a prestigious restaurant and starts a food truck business with his son Percy (Emjay Anthony) and best friend Martin (John Leguizamo). He also receives help from his ex-wife Inez (Sofia Vergara) and her ex-husband Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.).
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*Availability in US Director Jon Favreau Release Date May 30, 2014 Cast Jon Favreau , John Leguizamo , Bobby Cannavale , Emjay Anthony , Scarlett Johansson , Dustin Hoffman Runtime 114 minutes
John Leguizamo put his comedic style and lovable charm to great use in the easy-going and sweet comedy Chef. Jon Favreau writes, directs, and stars in the movie as a chef of a high-end restaurant who, after a viral moment of him attacking a food critic gets him fired, attempts to regain his passion for cooking by buying a food truck and making a cross country trip. However, the trip also becomes a way for him to reconnect with his young son.
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Leguizamo steals the show as Martin, the funny and supportive best friend of Favreau’s Carl, who doesn’t hesitate to join him on his food truck journey. While a lot of the road trip aspects highlight the sweet father-son story, Leguizamo’s inclusion brings some comedic relief which elevates the movie further. It is a charming comedy that features an all-star cast, including Sofía Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., and Scarlett Johansson.
7 Romeo + Juliet (1996)
As Tybalt
Romeo + Juliet PG-13DramaRomance
In Verona Beach, Romeo and Juliet, two teenagers from completely different families, fall madly in love.
Director Baz Luhrmann Release Date November 1, 1996 Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Claire Danes , John Leguizamo , Harold Perrineau , Pete Postlethwaite , Paul Sorvino Runtime 120 Minutes
It is a skilled actor who can take one of the classic Shakespearean characters and bring new dimensions to them. This is what John Leguizamo was able to accomplish as part of the cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. While movies like 10 Things I Hate About You offer loose adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays in a modern setting, Romeo + Juliet does the same but keeps the same dialogue of the original play in the story of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Romeo and Claire Danes’ Juliet embarking on a forbidden romance.
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He adds to the wonderful ensemble that helps bring this inventive and vivid adaptation to life.
Leguizamo takes on the famous villain role as Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin whose feud with Romeo helps to kick off the tragedy of the story. Instead of playing the character as a straight villain, Leguizamo brings interesting new layers to the character, showing him as a young man reluctantly pushed into violence to spare his insecurity. He adds to the wonderful ensemble that helps bring this inventive and vivid adaptation to life.
6 Moulin Rouge! (2000)
As Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
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9/10 Moulin Rouge! PG-13MusicalDramaRomance
Moulin Rouge! follows Christian, a young writer in Paris, who falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. As they begin a passionate affair, they must hide their love from the jealous Duke, who is funding Satine’s next show.
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*Availability in US Director Baz Luhrmann Release Date June 1, 2001 Cast Nicole Kidman , Ewan McGregor , John Leguizamo , Jim Broadbent , Richard Roxburgh , Garry McDonald Runtime 127 Minutes
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Following his standout performance in Romeo + Juliet, John Leguizamo reteamed with Baz Luhrmann for the bold and beautiful musical Moulin Rouge. Set at the beginning of the 1900s, Ewan McGregor stars as an English poet who visits the titular famed cabaret show in Paris, where he falls in love with one of the troubled performers (Nicole Kidman). Leguizamo plays the leader of the cabaret’s colorful collection of artists, the eccentric Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Leguizamo delivers a big and wild performance that fits perfectly into the tone of this inventive jukebox musical. He also gets a chance to show off his impressive musical abilities in the role. The movie was hailed as a modern musical classic as well as a sweeping love story featuring a terrific ensemble who were nominated together for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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5 Carlito’s Way (1993)
As Benny Blanco
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Carlito’s Way RCrimeDramaRomanceThriller
Carlito’s Way follows a Puerto Rican ex-con, played by Al Pacino, who, after being released from prison, vows to avoid the pitfalls of drugs and violence. Set in 1970s New York City, the film explores his struggle to lead a law-abiding life amidst challenging circumstances.
Director Brian De Palma Release Date November 10, 1993 Cast Al Pacino , Sean Penn , Penelope Ann Miller , John Leguizamo , Ingrid Rogers , Luis Guzmán , James Rebhorn , Joseph Siravo , Viggo Mortensen , Richard Foronjy , Jorge Porcel , Frank Minucci , Adrian Pasdar , John Ortiz , Ángel Salazar , Al Israel , Rick Aviles , Jaime Sánchez , Edmonte Salvato , Paul Mazursky , Tera Tabrizi , Víctor Sierra , Caesar Cordova , Jon Seda , Ruben Rivera Runtime 144 minutes Expand
John Leguizamo found his breakout role alongside one of the greatest actors of all time and an acclaimed filmmaker. Al Pacino and Brian De Palma reunited after the massive success of Scarface for another crime movie with a much different protagonist. Pacino stars in Carlito’s Way as Carlito Brigante, a Puerto Rican criminal released from prison whose attempts to embrace a life free of crime are continuously delayed.
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Leguizamo has a scene-stealing role as Benny Blanco, a young gangster trying to make a name for himself only to be looked down upon by Carlito. Leguizamo does a great job of playing the character’s dangerousness as well as the wounded and fragile ego of a young man uncertain in his position. The movie is not the same bombastic crime story as Scarface, but it is an engrossing ride with a terrific cast.
4 Ice Age (2002)
As Sid
Ice Age PGAnimationAdventureComedyFamily
Ice Age (2002) is an animated film that follows the journey of a woolly mammoth named Manny, a sloth named Sid, and a saber-toothed tiger named Diego as they find a human infant and attempt to return him to his tribe. Set during the prehistoric glacial period, the trio faces various challenges and adventures, ultimately discovering the value of friendship and teamwork. The film features voice talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary.
Director Chris Wedge , Carlos Saldanha Release Date March 27, 2002 Cast Ray Romano , John Leguizamo , Denis Leary , Goran Visnjic , Jack Black , Cedric the Entertainer Runtime 81 minutes
John Leguizamo is an actor who comes alive on screen, but he can be just as effective in a voice-acting role. Ice Age is one of his most famous, as his character of Sid the sloth became a fan-favorite creation who delivered laughs and charm to audiences. The original movie follows Sid along with a woolly mammoth and a sabretooth tiger in the frozen ice age as they band together to reunite a young human with its tribe.
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The Ice Age movies grew into a long-running franchise, but none of them surpassed the humor and heart of the original. While many people will likely first remember the manic character of Scrat, Leguizamo brings the most laughs to these movies with his hilarious performance and original voice work as Sid. It remains a fun adventure movie for all ages to enjoy.
3 The Menu (2022)
As The Movie Star
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9/10 The Menu RComedyHorrorThriller
A darkly comedic horror-thriller, The Menu focuses on a group of diners invited to a high-end restaurant on a private island by one of the world’s greatest chefs. Shortly after arriving on the island, Margot Mills begins to realize something is strange beyond the perceived pompous nature of the menu. Her suspicions are confirmed when the night turns deadly as the restaurant staff begins to descend into a cult-like madness.
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*Availability in US Director Mark Mylod Release Date November 18, 2022 Cast Ralph Fiennes , Anya Taylor-Joy , Nicholas Hoult , Hong Chau , Janet McTeer , Reed Birney , Judith Light , John Leguizamo Runtime 106 minutes
One of John Leguizamo’s most recent movies showcases his ability to be a key part of a larger ensemble. A thriller with a twisty ending, The Menu, is a darkly comedic satire that follows a group of wealthy, privileged, and self-important people who are invited to dine at an isolated island restaurant overseen by a highly celebrated chef (Ralph Fiennes). However, things gradually take an unexpected and violent turn, revealing the true intentions behind the chef’s night.
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In one of the funniest jokes in the movie, Leguizamo’s character learns he has been chosen for this night of punishment simply because the chef didn’t like his latest film.
Leguizamo joins the cast, which also includes great performances from Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult, as a movie star diner at the restaurant. In one of the funniest jokes in the movie, Leguizamo’s character learns he has been chosen for this night of punishment simply because the chef didn’t like his latest film. The Menu is a biting critique of a variety of subjects, it is laugh-out-loud funny, and it is unsettling. The strange balance makes for a unique and exciting movie.
2 When They See Us (2019)
As Raymond Santana Sr.
When They See Us Crime
Created by Ava DuVernay, When They See Us is a True Crime miniseries that was released on Netflix in 2019. The plot follows five separate individuals that were charged with the assault of female victim in Central Park.
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*Availability in US Cast Jharrel Jerome , Ava DuVernay Release Date May 31, 2019 Seasons 1 Directors Ava DuVernay
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John Leguizamo scored an Emmy nomination for his supporting role in the powerful and harrowing miniseries When They See Us. From acclaimed filmmaker Ava Duvernay, When They See Us is the story of the Central Park Five, a group of teens that were falsely accused of assaulting a woman in Central Park in 1989, sent to prison after being found guilty, and ultimately proven to be innocent of the crimes.
Leguizamo plays Raymond Santana Sr., the father of one of the innocent teens. Leguizamo’s role highlights the confusion and fear of these young men and their families as they were unfairly profiled and denied basic rights when the police decided their guilt from the outset. The movie is a powerful and important miniseries that seeks to give justice to these innocent men after the horrible ordeal while also speaking to many relevant aspects of modern society.
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1 Encanto (2021)
As Bruno
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8.4/10 Encanto PGAnimationComedyFantasyMusical
Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charming (and enchanted) place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might be her exceptional family’s last hope. Mirabel will seek out her missing cousin, Bruno, to discover the truth that Abuela has buried away for all of their lives.
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*Availability in US Director Jared Bush , Byron Howard , Charise Castro Smith Release Date November 24, 2021 Cast Mauro Castillo , John Leguizamo , Carolina Gaitan , Rhenzy Feliz , Diane Guerrero , Wilmer Valderrama , Jessica Darrow , Stephanie Beatriz , Adassa , Alan Tudyk , Angie Cepeda , María Cecilia Botero , Maluma Runtime 99 minutes
Once again, John Leguizamo found a way to shine and bring his own unique energy to an animated role in Disney’s wonderful musical adventure. Encanto follows the Madrigal family, each of whom gains a special magic ability when they reach a certain age. However, the caring and compassionate daughter Mirabel never got her powers and fears that she may have caused the disturbance that will bring down the entire family.
Leguizamo stars as the black sheep of the Madrigal family, Bruno, who is also the inspiration for one of the movie’s best songs. Leguizamo brings humor and sadness to this misunderstood man, with Bruno being a key part of the movie’s story of acceptance, love, and support within a family. It is also one of the best Disney animated movies in recent years, with a colorful look, wonderful songs, and a story that is magical for viewers of all ages.
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