Join to get exclusive perks & news!

Sebastian Stan’s 20 Best Movie Roles, Ranked from Worst to Best

1-21

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - February 25th 2025, 14:04 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Sebastian Stan appears, no matter how small his role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of his performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

Cropped Ricki and the Flash — 20. Ricki and the Flash (2015)

Before Sebastian Stan was dodging super-soldier punches, he was dodging family drama in *Ricki and the Flash*. Playing Josh, the son of Meryl Streep’s rockstar-turned-absentee-mom, Stan delivers a quietly effective performance as a guy who has some… let’s say, unresolved parental issues. While the movie mostly focuses on Streep’s character attempting to reconnect with her kids through the power of rock ‘n’ roll (because, of course), Stan holds his own, even when he’s playing the resentful, suit-wearing contrast to all the guitar shredding. It’s not his flashiest role – pun fully intended – but it proves he can do grounded drama just as well as action-packed chaos. | © TriStar Pictures

Cropped Rachel Getting Married — 19. Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Ah, wedding season – a time for love, joy, and deep-seated family trauma bubbling to the surface. In *Rachel Getting Married*, Sebastian Stan plays Walter, a minor but notable part in a film that’s more about Anne Hathaway’s stunningly raw performance than anything else. This isn’t a movie where he gets to throw punches or wear a metal arm, but even in a smaller role, he’s part of an emotionally intense, handheld-camera-driven drama that feels painfully real. His presence in the film might be blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but hey, everybody has to start somewhere, and if you're going to be in the background of an indie darling, at least make sure it's a good one. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped The Last Full Measure — 18. The Last Full Measure (2020)

In this military drama based on a true story, Stan trades in his usual smirk for a much more serious role as Scott Huffman, a Pentagon investigator uncovering the long-overdue recognition of a Vietnam War hero. It’s a movie filled with veteran actors – Christopher Plummer, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ed Harris, just to name a few – and Stan manages to hold his own in a sea of screen legends. The film is a slow burn, but Stan gives a thoughtful, restrained performance, proving he’s just as compelling in a suit and tie as he is in a superhero getup. It may not have been a box office smash, but it’s an important, heartfelt film that shows off his range beyond Marvel and indie thrillers. | © Roadside Attractions

Cropped Hot Tub Time Machine — 17. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Before he was brooding as the Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan was… well, brooding in *Hot Tub Time Machine*, but in a much goofier way. As Blaine, the ski resort bully, Stan is having the absolute time of his life playing an over-the-top, testosterone-fueled jerk who torments the time-traveling protagonists. He’s obnoxious, ridiculous, and somehow both threatening and hilarious all at once. It's the kind of role that reminds you he can do comedy just as well as intense drama. Plus, watching a young Stan go full '80s villain mode in a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously at all? Pure fun. | © MGM

Cropped Dumb Money — 16. Dumb Money (2023)

Who knew Sebastian Stan could be so good at playing a completely unhinged financial bro? In *Dumb Money*, he steps into the role of Vlad Tenev, the Robinhood CEO at the center of the GameStop stock market chaos. With his sleek suits, slightly too-perfect hair, and the kind of detached arrogance only a tech billionaire could master, Stan absolutely nails the part. It's a fascinating contrast to his usual roles – this time, he's not a hero or an anti-hero, just a guy desperately trying to save face while the internet turns against him. The movie itself is a sharp, hilarious look at the absurdity of Wall Street, and Stan makes his character the kind of guy you love to hate. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped The Devil All the Time — 15. The Devil All the Time (2020)

Corrupt cops, twisted preachers, and murderous drifters – *The Devil All the Time* is a Southern Gothic fever dream, and Sebastian Stan fits right in as the morally bankrupt Sheriff Lee Bodecker. He’s sweaty, corrupt, and about as far from Bucky Barnes as you can get. Stan’s performance oozes sleaziness in the best way, as he plays a small-town lawman who’s more interested in covering his own tracks than serving justice. It’s a grim, slow-burning movie filled with big performances (Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård), but Stan proves he can go toe-to-toe with the best of them. This isn’t the charming, heroic Stan we’re used to – it’s the dirtbag version, and somehow, it works. | © Netflix

Cropped We Have Always Lived In The Castle — 14. We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have Sebastian Stan show up at your family home and absolutely ruin everything, look no further. In *We Have Always Lived in the Castle*, Stan plays Charles Blackwood, the not-so-charming long-lost cousin who arrives with an agenda. Based on Shirley Jackson’s eerie novel, the film is a slow, creeping psychological thriller, and Stan does a great job playing a man whose motives seem just a little too slick to be trustworthy. It’s not his most high-profile role, but it’s proof that he thrives in unsettling, offbeat stories. Plus, watching him go from seemingly helpful relative to full-blown manipulative nightmare? Chef’s kiss. | © Brainstorm Media

Cropped The Martian — 13. The Martian (2015)

Sure, *The Martian* is a Matt Damon movie first and foremost, but don’t sleep on Sebastian Stan’s role as Dr. Chris Beck, the astronaut-turned-space-hero. He may not have the most screen time, but he’s part of the elite NASA crew that decides to go full rogue and risk their lives to save Damon’s stranded botanist. Stan plays the level-headed, competent guy in a movie full of scientists, and honestly, it’s a refreshing break from his usual chaos-inducing roles. Also, watching him float around in zero gravity is just cool. It’s not a showy performance, but it’s one that reminds you he can slot seamlessly into a big ensemble and still leave an impression. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Captain America First Avenger — 12. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Before he was a brainwashed assassin with a vibranium arm, Bucky Barnes was just a Brooklyn kid who had Steve Rogers’ back. *Captain America: The First Avenger* introduces us to the charming, heroic version of Bucky – before things take a turn for the tragic. Sebastian Stan nails the best-friend chemistry with Chris Evans, giving us a Bucky who is confident, loyal, and just a little cocky. He’s the guy you want in your corner – until, you know, he falls off a train and disappears into a decades-long nightmare. While he doesn’t get as much to do in this film as he does later in the MCU, it’s the perfect setup for the heartbreak (and incredible character arc) to come. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Avengers Infinity War — 11. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Look, *Infinity War* is an insane rollercoaster of a movie, and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes is just one of the many characters swept up in the chaos. While he doesn’t get a ton of screen time, he does get to wield a massive Wakandan gun and fight side by side with some of the biggest heroes in the MCU. His reunion with Steve Rogers is brief but heartwarming, and just when you think he might finally catch a break… *poof*, he turns to dust. It’s an emotional gut punch, especially for fans who had been waiting for Bucky to have a bigger role in the fight against Thanos. While *Infinity War* doesn’t give him the depth of *The Winter Soldier*, it’s still a key moment in his MCU journey. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Black Swan — 10. Black Swan (2010)

Before Sebastian Stan was stealing scenes as the Winter Soldier, he was lurking around the edges of Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller *Black Swan*. Playing Andrew, a cocky club guy who flirts (and fails) with Natalie Portman’s Nina, Stan doesn’t get much screen time – but he makes an impression. He’s part of one of the film’s many moments of reality-blurring tension, helping to escalate Nina’s spiral into madness. Sure, this isn’t a role that demands his usual emotional depth or action chops, but hey, everyone’s gotta start somewhere, and getting to be part of an Oscar-winning film isn’t a bad way to do it. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Fresh — 9. Fresh (2022)

What starts as a charming rom-com quickly takes a hard left turn into absolute nightmare fuel in *Fresh*. Stan plays Steve, a seemingly perfect guy who sweeps Daisy Edgar-Jones’ character off her feet – until she realizes he has, well, *alternative* dietary habits. To put it bluntly: he’s a cannibal. But not just any cannibal – a disturbingly charismatic one who makes you question why you’re still kinda rooting for him. Stan is chilling, playful, and terrifying all at once, pulling off one of his most unsettling performances to date. It’s the kind of movie that makes you rethink modern dating, and Stan’s performance is a delicious (pun intended) blend of charm and horror. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Avengers Endgame — 8. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Bucky Barnes doesn’t get a ton of screen time in *Endgame*, but let’s be real – when he does show up, it’s a *moment*. After spending most of *Infinity War* turning to dust, Bucky returns with the rest of the snapped heroes for one of the most epic battle sequences in cinematic history. He gets a few key interactions (his final farewell to Steve Rogers is short but powerful), but this movie is really about closing the book on some of the original Avengers. Still, it’s always a joy to see Stan back in action, even if this time it’s mostly in the background with a big Wakandan gun. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Captain America Winter Soldier — 7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

This is the movie that took Bucky Barnes from “Cap’s childhood best friend” to full-fledged *tragic super-assassin icon*. *The Winter Soldier* is widely regarded as one of the best films in the MCU, and Sebastian Stan’s performance is a huge reason why. He’s brutal, he’s tormented, and his silent intensity speaks volumes as he fights against Steve Rogers, not realizing he’s going up against his own best friend. The moment when Steve calls him “Bucky” and he responds with “Who the hell is Bucky?” – chills. It’s the perfect mix of action, emotion, and character development, cementing Bucky as one of the MCU’s most compelling figures. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Captain America Civil War — 6. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Bucky Barnes is at the heart of *Civil War*, and Sebastian Stan delivers some of his best work in the MCU. This film leans into Bucky’s struggle to regain his identity after years of brainwashing, while also making him the catalyst for the ultimate Avengers breakup. He has some of the best action sequences (that Bucky vs. Black Panther rooftop chase? Iconic.), but the emotional weight is just as strong – especially in the film’s final act when Tony Stark learns the brutal truth about his parents. Stan perfectly balances Bucky’s guilt, vulnerability, and raw survival instincts, making *Civil War* one of his most layered performances in the franchise. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Destroyer — 5. Destroyer (2018)

In *Destroyer*, Sebastian Stan trades his superhero metal arm for a badge and a morally ambiguous compass. Playing Chris, an undercover FBI agent and former lover of Nicole Kidman's character, Stan dives into the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles crime. His chemistry with Kidman adds depth to the film's intense narrative, showcasing his ability to hold his own alongside seasoned actors. It's a dark, brooding role that lets Stan flex his dramatic muscles, proving he's more than just a pretty face in a blockbuster franchise. | © 30West

Cropped Logan Lucky — 4. Logan Lucky (2017)

Who says Sebastian Stan can't do comedy? In *Logan Lucky*, he steps into the role of Dayton White, a NASCAR driver with a strict health regimen and a penchant for motivational speeches. Amidst a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, Stan's portrayal of the straight-laced racer adds a hilarious contrast to the film's heist-driven chaos. It's a brief but memorable performance that highlights his comedic timing and versatility. Plus, who doesn't love a good Southern accent? | © Fingerprint Releasing

Cropped I Tonya — 3. I, Tonya (2017)

In *I, Tonya*, Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Jeff Gillooly, the infamous ex-husband of figure skater Tonya Harding. Sporting a mustache that deserves its own credit, Stan delivers a performance that's both darkly comedic and unsettling. His portrayal of Gillooly captures the chaotic and toxic relationship at the heart of the scandal, balancing charm and menace in equal measure. It's a role that earned him critical acclaim and proved he could tackle complex, real-life characters with nuance and depth. | © Neon

Cropped The Apprentice — 2. The Apprentice (2024)

Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump? Yes, it happened. In *The Apprentice*, Stan embodies the ambitious real estate mogul during his rise in 1970s and 1980s New York City. With Jeremy Strong portraying attorney Roy Cohn, the film delves into the mentor-protégé relationship that shaped Trump's early career. Stan's transformation – complete with the iconic hair and mannerisms – is nothing short of impressive, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Love him or loathe him, Stan's portrayal brings a humanizing complexity to one of America's most polarizing figures. | © Briarcliff Entertainment

Cropped A Different Man — 1. A Different Man (2024)

Topping the list is *A Different Man*, where Sebastian Stan delivers a career-defining performance as Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a radical facial reconstruction. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, the film explores themes of identity, obsession, and the human condition. Stan's portrayal is haunting and transformative, showcasing his commitment to challenging roles. Sharing the screen with Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson, Stan's performance earned him the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival, solidifying his status as a versatile and daring actor. | © A24

1-21

Sebastian Stan has built an impressive career, balancing blockbuster franchises with critically acclaimed indie films. While he's best known as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his filmography showcases his versatility across genres. From his chilling performance in Fresh to his transformation in I, Tonya, Stan continues to take on dynamic and challenging roles.

Most recently, he portrays a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice, adding another fascinating character to his resume. With such a diverse body of work, we’re ranking his top 20 movie roles from worst to best!

Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

Sebastian Stan has built an impressive career, balancing blockbuster franchises with critically acclaimed indie films. While he's best known as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his filmography showcases his versatility across genres. From his chilling performance in Fresh to his transformation in I, Tonya, Stan continues to take on dynamic and challenging roles.

Most recently, he portrays a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice, adding another fascinating character to his resume. With such a diverse body of work, we’re ranking his top 20 movie roles from worst to best!