10 Underrated Films by Wyatt Russell You Must See

Wyatt Russell’s film career seamlessly transitions among genres such as horror, comedy, thriller, and independent dramas. Prior to acting, he played professional ice hockey, which accounts for his appearances in athletic and challenging roles across various productions. He collaborates with both studio and independent production companies and frequently switches between lead and crucial supporting roles in a diverse range of narratives.

This list showcases movies in which he leaves a significant mark on the storyline through captivating character performances. You’ll notice a wide variety of genres represented, ranging from war, action, and comedy to satire and dramas focusing on relationships. Each entry provides details about the filmmaker, co-stars, and his specific role within the plot, helping you make informed decisions about your next watch without needing to guess.

‘Overlord’ (2018)

In simple terms, Julius Avery was the director of a World War II action-horror movie produced by Bad Robot and distributed by a large studio. The storyline revolves around an ensemble of American paratroopers who are dispatched to France on the brink of a significant operation. They stumble upon a concealed laboratory, and in this village occupied by German troops, Corporal Ford, played by Wyatt Russell, takes charge of his team with demolition expertise, leading them forward.

In this rephrased version, the movie heavily employs practical effects in combination with digital technology to create intense hand-to-hand combat scenes and extensive destruction on a large scale. The cast features Jovan Adepo, Pilou Asbæk, Mathilde Ollivier, and John Magaro. This film skillfully merges historical warfare elements with science fiction, resulting in a compelling storyline that revolves around Russell’s character being the focal point of the team’s decisions and the overall mission’s outcome.

‘Ingrid Goes West’ (2017)

Matt Spicer helmed this witty yet somber film centered around internet influence and personal identity, which unfolds in the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles. The narrative follows a young woman’s journey westward to connect with an Instagram sensation, eventually finding herself immersed within their creative clique. Wyatt Russell portrays Ezra O’Keefe, a painter and spouse to the lifestyle icon, played by Elizabeth Olsen. Throughout the story, Ezra’s character sheds light on how the carefully constructed image impacts those who are intimately involved with it.

The movie stars Aubrey Plaza, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Billy Magnussen, and Pom Klementieff. It delves into the intricacies of social media collaborations and endorsements as a common aspect of modern life. Following its premiere at a festival, it was picked up for distribution by an independent label known for showcasing unique perspectives. Russell’s character serves to bridge the art world elements in the script with the stresses associated with fame and brand promotion.

‘Everybody Wants Some!!’ (2016)

Richard Linklater directed this college comedy centered around a Texas-based baseball team embarking on a new season. The movie chronicles both fresh and returning players as they navigate practices, social events, and the initial days before classes start, primarily using clubhouses and shared residences as settings. Wyatt Russell portrays Charlie Willoughby, a mature player whose insights connect the dots between campus existence and off-campus lifestyle.

The movie was filmed on-site in Texas, featuring period music and costumes that align with the setting. The star-studded cast consists of Blake Jenner, Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin, and Zoey Deutch. Instead of a singular central event, the film intertwines their lives through music venues, classrooms, and sports fields. Critics often refer to it as the spiritual successor to Richard Linklater’s earlier high school narrative ‘Dazed and Confused’. Russell’s character plays a significant role in establishing the team’s atmosphere.

’22 Jump Street’ (2014)

This action-comedy sequel, helmed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, shifts the undercover duo from high school investigations to a college assignment. The narrative revolves around two police officers who infiltrate campus life to trace a novel designer drug, immersing them in fraternity culture and campus activities. Wyatt Russell portrays Zook, a character who forms a connection with one of the officers and plays a crucial role within the social circle relevant to the investigation.

The movie showcases Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Jillian Bell, and Ice Cube, utilizing college campuses for scenes involving parties, classes, and sports activities. It serves as a sequel to “21 Jump Street,” featuring the same creative minds behind the original and expanding the storyline in a broader setting. Russell’s character embodies both athletics and Greek life, positioning him at the heart of multiple plot twists as the narrative unfolds within this context.

‘Goon: Last of the Enforcers’ (2017)

As a movie critic, let me share my thoughts on Jay Baruchel’s directorial effort in the sports comedy sequel, ‘Goon: Last of the Enforcers’. Delving back into the gritty minor league hockey scene, this installment follows Doug Glatt’s ongoing saga. A fresh adversary, Anders Cain played by Wyatt Russell, enters the fray, challenging Doug with a unique blend of fighting and ice training techniques. The tension between these two rivals propels the team towards an edgier, more aggressive identity.

In this sequel, scenes are filmed in Canada using authentic rinks and locker rooms for game and practice settings. Seann William Scott, Alison Pill, and Liev Schreiber reprise their roles from the original movie. The new installment introduces fresh team dynamics involving coaching and ownership challenges. Russell’s extensive hockey background aids in making the on-ice sequences feel genuine, while also providing insight into conditioning and recovery aspects throughout the season.

‘Table 19’ (2017)

Jeffrey Blitz directed a comedy about a wedding where various guests find themselves seated together at a distant table. The story unfolds as these characters’ stories intertwine throughout the reception, from cake tastings to family speeches. Wyatt Russell portrays Teddy, the ex-boyfriend of the main character Eloise (played by Anna Kendrick), and his presence adds to the seating drama and tension that fuels many scenes.

In this rephrased version, I’ve tried to make the text more conversational and easier to understand:

1. The cast includes Craig Robinson, Lisa Kudrow, Stephen Merchant, Tony Revolori, and June Squibb in the movie.
2. This film was distributed by a niche division dedicated to character-driven comedies.
3. The unique setup of the film takes place within a single location, combining hotel rooms and banquet halls that keep all characters close.
4. Russell’s character plays a crucial role in connecting the central romantic relationship to the larger ensemble, particularly at the table filled with eccentric characters.

‘We Are What We Are’ (2013)

In a revamp of a chilling Mexican thriller, set in an isolated family’s estate, Jim Mickle serves as the director. This Anglophone adaptation revolves around a tight-knit family, bound by unusual and unsettling customs. The narrative takes place in a countryside during relentless rainfall, where local law enforcement start to observe disappearances and peculiar findings close to the family’s land. Wyatt Russell embodies Deputy Anders, whose probe brings him close to the daughters and their father as the concealed truth begins to surface.

The actors featured are Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, and Kelly McGillis. The story is set in upstate New York, surrounded by creeks, forests, and a secluded house that highlights the community’s remoteness. Russell’s character offers a law enforcement viewpoint, bridging together missing persons cases, medical hints, and the family’s everyday life.

‘Folk Hero & Funny Guy’ (2016)

Jeff Grace helmed an independent comedy-drama set along the highway, featuring two old friends embarking on a joint music and humor tour. The plot centers around a thriving singer-songwriter and a comedian in need of a career revival, keeping both characters constantly performing and traveling. Wyatt Russell takes the musician role opposite Alex Karpovsky as the comic, with the film exploring how securing shows and travel impact their friendship’s development.

This production illustrates how touring functions at an independent level through the use of compact stages, backstage areas, and vans. The cast consists of Meredith Hagner, Hannah Simone, Melanie Lynskey, among others. The film opted for original tunes and live performances instead of polished studio recordings. Russell’s character plays a significant role in maintaining the musical aspect, with setlists, rehearsals, and connections to promoters providing the plot’s framework.

‘The Woman in the Window’ (2021)

Joe Wright is the one behind this gripping psychological thriller adapted from the book by A J Finn. The narrative focuses on a child psychologist suffering from agoraphobia who believes she’s seen a violent event happening in the neighboring apartment. Wyatt Russell portrays David, a tenant who leases a room in her house and gradually becomes an integral part of her close-knit group, offering support when she cannot venture outside.

The movie stars Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Brian Tyree Henry, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. After a shift in its release schedule, it premiered on a prominent streaming service, with the final version incorporating reshoots and edits. Russell’s character serves as the domestic contrast to the neighbor enigma and plays a crucial role in determining how information enters and exits the apartment.

‘Night Swim’ (2024)

Bryce McGuire is the one responsible for this chilling supernatural thriller, which has been extended from an original short story. The narrative unfolds around the Waller family, who move into a new house with a haunting past, complete with a pool in the backyard. Wyatt Russell takes on the role of Ray Waller, a former baseball player searching for a fresh start, while Kerry Condon portrays his wife, striving to safeguard their family as bizarre occurrences intensify.

The movie, jointly produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, hit the screens in early January under a major studio’s banner. It is rated PG-13 and combines real water stunts with visual effects to create nighttime swimming pool scenes. Russell’s character plays a central role in initiating the family’s relocation process with therapy sessions and baseball metaphors that initially make the pool seem like a sensible decision.

‘Shimmer Lake’ (2017)

In this crime tale, Oren Uziel serves as director, crafting a narrative that unfolds in reverse chronology across several days within a quaint town following a bank heist. As we move backward through time, fresh details emerge, unveiling the intricate web of family connections and motivations driving the robbery. Wyatt Russell’s character is one of the main suspects and local law enforcement personnel, placing him at the heart of both the investigation and the planning process for the heist.

The movie features Benjamin Walker, Rainn Wilson, Adam Pally, and Stephanie Sigman in its cast. It was made available for streaming and uses rural settings such as towns, bars, and county buildings to depict the town’s relationships. Russell plays a pivotal role, connecting key interrogations and flashbacks that provide a stable foundation for the non-linear narrative as the story unfolds backwards.

Why not chime in with your preferred Wyatt Russell movie down below, and let us know which film on his roster you’re looking forward to watching next?

2025-09-05 17:47