Dylan O’Brien, widely recognized for his role as Stiles Stilinski in the popular series Teen Wolf, has established himself as a versatile actor in Hollywood. His performance contributed significantly to the show’s success, showcasing his remarkable range beyond just a typical teen role. O’Brien’s journey began in 2011 when he transitioned from creating viral online content to becoming a household name through this dynamic series.
Although Teen Wolf launched his career, O’Brien skillfully avoided being pigeonholed into similar high school dramas. Instead, he has embraced a diverse array of genres, including action, comedy, and thriller, which underscores his adaptability and talent. Below are some standout projects that highlight the breadth of O’Brien’s work.
10
The First Time (2012)
As Dave
Marking his feature film debut, The First Time revolves around two teenagers experiencing love for the first time. O’Brien portrays a high school senior fascinated by his best friend but finds himself drawn to a girl from another school. As their relationship develops, the film presents a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and vulnerability.
Despite not achieving massive mainstream success, this romantic comedy allowed O’Brien to demonstrate his ability to transcend the sidekick persona, proving his potential in leading roles within the romantic genre.
9
Bumblebee (2018)
As Bumblebee
In Bumblebee, a more character-driven installment of the Transformers franchise, O’Brien voices the titular character. The film, set in the backdrop of the 1980s, showcases Bumblebee’s arrival on Earth and the heartfelt bond he forms with a young woman, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld.
While his role is limited, this project stands out due to its emotional depth and the unique opportunity for O’Brien to explore voice acting—a departure from his usual on-screen performances.
8
New Girl (2013)
As The Guy
In a memorable guest appearance in the episode “Virgins,”O’Brien plays a pivotal role in a flashback sequence of the beloved sitcom New Girl. The storyline centers on Jess (Zooey Deschanel) reflecting on her romantic past, with O’Brien’s character perfectly embodying the charming yet aloof high school heartthrob.
This episode not only showcases his comedic timing but also adds a delightful twist to the narrative, proving O’Brien’s aptitude for blending humor with heartfelt moments.
7
The Maze Runner Franchise (2014-2018)
As Thomas
O’Brien’s portrayal of Thomas in The Maze Runner franchise solidified his status as a leading man in action films. These adaptations of the popular young adult novels feature a gripping dystopian narrative that follows teenagers trying to escape perilous mazes and uncovering the dark truths of their reality.
O’Brien holds the ensemble cast together with his charismatic performance, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase throughout the trilogy.
6
All Too Well (2021)
As Him
Dylan O’Brien shines in the short film All Too Well, directed by Taylor Swift, which adapts her song into a visual narrative. Through understated yet powerful actions, O’Brien conveys complex emotions that resonate without dialogue, enhancing the storytelling through performance alone.
This project not only showcases his artistry but also reflects his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
5
Deepwater Horizon (2016)
As Caleb Holloway
In Deepwater Horizon, based on the true events of the catastrophic oil rig disaster, O’Brien plays a crucial role as a member of the drill team. The film, featuring a star-studded ensemble, allows him to highlight his dramatic chops in a harrowing narrative.
Despite being part of a larger cast, his performance is integral to depicting the human side of this disaster, adding emotional depth to the overall story.
4
Saturday Night (2024)
As Dan Aykroyd
Set to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, this film explores the show’s creation with O’Brien portraying the iconic Dan Aykroyd. Critics have praised his transformative performance, recognizing the skill involved in embodying such a well-known figure.
O’Brien’s role here cements his reputation as an actor capable of handling both comedy and drama with finesse.
3
The Outfit (2022)
As Richie
The Outfit reinvigorates the gangster genre with its gripping storytelling. O’Brien plays a key character whose actions set off a chain of events within a crime narrative that expertly weaves tension and character dynamics.
Even with a shorter screen time, his performance is impactful, driving the film’s momentum and enhancing the story’s intensity.
2
Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
As Stiles
Without a doubt, Teen Wolf remains the pinnacle of O’Brien’s television career. This innovative series, inspired by the 1980s film of the same name, explores themes of adolescence intertwined with supernatural elements.
O’Brien’s portrayal of Stiles amidst a roster of mythical creatures and thrilling plots created a dynamic and relatable character, serving as the emotional backbone throughout the series. His involvement in multifaceted storylines, including a notable turn as a villain, showcases the full extent of his acting range.
1
Love and Monsters (2020)
As Joel
In Love and Monsters, O’Brien plays Joel, a character navigating a post-apocalyptic world teeming with gigantic monsters. Although it premiered amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the film received praise for its combination of humor, adventure, and romance, demonstrating O’Brien’s comprehensive skill set.
This film showcases his strengths in creating a compelling narrative through a mix of vulnerability and comedic timing, securing its place as a standout in O’Brien’s career.
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