With 130 acting credits listed on his IMDb page, Will Arnett’s movies and TV shows are plenty. The Canadian-American actor, voice actor, and comedian has a versatility that shines through his roles in television, film, and voice acting. Notably, Arnett's deep baritone voice has become iconic, securing him numerous voice-acting opportunities.
Let’s see what has Will Arnett been in, shall we?
1. Arrested Development (2003–2019)
Source: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
In the Fox series "Arrested Development," Will Arnett portrays George Oscar "Gob" Bluth II, the eldest son of the Bluth family and a struggling magician. Perhaps his most well-known role, Gob's character stands out for his absurdity, impeccable comedic timing, and memorable one-liners.
Among Will Arnett's characters, critics and fans alike have lauded Arnett's portrayal of Gob, describing it as both "hilarious" and "perfectly cast." Arnett skillfully navigates Gob's complex emotions while maintaining his signature comedic edge, endearing him to audiences as an integral part of the Arrested Development ensemble.
Where to watch: Justwatch
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2. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
You might not see his towering height, but the velvety-smooth voice is instantly recognizable. In Netflix's original animated series "BoJack Horseman," Will Arnett lent his voice to the titular character, BoJack. BoJack is a former sitcom star grappling with depression, addiction, and self-destructive tendencies.
Will Arnett's voice portrayal of BoJack Horseman has been hailed by critics and fans as "emotional" and "powerful." Arnett's exceptional ability to communicate BoJack's inner struggles and emotions through his voice work adds layers of complexity and relatability to the character, making BoJack a multifaceted and profoundly human p in the series. This makes the show one of the most acclaimed among Will Arnett's movies and TV shows.
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3. Up All Night (2011–2012)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
In the NBC sitcom "Up All Night," Will Arnett shared the screen with two comedy powerhouses Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph, portraying the character Chris Brinkley, a devoted stay-at-home dad. The series offered a fresh perspective on parenthood, exploring the trials and tribulations of an acerbic working mother, her stay-at-home husband, and opinionated parents.
Despite a talented cast, this Will Arnett’s series faced challenges and did not achieve the desired success, resulting in its unfortunate cancellation after only two seasons. But Arnett’s portrayal of stay-at-home dad Chris, who still grappling with his new role, is very convincing and endearing. Also, he and one of the show’s producers, Erin David, dated for a hot minute!
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4. Flaked (2016–2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
There are many Will Arnett TV shows, but only one where he was both its star and producer: the Netflix series "Flaked." Here, he portrayed Chip, a complex character navigating life as a recovering alcoholic and self-help guru residing in Venice, California. The show was conceived during a rougher patch of his life when his marriage to ex-wife Amy Poehler was collapsing. It also contributed to his short relapse into alcoholism.
The reception to "Flaked" from critics was varied, with opinions spanning the spectrum. The second season, however, garnered more positive feedback, as it appeared to be a stronger and more focused installment. According to IGN's review, the second season showcased improvements while still acknowledging some of the first season's flaws.
Is Will Arnett’s Wife Alessandra Brawn? Everything About The Socialite
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5. 30 Rock (2006–2013)
Source: NBC
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Even though he has guest stared many times during his career, among Will Arnett's TV show appearances, there’s one that actually won him an award.
His presence on the NBC sitcom "30 Rock" as Devon Banks, a formidable rival to Jack Donaghy (played by Alec Baldwin) and an executive at NBC's parent company, left a lasting impact. Critics and fans showered praise upon Arnett's performance as the villainous Devon, who is able to match Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy’s charm.
In recognition of his exceptional portrayal, Will Arnett received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the category of Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Critics and viewers alike deemed his interpretation of Devon Banks as "hilarious" and hailed him as a "perfectly cast" addition to the series.
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6. LEGO Masters (2020 - now)
Source: Fox
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Among Will Arnett’s TV shows, this is bound to be one of the most memorable. Since 2020, Will Arnett has taken on the role of host in the Fox reality series "LEGO Masters." The show showcases teams of talented LEGO builders as they compete in various challenges. Arnett's hosting has been met with widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike.
In a candid interview with Variety, executive producer Anthony Dominici expressed admiration for Arnett's ability to lighten the atmosphere during the long hours of filming, helping everyone enjoy the experience and remember that it's all about having fun. Additionally, executive producer Michael Heyerman praised Arnett's adeptness at engaging with the contestants and effortlessly improvising alongside them, making him an invaluable asset to the series. Also, LEGO and his signature LEGO Batman voice make this one of the most entertaining ones to watch.
Since the show season 2, Will Arnett has been filming in Atlanta, at Atlanta Film Studios in Hiram, Georgia, about 27 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, to be more specific.
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7. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
In the animated film "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies," Will Arnett lent his voice to the character Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke. Slade is depicted as a supervillain and the arch-nemesis of the Teen Titans.
Although Slade's presence is consistent throughout the movie, Arnett's distinctive deep voice only makes its appearance during the second half. Nevertheless, his voice perfectly embodies the malice and cunning nature of Slade, adding depth to the character even within the playful and cartoonish world of "Teen Titans Go!" Playing the iconic villain Slade, aka Deathstroke, cements this as one of the more memorable Will Arnett movies.
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8. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
In "The Lego Batman Movie," Will Arnett skillfully lent his voice to the iconic character Batman/Bruce Wayne. The film received glowing reviews from critics, who applauded its animation, humor, and outstanding voice acting, with Arnett's portrayal of Batman receiving particular praise.
The Hollywood Reporter specifically highlighted Arnett's gravelly voice as a perfect fit for the Dark Knight, while IGN acclaimed his performance, declaring Arnett's Batman to be the standout among the cast.
Arnett's ability to convey Batman's intricate emotions and inner struggles, combined with his naturally deep voice, brought an authentic edge of gruffness to the character, captivating both critics and fans alike. Many even praised it as “one of the best Batman movies ever made,” which makes it one of the must-watch Will Arnett movies.
Bonus: Will Arnett and Jimmy Kimmel both appeared in a spoof of Batman vs Superman, with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Jesse Eisenberg reprising their roles from the movie. In other words, we have LEGO Batman and DCU Batman in the same frame, y’all!
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9. Blades of Glory (2006)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
In the comedy film "Blades of Glory," Will Arnett took on the role of Stranz Van Waldenberg, a fiercely competitive p skater who teams up with his sister to take down their rivals. The film garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who lauded its talented cast and comedic elements.
Arnett's portrayal of Stranz resonated well with both critics and audiences. The New York Times commended his performance, hailing him as particularly funny in his role. Similarly, The A.V. Club praised the chemistry between Arnett and his on-screen sister, played by his real-life wife Amy Poehler, celebrating their hilarious dynamics as the entertainingly eccentric skating siblings.
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10. Smartless (2020 - now)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
If we are counting podcasts, SmartLess is probably one of the most impacting Will Arnett shows. Will Arnett teams up with long-time friends Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman to co-host the comedy podcast, SmartLess. The podcast has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, featuring engaging interviews with celebrity guests. Each episode brings a delightful surprise as one of the hosts reveals a mystery guest to the others, leading to authentic and humorous conversations.
Smartless stands out for its ability to foster connections and bring people together through shared experiences. Arnett's role as a co-host has been warmly embraced by fans, who admire his wit, charm, and infectious energy. As a testament to its popularity, the podcast consistently ranks among the most listened-to podcasts in the country over the past year.
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Conclusion
Due to his extensive career, we have only covered the most significant Will Arnett movies and TV shows, those that are not only acclaimed by critics and fans but also are hallmarks of his career.
From an early age, Will Arnett was destined for the spotlight, inspired by his mother to pursue acting. He stepped into the film world in 1996, debuting as 'Dave' in the movie 'Close Up'. His dedication to the industry has remained steadfast since 1994, marking a remarkable 29-year journey as an accomplished actor.
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