Glen Thomas Powell Jr., known for his versatile acting and screenwriting talents, has built an impressive career spanning over two decades. After gaining widespread recognition with his role in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise, Powell has since starred in several leading roles. If you are looking to explore Glen Powell best Netflix movies and shows, this curated list highlights seven must-watch titles featuring his remarkable performances.
A Heartfelt Story Set on Guernsey Island During World War II
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) is adapted from the novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Set shortly after World War II, the film follows writer Juliet Ashton, played by Lily James, as she exchanges letters with residents of Guernsey Island who endured the German occupation. Compelled to document their experiences, Juliet visits the island and uncovers secrets the local group hesitates to reveal. Glen Powell appears as Mark Reynolds, a suitor of Juliet before her journey. Directed by Mike Newell, this historical drama combines emotional depth with a poignant look at resilience.
Animating Danger and Adventure on Isla Nublar
The animated Netflix series Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022), created by Zack Stentz and inspired by Michael Crichton’s acclaimed novel, brings the dinosaur park to life for a younger audience. The show takes place during the events of the 2015 movie Jurassic World and follows six teenagers invited to an adventure camp on Isla Nublar. Their excitement turns to survival mode as dinosaurs escape containment and threaten their lives. Glen Powell lends his voice to Dave, a camp counselor who supports the teenagers in navigating the island’s dangers, providing guidance through the chaotic experience.
A Nostalgic Exploration of the 1969 Moon Landing
Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood (2022) reimagines the iconic moon landing through a blend of fiction and childhood memories. The story revolves around a young boy living near NASA’s Houston command center who dreams of becoming the first human on the moon. In this animated coming-of-age tale, Powell voices Bostick, a NASA official involved in the operation. The film captures the wonder and excitement of space exploration while inviting viewers to experience it from a uniquely youthful perspective.
Military Duty and Hidden Dangers in Iraq
Sand Castle (2017), directed by Fernando Coimbra, tells the story of a young soldier, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, who joins the military after 9/11 with the intention to defend freedom. Deployed to Iraq in 2003 shortly after the invasion of Baghdad, he quickly confronts the realities of war and his own fears. The soldier is tasked with delivering water to a devastated village, but the operation becomes unexpectedly perilous amid the conflict. Glen Powell appears as one of the soldiers in this intense war drama that reveals the complexities and dangers faced by troops on the ground.
A Complex Tale of Crime and Romance
In Hit Man (2023), inspired by a true story and written by Skip Hollandsworth, Glen Powell stars as Gary Johnson, a college professor with a knack for adopting disguises. Gary collaborates with the New Orleans Police Department, pretending to be a hit man to apprehend people plotting murders. The storyline turns complicated when he becomes involved with Madison, a woman seeking his “services,” sparking a romantic and morally ambiguous journey. This romantic crime comedy thriller, directed by Richard Linklater, explores themes of deception, attraction, and ethical ambiguity.
A Playful Romantic Comedy About Office Life
Directed by Claire Scanlon, Set It Up (2018) focuses on two exhausted assistants, Charlie Young (Glen Powell) and Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch), who team up to set their demanding bosses up on a date. Harper works for an online sports news editor, while Charlie is the assistant to a venture capitalist. As they scheme to create romantic distractions for their bosses, they discover a growing affection for each other. The film blends humor and charm while portraying the challenges of balancing work and personal lives.
A Modern Twist on Shakespeare Set in Boston and Australia
Anyone But You (2023), directed by Will Gluck, offers a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The story centers on Beatrice “Bea” Messina, a Boston University law student played by Sydney Sweeney, who encounters Ben, portrayed by Glen Powell, a Goldman Sachs employee, at a coffee shop. After a misunderstanding causes them to part ways, fate reunites them at the same destination wedding in Australia. To keep their previous meeting under wraps, they pretend to be a couple, reigniting the sparks between them. This film blends wit and romance in a fresh setting and is available for streaming on Netflix.
These seven Glen Powell best Netflix movies and shows offer a diverse range of genres, from historical dramas and animated adventures to romantic comedies and crime thrillers. By exploring these titles, viewers can experience the actor’s dynamic talent and the many facets of his screen presence. Whether seeking intense storytelling or lighthearted entertainment, this lineup provides an engaging introduction to Powell’s growing body of work and promises more compelling roles in the future.
