Will Arnett occupies a fascinating space in modern Hollywood, where razor-sharp comedy, voice-acting iconography, and scene-stealing supporting turns collide. While he’s often associated with television landmarks and animated franchises, his movie career tells a more nuanced story—one shaped by cult favorites, unexpected critical darlings, and films that aged better than their opening-weekend buzz suggested. A Rotten Tomatoes ranking helps separate the genuinely acclaimed from the merely familiar.
Arnett’s filmography also reflects how comedy performers are evaluated over time, especially those who thrive in ensembles or behind a microphone. From animated blockbusters to offbeat studio comedies, his best-reviewed films highlight not just jokes landed, but performances that elevated the material or helped define the tone of the movie itself. Critical consensus becomes a useful lens for understanding which projects resonated beyond fan loyalty.
Ranking Will Arnett’s 10 best movies by Rotten Tomatoes isn’t about diminishing his cult appeal—it’s about spotlighting where his work connected most strongly with critics and audiences alike. These films reveal how his deadpan delivery, vocal precision, and comic timing translated into lasting cinematic value. What follows is a critical roadmap through the movies that best represent Arnett’s impact on the big screen.
How This Ranking Was Determined: Rotten Tomatoes Scores, Roles, and Critical Consensus
Establishing a definitive ranking for Will Arnett’s best movies requires more than simply lining up percentages. This list prioritizes Rotten Tomatoes scores as the primary metric, but those numbers are contextualized by the size of Arnett’s role, the nature of the performance, and how critics responded to the film as a complete work. The goal is to reflect both critical approval and meaningful career impact.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores as the Foundation
Each entry is ranked according to its Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score, using the most up-to-date figures available. When scores were close or identical, critical consensus summaries and review volume were factored in to determine which films demonstrated broader or more sustained critical support. Audience scores were considered for context but did not outweigh critical reception.
Defining a “Will Arnett Movie”
Arnett’s career spans leading roles, ensemble comedies, animated features, and high-profile voice performances, all of which are eligible here. Voice roles were included when his performance was central to the film’s identity or widely cited in reviews, acknowledging how integral his vocal work has been to his movie legacy. Brief cameos or uncredited appearances were excluded to keep the focus on substantive contributions.
Performance Impact and Role Significance
Not all roles carry equal weight, even within well-reviewed films. Greater consideration was given to movies where Arnett’s presence shaped the tone, comedy, or emotional rhythm of the project, whether as a lead, a key supporting player, or an iconic animated character. Films where critics specifically highlighted his performance received an added boost in placement.
Reading the Critical Consensus
Beyond raw scores, this ranking examines what critics actually said about each movie. Films that earned praise for smart writing, strong ensemble chemistry, or enduring rewatch value were favored over those buoyed by novelty or franchise momentum alone. The result is a list that reflects not just approval, but why these movies continue to stand out within Will Arnett’s diverse and often underestimated filmography.
The Honorable Mentions and Near-Misses That Just Missed the Top 10
Not every well-reviewed Will Arnett project could crack the final list, especially when role size, ensemble weight, or franchise context softened the impact of otherwise solid critical reception. These near-misses still represent important pieces of his filmography, either as commercial milestones, cult favorites, or performances that quietly underscore his versatility.
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
With a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering in the mid-70s, Despicable Me 2 remains a critical and commercial success, but it narrowly misses the Top 10 due to Arnett’s reduced narrative importance. His vocal turn as Mr. Perkins is amusingly gruff and effective, yet the sequel shifts its focus away from the sharper comedic edges that defined the original. Critics generally found the film pleasant rather than inspired, which ultimately limited its ranking despite its popularity.
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
DreamWorks’ animated ensemble earned respectable reviews, landing in the low-to-mid 70% range on Rotten Tomatoes. Arnett’s self-absorbed superhero The Missing Link is a clear standout, and many critics cited his voice performance as one of the film’s comedic highlights. Still, the movie’s reliance on broad family-friendly humor kept it from achieving the kind of critical distinction needed to place higher.
Next Gen (2018)
One of Arnett’s more overlooked animated features, Next Gen boasts a strong Rotten Tomatoes score around the 80% mark and a surprisingly thoughtful sci‑fi narrative. Arnett voices the antagonist, delivering a restrained and menacing performance that contrasts nicely with his usual comedic bravado. Its limited theatrical footprint and lower cultural visibility worked against it, keeping it just outside the Top 10 despite favorable reviews.
Blades of Glory (2007)
A cult comedy staple with a Rotten Tomatoes score in the high 60s, Blades of Glory is often remembered fondly for its absurd commitment and over-the-top performances. Arnett’s skating villain Stranz Van Waldenberg is gloriously ridiculous and frequently quoted, but the film’s mixed critical reception prevented it from ranking alongside his most acclaimed work. Its legacy is more comedic endurance than critical praise.
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
While still financially successful, the third entry in the franchise saw a noticeable dip in critical enthusiasm, landing closer to the borderline-fresh range. Arnett’s role remains reliable, but the film itself was widely viewed as overstuffed and less inventive. It stands as a reminder that franchise longevity doesn’t always translate to sustained critical approval, even with a dependable performer in the mix.
Ranking the Bottom Half (10–6): Early Roles, Voice Work, and Scene-Stealers
The lower half of Will Arnett’s Rotten Tomatoes Top 10 is defined less by leading-man prestige and more by smart casting, memorable supporting turns, and voice work that often outshines the material around him. These films may not represent the peak of his critical acclaim, but they showcase the building blocks of the persona that would later make him indispensable to modern comedy. From cult favorites to reliable franchise entries, each earns its place through impact rather than dominance.
#10 – Despicable Me 3 (2017)
By the third installment, critics largely agreed the Despicable Me formula was showing strain, resulting in a borderline-fresh Rotten Tomatoes score. Arnett’s contribution remains solid, offering consistency and vocal charisma in a film otherwise criticized for juggling too many subplots. Its ranking reflects franchise fatigue more than any shortcoming on his part, making it the weakest of his major animated successes.
#9 – Blades of Glory (2007)
Sitting in the high-60% range, Blades of Glory is a comedy whose reputation has aged better than its initial reviews. Arnett’s Stranz Van Waldenberg is a scene-stealing antagonist, delivering operatic absurdity that many critics singled out as the film’s comic backbone. While the movie itself divided reviewers, his performance has become one of its most enduring elements.
#8 – Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
DreamWorks’ animated ensemble landed comfortably fresh, though rarely inspired critical enthusiasm beyond its cast. Arnett’s narcissistic superhero The Missing Link is a clear highlight, with reviewers frequently praising his timing and delivery. The film’s reliance on broad humor keeps it from ranking higher, but his voice work remains one of its most cited strengths.
#7 – Hot Rod (2007)
A box office disappointment with a lukewarm Rotten Tomatoes score, Hot Rod has since evolved into a full-fledged cult comedy. Arnett’s role as the cruel, hyper-masculine stepfather is both vicious and hilarious, foreshadowing the abrasive authority figures he would later perfect on television. Its placement reflects critical ambivalence at the time, not the film’s long-term cultural footprint.
#6 – The Rocker (2008)
An early starring vehicle that struggled critically, The Rocker nonetheless benefits from Arnett’s commitment to a fundamentally silly premise. Critics were mixed on the film’s tone, but many acknowledged his enthusiasm and physical comedy as key assets. It lands at number six less as a forgotten misfire and more as an example of Arnett honing his big-screen persona before his most acclaimed work arrived.
Ranking the Top Tier (5–2): Career-Defining Performances and Critical Favorites
With the lower half of the list reflecting cult hits and uneven crowd-pleasers, the next tier represents a noticeable leap in critical approval. These are the films where Arnett’s comedic instincts align with sharper scripts, stronger ensembles, or cultural moments that reviewers embraced. Each entry marks a step closer to his most widely respected screen work.
#5 – Despicable Me (2010)
Landing firmly in fresh territory, Despicable Me marked a turning point in Arnett’s film career. As the arrogant, self-obsessed villain Vector, he delivered one of modern animation’s most quotable antagonists, balancing smugness with cartoonish vulnerability. Critics praised the film’s heart and invention, often citing Arnett’s performance as a standout among a deep voice cast.
Beyond the Rotten Tomatoes score, Vector became a pop culture fixture, helping cement Arnett as a go-to voice actor for high-profile animated franchises. It’s a performance that showcased his ability to dominate scenes without overpowering the story, a skill that would define much of his later work.
#4 – Despicable Me 2 (2013)
The sequel earned even stronger reviews, benefiting from a more confident tone and a fully established world. Arnett’s return as Vector may be brief, but his impact lingers, and critics noted how effectively the film balanced returning characters with new additions. The higher score reflects a franchise firing on all cylinders rather than resting on its success.
While Despicable Me 2 isn’t built around him, its placement here underscores how integral his contribution was to the series’ identity. Arnett’s vocal performance helped set the comedic rhythm that carried the sequel to both critical and commercial highs.
#3 – The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
Critically praised for its meta-humor and emotional ambition, The LEGO Movie 2 maintained the franchise’s strong Rotten Tomatoes standing. Arnett once again pulled double duty, voicing both Batman and the darker, self-serious Rex Dangervest, a role that let him satirize his own tough-guy persona. Reviewers highlighted his performances as central to the film’s thematic core.
While some critics felt the sequel lacked the surprise of the original, Arnett’s work was consistently singled out as a major strength. His ability to inject sincerity into layers of irony helped elevate the film beyond a standard animated follow-up.
#2 – The LEGO Movie (2014)
Near the top of Arnett’s Rotten Tomatoes rankings sits one of the most acclaimed animated films of the decade. The LEGO Movie was celebrated for its creativity, wit, and emotional intelligence, with Arnett’s Batman quickly emerging as a fan favorite. Critics praised how he reimagined the iconic character as a hilariously insecure parody of modern blockbuster masculinity.
This performance became instantly definitive, spawning its own spin-off and reshaping how audiences viewed comedic takes on Batman. Its placement at number two reflects both critical consensus and the lasting influence of Arnett’s take on one of pop culture’s most enduring heroes.
The #1 Best Will Arnett Movie: Why Critics Crowned It His Highest-Rated Film
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
At the very top of Will Arnett’s Rotten Tomatoes rankings sits The Mitchells vs. the Machines, a critically adored animated film that earned near-universal praise for its originality, heart, and visual inventiveness. The film debuted to ecstatic reviews, with critics celebrating its blend of absurd comedy and genuine emotional insight, ultimately securing the highest score of any movie in Arnett’s filmography. Its placement at number one reflects consensus admiration rather than niche enthusiasm.
Arnett voices Rick Mitchell, a stubborn, tech-averse father whose worldview is challenged during a family road trip gone spectacularly wrong. Critics highlighted how Arnett subverted his usual fast-talking, hyper-confident persona, instead leaning into insecurity, frustration, and emotional vulnerability. The performance showcased a different dimension of his comedic skill, grounded more in character truth than punchlines.
What resonated most with reviewers was how essential Arnett’s performance was to the film’s emotional arc. Rick’s strained relationship with his daughter serves as the story’s backbone, and Arnett’s ability to balance humor with sincerity gave the film its surprising emotional weight. Many critics noted that without such a committed vocal performance, the movie’s heartfelt themes might not have landed as powerfully.
Beyond individual performances, The Mitchells vs. the Machines was praised as a milestone in modern animation, blending frenetic visual storytelling with deeply human concerns about connection and technology. Arnett’s role anchored the chaos, providing a relatable emotional center amid the film’s inventive excess. That combination of critical acclaim, cultural impact, and a standout performance makes this animated triumph the clear number one in Will Arnett’s Rotten Tomatoes rankings.
Voice Acting vs. Live-Action: How Animation Became Arnett’s Critical Sweet Spot
Will Arnett’s Rotten Tomatoes rankings reveal a clear pattern: his most acclaimed film performances overwhelmingly come from animation. While his live-action work often leans into broad comedy or supporting roles, his animated films consistently earn stronger reviews and higher placement among his best-rated projects. Critics have repeatedly responded to how his voice work sharpens character rather than overwhelming it.
This trend isn’t accidental. Animation allows Arnett to refine the qualities he’s known for—dry wit, arrogance, emotional repression—without the physicality that sometimes locks his live-action roles into a single comedic gear. Stripped of on-screen persona, his performances tend to land with more precision and surprising depth.
Why Arnett Thrives Behind the Microphone
Arnett’s voice naturally conveys authority and insecurity at the same time, a duality that animation exploits beautifully. In films like The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie, critics praised how he turned familiar archetypes into layered, self-aware characters. His Batman, in particular, became a critical standout by leaning into insecurity and loneliness beneath the bravado.
Reviewers often note that Arnett’s vocal performances feel more character-driven than joke-driven. Rather than racing toward punchlines, he lets pauses, inflection, and subtle shifts in tone carry emotional meaning. That restraint tends to resonate strongly with critics evaluating animated storytelling.
Live-Action Success, but Fewer Critical Peaks
Arnett’s live-action filmography includes memorable roles, but fewer consistently high Rotten Tomatoes scores. Many of his live-action movies skew toward broad studio comedies, which historically face tougher critical scrutiny. Even when his performances are praised, the films themselves often limit how high they can climb in rankings.
In animation, however, Arnett frequently finds himself in projects with stronger scripts, more inventive storytelling, and greater critical ambition. That combination elevates not just the films, but his place within them.
Animation as the Foundation of His Top Rankings
Looking at Arnett’s top ten movies by Rotten Tomatoes, animation dominates the upper tier. The Mitchells vs. the Machines at number one isn’t an outlier—it’s the culmination of a pattern that includes The Lego Movie and its spinoffs earning sustained critical admiration. These films highlight how integral Arnett’s performances are to their success.
For critics, animation has become the space where Will Arnett consistently delivers his most impactful, best-reviewed work. It’s where his comedic instincts meet emotional clarity, resulting in performances that elevate entire films rather than simply supporting them.
What This Ranking Reveals About Will Arnett’s Career — and Where to Start Watching
Taken as a whole, this ranking tells a clear story about Will Arnett’s strengths and how critics have come to appreciate his work. His highest-rated films aren’t defined by screen time or star billing, but by how effectively his voice, timing, and emotional restraint serve the story. When placed in projects with strong creative direction, Arnett consistently elevates the material.
Rather than chasing traditional leading-man status in film, Arnett has carved out a niche that values character over spotlight. His best-reviewed movies are often ensemble-driven, animated, or structurally inventive, allowing him to sharpen a persona that blends bravado with vulnerability. Critics respond not just to his humor, but to the self-awareness he brings to it.
Animation Is Where His Legacy Is Strongest
This ranking reinforces that animation isn’t a side chapter in Arnett’s career—it’s the foundation of his critical reputation. Films like The Mitchells vs. the Machines and The Lego Movie showcase how effectively he can anchor emotionally resonant stories without dominating them. His performances add texture and sincerity to worlds that could easily lean on spectacle alone.
Arnett’s voice work thrives because it trusts the audience to pick up on nuance. Instead of pushing jokes, he lets insecurity, ego, and quiet warmth coexist within a single character. That balance is exactly what critics tend to reward, especially in animated films aiming for both laughs and heart.
Live-Action Peaks Are More Selective, Not Absent
While live-action comedies make up much of Arnett’s filmography, this list shows that critical success comes when those projects push beyond formula. His higher-ranked live-action films benefit from sharper writing, stronger ensemble dynamics, or more satirical intent. Even then, he often shines most as a supporting force rather than the sole engine of the film.
That doesn’t diminish his live-action impact—it reframes it. Arnett is at his best when he complements a larger comedic ecosystem, whether that’s a tightly written indie comedy or a studio project willing to take creative risks.
Where New Viewers Should Start
If you’re new to Will Arnett’s work, this ranking offers a clear roadmap. The Mitchells vs. the Machines is the ideal entry point, capturing his emotional range and comedic instincts at their peak. From there, The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie provide a fuller picture of how he transforms familiar archetypes into something surprisingly personal.
For live-action fans, his higher-ranked films on this list are worth seeking out precisely because they showcase him in more controlled, thoughtfully constructed environments. These are the movies where critics felt his talents were fully utilized.
Ultimately, this ranking reveals a career built on precision rather than volume. Will Arnett’s best movies succeed because they understand what he does better than almost anyone else: blending confidence and insecurity into performances that feel funny, human, and quietly enduring.