Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo: his best film roles

When Mark Ruffalo first appeared on stage, he was immediately compared to Marlon Brando. It's easy to connect between them - Mark is talented, charming and has the ability to portray complex characters just like his predecessor. Moreover, Ruffalo even studied in the studio of Stella Adler, Brando’s favorite teacher. “I’ve never been more excited when I decided to go on this journey,” Mark admitted when asked about his acting career.

For almost 40 years, he has built an impressive career in Hollywood, proving his uniqueness in that he easily moves between genres - he is good in both melodramas and comic films, in dramatic thrillers and screwball comedies. On February 8, he received his fifth Oscar nomination for the film “The Lost and Lost” and at the same time a star on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. In this review, we will get acquainted with the rating of the actor’s on-screen transformations.

"Foxcatcher" (2014)

After the tragicomedy “The Kids Are All Right” (2010), this is Ruffalo’s second Oscar nomination. Mark showed his character, Olympic champion Dave Schultz, who is eventually killed by millionaire John Dupont, as a loyal family man and a talented athlete, which added even more tragedy to the story.

"We Don't Live Here Anymore" (2004)

In this dark drama from John Curran, Ruffalo gives an acting masterclass with co-star Laura Dern. They portray spouses whose feelings have long since cooled, but none of them is able to break the vicious circle. A kaleidoscope of changing emotions and the virtuoso work of the actors keep you in suspense throughout the entire hour and a half of screen time.

"From 13 to 30" (2004)

Before filming this rom-com, Mark was better known for serious dramatic roles. The film gave him the opportunity to show the comedic side of his talent. And according to partner Jennifer Garner, loosen up. Particularly significant was the work on the dance scene to Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller,” which Ruffalo zealously refused at first, but eventually became the audience’s favorite.

"Spotlight" (2015)

Ruffalo brought a signature combination of grit and empathy to the role of Boston Globe reporter Michael Rezendes. Together with his colleagues, he began an investigation into sexual crimes committed by priests of the Roman Catholic Church. As director Tom McCarthy said, “Mark just has this energy. A kind of self-confidence. You can immediately feel it as a vibration. I think Ruffalo captured it to perfection."

"The Poor Miserables" (2023)

Ruffalo spoke candidly about the fear he felt when accepting the role of lawyer Duncan Wedderburn in this fantastic, screwball tragicomedy. Mark even suggested that director Yorgos Lanthimos look for another actor for the role. But, in the end, the transition from libertine to obsessed stalker played such a role that the work on the film became one of the most outstanding in his career.

"The Avengers" (2012)

Marvel fans appreciated his Hulk's non-trivial sense of humor as soon as Mark appeared on screen in this role. Well, the friendly interaction with Iron Man of Robert Downey Jr. made Ruffalo a favorite. “I actually got to play five different versions of two characters and add a big and important part of myself to each of them,” the actor told Variety.

"You Can Count on Me" (2000)

The role became Ruffalo's breakthrough into big cinema. Aimless, but understanding, Terry is going through hard times, but tries to help his sister and nephew until he is arrested. The evolution of his hero is also interesting to watch because it entails serious challenges for the whole family.