Ranking the 10 Best Movies of Ty Burrell

Ty Burrell has solidified his position as one of America’s beloved television fathers. His iconic performance as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family showcased his unique blend of quirky humor and heartfelt moments, leading him to become a recognizable figure in sitcom history. However, his talents extend far beyond the television screen—Burrell boasts a remarkable film career that includes a surprising role in Black Hawk Down, where he reveals a more serious side of his acting ability. Amidst the film’s high-stakes environment, Burrell demonstrated the depth of his versatility as an actor.

While Burrell’s portrayal of Phil Dunphy is undeniably his most famous role, it is not the only highlight of his career. He has also lent his voice to characters in animated classics like Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Finding Dory, which further emphasizes his diverse skill set. With many memorable performances, it can be challenging to narrow down his top 10 movies. Nevertheless, his ability to navigate different genres and character types makes Ty Burrell a fascinating actor worthy of exploration.

10 Finding Dory

As Bailey (2016)

In Pixar’s animated feature Finding Dory, Burrell’s distinctive humor shines through without the need for physical presence. He voices Bailey, an endearingly awkward beluga whale, whose self-deprecating charm adds a delightful layer to the film. Burrell’s character creates a heartwarming subplot, making him a standout member of the ensemble cast. His clever dialogue and warm rapport with other characters significantly contribute to the film’s overall success.

His knack for portraying an awkward yet relatable character mirrors his role in Modern Family, ensuring fans can see similarities between Bailey and Phil Dunphy. This fascinating interplay of personality types showcases Burrell’s unique ability to bring warmth and humor to diverse roles.

9 Mr. Peabody & Sherman

As Mr. Peabody

In 2014, Burrell took on the role of Mr. Peabody in the animated film Mr. Peabody & Sherman. This highly intelligent dog—and adoptive father—carries Burrell’s signature blend of wit and personality. The film ingeniously juxtaposes Peabody’s intellectualism with a touch of parental clumsiness. Burrell’s performance captures the heart of the character, especially during comedic historical adventures that involve figures like King Tut and Leonardo da Vinci.

Initially uncertain about stepping into this well-loved role, Burrell ultimately made Peabody his own, showcasing his comedic talent through clever puns and quick humor. This film reinforces Burrell’s ability to create relatable characters that balance intelligence with charm, making his portrayal of an animated father figure memorable.

8 Muppets Most Wanted

As Jean Pierre Napoleon

In Muppets Most Wanted, Burrell embodies Jean Pierre Napoleon, a flamboyant Interpol agent. His performance brings both flair and comical incompetence, showcasing Burrell’s talent for physical comedy. This role highlights his ability to deliver genuine laughter while supporting the larger Muppets ensemble, thus proving that over-the-top comedy can thrive without overshadowing the film’s charm.

Napoleon’s amusing interactions with Sam become pivotal moments in the film, providing a captivating mix of absurdity and comedic precision. Burrell effectively reinvents his characteristics within this eccentric character, making his role an unforgettable piece of the comedic ensemble.

7 Black Hawk Down

As Wilkinson

Stepping into a more dramatic role, Burrell portrays Timothy A. Wilkinson in Black Hawk Down. This film presents a stark contrast to his comedic career, allowing him to explore the weighty realities of war through a grounded performance. Although his screen time is limited, Burrell ensures each moment resonates, effectively conveying the tense atmosphere surrounding his character.

Burrell’s portrayal in this serious film emphasizes his versatility as an actor, making it a standout point in his career. Viewers familiar with his comedic work often find it surprising to see Burrell tackle such complex themes, revealing the expansive range of his abilities in contrast to a beloved comedic persona.

6 Storks

As Henry Gardner

In the animated film Storks, Burrell plays Henry Gardner, a work-driven father seeking to bridge the gap between his professional and personal life. His relatable portrayal resonates with audiences, adeptly representing the challenges of modern parenthood through heartfelt humor and genuine delivery. The chemistry he shares with Jennifer Aniston adds another emotional layer, enhancing the film’s narrative.

Burrell’s role may be supporting, yet his performance infuses the storyline with sincerity that stands out amid the animated mayhem. This reinforces his ability to convey emotional nuances, allowing him to easily transition from comedy to heartfelt moments in family-friendly films.

5 Rough Night

As Pietro

Taking on a remarkably different tone in Rough Night, Burrell appears as Pietro, a wealthy and eccentric neighbor. This role allows him to venture into adult humor, providing a delightful contrast to his previous characters. His comedic interactions with lead actors, including Scarlett Johansson and Kate McKinnon, infuse the film with unexpected hilarity and wit.

A key comedic scene involves Pietro’s enthusiastic participation in a party game, illustrating Burrell’s impeccable comedic timing and ability to navigate risqué humor. This departure from the innocent charm of Phil Dunphy offers fans a chance to experience his versatility in new, unfiltered ways.

4 The Incredible Hulk

As Leonard Samson

Burrell’s contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe occurs as Dr. Leonard Samson, a psychiatrist in The Incredible Hulk. His presence, though brief, adds depth to the narrative surrounding Bruce Banner’s struggle with his darker side. While the film features extensive CGI, Burrell’s nuanced performance provides a refreshing glimpse of normalcy.

The potential for an expanded narrative featuring Burrell’s character as Doc Samson has sparked audience curiosity, with imaginative memes portraying his gamma-powered alter ego. Despite limited appearances, Burrell’s brief foray into superhero territory showcases his adaptability across genres—something fans of both Burrell and the MCU embrace.

3 The Skeleton Twins

As Rich Levitt

In The Skeleton Twins, Burrell takes on a morally complex role as Rich Levitt, a high school teacher navigating his troubled past. His compelling interactions with Bill Hader’s character capture the intricacies of their shared history, allowing Burrell to explore deeper emotional themes.

One notable scene unfolds in a bookstore, where buried emotions surface in a tension-filled conversation between Rich and Milo. This role showcases Burrell’s ability to convey significant emotional depth—an impressive deviation from his comedic roots. His capacity to embody layered characters highlights his versatility, further establishing him as a multifaceted actor capable of tackling poignant human experiences.

2 Butter

As Bob Pickler

Burrell takes a whimsical turn in Butter, portraying Bob Pickler, a competitive butter carver whose obsession sets off chaos in a small town. His humorous take on Midwestern culture shines through as he navigates a delightfully quirky script. Burrell’s comedic finesse elevates this satirical narrative, making him an utterly unforgettable lead.

A particularly funny moment involves Burrell coaching his wife in butter carving, showcasing both humor and heartfelt moments. Butter exemplifies the fun, cult classic paths many actors take, and Burrell crafts a memorable character embedded in the absurdity of small-town rivalry.

1 Dawn of the Dead

As Steve Marcus

In the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, Burrell portrays Steve Marcus, a sarcastic survivor amidst a zombie apocalypse. This role highlights his unique ability to merge humor with horror, presenting an anti-hero who oscillates between comic relief and gritty survival instincts. Steve’s dry wit juxtaposes the film’s intensity, adding depth to the narrative.

Burrell’s talent for character contrasts fosters humor, leading to amusing comparisons between Steve and Phil Dunphy. The film gives audiences a rare chance to see Burrell thrive in a darker comedic space, further demonstrating his exceptional range as an actor. His memorable portrayal continues to resonate with fans, signifying a performance that is both unexpected and engaging.

Source & Images