​The best Danny McBride movies and TV shows showcase his unique brand of humor and versatility as an actor, writer, and producer. Born in 1976 in Georgia, Danny McBride's journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by a series of memorable performances that have cemented his status as a comedic powerhouse. He first gained widespread attention with his role in the 2006 indie film The Foot Fist Way, which he co-wrote and starred in, portraying a deluded martial arts instructor. This breakout performance led to collaborations with prominent figures in comedy and a string of successful projects.

Beyond his on-screen roles, Danny McBride has made significant contributions behind the scenes as a writer and producer. His creative vision has been instrumental in shaping some of the most distinctive comedies of recent years. From his portrayal of brash, larger-than-life characters to his involvement in crafting compelling narratives, McBride's influence is evident across various platforms. His ability to blend outrageous humor with genuine emotion has made his work both relatable and entertaining, and is evident in every single one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows.

10 Your Highness (2011)

Danny McBride Plays Thadeous

Though director David Gordon Green's Your Highness didn’t garner widespread critical acclaim, Danny McBride's performance as the cast lead (playing Thadeous) earned recognition for its comedic commitment and ability to deliver laughs amidst a rather bizarre plot. The film may not have been a box office hit, but it has developed a cult following over the years, with McBride's portrayal of Thadeous frequently cited as the 2011 movie’s highlight. What’s more, Your Highness easily stands as one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows. It perfectly showcases his ability to embrace outrageous and larger-than-life characters.

In Your Highness, Danny McBride stars as Thadeous, a lazy, immature, and cowardly prince who embarks on a quest alongside his heroic brother, played by James Franco, to rescue a kidnapped princess. A blend of medieval fantasy and crude comedy, Your Highness allowed McBride to showcase his typical over-the-top comedic style while navigating a fantastical world filled with magic, monsters, and absurd situations. As Thadeous, McBride perfectly embodies the role of a self-absorbed and reluctant hero. His sharp one-liners, exaggerated mannerisms, and physical comedy make him a standout in a film that is as ridiculous as it is funny.

9 Tropic Thunder (2008)

Danny McBride Plays Cody Underwood

The satirical and Tropic Thunder brought many comedy greats of the 2000s to the same cast, including Danny McBride. McBride plays Cody Underwood in Tropic Thunder, an overzealous pyrotechnics expert working on a chaotic film set. His character's ion for explosions and disregard for safety protocols add layers of absurdity to the film's depiction of Hollywood excess. Danny McBride's comedic timing shines as he interacts with a star-studded cast, including Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr.

While Danny McBride's role is ing, his presence adds to Tropic Thunder’s humor and unpredictability. Tropic Thunder remains a notable entry in McBrides filmography, and demonstrates his ability to enhance ensemble casts with his distinct comedic flair. Of all the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows, few showcase his knack for elevating ing roles into memorable performances quite like Tropic Thunder.

8 Alien: Covenant (2017)

Danny McBride Plays Tennessee

While he’s mostly known for comedy, Danny McBride is far from limited to the genre, as evidenced by 2017’s Alien: Covenant. Danny McBride takes on the role of Tennessee in the sci-fi horror, a rugged and resourceful ship captain who plays a key part in the survival of a crew stranded on a distant planet. Unlike his usual comedic roles, McBride’s portrayal of Tennessee offers a refreshing take on a more grounded, heroic character. His performance is marked by a surprising level of depth and vulnerability, showcasing McBride’s versatility beyond his usual typecasting.

Danny McBride's Tennessee injects a sense of humanity and warmth into the otherwise intense and suspenseful narrative of Alien: Covenant. His ability to balance both humor and tension in a high-stakes, high-drama setting is a testament to his acting range. The 2017 Alien movie received generally positive reviews, with Danny McBride’s performance standing out as one of the more pleasant surprises of the ensemble cast.

7 Up in the Air (2009)

Danny McBride Plays Jim Miller

Danny McBride plays Jim Miller, a groom experiencing cold feet before his wedding, in the critically acclaimed drama Up in the Air, and it’s one of the most celebrated movies he’s been cast in. While bringing humor too, Danny McBride's performance adds a surprising amount of emotional depth to Up in the Air. Like Alien: Covenant, Up in the Air highlights Danny McBride’s range beyond comedic roles. The 2009 movie received multiple award nominations, including six Academy Award nods.

Playing Jim Miller showcased Danny McBride’s ability to handle nuanced characters, and he was a solid counter-balance to George Clooney’s suave and sophisticated Ryan Bingham. Up in the Air stands out as one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows due to how it demonstrates his versatility as an actor, proving early in his career that he’s capable of delivering both comedic and dramatic performances.

6 The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

Danny McBride Plays Rick Mitchell

In the 2021 animated Netflix movie The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Danny McBride voiceS Rick Mitchell, the technophobic father of a quirky family who find themselves humanity's last hope during a robot apocalypse. McBride's vocal performance captures Rick's rugged exterior and heartfelt determination to reconnect with his daughter, Katie. The film's blend of humor, action, and family dynamics resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning a 97% Tomatometer Rating (critical score) on Rotten Tomatoes.

The role of Rick Mitchell allowed Danny McBride to showcase a more wholesome side of his range, contrasting with his typical edgy characters. His heartfelt portrayal of Rick added depth to the film's exploration of familial bonds in the digital age. The Mitchells vs. the Machines stands out as one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows both because of his performance and because it highlights his versatility and ability to adapt his comedic talents to different genres.

5 Vice Principals (2016-2017)

Danny McBride Plays Neal Gamby

While he’s mostly known for his movie roles, Danny McBride has plenty of experience on the small screen too. The 2016-2017 dark comedy series Vice Principals sees Danny McBride as Neal Gamby, an ambitious and morally questionable vice principal at a high school. The show focuses on Gamby and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins) as the two engage in an epic and often absurd battle for the top job of principal. Vice Principals stands out for allowing McBride to explore a more nuanced, albeit dark, comedic role that is both outrageous and relatable.

Vice Principals is filled with hilarious and sometimes cringe-worthy moments, thanks to McBride’s impeccable comedic timing. It was praised for its sharp writing and McBride's performance, with many noting that the show’s edgy humor and unpredictable twists made it a standout. What’s more, Vice Principals delves into McBride's ability to balance absurdity with real emotion, especially when it comes to the personal vendettas and relationships between his and Goggins' characters. The role of Neal Gamby demonstrated McBride’s talent for leading a TV show, solidifying Vice Principals as one of his best projects.

4 Pineapple Express (2008)

Danny McBride Plays Red

Several of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows see him collaborating with the likes of James Franco or Seth Rogen, such as 2008’s Pineapple Express. In the drug-themed comedy, Danny McBride plays Red, a perpetually stoned and hilariously unpredictable dealer who gets caught up in a high-stakes chase after a murder. McBride’s portrayal of Red is chaotic, full of zany energy and brash humor, making him a standout in an ensemble cast.

While Pineapple Express is known for its over-the-top action and clever humor, Danny McBride’s performance provides a unique blend of threat and absurdity. His character is both a source of comedy and unexpected emotional weight, as Red shows surprising loyalty and toughness when faced with dangerous situations. The 2008 movie was a commercial success and became a cult classic, largely due to McBride’s energetic performance and the chemistry between the lead actors. Pineapple Express remains one of McBride’s most beloved roles, and will likely always be considered one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows ever made.

3 Eastbound & Down (2009-2013)

Danny McBride Plays Kenny Powers

Eastbound & Down is perhaps Danny McBride’s most iconic role. As Kenny Powers, a washed-up former Major League Baseball player attempting to make a comeback, McBride delivers an unforgettable performance full of over-the-top arrogance and unfiltered behavior. His portrayal of Powers is both hilarious and tragic, making it one of the best Danny McBride TV shows. The show is a masterclass in dark comedy, filled with crass humor and heart, with McBride effortlessly owning the character’s absurdity.

Eastbound & Down garnered significant critical acclaim, and Danny McBride’s performance won praise for its boldness and commitment to the character. Powers’ journey from arrogance to self-realization, all while navigating complicated relationships and the egos of the people around him, is both outrageous and surprisingly moving. Eastbound & Down earned multiple award nominations, including Golden Globe nominations for Danny McBride, and it remains a fan favorite for its unique blend of cringeworthy comedy and emotional depth.

2 This Is The End (2013)

Danny McBride Plays Himself

Like Pineapple Express, This Is The End finds Danny McBride working with frequent collaborators Seth Rogen and James Franco - only this time, they’re playing themselves. In This Is the End, a star-studded disaster comedy about Hollywood celebrities facing the apocalypse. Danny McBride’s fictionalized version of himself takes his typical outrageous persona to extremes. As a selfish, entitled, and morally questionable character, McBride steals every scene he’s in, often bringing the most laughs with his antics. This Is The End is a hilarious exploration of celebrity egos and survival in a chaotic, end-of-the-world scenario, and McBride’s performance is one of the highlights of the ensemble cast.

The success of This Is the End lies in its ability to make fun of the real-life personas of its actors, and Danny McBride plays along with delightful absurdity. While the film features a strong ensemble, McBride’s comedic timing and fearless portrayal of his over-the-top, self-absorbed character make him one of the standouts. His performance demonstrates his ability to merge his typical comedic style with larger-than-life situations, cementing This Is the End as one of the best Danny McBride movies and TV shows. The film was a box office hit and became a cult classic, thanks in no small part to McBride's unforgettable contribution.

1 The Righteous Gemstones (2019-present)

Danny McBride Plays Jesse Gemstone

Arguably the best Danny McBride movie or TV show has also come most recently in his career. In the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones, Danny McBride plays Jesse Gemstone, the charismatic but deeply corrupt heir to a family-run megachurch. As the show follows the Gemstone family's various scandals and misdeeds, McBride’s portrayal of Jesse stands out for its mixture of brash humor and emotional vulnerability. The Righteous Gemstones, which McBride also created and executive produces, allows him to bring his signature dark humor to a new level, exploring themes of family, religion, and power dynamics.

Danny McBride's performance in The Righteous Gemstones is a masterful blend of absurdity and depth, with Jesse being both a villainous and sympathetic character. McBride injects his usual mix of vulgarity and wit while also delivering moments of surprising emotional gravitas. The show has been met with critical acclaim, particularly for McBride’s writing and portrayal of Jesse. The Righteous Gemstones has proven to be one of the best Danny McBride TV shows, showcasing his talent for blending comedy with poignant moments while exploring the darker sides of human nature - and it’s a flawless example of how he continues to evolve as both an actor and a creator.