Will Poulter. He's one of those actors who just pops up and makes you go, "Oh yeah, him!" He’s got this amazing range, playing everything from totally lovable goofballs to genuinely creepy characters. Seriously, the guy can do it all.
It’s hard to pick just a few, but we’ve narrowed it down to five of his best. These are the movies that really showcase his talent and left us talking. Get ready for some serious movie nostalgia, and maybe a few new recommendations!
1. We're the Millers (2013)
Okay, let's start with a bang. We're the Millers is pure, unadulterated fun. Will Poulter plays Kenny Rossmore, a sweet, slightly clueless kid who gets swept up in a fake family road trip.
He's the heart of the comedy in so many ways. His awkwardness is hilarious, but it's also what makes him so endearing. You just want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be okay, even when he's trying to be a tough guy.
The whole premise is wild: a small-time drug dealer (Jason Sudeikis) has to smuggle weed from Mexico. So, he assembles a fake family to make the trip. Will’s character, Kenny, is the "son" and he’s just trying to navigate this crazy situation.
His innocent reactions to all the mayhem are gold. Remember the RV scenes? Pure chaos, and Will Poulter is right in the middle of it, making you laugh out loud with every bewildered expression and clumsy line delivery. It's a role that cemented him as a comedic talent to watch.
What makes this movie special is the chemistry between the fake family. They start off as strangers, but they actually start to care about each other. Will’s performance is a huge part of that believable, if hilariously forced, family bond. He brings such genuine warmth to Kenny.
This is the perfect movie for a lazy weekend afternoon. It's light, it's funny, and Will Poulter is an absolute joy to watch. You’ll be quoting lines from it for days, trust us!
2. Midsommar (2019)
Now, for something completely different. If We're the Millers was sunshine and laughter, Midsommar is… well, it's a trip. And Will Poulter is absolutely mesmerizing in it.
He plays Mark, a cynical and somewhat detached member of a group of friends who visit a remote Swedish village for a festival. But this is no ordinary festival. It’s a folk horror nightmare, and Mark’s journey is a wild one.
Will Poulter’s performance here is a masterclass in subtle creepiness. He starts off seeming like the typical obnoxious tourist, but as the events unfold, you see something much darker beneath the surface.
His character’s arc is unsettling and incredibly compelling. You can’t take your eyes off him, even when you’re squirming in your seat. He’s got this way of making you feel uneasy, and it's brilliant.
What makes Midsommar so captivating is its unique atmosphere. It's bright and beautiful, but also deeply disturbing. Will Poulter’s portrayal of Mark perfectly embodies that unsettling duality. He’s part of the horror, but also a victim of it in his own way.
This film isn't for the faint of heart, but if you appreciate a truly unique and thought-provoking horror experience, you need to see Will Poulter in action. He truly shines in this unsettling masterpiece.
3. The Maze Runner (2014)
Let’s pick up the pace with some action! In The Maze Runner, Will Poulter takes on the role of Gally. He’s one of the older, more established members of the Glade.
Gally is a tough guy. He’s a natural leader, but he’s also a bit of a skeptic and can be downright antagonistic towards the new kids. Will Poulter plays him with a fierce intensity that’s really captivating.
You might find yourself yelling at the screen at him sometimes, and that’s a testament to how well he plays this complex character. He’s not just a villain; he’s someone with his own motivations and fears.
The story is about a group of teenagers who wake up with amnesia in a mysterious place called the Glade. They have to figure out how to escape a giant, deadly maze. Gally is a key player in their struggle.
What makes this movie exciting is the mystery and the non-stop action. Will Poulter’s Gally adds a layer of conflict and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. His confrontations with Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) are particularly memorable.
This is a fantastic sci-fi adventure that will keep you guessing. Will Poulter’s performance as Gally is a standout, making him a formidable force in the world of the Maze.
4. The Kid (2019)
Time for something a bit more dramatic. The Kid is a Western that offers a grittier, more serious side to Will Poulter's acting.
He plays "The Kid" himself, a young outlaw who finds himself in the crosshairs of a sheriff (Chris Pratt) trying to protect his son. It's a role that requires a lot of intensity and nuance.
Will Poulter delivers a performance that is both menacing and surprisingly vulnerable. You can see the struggle in his eyes, the internal conflict of a character living a dangerous life.
This film showcases his ability to transform into different characters. He’s not afraid to dive into darker, more challenging roles, and he absolutely nails it here.
The story is a classic Western tale of survival and redemption. The cinematography is beautiful, and the performances are top-notch. Will Poulter’s Kid is a central figure in this compelling narrative.
If you’re looking for a film that highlights Will Poulter’s dramatic range and his talent for embodying troubled characters, The Kid is a must-watch. He brings a raw power to the role.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
And finally, let’s end with a bang that’s both funny and deeply emotional. Will Poulter joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
This is a character who’s essentially a god-like being, created for destruction. But as he interacts with the Guardians, we see a different side emerge. Will Poulter plays him with a fantastic blend of childlike confusion and immense power.
He’s incredibly entertaining to watch as Adam Warlock tries to figure out the world and his place in it. His initial attempts at understanding emotions and relationships are hilarious, but also strangely touching.
The film itself is a fitting farewell to the beloved Guardians team. It's packed with action, humor, and those signature emotional gut punches that Marvel is known for. Adam Warlock is a significant part of that journey.
What makes this performance so special is how Will Poulter manages to make a character who could be incredibly off-putting into someone you actually root for. He injects a real humanity into this super-powered being.
Whether he’s trying to fight the Guardians or awkwardly trying to make friends, Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock is a highlight of the film. It’s a performance that’s both visually spectacular and emotionally resonant. A perfect capstone to this list!
So there you have it! Five fantastic films that show just how brilliant Will Poulter is. We hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next movie night!
