American actorAlan Ritchsonhas caught major public attention for his title role inReacher. The Amazon Prime Video crime thriller proved to be a major success, garnering a 90% approval score from both audiences and critics onRotten Tomatoes. Season two has been a big hit on Prime Video since it aired in December 2023; it followed a big year for the actor as he played a major role inFast X. Ritchson has come a long way from his early career, where he started off as a model and then a contestant onAmerican Idolseason 3. He then made both a literal and figurative splash onSmallvilleplaying the legendary DC hero Aquaman, and since then, he has gone on to have an impressive career playing a number of iconic heroes and villains.
Now a seasoned film and television actor, Ritchson has finally been receiving recognition when he was previously relatively overlooked. He has appeared in series such asHawaii Five-0,CSI: Miami,90210, andBlack Mirror. The actor was also Gloss inThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Ritchson even produced, co-wrote, acted in, and directed Lionsgate’sDark Web: Cicada 3301in 2021. Ritchson has quite a few projects in the works, but until then, here’s a look at his best performances, ranked.
Update July 16, 2025: This article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with more of Alan Ritchson’s best performances in film and television, including where you’re able to steam each title.
10The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
The second (and inarguably the best) movie inThe Hunger Gamesfranchise sees Katniss Everdeen and her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark have returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Still not cured of the horrors of the arena and the guilt of killing others, Katniss abhors the idea of going on Victor’s Tour of the District. The Capitol sees her impact as Mockingjay and the rebellion she causes and announces the 75th Hunger Games, or the Quarter Quell, where living winners of previous games are thrown back in the arena to fight to death.
Ritchon Poses A Threat In The Hunger Games Arena
InThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Alan Ritchson plays Gloss, a Career Tribute from District 1 and the previous victor of the 63rd Hunger Games. He brings both fear and physicality with his buckled-up frame and experience of winning the games before. Under Francis Lawrence’s sublime direction, he delivers a dangerously alluring performance, with his sly eyes, knowing smirk, and a massive tank like presence that pits him as an unstopable killer. Obviously, it’s not the biggest role, but it’s one where Ritchson can truly play up being a villain.Stream on DirecTV
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
9Blood Drive (2017)
The 2017 Syfy action seriesBlood Drivecast Alan Ritchson in the lead role of Los Angeles Police Department officer Arthur Bailey.Blood Drivewas set in an alternate, dystopian universe where the US economy has collapsed, and crime runs rampant. As the world falls apart, both water and gasoline become more and more difficult to acquire. Arthur Bailey teams up with a street racer named Grace, participating in a do-or-die race. But the race through the Blood Drive ran on human blood, not gasoline. Racers who finished last were killed in gruesome ways.
Revving Up The Intensity
Before he stunned us all inReacher, Ritchson took on the complex role of a cop in a brutal, bloodthirsty world. His character had a commanding presence and was always on his toes, trying to survive the treacherous race at all cost. Scenes of the actor behind the wheel showcased his emotional nuance and physical prowess in equal capacity. At one point, Arthur Bailey and Grace were put to the ultimate test as they competed against other racers with very violent tendencies. The series is quite fun and bingeable and another strong title in Ritchson’s body of work.Buy on Google Play
Blood Drive
8Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
The characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman have long been fan favorites for their capacity to deliver thrills and laughs in equal proportion. While not as phenomenal as 2023’sTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, this onebrings back the beloved groupof pizza and fighting-obsessed turtle brothers – Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michaelangelo – to stop Shredder and the Foot Clan from going through with their insidious plan of unleashing chaos upon New York City. When reporter April O’Neil stumbles upon them, they team up for an explosive showdown.
Ritchson Adds An Edge To Raphael’s Raw Muscle and Attitude
InTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Alan Ritchson voices Raphael, the second oldest brother in the group. He brings an intensity to Raphael’s brooding personality. Audiences get a good understanding of Ralph’s angst, fierce loyalty, and courage in his character. Ritchson would reprise his role in the 2016 sequel,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, which played up the conflict between him and his brother, Leonardo. While this version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a controversial one among fans, Ritchson’s depiction of Raphael was right in line with what fans expected from the character.Stream on Prime Video
7Fast X (2023)
The blockbusterFast & Furiousfranchise is known mainly for its entertainment value.Fast Xis the recent installment in the action/crime film series that sees Dominic Toretto and his family outsmarting several enemies and the law. Now, when the Agency calls them to secure a computer chip while it’s on the move, he faces his biggest foe yet – Dante Reyes, the son of a drug lord. Dante tests Dom and his family like never before until he’s forced to unite with others and bring him down.
Related:Reacher Showrunner Explains Why Alan Ritchson Is Perfect as Jack Reacher
Ritchson’s Memorable Feat As Agent Aimes
Playing Agent Aimes, the Agency’s de facto leader since the former leader’s disappearance, Alan Ritchson manages to leave an indelible mark on the viewers. Despite the film (and the franchise) overflowing with big names and small, he adds subtlety and nuance and showcases the same charm in intricate action sequences. He begins to assert himself after teaming up with Dom to take down Dante, but when his true motives are revealed, the audiences are mesmerized by his layered persona. There is also the fun-meta narrative that Ritchson gets to work alongside Jason Momoa, as both actors have played Aquaman.Stream on Prime Video
Fast & Furious 10
6Black Mirror (2011 - Present)
Netflix’sBlack Mirroris an anthology series created primarily by Charlie Brooker. Every season contains a bunch of individual episodes set in a dystopian future, where mankind is so dependent on cutting-edge technology that they’re oblivious to its manipulations and consequences. “Nosedive,” which is the first episode of Season 3, is one of the many disturbing and prescient episodes of the series. It follows Lacie Pound (Bryce Dallas Howard), a desperate and insecure office worker thrilled to be invited to a swanky wedding because it would increase her chances of getting a higher rating than her current 4.2. Obviously, the event spirals out of control.
Alan Delivers a Cautionary Turn As Paul
With a show thatfeatures a band of diverse cast members, it is impossible to stand out among the rest. However, Alan Ritchon achieves success and recognition in the role of Paul, the husband of Lacie Pound (Bryce Dallas Howard). Apparently, in a society that rates people on the scale of 1 to 5, Naomi (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) finds herself at the top, which leaves room for Ritchson’s Paul to show up repeatedly throughout the episode. His delicate and thought-provoking supporting role in the critically acclaimed series showcased his desire to take up more sci-fi roles while also showcasing him outside of the action genre and in a more character-centric piece.Stream on Netflix
Black Mirror
5Above the Shadows (2019)
Before playing Reacher, Alan Ritchson was disgraced MMA fighter Shayne Blackwell inAbove the Shadows. The film blended romance with the supernatural, following a young woman named Holly (Olivia Thirlby) who had become invisible to the world. Holly was only able to be seen by Shayne, and the two connected with and helped each other through their struggles. Above the Shadows explored Holly and Shayne’s dynamic in a very interesting way, which evolved into a romantic relationship.
Underrated Fantasy That Packs A Punch
Anon-horror storyabout an invisible woman might be a hard sell for some, but Thirlby and Ritchson managed to effectively bring their characters to life. While Thirby is definitely the scene stealer, it is Ritchson who displays an amazing ability to shapeshift into a promising and determined leading man by combining his artistic chops for the role. Ritchson has always had the dramatic chops to play emotionally complex, struggling human beings who are also fighters. That kind of skill has perhaps allowed Ritchson to play a romantic interest with ease.Stream on Prime Video
4Blue Mountain State (2010 - 2011)
Alan Ritchson’s role in the sitcomBlue Mountain Statewas certainly very different from the rest of his filmography.Blue Mountain Statepresented an exaggerated, over-the-top version of the sports, partying, drugs, and sex people often associate with American universities. Ritchson played Kevin “Thad” Devlin Castle, a college linebacker and later captain of his football team. Thad was a super brash, energetic, and silly character with an unusually high-pitched scream.
He’s Scored a Fun-Loving Character Too!
Thad was easily the most memorable character inBlue Mountain State, and made the show crazier and funnier than it had any right to be. The role showed Ritchson’s impressive acting range as well as his natural comedic talent and took him to the next level of stardom, showing he was more than a commanding presence but really funny. Ritchson reprised his role as Thad for theBlue Mountain Statemovie, 2016’sThe Rise of Thadland. As the title makes clear, he is the star attraction of the film.Stream on The CW
Blue Mountain State
3Smallville (2001 - 2011)
Another famous TV show that Alan Ritchson has starred in isSmallville, aDC Comics-based superhero seriesthat follows the adventure of a young Clark Kent. Across ten seasons, audiences watch Clark Kent grow up and see what leads him down the path to eventually becoming Earth’s greatest hero, Superman. While Clark did not don any tights until the final episode, he met plenty of heroes from the pages of DC Comics along the way, and one of the most prominent was Aquaman, played by Ritchson.
Related:Will Reacher’s Popularity Change the Perception of Media Masculinity?
Ritchson Plays Smallville’s Version Of Aquaman
Ritchson’s Aquaman debut in season 5, episode 4, aptly titled “Aqua,” and it was the most watched episode of the season. Notably, this is Ritchson’s first acting credit, and he would become a recurring guest across the series, even appearing in the iconic Justice League episode “Justice” in season 6. Before Jason Mamoa redefined Aquaman, Ritchson proved the character could work in live-action and gave him a rugged sense of danger and tough-guy attitude to contrast with Clark Kent.Stream on Hulu
Smallville
2Titans (2018 - 2023)
After playing Arthur Curry inSmallville, Alan Ritchson took on the role of another superhero in DC’sTitans. He played Hank Hall, a.k.a. “Hawk,” a vigilante and founding member of the series' original Titans. With Minka Kelly’s Dawn Granger, Hank’s girlfriend, the two made up the vigilante duo “Hawk and Dove.” The series’ primary characters, however, are Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, who join forces with the other heroes and fight evil together as a family.
Ritchson’s Complex and Ruthless Hank Hall
Titanswere far from a perfect show, sometimes introducing questionable decisions in terms of characterization, but Ritchson has always been one of the reasons to watch the series. The way he balanced Hank Hall’s brutal nature with glimpses of humanity is a demonstration of true talent. Despite occasionally being short-tempered, Hank Hall was a man with a good heart and a genuine desire to help others, and even though he initially adopted the Hawk alter-ego to deal with his trauma and pain, he continued using it to fight for the Titans. Ritchson leftTitansfollowing its third season and took the role of Jack Reacher inReacher.Stream on Max
1Reacher (2022 - Present)
Tom Cruise may be one ofthe greatest action movie starstoday, but he was not the best Jack Reacher. Alan Ritchson took on the lead role for the Prime Video series that was more faithful to its source material which has been a big hit with audiences. In this adaptation of the classic character, we see Reacher being accused of a murder he didn’t commit. After being free, he pairs up with honest investigators Oscar Finlay and Roscoe Conklin and finds himself up against dangerous conspiracies, corrupt politicians, and wealthy tycoons.
Ritchson’s Is Terrific As Lee Child’s Iconic Character
Slipping quite effortlessly into the role of Jack Reacher, Alan Ritchson displayed the character’s brains and brawn with unmatched precision. Many fans have commented on Ritchson’s Reacher feeling, looking, and acting more like the Reacher from the novels. While onThe Kelly Clarkson Show, Ritchson shared that he gained an impressive 30 pounds of muscle before filming. His character was enormous, and that carried into Jack Reacher’s stoic, strong, and silent personality. His natural swagger and exhilarating fight scenes had viewers cheering on. Reacher was a drifter — a lone wolf with a strong sense of right and wrong. After the showReacherwas released, a consensus was formed that Alan Ritchson was perfectly cast.Stream on Prime Video
And if you’re a fan of Ritchson, check out our interview with him for his new filmOrdinary Angels, co-starring Hilary Swank. It’s a tear-jerking, inspiring drama based on a miraculous true story, and speaking with him was a delight:
