Josh Duhamelhas always had an easygoing charm, the kind that makes you believe he could just as flawlessly lead a military unit into battle as he could fumble through diaper duty in a rom-com. With a career spanning over two decades, Duhamel has established himself as a likable star by playing a casino exec, a rancher, and a supportive dad. He’s brought an impressive level of sincerity to every role, and that only makes the plots feel more relatable.
His first shot to fame came in the early 2000s as Danny McCoy on NBC’sLas Vegas. Then he transitioned into movies, starring in blockbuster hits likeTransformers, where he played a role that would span multiple sequels. But Duhamel is never one to stick to one lane and, most recently, he took a dramatic turn in Netflix’sRansom Canyon,portraying a grief-stricken rancher named Staten Kirkland. It goes without saying that, over the years, Josh Duhamel has appeared in a wide variety of movies and TV shows. This list explores the highlights of his career.
Here are Josh Duhamel’s 10 best movies and TV shows.
10’When in Rome' (2010)
Beth Martin is a successful and driven art curator at the Guggenheim, but she’s jaded by failed relationships. Impulsively, she takes a spontaneous trip to Rome for her sister’s wedding, and after a drunken misunderstanding involving Nick Beamon, the best man, she steals coins from the Fountain of Love. Back in New York, Beth is pursued by a series of eccentric suitors because they’re all under the spell of the fountain, but she’s still questioning Nick’s genuine efforts.
A Zany Little Rom-Com
Rom-com is an overcrowded genre, and it’s not unusual for a movie to fly under the radar.When in Romeis particularly worth revisiting because it’s got all the makings of an ideal rom-com: two charming leads, a whimsical wedding in Paris, a fountain dive, and a dance-filled finale. Josh Duhamel is a warm, slightly goofy protagonist and the grounding force in a movie otherwise filled with magical absurdity, and his chemistry with Kristen Bell is playful and believable.
9’Safe Haven' (2013)
In thisNicholas Sparks adaptation, Julianne Hough plays Katie, a woman running away from a violent past and finding refuge in the sleepy coastal town of Southport, North Carolina. There, she meets Duhamel’s Alex Wheatley, a widowed father of two who runs a local general store. As Katie slowly lowers her guard, she becomes a part of Alex’s family and rediscovers love.
A Poignant Tear-Jerker Romance
Safe Havenmay adhere to the author’s signature melodramatic formula, but Josh Duhamel’s sensitive and layered portrayal of the grieving yet hopeful Alex elevates the material beyond its inherent sappiness. He navigates the character’s emotional journey and emerges as the ultimate green flag. Even though critics were divided, some viewers consider the movie a comfort watch because of its emotional authenticity and romantic elements.
8’Transformers' (2007)
Michael Bay directed this explosive sci-fi blockbuster in 2007 and introduced us to a world where alien robots were waging war on Earth. The story ofTransformerscenters on teenager Sam Witwicky, who becomes the key to locating a powerful artifact known as the AllSpark, which is also being sought by both the noble Autobots and the villainous Decepticons.
Brings Humor to a Blockbuster Spectacle
Transformersis undisputedly a breathtaking start to a franchise, and the movie earned multiple technical accolades. It pairs high-octane action with moments of humor and heart, ending with a city-wide showdown that redefines the scale of sci-fi. As for Duhamel, he plays a skilled military leader named Captain William Lennox who joins the fight after surviving a Decepticon attack in Qatar. He’s a grounded, tactically sharp, and cool character, and he became iconic within the series.
7’Las Vegas' (2003 – 2008)
Created by Gary Scott Thompson for NBC,Las Vegastakes place inside the Montecito Resort and Casino, and it follows a team of employees managing everything from celebrity meltdowns to security breaches, all while dealing with their personal shortcomings and protecting the casino’s interests. At the heart of it is Danny McCoy, a former Marine turned surveillance expert, who rises through the ranks under Ed Deline’s mentorship.
Never Fails to Entertain
Josh Duhamel’s Danny McCoy is the show’s beating heart. He is suave, loyal, and complex. Whether he’s diffusing a hostage situation or sharing a quiet moment with Molly Sims’s Delinda, he brings the kind of charm that anchors the show’s flashier elements. And his chemistry with the ensemble cast, especially Caan and Nikki Cox, is just excellent.Las Vegasearneda devoted fanbase and solid ratings, and it’s a defining chapter in Duhamel’s TV career.
6’Ransom Canyon' (2025)
In Netflix’s recent offering,Ransom Canyon, the rugged beauty of Texas Hill Country becomes the backdrop of a Western drama rooted in grief and legacy. We follow Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher haunted by the death of his son, as he finds himself caught in a bitter feud between three powerful ranching families. The only solace he can find is in Quinn O’Grady, a longtime friend and dancehall owner. Their connection is fleeting but comforting.
Raw and Unforgettable
Like any other Western TV show, this one is heavy on themes of survival and legacy. Developed by April Blair, it balances sweeping landscapes with intimate arcs and atmospheric storytelling. And whileRansom Canyondidn’t reach the same heights of popularity as the Yellowstone universe, it showcases Duhamel’s ability to convey pain without melodrama. His tense standoff with Eoin Macken’s Davis Collins is the highlight of the series.
5’Life as We Know It' (2010)
Another heartfelt romantic comedy,Life as We Know Itbegins with a disastrous blind date between Holly Berenson, a bakery owner, and Eric Messer, a laid-back sports director. Despite not having anything in common and leading radically different lifestyles, they’re named joint guardians of baby Sophie after their best friends die in a car accident. As co-parents, Holly and Eric learn to navigate life together.
More Than Just a Love Interest
Duhamel’s Eric is messy, but ultimately endearing. He brings a natural ease to the role, and it doesn’t matter if he is fumbling through a broadcast with a crying baby or quietly investing in Holly’s bakery, you cannot help but root for him. He shares a playful yet sincere chemistry with Katherine Heigl. Their journey from reluctant roommates to loving parents is marked by late-night hospital runs and awkward Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s all worth it in the end.
4'11.22.63' (2016)
Based on Stephen King’s novel,11.22.63is an eight-episode miniseries that follows Jake Epping, a high school teacherwho discovers a time portalin a diner’s pantry that transports him to 1960. Tasked by a dying friend to prevent the assassination of JFK, he immerses himself into the complexities of the past, adopts a new identity, and forges relationships, all while dodging suspicion and racing against time to track Lee Harvey Oswald.
Brilliant Showcase of Range
Even though James Franco, Sarah Gadon, Chris Cooper, and Daniel Webber play central characters in the show, one of its most haunting arcs involves Josh Duhamel’s Frank Dunning. He’s a violent alcoholic whose actions in Kentucky become Jake’s first test in altering history. His performance is terrifyingly real. In episode two, “The Kill Floor,” during a confrontation in the slaughterhouse, you witness just why the role is a huge departure from the ones Duhamel has played so far.
3’Bandit' (2022)
A biographical crime drama directed by Allan Ungar,Bandittells the true story of Gilbert Galvan Jr., a charming criminal who escapes from a Michigan prison and reinvents himself as Robert Whiteman in Canada. Struggling to provide for his girlfriend, he turns to robbing banks, and after 59 successful heists with the help of Tommy Kay, he earns the nickname “The Flying Bandit” and the attention of a relentless detective.
Crime Caper With Style and Substance
InBandit, Josh Duhamel delivers a career-best performance as Galvan. He’s slick, morally conflicted, and unpredictable. The entire movie’s appeal lies in him balancing Galvan’s roguish charm and daring exploits with precision. He also shares a natural chemistry with co-stars Elisha Cuthbert and Mel Gibson.Banditreceived praise for its brisk storytelling and retro aesthetic and it topped streaming charts across platforms, becoming Redbox’s most-watched original of 2022.
2’Battle Creek' (2015)
Battle Creekisa quirky crime dramedy from Vince Gilliganand David Shore. It pairs two wildly different lawmen in a small Michigan town to tackle everything from syrup-related murders to hostage crises. Josh Duhamel plays the optimistic and well-resourced Special Agent Milt Chamberlain, and Dean Winters is the cynical, scrappy, and perpetually underfunded Detective Russ Agnew.
Effortless Odd-Couple Chemistry
As the smooth-talking Milt, Duhamel is a delight to watch. His sunny disposition and crisp suits contrast with the backdrop ofBattle Creek, and as they solve one absurd case after another, his evolving bromance with Winters’ Russ becomes the show’s best element. Though short-lived, the series was met with brilliant reception, and its clever writing was lauded throughout. Its 96% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating is a testament to its popularity among lovers of crime comedies.
1’Love, Simon' (2018)
Love, Simonis a landmark teen coming-of-age movie that centers on Simon Spier, a closeted high school student navigating friendship, family dynamics, and a secret online romance with an anonymous classmate named Blue. When another classmate discovers his emails and blackmails him, Simon is forced to deal with a cascade of lies and emotional fallout. But he also finds the courage to come out.
Shines in an Inclusive Coming-of-Age Tale
Greg Berlanti’s movie is funny, heartfelt, and extremely sincere, and itends with a symbolic Ferris wheel scene. Duhamel plays Jack Spier, Simon’s father, with an understated level of warmth and nuance. His character grows from a clueless dad making awkward jokes to a deeply supportive parent. The scenes where Jack apologizes to Simon, saying he missed the signs and wishes he’d been more present, are powerful and poignant.
Ransom Canyon
