Paul Reubens’ 10 Best Movies and TV Shows

Although he is an icon thanks to his role as Pee-wee Herman in several projects, the best Paulo Rubens films and shows prove that the actor was much more than just a role. Reubens’ on-screen career dates back to the 1960s, but he began to find success in small roles such as The blue brothers and Next Cheech and Ching movie. It wasn’t until the creation of his extremely popular character, Pee-wee Herman, that Reubens really established himself in pop culture, which led to many other roles.

Reubens was a skilled comedic actor who brought his quirky energy to starring roles, playing hilariously deadpan or exaggerating in a fun way. He was also known for playing effective villainous roles, bringing a spooky and charming touch to many different projects. Reubens became a frequent collaborator with director Tim Burton, worked with big-name actors like Johnny Depp and Ben Stiller, and made memorable guest-star appearances on countless hit shows. Sadly, Reubens passed away in 2023, but he left behind a large collection of movies and shows for fans to still enjoy.

10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

As Amylyn

As popular as the show was in the 1990s, many fans may not be aware that Buffy the Vampire Slayer it was a film before it was a television series. Joss Whedon initially wrote his script about a cheerleader who discovers she’s the last of a lonely line of vampire hunters as a horror comedy. Kristy Swanson originated the role made most famous by Sarah Michelle Geller, while many of the other iconic characters, such as Angel and Spike, do not appear.

Part of the reason Buffy the Vampire SlayerThe original film that isn’t talked about more often is that it’s pretty forgettable. However, there is a shining moment in the film with Paul Reubens’ performance as Amilyn. As the henchman of Rutger Hauer’s main villain, Amilyn is effectively menacing, but Reubens also brings humor to the role, including one of the funniest death scenes in film history.

9

The Blacklist (2014-2015)

Like Mr. Vargas

Paul Reubens took on another villainous role with his recurring role in the thriller series The black list. James Spader starred in the series as Raymond Reddington, an international criminal on the FBI’s most wanted list who unexpectedly turns himself in to authorities. To add to the shocking move, Reddington also reveals that there is a secret syndicate of criminals across the world and that he can help the FBI track down the most dangerous criminals.

Reubens was part of the series in its second and third seasons as Mr. Vargas, one of the main members of the central crime gang.. He’s of particular interest as Reddington’s target, with Spader and Reubens sharing some memorable on-screen moments together leading up to the stunning finale. The black listThe 10-season run was a thrilling, emotional ride that was elevated by Spader’s lead performance and memorable guest stars like Reubens in villainous roles.

8

Murphy Brown (1995-1997)

As Andrew J. Lansing III

Although Paul Reubens has been on several different shows over the years, Murphy Brown was one of the most significant and memorable. Murphy Brown stars Candace Bergen as the titular character, an investigative reporter and news anchor who works alongside a colorful cast of characters in her fast-paced journalism job. Reubens has a six-episode arc from Seasons 7 to 9 as Andrew J. Lansing III, Murphy’s ambitious secretary.

Reubens was a perfect addition to the fast-paced, funny series, with his character walking a perfect balance between off-putting and hilarious. Murphy Brown is one of the longest-running sitcoms of all time, with 11 seasons counting the 2018 revival. It is also remembered as an extremely influential show in terms of its representation of women in the workplace, including the controversial storyline of Murphy becoming a single mother.

7

30 Stones (2007)

As Gerhardt Habsburg

30 rock was a show filled with renowned actors in memorable cameo roles, including Matt Damon, Jon Hamm and Jennifer Aniston. Although Reubens only appeared in one episode of the series, he is often considered one of the best guest stars in the entire series. The sitcom stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin in an absurd and hilarious look behind the scenes of a late-night comedy show.

Reubens was one of the first guest stars, appearing in a season 1 episode as the inbred Austrian prince Gerhardt Hapsburgwhich celebrates its 25th anniversary with an extravagant party. Reubens leans into the ridiculousness of the character, stealing the entire episode with his wonderfully outrageous performance. The Reubens episode, “Black Tie,” seemed to serve as the show’s successful transition from workplace sitcom to bizarre comedy with no concern for reality.

6

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

As a maximum

Another beloved film that benefited from Paul Reubens’ voice work was Navigator’s Flight. The film follows a boy who discovers a talking spaceship that takes him to the cosmos and back to Earth, only for the boy to realize that a decade has passed. The exciting space adventure is elevated with the addition of the smart spaceship, Max, voiced by Paul Reubens.

Reubens shows off his impressive vocal work as he is almost unrecognizable in the role of Max. Reubens also sought to hide the surprise of his voice in the film being credited under a false name. Navigator’s Flight remains a beloved and nostalgic children’s film from the 1980s that is a wonderful mix of youthful adventure and fun sci-fi ideas.

5

Mystery Men (1999)

Like the spleen

In a strong cast of comedic characters, Paul Reubens steals the show in the superhero satire Mysterious men. The film is set in a town overseen by a beloved but vain superhero. When his archenemy captures him, it’s up to a band of outcast crime fighters to save the day. They include the Shoveler, a family man who uses a shovel as a weapon, Mr. Furious, a man who becomes extremely angry with no real strength to back him up, and the Spleen, the Reubens character who emits powerful flatulence.

Starring alongside Ben Stiller, William H. Macy and Geoffrey Rush, Reubens makes The Spleen a disgusting but touching character who just wants to make friends. The film was not a box office success when it was released, but has since found a cult following. Mysterious men remains ahead of its time with its take on the world of superheroes even more fun and clever after the superhero movie genre exploded.

4

Coup (2001)

As Derek Forereal

It wasn’t often that Paul Reubens played a grounded role in a true-life drama film, but Blow is a prime example of how effective he could be in this type of role. Blow is the true crime story of George Jung (Johnny Depp), an American who joined Pablo Escabar’s Medellín cartel to establish the cocaine business in the United States in the 1970s. Reubens plays Derek Forreal, a marijuana dealer who is the man who introduces George to the drug business..

The film is an engaging and entertaining crime film that follows an energetic style similar to Martin Scorsese’s crime films such as Good companions and Casino. Reubens returns to prominence in the film, playing a role that allows him to show other sides of his talent while creating a unique character in this world.

3

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

How to block

Paul Reubens has lent his distinctive and versatile voice to several different animation projects, but The Nightmare Before Christmas He is the most beloved of all. From the mind of Tim Burton and directed by animation legend Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas is set in Halloweentown and follows Jack Skellington as he grows tired of the same old Halloween scares and finds something new with the discovery of Christmas.

The stop-motion classic is filled with wonderful creature designs and fun characters. Reubens gets one of the standout roles as Locke, one of three mischievous troublemakers who are tasked with kidnapping Santa Claus.. Reubens fits perfectly into the role of the mischievous young man alongside Catherine O’Hara and Danny Elfman. The film is filled with great music and a twisted sense of humor that helped make it a horror-centric film enjoyed every Halloween by countless fans.

2

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

Like Pee-wee Herman

The character of Pee-wee Herman started out as a character played on stage, but it wasn’t until Paul Reubens teamed up with young director Tim Burton for a feature-length adventure film that the character really became a hit. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure It perfectly captures the energy of Reubens’ extremely fun character while also sending him on an adventure perfectly suited to him as Pee-wee goes in search of his lost bike.

Reubens makes the character Pee-wee Herman so lovable with his childlike interaction with the world and sense of fun. However, he also makes him hilarious as this silly entity. Combining this character with Tim Burton’s surreal and somewhat creepy aesthetic worked surprisingly well with Pee-wee’s Big Adventure becoming a surprise hit. This further catapulted this character’s popularity, leading to his even more popular TV sequel, as well as two more feature films.

1

Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986)

Like Pee-wee Herman

After the success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventurecharacter Pee-wee Herman was ready to headline his children’s television show with the acclaimed Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The show adopted a loose format and a wacky sense of humor in its approach to the kids’ show formula, surrounding Pee-wee with talking clocks, friendly mailmen, and a magical house that created a wild world to enter.

Pee-Wee Theater is another example of how effectively Paul Reubens took this unique character and made him an icon, while at the same time holding on to the strangeness of his creation. The show was hilarious at times, but it also taught kids important lessons. He also didn’t take himself too seriously, with the show sometimes commenting on how “over the top” Pee-wee was. It’s a look at how Paul Reubens used the character Pee-wee Herman to make adults and children laugh together.