Jason Bateman has increased in popularity with viewers over the past few years, having playes the main character of the hit television series Ozark since it began airing in 2017. Prior to his role in Ozark, Bateman was a part of many movies and shows.
For his role in Ozark, he has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and in his directorial debut for the series, he was awarded a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Bateman has had a long career and possesses extensive filmography. Viewers who enjoy Ozark for his dry, quick-witted performance should check out some of the other movies and shows that he has appeared in.
8 Identity Thief
A road comedy film featuring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy in the main roles, Identity Thief sees Bateman’s character Sandy Patterson having his identity stolen by McCarthy’s character, and follows his subsequent experiences with her. Identity Thief has dry humor that will rival even the best British comedy shows.
While critics were not too impressed with the movie’s plot or cast performances, audience reception was high, with Bateman’s performance singled out as being one of the best elements of the movie. Fans who enjoyed Bateman’s performance in Ozark will find a lot to love in this movie, even if they don’t come out particularly impressed.
7 Office Christmas Party
Office Christmas Party is a comedy film set at Christmastime, with Jason Bateman in one of the lead roles. Its ensemble cast features other famous actors such as Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn, and T.J Miller, all of whom offer viewers lots of great scenes filled with well-performed dialogue.
While critical reception to the movie was mixed, audiences loved it, especially Bateman’s performance. While it isn’t being voted as one of the best comedy movies of all time, it’s worth a watch.
6 Sit Down, Shut Up
An animated comedy series that was nominated for an Artios Award, this short-lived series features Jason Bateman in one of the main roles. It is one of the few times he has ever been involved in an animated show. Sit Down, Shut Up has lots of subtlety that matches even the most subtle Rick & Morty jokes.
Bateman plays a gym teacher, and while it wasn’t the best-received shows, it features a lot of funny one-liners, with most of them coming from Bateman’s character. Fans of Ozark who love the dry wit humor of Marty Byrde will enjoy Bateman’s character in Sit Down, Shut Up.
5 Horrible Bosses
A 2011 black comedy film, Horrible Bosses follows three friends who decide to murder their unsavory bosses. With actors of a high caliber including as Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, and Jamie Foxx appearing in the movie, Bateman holds his own in scenes with them and comes off as one of the best aspects of the movie.
Horrible Bosses was well-received by audiences and critics alike, meaning it’s a sure bet that viewers will enjoy the film. Not only is Jason Bateman’s involvement a selling point, but the performances by the whole cast and the unique plot make for a great black comedy movie.
4 Game Night
This action-comedy film features a group of friends hosting a game night and looking for clues as to the whereabouts of Max Davis’ (Jason Bateman) brother. Unbeknownst to the characters, the brother has actually been kidnapped by criminals, and the main characters trying to solve clues to find the missing man.
Game Night was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and currently holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers of Ozark will enjoy this movie due to Bateman being one of the main characters, but it is backed by an ensemble cast of accomplished actors who put on consistently great performances.
3 Paul
A sci-fi comedy film about an escaped alien trying to return to his own kind and evade the US government, Paul is a family-friendly watch that has many funny moments for all viewers. Bateman has a more minor role in this film compared to the other shows and movies that he has appeared. However, his presence still comes through in the film as one of the leading FBI Agents tracking the titular character.
Paul was well-received all around, and is a parody of great science-fiction movies that have come before it. Fans of science-fiction, Jason Bateman, and the works of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are all likely to enjoy Paul, as a funny-through-out movie with a surprisingly wholesome ending.
2 The Outsider
A mini-series, The Outsider has Jason Bateman in one of the man roles; as a baseball coach who is framed for the murder of a young boy. Fans of Ozark are doubly likely to enjoy this series, as its serious nature is more akin to Ozark than Bateman’s comedy appearances. Fans of this who also enjoy gaming will enjoy the best baseball games.
The Outsider was very highly rated by critics and audiences, but is unlikely to be expanded upon due to being a mini-series. Viewers who enjoy thriller series such as Archive 81 will also enjoy The Outsider, as they have similar pacing.
1 Arrested Development
An incredibly influential comedy series, Arrested Development could be seen as responsible for elevating Jason Bateman into the public consciousness in recent years. Bateman has one of the main roles on the show, playing straight-man Michael Bluth. Bateman’s performance in Arrested Development is in no small part responsible for its status as one of the best comedy shows.
Arrested Development proved popular with audiences, managing to survive cancellation and conclude the show despite failing on its original network. Fans of Ozark will enjoy Bateman’s role in Arrested Development, if only because of the similarity between the characters of Michael Bluth and Marty Byrde despite obvious differences in backstory.
