While best known for his sitcom work, Matthew Perry also had several memorable movie roles. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for Matthew Perry’s most memorable roles in feature films, both theatrical and made-for-TV.
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00:00 "Oh that's right, El Salvador High. Go Iguanas!"
00:02 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for Matthew Perry's
00:09 most memorable roles in feature films, both theatrical and made for TV.
00:13 "Fate? No. No, I think it was more of a bladder thing."
00:18 Number 10. Fred Roberts - A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon
00:22 The Late River Phoenix headlined this coming-of-age drama as the titular Jimmy Reardon,
00:26 but it also marked Perry's film debut.
00:29 "You've got another venereal disease."
00:30 "No, it's something else."
00:32 Perry plays Fred, a wisecracker who's constantly loaning his best friend money,
00:36 can be awkward around the ladies, and knows how to rock a vest.
00:40 Even six years before Chandler Bang, Perry was planting the seeds for that character.
00:45 As Fred, Perry brings what would become his signature sarcasm to the role,
00:49 scoring some of the film's wittiest one-liners despite not having the most screen time.
00:54 "Shit, you make most of that stuff up."
00:56 "Helped you win back Denise, didn't it?"
00:57 "Not the same thing."
00:58 Although Fred breaks things off with the selfish Jimmy,
01:01 Perry developed a genuine friendship with Phoenix on set.
01:04 Making this film, Perry wrote that he quote,
01:06 "fell deeply in love with acting," helping to solidify his career path.
01:11 "I don't have to drive past to get my kicks."
01:13 Number 9. Joe Tyler - Serving Sarah
01:16 In his memoir, Perry revealed he wasn't especially proud of serving Sarah,
01:20 which halted production during his stay in rehab.
01:22 "If I'm not out in 60 seconds, send in your boys."
01:25 "Okay, Joe."
01:26 Perry's struggles were apparent to co-star Elizabeth Hurley, who reflected quote,
01:30 "He was still very charming and a lovely person to work with,
01:33 but you could see he was suffering for sure."
01:35 "Here's what you don't understand. I've already told them that I served you,
01:38 okay? So if I flip it and tag your husband, my reputation will be shot."
01:42 While not a masterpiece, we have a soft spot for this road trip rom-com primarily
01:47 because its leads are so well cast. Perry as a cynical process server is a natural fit,
01:52 while Hurley delights as a spoiled yet street-smart socialite.
01:56 Although even Joe acknowledges that he's a loser, Perry infuses the role with such
02:01 endearing energy that we can't help but root for him. He is one process server
02:06 we looked forward to seeing.
02:07 "You don't have sex? Go."
02:08 "Yeah."
02:08 Number 8. Maury Tanager - Birds of America
02:13 Although Perry became known for his comedic chops, he was underrated as a dramatic talent.
02:18 "Are you doing drugs again? We can do another rehab."
02:21 In this Sundance dramedy, Perry leans into his serious side as Maury,
02:25 a college professor who spent most of his life taking care of his dysfunctional younger siblings.
02:30 "Can't scream for what happens in this family."
02:32 This holds Maury back from starting a family with his wife,
02:35 pushing his patience to the edge of reason. With each line delivery from Perry,
02:40 the audience can sense Maury's frustration, but also the responsibility that he has
02:45 for his siblings' well-being. Perry makes us feel for this guy,
02:48 who's trying his best to keep his family together.
02:51 On the inside, though, he's barely keeping himself in one piece.
02:55 Maury is a reluctant father figure, but he's there for his family nonetheless.
02:59 "You are a terrorist and I am sick of everyone! Ah!"
03:04 Number 7. Hudson Milbank - Numb
03:07 The rom-com genre suited Perry like a glove,
03:10 but Numb stands out as one of the most unique examples from his filmography.
03:14 "No, you're- you're okay. That's just a family of squirrels. Do you- can I get you anything?"
03:18 Inspired by writer-director Harris Goldberg's experiences living with
03:22 Depersonalization Disorder, the film stars Perry as a screenwriter who becomes
03:26 withdrawn from the rest of the world.
03:27 "It's like when I feel anxious, which is all the time. My
03:34 relationship with reality is all screwed up."
03:39 Upon receiving his diagnosis, Perry's Hudson attempts to connect with others,
03:44 although he's often at odds with himself. Perry delivers one of his most physically
03:48 impressive performances as a man who feels as if he's not living in his own skin.
03:53 Despite Hudson's detachment, we can still sense his desire to form a meaningful bond.
03:58 Before he does that though, Hudson must accept himself.
04:02 Goldberg was proud of Perry's performance, calling him his Gregory Peck.
04:06 "And when I said your name, you would always sound safe."
04:09 Number 6. Oscar Novak - 3 to Tango
04:13 As the title suggests, this rom-com centers on a love triangle with Perry's Oscar caught
04:18 in the middle. Oscar is head over heels for Nev Campbell's Amy, who is involved with his
04:31 boss, played by Dylan McDermott. Making matters more complicated, both think that Oscar is gay,
04:37 snowballing into a lie that spirals out of control.
04:40 Although the setup makes for some jokes that haven't aged well,
04:46 the script's shortcomings are elevated by the first-rate cast. Campbell is a quintessential
04:51 girl next door, while Perry summons empathy for a character who could come off as problematic,
04:56 but ultimately learns to be more honest with others and himself.
04:59 Perry and Campbell briefly dated during shooting,
05:08 which shines through in their on-screen chemistry.
05:10 Number 5. Leslie Edwards - Almost Heroes
05:14 A cloud of sadness loomed over this comedy's premiere, coming out six months after Chris
05:18 Farley tragically died. Watching the film now, it's hard not to think about how Farley and Perry
05:24 were both taken from us far too soon. At the same time, we're grateful for the work these two comedy
05:34 legends left behind. Almost Heroes is no exception. The two make for a fun odd couple, with
05:39 Farley as a brash tracker and Perry as a nobleman who underestimates the unpredictable nature of,
05:45 well, nature. Leslie Edwards is among Perry's most eccentric characters, taking on the wildness with
05:57 a mix of ambition and naive optimism. They're not Lewis and Clark, but that's why Perry and
06:02 Farley are such a memorable duo. Number 4. Older Mike O'Donnell
06:09 - 17 Again Zach Efron isn't the spitting image of a
06:12 young Matthew Perry, and yet we're willing to accept them as the same person because both are
06:18 such fun to watch in this teen comedy. Perry plays the middle-aged Mike, who is out of a job while
06:23 his marriage collapses. Suddenly transformed into his 17-year-old self, Mike is initially more
06:29 interested in reliving the glory days and pursuing the roads not taken. Instead, he comes to value
06:38 the life he walked away from, attempting to salvage his future. Although Efron gets more
06:43 screen time, Perry brings the film full circle as Mike comes to realize what's most important in
06:48 life. It's a juggling act of cynicism and sincerity that Perry is more than capable of pulling off.
06:54 Number 3. Alex Whitman - Fool's Rush In
07:00 A decade before we got several movies about unplanned pregnancies, Fool's Rush In proved
07:05 to be ahead of the curve. Perry plays Alex, whose one-night stand with Salma Hayek's Isabel
07:14 becomes long-term following an unexpected discovery. A more conventional film would
07:27 focus on Alex coming to terms with commitment. To Isabel's surprise, Alex is quick to propose.
07:32 The leads share such instantaneous chemistry that it's easy to believe their accelerated
07:37 relationship. Since marriage came first though, Alex and Isabel must work backwards as they learn
07:42 about each other's families and desires. Calling this quote "probably his best movie", Perry gives
07:48 one of his most mature performances as a man trying to balance the life he always wanted
07:52 and the one he never knew he wanted. Number 2.
08:03 Ron Clark - The Ron Clark Story Perry leads this TV movie as Ron Clark,
08:08 a teacher who touched the lives of numerous students that the system had already given up on.
08:12 While the script has a few witty one-liners, Perry otherwise gets to play a gents type in
08:21 one of his most dramatic roles. He shines as an inspirational educator who unifies the classroom
08:27 with a blend of humor, understanding, and tough love when it's necessary.
08:30 The film isn't a complete portrait of Clark's life, notably giving him a female love interest
08:37 when in reality he's openly gay. The real Clark was still a big fan of the film, calling it quote
08:43 "beautiful". It would be among Perry's most acclaimed performances, earning him
08:48 nominations at the Primetime Emmys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes.
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09:13 Number 1. Nicholas Oz-Ozoransky - The Whole Nine Yards
09:19 Perry excelled at playing average guys who find themselves surrounded by colorful characters.
09:24 No film better reflected this than The Whole Nine Yards, as Perry's Oz winds up caught between the
09:29 woman he loves, the wife he loathes, and several killers, one played by Bruce Willis.
09:35 While Oz is the voice of reason, he's not a stick in the mud thanks to Perry,
09:42 who offsets the insanity with quick-witted delivery.
09:50 He reunited with Willis for a sequel, a few Friends episodes, and Disney's The Kid,
09:54 where Perry had an unrecognizable cameo.
09:57 Yet this dark comedy is the sharpest testament to their chemistry,
10:04 as well as Perry's potential as a movie star. Funny, sympathetic, and full of charm,
10:09 Perry indeed goes The Whole Nine Yards.
10:16 What's your favorite Matthew Perry movie role? Let's fondly remember the actor in the comments.
10:21 "I've been here two days and I got a little tomato plant."
10:23 "Oh my god!"
10:24 "Yeah."
10:34 "I'm a tomato plant."