Dave Annable may not be a box office-leading Hollywood star, but his steady performance in both television shows and films has earned him a loyal following among those who value depth, quiet charm, and versatility. From emotionally complex family dramas to surprising sci-fi thrillers, Annable has been building up a résumé of diverse characters and genres with steady consistency. Whether he's a conflicted physician, a tormented husband, or a starry-eyed romantic, his knack for bringing sincerity and depth to each character is what makes him stand out.
Over the years, Dave has made it clear that he doesn't mind swimming in both leads and small but scene-stealing roles, each time contributing something memorable to the narrative. If you've seen him lately in a series such as Yellowstone or What/If and were left wanting more, this list of carefully selected roles will take you on a journey of his finest work. Separated into outstanding TV series and films, these recommendations showcase exactly how underappreciated and talented Dave Annable is.
So, whether you're an old-time fan or just discovering him, here are ten movies and TV shows sure to increase your appreciation for Dave Annable's acting chops.
You must watch these 10 Dave Annable movies and TV shows if you love the actor
1. Brothers & Sisters (2006–2011)

Dave Annable excels as Justin Walker, a returning war hero struggling with addiction, romance, and identity in a politically fractured family. The part won him critical recognition and cemented his status as a household name. His brooding presence with on-screen siblings generated moments of both tender intimacy and volatile drama. Off-screen, Dave has frequently referred to the show as his school of acting, given the star-studded cast he was a part of.
Even years later, the fans keep going back to Justin's emotional journeys, so this series is an enduring reference point in Annable's career. It's the role that brought him both exposure and range.
2. Heartbeat (2016)

In this real-life heart surgeon-inspired medical drama, Dave Annable starred as Dr. Pierce Harrison, a brilliant cardiologist and loving partner. Although the show was only one season long, Annable excelled at blending professional genius with romantic sensitivity. His on-screen relationship with Melissa George added emotional resonance to a genre frequently dominated by medical speak. Aside from fiction, Dave utilized this character to highlight health charities and issues dear to him.
Although fleeting, Heartbeat demonstrated that he could sustain weighty emotional beats in busy, high-pressure environments with charm and credibility.
3. What/If (2019)

In Netflix's neo-noir drama What/If, Dave Annable goes dark as Ian Harris, a man who is caught up in an exploitative deal that pushes boundaries of loyalty and morality. His work is a departure from his previous "nice guy" parts, revealing an intense brooding quality. Working with Renée Zellweger, he immerses himself in emotional uncertainty, providing the series with an unobtrusive anchor. The emotional stress his character goes through is adding dimensions to the story, which demonstrates Annable's ability to hold suspense and vulnerability together.
It's a daring and sleek sidetrack in his career that proves he's not just the handsome face of family dramas.
4. Red Band Society (2014–2015)

In Red Band Society, Dave Annable assumed the role of Dr. Adam McAndrew, the protagonist, a one-time Olympian and now a pediatric surgeon, who shares in the romanticism and tragicistic beauty of working with the terminally ill teens. Departing from the norm in hospital dramas, this show focused on the patient perspective, with Annable serving in the main nurturing role for these children. His portrayal infused subtlety into a character that seemed pulled in opposite directions by career aspirations and personal regrets.
Although the show was short-lived, Dave's acting became memorable for its genuine portrayal of the character, empathy, and quiet resiliency, making it a hidden gem that exhibited his ability to carry scenes with balletic restraint.
5. 666 Park Avenue (2012–2013)

Presented with style, the supernatural thriller features Annable as Henry Martin, a budding politician and hopeful entering what was meant to be a dream apartment in New York and was soon turned into a nightmare. Living in The Drake, which is a seemingly luxurious building with a sinister secret, Henry was endlessly seduced and drawn into the dark forces of the building. Annable does a great job embodying a grounded, reasonable man tilting ever so slowly into madness under increasingly bizarre and terrifying circumstances.
This was particularly in his career as it mixed mystery with psychological thrills, making his name widely known in whichever avenue of genre he would grace.
6. Yellowstone (2022)

Even though Dave Annable was in Yellowstone for just a couple of episodes, his character of Lee Dutton, John Dutton's dutiful oldest son, had a lasting impression. His acting during the emotional first few episodes of the show set the tone for the rest of the series. With his sense of responsibility, brotherly ties, and moral certainty, Lee's tragic storyline became everyone's favorite even when he left too soon.
Annable's contribution here was commended for its understated strength and emotional resonance. His rapport with Kevin Costner and the rest of the Dutton clan made his cameo role feel indispensable and indelible in the history of the ranch.
7. No Sleep 'Til Christmas (2018)

Dave Annable stars alongside real-life wife Odette Annable in this charming holiday romantic comedy in which two insomniacs find serendipitous love just in time for Christmas. The natural chemistry between them shines on screen, providing this made-for-TV film with a true romantic sensibility. Dave's casting as a smooth bar owner struggling against the holiday spirit feels real and accessible. Although the film adheres to the familiar genre template, his performance lends it sincerity that helps to make the tale work.
8. What’s Your Number? (2011)

In this romantic comedy ensemble, Dave Annable stars as Jake Adams, one of the various previous beaus Anna Faris's character runs into in search of "the one." Though not more than a cameo, Dave Annable gives an effortlessly charming performance that takes center stage amidst a string of cameos. His time on screen is short but memorable and provides a glimpse of his romantic comedy star potential before leading roles materialized.
Fans often revisit the film just to catch his quick but delightful appearance. It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but one that proves even with limited scope, Annable’s charisma in a role doesn’t go unnoticed.
9. You May Not Kiss the Bride (2011)

In this offbeat romantic comedy, Dave Annable stars as Bryan, a pet photographer who's thrust into a green-card marriage with the daughter of a Croatian mobster. The premise seems crazy, and it is, but Dave Annable keeps the madness in check with affable sincerity. With fight scenes, culture shock, and surprising emotional twists, he shows he's more than capable of balancing comedy and suspense.
You May Not Kiss the Bride is not your standard rom-com, and that's precisely what makes his performance in the film enjoyable. It demonstrates Annable's capability to contribute to and be in a film where danger, humor, and romance always exist all at once.
10. Armed Response (2017)

In Armed Response, Dave Annable enters the world of sci-fi action, playing one of a group of operatives trapped in an advanced facility where things take a terrifying turn for the worse. Sharing screen time with Wesley Snipes, he counterbalances tension and tech-based suspense with grit and realism. While the film itself was met with mixed reviews, Annable's work distinguished itself for its down-to-earth energy amid a confusing narrative. This was a daring decision in his body of work, one that ventured into his versatility with genre films.
For fans wanting to know how he would fare with suspense, peril, and intricate plot turns, the film brings an added layer of surprise to his resume.
Dave Annable's career is a subtle masterclass in adaptability. He has effortlessly transitioned between TV and film, from sweet family dramas to thrillers and romantic comedies, never without leaving a mark. What sets him apart is his authenticity; whether for minutes on the screen or fronting an entire show, he embodies warmth, commonality, and emotional depth. These ten titles not only demonstrate his skill but also the variety of characters he can play.
If you appreciate actors who can play their roles with subtlety and have an impact, Dave Annable's performances are worth exploring, with these films being the ideal place to begin.
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