5 best Ben McKenzie movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

Ben McKenzie has established a career playing characters who dealt with tough choices and complicated situations. His performances span different storytelling styles and different genres.

From chaotic crime shows to teen dramas, he has displayed range as an actor. Ben McKenzie first got attention in the former 2000s and has continued working in film and television since then.

His performances often bring nuance to characters dealing with moral ambiguity. Whether playing a determined detective or a troubled teenager, he commits fully to every role.

The fans of quality drama will find a lot to enjoy in his body of work. This list highlights five productions that display what makes Ben McKenzie worth watching. These selections represent his most compelling stories and his best performances.

Gotham, Junebug, and four other Ben McKenzie movies and shows to watch

1) The O.C.

The O.C. turned into another breakthrough for Ben McKenzie. He portrayed the role of Ryan Atwood, a teen from an unfamiliar background who gets taken in by a wealthy family in Orange County.

The series became a defining story of its time. Ryan's outside status created organic conflict with the privileged world around him.

Ben McKenzie brought rawness to a character who could have felt like a traditional role. His collaboration with the cast helped make the family dynamics believable.

The series dealt with identity, class differences, and self-identity. It ran for four seasons and remains a beloved show among fans of teen drama. The O.C. proved that Ben McKenzie could carry a show and connect with viewers.

2) Southland

The show displayed a different side of Ben McKenzie as a performer. The show followed Los Angeles cops through realistic and often bad situations.

He portrayed the role of Ben Sherman, who is a rookie police officer learning the harsh realities of street patrol. The series rejected the polished look in traditional police procedurals.

It utilized handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a documentary-style atmosphere. Ben McKenzie delivered a grounded performance that matched the series's raw approach. His character grappled with complex ethical questions that had no easy answers.

The show has garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of police work. The show showcased his ability to handle darker and more mature material.

3) Gotham

The show explored the Batman mythology from a new angle. McKenzie portrayed the role of James Gordon, the future police commissioner, during his formative years on the force.

The series depicted Gotham City before Batman arrived, focusing on the crime and corruption that would eventually require a hero. Gordon struggled to keep his integrity in a broken environment.

The show introduced young versions of allies and famous villains. Ben McKenzie anchored the series with a performance that balanced weariness and idealism.

The series ran for five seasons and offered a complete arc displaying Gordon's transformation into the character comic fans recognize. The series gave audiences a separate entry point into the Batman universe.

Also See: Batman movies in order: The ultimate guide to watching every film

4) Junebug

The movie gave McKenzie a platform to work on an independent story. He portrayed a supporting role in this indie drama about culture clash and family dynamics. The movie received strong reviews for its raw portrayal of a Southern family. His character added more intensity to the ensemble cast.

The film explored themes of misunderstanding and belonging between different worlds. It showed that McKenzie could take on minor character-focused movies. Junebug proved he was not limited to leading roles or television structures.

5) Some Kind of Beautiful

A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)

This movie put McKenzie in the romantic comedy genre. This movie explores complex relationships and the chaotic reality that surrounds them. He took on a role that needed different energy than his dramatic performance.

The film dealt with second chances and family connections. While lighter in tone than his television productions, it displayed his versatility. His acting demonstrated that he could handle comedy alongside the serious roles that defined most of his filmography.