5 Jonathan Banks movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

Jonathan Banks is an experienced and accomplished actor who has built up a solid body of work. His parents worked at Indiana State University. He gained fame via shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, where he played a fixer with a strict code.

Jonathan also spent decades working in movies and many TV shows. This watchlist will explore 3 standout TV shows and two of his essential films. This list showcases his diversity, including cool-blooded cops, shivering villains, and treacherous fathers.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

Here is the list of the 5 Jonathan Banks movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist:

5. Better Call Saul (2015)

Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut | Image via Netflix

Better Call Saul is a spin-off of Breaking Bad. The show is based on Jimmy McGill's slow transformation into maverick attorney Saul Goodman. Viewers saw him struggling and scheming in Albuquerque City. Jonathan Banks played Mike Ehrmantraut, a parking booth attendant who advances to become a trusted investigator and enforcer to criminal and corporate clients.

Banks appears in S1E1 and becomes central across the series as his code and past are revealed. The show explores loyalty and consequence with excruciating detail and sharp emotion.

4. Breaking Bad (2008)

Breaking Bad is a story of Walter White, who became a meth kingpin in the Southwest. Mike Ehrmantraut had a lot to do here as well as part of the criminal enterprise of Gustavo Fring.

First seen in S2E13, Jonathan maintains a suspicious watch over Saul and Walter. His interactions with Gus Fring and his relationship with Jesse are further developed, bringing a hint of danger. His role saw him become a fan and critic favorite.

3. Wiseguy (1987)

Wiseguy is an undercover crime TV show in which federal agent Vinnie Terranova enters the mob families and the shadiest empire. Jonathan Banks performed the character of Frank McPike, who is the senior agent. Frank runs the shadiest empire and oversees Vinnie on risky missions.

In S1E1, Banks is introduced and continues to serve as a moral compass throughout the defining arcs, driving Vinnie to keep his head on schedule. The series blends case-of-the-season stories with personal fallout. He is always around, making the show gritty and heartened.

2. Beverly Hill Cop (1984)

Beverly Hills Cop | Image via Prime Video

Beverly Hills Cop is a high-paced, comedic action-adventure movie about Alex Foley, a Detroit detective, who follows his case to Los Angeles. Jonathan Banks plays cold, threatening Zack, an enforcer to crime boss Victor Maitland.

Banks' scenes brought a real threat to chases and shootouts, and his cool stares became iconic.

1. Mudbound (2017)

Mudbound is a strong historical film of the period, set in postwar Mississippi, of two families bonded to the land, war horrors, and hateful violence. Jonathan Banks portrayed Pappy McAllan, the stern head of the white household.

Jonathan's acting helped the film win many awards, including the Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award, the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble: Motion Pictures, the New York Film Critics Circle Award, and more. The film earned major award nominations and is one of his finest dramatic credits.