While Chris Pratt is a staple of major franchises, his career is also punctuated by standout original films that have conquered both the box office and streaming charts.
His new film, Mercy, sees him return to original storytelling on the big screen. In this high-stakes thriller, Pratt plays a detective accused of murdering his wife, facing a 90-minute race against time to prove his innocence to an advanced A.I. judge.
To get you ready for the premiere, we’ve rounded up the best non-franchise Chris Pratt movies worth adding to your watchlist.
Moneyball
Moneyball follows Oakland Athletics' general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.
Pratt delivered a breakthrough performance as Scott Hatteberg. His grounded, scene-stealing portrayal breathed authentic life into the real-world figure, turning a quiet underdog story into the emotional heart of the film.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Zero Dark Thirty
Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.
Though in a supporting role, Zero Dark Thirty served as a powerful showcase for Pratt’s range. His portrayal of a gritty, muscular operative was a jarring departure from his iconic comedic turn in Parks and Recreation, which was airing at the time. It remains one of the few instances in his career of a purely dramatic, action-heavy performance.
Where You Can Stream: Paramount+
Her
Set in the near future, Spike Jonze's Her follows a lonely writer who develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need.
Pratt offers another standout supporting turn in Her, playing the reliable colleague and friend to Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore. Though subtle, the performance demonstrates a delicate balance of drama and lightheartedness. It's a nuanced side of his range that is rarely explored in his more blockbuster-heavy filmography.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Passengers
Passengers follows a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people, which has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early.
Although Passengers faced a mixed critical reception, it became a box office success largely due to the undeniable star power of Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. Their shared charisma anchors the film, making this high-concept science fiction story a compelling watch despite its narrative flaws.
Where You Can Stream: MGM+
Onward
The Disney/Pixar film Onward follows teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley, who embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles, and unimaginable discoveries.
Pratt delivered a deeply heartfelt voice performance as Barley Lightfoot, anchored by his exceptional chemistry with Tom Holland. Despite the limitations of animation, their brotherly bond felt remarkably genuine. Often overlooked, Onward remains a hidden gem in Pixar's catalog, largely because its theatrical run was cut short by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
The Tomorrow War
The science-fiction action The Tomorrow War follows a family man who travels to the year 2051 to join a global war against a deadly alien species.
While originally slated for a theatrical debut, The Tomorrow War pivoted to a streaming release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift didn't hinder its impact, as the film’s high-concept action and pure entertainment value made it a massive hit for home audiences. Its strong performance quickly led to the ongoing development of the sequel.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video
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