- Primary Subject: Dave Bautista’s acting career and filmography
- Key Update: To celebrate the release of his new action-comedy The Wrecking Crew, this guide highlights Bautista’s best film roles and their current streaming platforms.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 27, 2026
- Quick Answer: Dave Bautista’s best movies include Guardians of the Galaxy, Glass Onion, and Blade Runner 2049. You can stream his work on Disney+, Netflix, and Max.
Building on his celebrated wrestling career, Dave Bautista has cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. His filmography seamlessly bridges the gap between massive franchise blockbusters and character-driven works from acclaimed auteurs.
Bautista’s latest project, the action comedy The Wrecking Crew, sees him team up with Jason Momoa. The two stars play estranged half-brothers who must navigate a dangerous conspiracy in Hawaii to solve their father's murder.
To celebrate its release, here is a guide to Dave Bautista’s best movies and where you can stream them right now.
Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy
James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy served as Bautista's definitive cinematic breakthrough, largely due to his unforgettable portrayal of Drax the Destroyer. While the character initially presented as a one-dimensional bruiser, Bautista’s performance peeled back the layers to reveal a deeply lovable, literal-minded warrior fueled by grief and heart.
Today, it is nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Bautista infused Drax with a unique blend of deadpan humor and vulnerability, making a tattooed, alien powerhouse feel remarkably relatable to audiences worldwide.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Blade Runner 2049
While his MCU tenure established him as a charismatic powerhouse, Blade Runner 2049 was the definitive proof that Bautista is a formidable dramatic actor. It demonstrated that his talent doesn't rely on explosive action sequences, but rather on nuance and internal depth.
As Sapper Morton, Bautista appears only in the film’s opening minutes, yet he manages to become an absolute scene-stealer. His soulful, weary performance does more than just kick off the plot; it establishes the haunting melancholy and moral complexity that defines the entire film.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Army of the Dead
Regardless of how one feels about Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, the film stands as a compelling showcase for Bautista’s capabilities as a leading man. In a genre piece that could have easily leaned on spectacle alone, he serves as the emotional anchor, balancing high-stakes grit with genuine leading-man charisma.
Bautista’s performance grounds the stylized chaos of a zombie heist, proving he can carry a massive production while maintaining the human vulnerability that has become his cinematic trademark.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Dune Movies
After his standout turn in Blade Runner 2049, Bautista reunited with visionary director Denis Villeneuve to take on the role of Glossu Rabban in the Dune movies. Serving as a key secondary antagonist, he brought a visceral, brutish energy to the Harkonnen dynasty.
While his performance in Dune is more focused and physically restrained than his MCU role, it serves as a powerful testament to his range. Bautista proved he could play a menacing, high-stakes villain in a sprawling epic without losing the nuance that makes his characters feel grounded.
Where You Can Stream: HBO Max
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
In Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Bautista proved once again that he doesn't need a massive amount of screen time to leave a lasting impression. Joining an elite ensemble cast, he thrived within the murder mystery format, delivering a performance that was both hilariously topical and vital to the plot.
Playing a hyper-masculine, gun-toting influencer, Bautista leaned into his comedic strengths to create a character that was equal parts ridiculous and recognizable. Even though his character eventually serves as the story's pivotal murder victim, his presence looms large over the mystery, proving his ability to maximize every second of his screen time.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Knock at the Cabin
While the film itself divided audiences, Knock at the Cabin arguably features Dave Bautista’s most commanding and nuanced performance to date. As Leonard, he occupies a complex space: a "villain" by circumstance whose terrifying actions are driven by a profound, heartbreaking conviction.
This role serves as a masterclass in his ability to balance contrasting forces. He successfully portrays a character capable of immense cruelty while remaining deeply empathetic, making the apocalyptic stakes feel visceral and personal. It is exactly this kind of elevated, character-driven material that cements Bautista's reputation as a serious dramatic force.
Where You Can Stream: Peacock
The Last Showgirl
The Last Showgirl represented a rare and refreshing pivot into pure drama for Bautista, standing out as one of the most grounded projects in his filmography. In a departure from high-concept spectacles, he delivers a nuanced supporting performance that serves as the emotional backbone for Pamela Anderson’s protagonist.
His character is a beautifully realized blend of grit and genuine heart, proving that Bautista doesn't need a sprawling sci-fi backdrop to be captivating. This performance is a clear signal that he is more than ready for prestige character studies, showcasing a level of dramatic sensitivity that makes a compelling case for him to take on more grounded, human-centric roles in the future.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu
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