Before and After The Office: Steve Carell's 10 Best Roles

10. "Café Society" (2016) – Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

In 1930s Hollywood, we meet Phil Stern (Steve Carell), a powerful talent agent and uncle to our protagonist, Bobby Dorfman. Bobby moves to LA to escape the family jewelry business and work for Uncle Phil. Does Phil help his nephew? Absolutely!

As Bobby enters the glamorous world of movie stars and high society, he falls in love with Phil's secretary, Vonnie. Yet, a love triangle forms when it's revealed Vonnie is Phil's mistress. Can Hollywood dreams survive in a world of secrets and betrayal?

9. "The Way, Way Back" (2013) – Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

Summer, Cape Cod, a water park – sounds like fun, right? Not for teenager Duncan, whose mom's boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), is a condescending bully.

Is it a typical coming-of-age story? Not quite. Duncan finds solace and friendship with the quirky employees at the water park, especially the manager, Owen. As the summer unfolds, Duncan gains confidence, standing up to Trent and finding his own way.

8. "Crazy, Stupid, Love." (2011) – Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

When Cal Weaver's (Steve Carell) wife asks for a divorce, he finds himself adrift in the dating pool. Enter Jacob Palmer, a suave womanizer who takes Cal under his wing. Does he transform him into a ladies' man? Oh, you bet!

Cal's newfound confidence wins him attention, but his heart still longs for his wife. As the film twists through love's highs and lows, we see that relationships are never as simple as they seem.

7. "Evan Almighty" (2007) – Rotten Tomatoes: 24%

Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), a newly-elected congressman, prays for God's help to change the world. Does God answer? In a heavenly twist, God (Morgan Freeman) appears and commands Evan to build an ark.

As animals flock to him two-by-two and his appearance transforms, Evan's life becomes chaos. The ark stands as a symbol of faith, testing Evan's conviction and his relationships. Amidst the ridicule and challenges, he learns that change starts with one act of kindness.

6. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" (2005) – Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell), a shy middle-aged man, hides a secret – he's a virgin. When his friends find out, do they leave him be? No way! They embark on a mission to help Andy lose his virginity.

With dating advice (both good and bad), waxing mishaps, and romantic misadventures, Andy's journey is one of growth and self-discovery. In the end, he realizes that love is more than physical connection. Because sometimes, it's worth waiting for something special.

5. "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" (2012) – Rotten Tomatoes: 55%

An asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. Is humanity saved? Nope.

With the apocalypse approaching, insurance salesman Dodge (Steve Carell) decides to find his high school sweetheart. Along the way, he's joined by Penny (Keira Knightley), his free-spirited neighbor.

As they embark on a road trip, the two form a deep connection amidst the world's impending doom. Is it too late for love? Maybe, but sometimes, the journey itself is the destination.

4. "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006) – Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

The Hoovers, a quirky family, embark on a road trip to get young Olive to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Among them is Frank (Steve Carell), a suicidal Proust scholar recovering from a breakup.

Does the trip go smoothly? Far from it! The journey is a series of misadventures, with broken-down vans and unexpected revelations. Through laughter and tears, the Hoovers discover the beauty in embracing one's flaws.

3. "Despicable Me" (2010) – Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

Enter Gru (Steve Carell), a supervillain with a heart of... gold? When he adopts three orphaned girls to use in his plan to steal the moon, he never expects to bond with them. But does he let his feelings show? Not at first.

As Gru's villainous façade crumbles, he discovers the joy of fatherhood. With a horde of minions, high-tech gadgets, and heartfelt moments, this animated film reveals that even the most despicable can change.

2. "The Big Short" (2015) – Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

The housing bubble bursts, and the world plunges into financial crisis. Who saw it coming? A handful of individuals, including Mark Baum (Steve Carell), a cynical hedge fund manager.

As Mark investigates the corrupt mortgage industry, he realizes the extent of the impending catastrophe. He decides to bet against the market, anticipating the crash. Amidst the chaos of Wall Street, he grapples with the moral dilemma of profiting from others' misfortune.

1. "Foxcatcher" (2014) – Rotten Tomatoes: 87%

Based on true events, the film portrays the unsettling relationship between billionaire John du Pont (Steve Carell) and Olympic wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz.

Does John genuinely support their dreams? Or is there something more sinister at play? As John's erratic behavior escalates, the tension between the three men intensifies.

With power struggles, manipulation, and a desire for recognition, the film explores the dark side of ambition, and in the end, the consequences are tragic and haunting.