Brendan Fraser is a beloved actor who seemed to be missing for a while. As can easily be found online, he wasn’t missing, he was simply working less and doing a lot of television while seemingly being blacklisted as an A-list actor. With love from his fanbase, a few daring filmmakers, and a lot of talent from Mr. Fraser, he seems to be fully back and we love it! With The Whale due in theaters this Friday, we decided to put together this list of our 5 favorite Brendan Fraser movies!
Encino Man (1992)
For most people back in the 1990s, this was their introduction to Brendan Fraser, as a seemingly not that bright cavemen woken by an earthquake in modern-day Encino. The film is pure 90s cheese with the humor of the period in full display and with Fraser giving a performance that really works and makes the film something more than just another dumb teen comedy. Fraser helped give Link more of an arc, making him more human where the character could have just been a big joke otherwise. His work here may seem silly at first, but watching it as an adult, it really comes through as something more than a big, hot, dumb dude. He was putting more in that performance than some others in the cast were putting in the film. He is the soul of this film and makes it rewatchable even today.
School Ties (1992)
Released within the same year as Encino Man (but shot first), School Ties is pretty much the exact opposite in terms of film genre, type of performance, and subject matter. Here, Fraser plays David Greene, a young man given an opportunity of a better education through sports. Once at his new school, he struggles with the fact that he is surrounded by WASP’s while himself being Jewish. The film is set in 1959, so not that long after the war. Here, Fraser holds his own acting alongside Matt Dillion, Chris O’Donnell, Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser, and many more. His work shines and he really puts his all in this part. It’s one of his earlier films and one that really shows his talent and what he is capable of.
George of the Jungle (1997)
This is one of those most people know the story of, George grew up in the jungle and is suddenly taken to the city. There, hijinks ensue. This one is great because of Fraser and his performance. It’s also great because of what it deals with, how it approaches the story, and how George is characterized in a non-toxic masculine way. This is something that has been studied online and is easy to find. He is not a muscular man for the male gaze, he is not a character who was raised in a typical patriarchal society. He’s a character who is supportive, not afraid to be emotional, he’s more than just his looks, he’s a complete man who somehow is better adjusted than many who grew up in the city. This film really gave Fraser something that was both fun and deeper than it seems to work with and he does amazing here. He’s fascinating the part the George and can easily be watched by children and adults alike. This film is fun, Fraser looks great, shows great timing, and that he’s willing to be the positive role model that he can be.
Gods and Monsters (1998)
Based on the last days of filmmaker James Whale, this one is a more serious part for Brendan Fraser and he shows here that he excels in those types of parts. This is still the 1990s here and Fraser is really showing depth and that he’s willing to get into his part and disappear. He’s so great here, he shows his talent and pulls the viewer in. He also holds his own while working next to one of the most accomplished actors in the world, Ian McKellen. Of course, McKellan owns this film, but Fraser still manages to steal a few scenes and make his mark, which shows how talented he is and great he is at working with others. Gods and Monsters is a well-done film with amazing performances and Fraser shines here in a part that is unusual for him, at least for those who have mostly watched him in Encino Man, Airheads, and George of the Jungle. This is a film that told audiences in 1998 that Fraser was meant for so much more.
The Mummy (1999)
Of course, we had to go there. This is a film that is a favorite for so many, including us, as fans of Brendan Fraser or just as popcorn film fans. This film is a boatload of fun, has some special effects that were groundbreaking at the time (albeit they haven’t aged all that well at this point, but they are still charming), and it boasts a cast that is just stunningly hot and fantastic to watch. Fraser is but one of many here who are just gorgeous and talented, people willing to have fun and give their all in front of the camera. Fraser is the lead here, with Rachel Weisz, and he is our hero, the leading man of leading men. He gives a performance that shines and makes his mark as a new hero, a man of action, with still a dude-like way at times. This makes for a great mix and his performance, with those of the rest of the cast, along with the story, the fantasy elements, the horror elements, the comedy, it all comes together to make a memorable film and one that still has a ride at a few theme parks. This one is a signature Fraser movie and it spawned a few sequels. Fans have been demanding a new one and honestly, it could be fun. Even Fraser might be interested. Of course, this one is a favorite and has been for so long, it was impossible not to include it here.
While these aren’t all exactly Oscars material like his latest, they all show that he has heart, talent, and is just one fun dude. Which film of Fraser’s is your favorite?