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About Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser is an energetic and charismatic Canadian/American actor who became a household name in the late 90s thanks to movies like The Mummy, George of the Jungle and Blast From the Past. He also had a troubled career when he came forward that he was abused on set but despite all that he's made an incredible comeback in recent years thanks to the TV show Doom Patrol and in winning the Academy Award for The Whale.
While it was hard to narrow down Brendan's iconic career to only 11 films, I decided to go for a mix of my favorites and the most iconic parts he’s ever played. Here’s hoping you recognize him in these movies and tv shows.
1. The Mummy (1999)
There are few movies that are as synonymous with Brandon Fraser’s career as much as The Mummy. In The Mummy, Brendan Fraser stars as Rick O’Connell.
O’Connell is a brash, risk-taking, comedic adventurer who teams up with a group of archaeologists to show them the ruins of an ancient city called Hamunaptra. However, when an idiotic archaeologist releases the spirit of an evil Egyptian High Priest, O’Connell finds himself taking on the dark supernatural forces of the Egyptian underworld.
2. Doom Patrol (2019-2023)
After over a decade of no acting projects from Brendan Fraser, Doom Patrol was a lifeline for Fraser which saw him take on the voice acting role of one of the most iconic characters in DC Comics’ superhero team, The Doom Patrol. Starring as the voice of Robotman, we saw Brendan Fraser re-enter our homes as a character that so perfectly imperfect with all of his flaws. But we also got to see Brendan Fraser swear his arse off like the trooper he is.
Despite only being in scenes as the voice of Robotman and in flashbacks as Robotman’s alter ego, Cliff Steele, Brendan Fraser took this character to new heights and provides us a perfect audience surrogate to the weird and bizarre world of Doom Patrol.
3. George of the Jungle (1997)
George of the Jungle was an absolutely ridiculous satire on the Tarzan mythology and Brendan Fraser’s overly energetic portrayal as George provided the perfect delivery of this man raised by animals mixed with slapstick comedy. George of the Jungle was insanely popular when it was first released and is balls to the wall stupid fun. It’s 90s camp at its finest.
4. Dudley Do-Right (1999)
Dudley Do-Right saw Brendan Fraser embrace his Canadian heritage by starring as a dim-whitted “mounted” whose friend, Snidely, decides to become a bad guy later in life. Then the two men are pitted against one another in a comedic and cartoony way as Dudley figures out the best way to take Snidely down.
5. Blast from the Past (1999)
In Blast from the Past, Brendan Fraser plays an out of time and naïve 35 year old dude by the name of Adam Webber who spent his entire life growing up in a nuclear fallout shelter. Then, when the shelter unlocks, Adam Webber enters a world completely changed by time. A world which he often comes up against due to his conservative upbringing - but to hilarious and comedic effect.
When he meets Eve, however, she changes his 1960s view on this millennial modern world and they eventually fall in love in true rom-com style.
6. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Based on the Jules Verne 1864 novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth returned Brendan Fraser to an adventurer style role. However, in searching for a lost relative he inadvertently ends up leading a team to the center of the earth. During the journey they discover a world untouched by man and numerous exotic wildlife they have to contend with.
Journey to the Center of the Earth continues that mix of Brendan Fraser action and comedy that has endeared fans the world over to his acting style.
7. School Ties (1992)
School Ties featured Brendan Fraser in a role with an incredible cast alongside the likes of Matt Damon, Chris O'Donnell, Ben Affleck, and Anthony Rapp. In this movie, Brendan Fraser plays a Jewish high school student who is awarded an athletic scholarship to an elite preparatory school in his senior year. During which he struggles with his friends and teachers having widespread negative opinions about Jews. This inner turmoil is what follows Fraser’s character throughout the entire film.
Despite his incredible portrayal, School Ties was a commercial flop and so is often forgotten about or under appreciated. It’s a pity.
8. The Quiet American (2002)
The Quiet American sees Brendan Fraser plays a young American man (in 1952) who falls in love with a Vietnamese girl who is dating an English reporter. The reporter then retaliates by framing the American for all the bombings in the city.
The Quiet American is a period specific thriller which deals with issues of race, patriotism and courage under fire.
9. Encino Man (1992)
Encino Man is one of those movies that only the 90s could have produced. It’s a comedy with simple story telling origins in which two students unwillingly thaw out a caveman. A caveman who, naturally, ends up attending school with them.
If anything, the humour in Encino Man is a demo song to the end product that is George of the Jungle. Without Encino Man there can be no George of the Jungle so enjoy this film for what it is.
10. Extraordinary Measures (2010)
I bet when you think of Brendan Fraser the last person you’re going to think of as a fellow cast mate is Harrison Ford. Well, in Extraordinary Measures, Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford exchange acting barbs as they portray two characters who work for a biotech firm that is researching a cure for a disease which is killing a group of children. Another severely underrated film in this list of Brendan Fraser gems.
11. The Whale (2022)
The Whale saw Brendan Fraser return to Hollywood and reclaim his career as he won the Academy Award for his portrayal of morbidly obese English teacher, Charlie, who is gradually eating himself to death and is desperate to reconnect with his daughter before he dies.
The Whale is emotionally confronting, insightful and is probably the best film that Brendan Fraser has ever starred in. Both from storytelling and acting perspectives.
Have you seen any of these Brendan Fraser Movies and TV Shows?
Hopefully we've added some extra Brendan Fraser movies and TV shows to your ever-growing bucket list? Let us know in the comments.