The Five Best Dave Franco Movies Of His Career

Alright, so let's talk about Dave Franco. This guy has been popping up in movies for a while now, and he's got a knack for picking roles that are just... well, fun! He can be hilarious, a little bit weird, and sometimes surprisingly sweet.

If you're looking for a good time at the movies and want to see Dave Franco shine, you've come to the right place. We're going to dive into some of his absolute best performances that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Get ready for some laughs and maybe even a few "aha!" moments.

It's tough to narrow it down, honestly, because he's been in so many memorable flicks. But after much deliberation (and a lot of popcorn), we've landed on five absolute gems that showcase his talents perfectly. These are the movies you'll want to rewatch and introduce to your friends.

1. Neighbors (2014)

Okay, imagine this: Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are trying to live their best quiet lives as new parents. Then, BAM! A fraternity moves in next door. And not just any fraternity, but one led by the charismatic and utterly unhinged Zac Efron.

Now, where does Dave Franco fit in? He plays Pete, Zac's right-hand man and the seemingly more sensible one of the group. But don't let that fool you, Pete has his own brand of wild energy that makes him a perfect foil for the older couple.

The entire premise is hilarious because it's all about the clash of generations and lifestyles. You've got the stressed-out parents wanting peace and quiet, and the frat guys who just want to party 24/7. It's a recipe for absolute comedic chaos, and Dave Franco is right in the thick of it, delivering some fantastic one-liners and physical comedy.

One of the best parts of this movie is seeing Dave Franco's character evolve (sort of). While he starts out as the slightly more reserved fraternity brother, he definitely gets swept up in the escalating war between the house and the neighbors. His interactions with Zac Efron are particularly funny, showing a dynamic friendship that's both loyal and slightly absurd.

This is the kind of movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's all about over-the-top gags, ridiculous situations, and a surprising amount of heart when it comes to the characters' relationships. Dave Franco's performance is a key ingredient in that comedic cocktail, making Neighbors a must-watch for any fan.

2. The Disaster Artist (2017)

This movie is a true underdog story, but not in the way you might expect. It's based on the real-life story of Tommy Wiseau, the eccentric and mysterious director behind the infamous "so bad it's good" film, The Room.

Dave Franco plays Greg Sestero, the actor who befriended Tommy and starred in The Room. Greg's perspective is our window into the utterly bizarre filmmaking process. He's the grounded one trying to make sense of Tommy's wild vision.

What's so captivating about this film is the sheer dedication to capturing the absurdity of its subject. You'll be laughing out loud at the earnest, yet completely misguided, attempts to make a masterpiece. It's a story about friendship, dreams, and the courage to pursue them, even if they're a little... off.

Dave Franco's portrayal of Greg is fantastic because he embodies the audience's confusion and eventual acceptance of Tommy's unique brand of genius (or madness). He's the relatable character in a sea of bizarre. His reactions to Tommy's antics are priceless, and you can't help but root for him as he navigates this crazy world.

This film is a beautiful tribute to the power of passion and the strange beauty that can be found in even the most unconventional projects. It’s heartwarming to see the genuine friendship between Greg and Tommy endure despite all the challenges. The Disaster Artist is a fantastic watch for anyone who appreciates a good story about chasing your dreams, no matter how unconventional they might be. And Dave Franco's performance is a huge part of why it works so well.

3. Now You See Me (2013)

Now, if you're into magic tricks and heist movies, this one is right up your alley. Now You See Me is all about a group of illusionists, known as "The Four Horsemen," who pull off daring, seemingly impossible magic shows that also involve stealing money from the rich and giving it to the audience.

Dave Franco plays Jack Wilder, one of the four magicians. He's the street magician of the group, with a knack for sleight of hand and a charmingly roguish attitude. His performances are full of energy and the kind of quick wit that makes you lean in.

The movie is a roller coaster of suspense and dazzling illusions. You'll find yourself constantly trying to figure out how they pull off their tricks, and the film does an excellent job of keeping you guessing. It's a popcorn flick that’s both thrilling and incredibly entertaining.

What's great about Dave Franco's character here is his blend of skill and slight recklessness. He's not afraid to take risks, and that makes his magic acts all the more exciting to watch. You can see the pure joy and thrill he gets from performing, even when things are at their most intense.

The ensemble cast is fantastic, and Dave Franco holds his own among them. His character's journey throughout the film, as he becomes more involved in the elaborate plan, is compelling. Now You See Me is a perfect example of a movie where Dave Franco gets to showcase his charisma and his ability to be part of a high-stakes, visually stunning adventure. It's a movie that will leave you wondering, "How did they do that?"

4. 21 Jump Street (2012)

Get ready for some serious laughs with this one! 21 Jump Street is a hilarious reboot of the classic 80s TV show. It follows two underachieving cops, Schmidt (played by Jonah Hill) and Jenko (played by Channing Tatum), who are sent back to high school undercover to bust a drug ring.

Dave Franco plays Eric Molson, the popular kid who becomes the target of their investigation. He's the guy everyone wants to be friends with, and he's got that effortlessly cool vibe.

The brilliance of this movie is its self-aware humor and its ability to poke fun at its own premise. It knows it's a bit ridiculous, and it leans into that with gusto. The chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is gold, but Dave Franco's character plays a crucial role in their undercover shenanigans.

What makes Dave Franco's performance so enjoyable is his ability to embody that carefree, slightly naive popularity. He's the kind of character you want to hang out with, but you also see why the cops are keeping a close eye on him. His interactions with Schmidt and Jenko are filled with awkwardness and genuine moments of connection, making his role more than just a typical "popular kid" trope.

This movie is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s packed with laugh-out-loud moments and surprisingly clever writing. Dave Franco’s character, Eric, adds another layer to the comedic chaos, making 21 Jump Street a standout in the comedy genre and a testament to his talent for bringing likable, yet complex, characters to life.

5. The Little Hours (2017)

Now, this one might be a bit more niche, but it's a truly delightful and wonderfully bizarre comedy. Set in medieval Italy, The Little Hours follows a young virgin named Alessandra who is forced to become a nun. She's not exactly thrilled about it, and neither are the other nuns in her convent.

Dave Franco plays Father Tommasso, a local priest who is supposed to be overseeing the nuns. However, he's more interested in spending his days avoiding work and enjoying the company (or perhaps the temptations) of the convent.

The humor in this film is dry, witty, and often quite unexpected. It's a story about a group of women trying to find purpose and excitement in a rather monotonous life, and their attempts often lead to hilarious and chaotic situations. The film doesn't shy away from the silliness of it all.

Dave Franco's performance as Father Tommasso is perfect because he brings a sense of weary, slightly unmotivated charm to the role. He's not a strict religious figure; he's more of a reluctant participant in the convent's eccentricities. His quiet reactions and subtle expressions add so much to the overall comedic tone.

This movie is a gem for its unique perspective and its commitment to embracing the absurd. It's a heartwarming (in a twisted way) look at sisterhood and finding joy in unexpected places. The Little Hours is a testament to Dave Franco's versatility, showing he can shine in broad comedies just as well as he can in quirky, character-driven independent films. It’s a film that rewards you for taking a chance on something a little different.