While he stars in the hit TV series Breaking Bad, what else is Bryan Cranston most famous for? Since the premier of Breaking Bad in 2008, Cranston has done a wonderful job at playing the iconic role of Walter White, a skilled high school chemist teacher who soon turns into one of the biggest criminals in America. But that’s not all he’s done. While his role in the crime-drama is one of his biggest hits with fans, there are so many other films and shows in his portfolio.
With his first appearance in 1980 being a movie called To Race the Wind, where he played the Quarterback, Cranston has over 40 years history with acting. Unfortunately, not all of them are widely known. So, what is Bryan Cranston most famous for other than being Walter White? Here are a few of his top roles.
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9. Malcom in the Middle
Premiering in 2000, Bryan Cranston might be more recognizable to some generations from his role as the father, Hal, in Malcom in the Middle. This show follows the Wilkerson family, primarily a young teenager, as he deals with his dysfunctional family.
With seven seasons and over 150 episodes, this show is where Cranston received most of his airtime, as it was a long running show until 2006. While his personality as Hal is incredibly different than Walt, it’s a great bingeable series to try out if fans are interested in more of Cranston’s work.
8. Trumbo
Released in 2015, Trumbo is a two-hour film that follows Dalton Trumbo, a Hollywood screenwriter that is jailed and blacklisted for his political beliefs.
This film stars Cranston as Trumbo himself, and while it only scored 7.4/10 on IMDb, Cranston does a brilliant job at keeping the story serious and interesting while still having funny and entertaining moments.
7. Your Honor
This television series began in 2020 and is ongoing. Michael Desiato (Cranston) is a New Orleans judge that is forced to confront his son’s conviction of a hit-and-run.
The story escalates to a spider-web of lies and deceit, showing just how far Desiato will go to make sure his own son is safe.
6. The Upside
Moving to a more light-hearted and feel-good film, The Upside released in 2017 and stole the hearts of viewers. Starring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, this film follows Dell Scott (Hart) who takes on the job to take care of Philip Lacasse (Cranston) who is quadriplegic.
This comedy shows the interesting and unique relationship between the two characters as well as show the struggles of everyday life.
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5. Argo
This 2012 film follows a dangerous operation to rescue 6 Americans in Tahran during the U.S. hostage crisis in 1979.
While Cranston is not the star in this film, he does play a major role as the CIA Deputy Director, Jack O’Donnell. This tense and drama filled film captured audiences, and Cranston’s role was just as impactful.
4. All the Way
This film released in 2016 and is set after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy when Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (Cranston) takes over.
The film follows Johnson as he works on trying to pass the Civil Right Act, an Act that was drafted while JFK was in office but is facing strong opposition.
3. The Infiltrator
Starring Cranston who players Robert Mazur, this 2016 film follows U.S. customs working towards uncovering a money laundering scheme that involves a Columbian drug lord, Pablo Escobar.
Mazur goes undercover and works with Escobar directly, hiding his identity as long as possible. It’s an intense film that highlights Cranston’s skill.
2. Saving Private Ryan
Arguably one of the most iconic war movies of all time, Saving Private Ryan is loosely based on a true story that follows a group of men sent out to find Private James Ryan and send him home.
While Bryan Cranston does not have a prominent role in this film, appearing as the War Department Colonel, the brief time that he does show up is moving. This movie is one of Bryan Cranston’s most famous acting cameos.
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1. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
While this still is in the Breaking Bad setting, it wouldn’t be right to talk about Cranston’s greatest films without bringing up this gem. Released in 2019, this 2-hour movie follows Jesse Pinkman as he runs from his captors, the law as well as his past.
While it follows Jesse, Walter White does appear in this film and shows just more of how amazing Cranston in with his performances.