The bestGabriel Bassomovies and TV shows showcase just how effortlessly the Missouri-born actor moves between heart-pounding action, emotional drama, and quirky comedy. Born in 1994 in St. Louis, Gabriel Basso got his start in guest roles and indie films before landing his breakout part as Adam Jamison inThe Big C. From there, he quickly built a reputation as a magnetic screen presence who could deliver intensity and vulnerability in equal measure. Whether he’s leading a series or stealing scenes in a supporting role, Basso always brings depth and charisma.
Fans love Gabriel Basso for his ability to disappear into a wide range of characters, from awkward teenagers to determined FBI agents. He has that rare everyman quality, paired with a sharp emotional intelligence that makes his performances memorable. Over the years, he’s worked with acclaimed directors like Ron Howard and Clint Eastwood and shared the screen with industry legends. In 2023, his profile skyrocketed once againwith Netflix’sThe Night Agent, reminding audiences why he’s been a rising star to watch for years - as each one of the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows proves.
American Wrestler: The Wizard, directed by Alex Ranarivelo, tells the inspiring story of a teenage Iranian refugee who finds an unexpected path to belonging through high school wrestling. Gabriel Basso plays Jimmy Petersen, a local teen and fellow wrestler whose presence adds layers to the emotional weight of the narratives.While Basso’s role is more supporting, he makes it memorable, capturing the mix of teenage skepticism and personal growth that defines so many high school stories.His chemistry with lead actor George Kosturos helps ground the film’s emotional core.
Gabriel Basso’s portrayal of Jimmy brings a sense of authenticity to the ensemble cast ofAmerican Wrestlerand highlights the struggles of youth trying to make sense of change and competition. While not as flashy as some of his more recent work, this performance is an early example of Basso’s instinct for realism and nuance.American Wrestler: The Wizardfilm features strong supporting turns from William Fichtner and Jon Voight, and its powerful underdog energy still resonates. It might not be the first title that comes to mind when thinking about the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows, but it’s a gem that shows where his talent began to shine.
Based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance,Hillbilly Elegyis a gritty family drama directed by Ron Howard that dives into the cyclical poverty and addiction plaguing rural Appalachia. Gabriel Basso stars as the adult version of J.D. Vance, a Yale law student returning to his troubled hometown after a family emergency. It’s a heavy, emotionally demanding role, and Basso plays it with quiet strength, letting his performance simmer with guilt, frustration, and love. Sharing the screen with powerhouse performers Amy Adams and Glenn Close, Basso doesn’t just hold his own - he anchors the film with understated vulnerability.
Basso’s scenes with Close, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Mamaw, are especially raw and powerful. Howard’s direction leans into realism, and Basso fully commits to the role of a man torn between two worlds - his elite academic future and his tumultuous past. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Basso’s grounded performance earned him praise and introduced him to a much wider audience.For anyone exploring the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows, this Netflix drama is essential viewing for understanding just how deep his acting range goes.
In the teen spy comedy 2915Barely Lethal, directed by Kyle Newman, Gabriel Basso leans into his comedic side as Gooch - a tech-savvy best friend who helps navigate the chaos of high school and secret missions. In terms of plot,Barely Lethalfollows Hailee Steinfeld as a trained teenage assassin trying to live a normal life, and Basso’s character is a key part of the high school hijinks and tech-heavy plot twists that keep things moving.
Gooch could’ve been a throwaway sidekick role, but Basso’s timing and likability make him a standout character inBarely Lethal. His deadpan delivery balances out the over-the-top antics of the spy world, and he shares several fun scenes with Steinfeldand Dove Cameron. The cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Alba, making for an unexpectedly star-studded affair. While the movie itself didn’t blow up the box office, it became a cult favorite among fans of quirky teen action flicks.For those exploring the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows,Barely Lethalis a fun detour into his lighter work - and a reminder that he’s got comedic skills to match his dramatic range.
The 2024Netflix action thrillerTrigger Warning, directed by Mouly Surya, delivers nonstop suspense with a dash of gritty political undertones. Gabriel Basso takes on the role of Mike, a character tangled in a web of military secrets and personal loyalties. Starring alongside Jessica Alba one again, who plays a Special Forces commando unraveling the mystery behind her father’s death, Basso’s performance adds a raw edge to the film’s tension. As Mike, Gabriel Basso proves he can hold his own in a world of covert operations and high-stakes danger.
His portrayal adds moral ambiguity to the story ofTrigger Warning, making the audience question who can truly be trusted.This role gave Basso the chance to dive deeper into the action genre and showcase a more mature, hardened character compared to his earlier appearances.The slick direction and socially charged plot makeTrigger Warningmore than your average action movie, and Basso plays a big part in that. While it’s one of his newer roles, it’s clear that his screen presence is only growing stronger.
Directed by Courtney Hunt, 2016’sThe Whole Truthis a courtroom thriller with a dark family twist. Gabriel Basso stars as Mike Lassiter, a teenager accused of murdering his father. As the narrative unfolds through witness testimony and secrets, Basso’s performance becomes the heart of the story - intensely internal, vulnerable, and full of layered tension. It’s a role that required him to play both victim and potential villain, and he nails that delicate balance.
Basso stars alongside Keanu Reevesand Renée Zellweger, holding his own in emotionally complex scenes that demand quiet strength.His portrayal of Mike is understated but incredibly powerful, especially as more is revealed about the circumstances surrounding the crime. Hunt’s direction keeps the story taut, and Basso delivers one of his most psychologically charged performances to date. While the 2016 movie flew under the radar for many viewers, it’s a gripping ride worth taking. For fans searching the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows that spotlight his dramatic talent,The Whole Truthis a dark horse that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Clint Eastwood’sJuror No. 2marks another major step in Gabriel Basso’s career, placing him in the courtroom spotlight once again, but this time with a surreal twist. He plays James Michael Sythe, a young juror who realizes during a high-profile trial that he may have had something to do with the crime at the center of the case. With Eastwood directing and a cast that includes Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette,Juror No. 2carries heavyweight prestige, and Basso absolutely delivers.
Playing James Michael Sythe allowed Gabriel Basso to explore guilt, denial, and fractured memory, giving him a chance to flex his dramatic range in ways that are both cerebral and emotional.His performance adds a human touch to a high-concept premise, and he proves he can handle intense material even when sharing the screen with seasoned veterans. It’s undeniably one of the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows for fans who love morally complex storytelling anchored by emotionally intelligent performances.
InThe Strangers: Chapter 1, the eeriereboot of the iconic home invasion horrorfranchise, Gabriel Basso plays Gregory, a boyfriend caught in a terrifying fight for survival. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film reimagines the originalThe Strangerswith a fresh, stylish energy while paying homage to the suspense that made the original so terrifying. Basso’s performance helps ground the escalating terror, bringing real emotional stakes to a genre that often leans on shock over substance. As Gregory, Gabriel Basso channels both vulnerability and desperation, making it easy for audiences to root for him and his girlfriend (played by Madelaine Petsch) as they’re hunted by masked intruders.
Gabriel Basso’s reactions inThe Strangers: Chapter 1feel authentic, heightening the dread with every creaking floorboard and slammed door. Basso doesn’t just scream and run - he adds emotional depth to a genre often lacking it. Horror fans and longtimeStrangersdevotees praisedChapter 1for its fresh approach, and Basso’s performance was a key part of that.Among the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows,The Strangers: Chapter 1stands out for viewers who want to see him in full survival mode, fighting to stay alive in a nightmare scenario.
Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg,Super 8is a nostalgic sci-fi adventure that channels the spirit ofE.T.andThe Goonies- and Gabriel Basso was right there at the heart of the chaos. He plays Martin Read, one of a group of kids shooting a homemade zombie movie, when they witness a terrifying train crash that unleashes something otherworldly. Though only a teenager at the time, Basso made a lasting impression with his hilarious, wide-eyed performance.
Basso’s Martin is the group’s neurotic actor, delivering some of the film’s best comedic moments with perfect timing and earnest charm. He stars alongside Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, and Riley Griffiths, and the ensemble chemistry is one of the movie’s biggest strengths. With Abrams’s slick direction and Michael Giacchino’s emotional score,Super 8struck the perfect balance between mystery, heart, and spectacle. Even surrounded by explosions and aliens, Basso stands out. It’s one of the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows for fans who want to see the early sparks of the actor’s now-signature screen presence - and it’s still a joy to revisit today.
2The Big C (2010-2013)
Gabriel Basso Plays Adam Jamison
Before he was chasing conspiracies or dodging masked killers, Gabriel Basso broke hearts and delivered laughs inThe Big C, Showtime’s dark dramedy about life, death, and everything in between. Created by Darlene Hunt, the series starred Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison, a woman facing terminal cancer.Basso played Adam, her teenage son - and over four seasons, he grew from rebellious adolescent to emotionally grounded young adult in a role that earned him major attention.
Gabriel Basso’s performance as Adam is brutally honest and refreshingly real. He never overplays the melodrama, instead showing the confusion, anger, and grief of a kid watching his family fall apart. His chemistry with Linney is electric, and the show’s razor-sharp writing gave him room to explore both comedy and heartbreak. Basso was part of the cast from Season 1 through the show’s conclusion, and his transformation across those years remains one of the most compelling arcs in the series. For many fans,The Big Cwas their first introduction to his talent, and still ranks as one of the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows.
Netflix’s pulse-pounding thrillerThe Night Agentturned Gabriel Basso into a full-blown leading man. Created by Shawn Ryan, the series follows Peter Sutherland Jr., an FBI agent assigned to monitor a rarely-used emergency phone line - until one fateful call catapults him into a high-stakes conspiracy involving traitors in the highest levels of government.As Peter, Gabriel Basso is magnetic, combining action-hero grit with emotional depth that gives the series a beating heart beneath all the twists and gunfights.From the first episode, Basso commands every scene inThe Night Agentwith a calm intensity that’s impossible to look away from.
His chemistry with Luciane Buchanan, who plays tech entrepreneur Rose Larkin, adds both romantic tension and genuine stakes to the plot. The show’s slick pacing and cinematic direction help, but it’s Basso’s layered performance that truly sells the paranoia and urgency. The role has earned him critical praise and a massive new fanbase, proving that he’s not just ready for the spotlight, he owns it. For viewers diving into the bestGabriel Bassomovies and TV shows,The Night Agentisn’t just a must-watch - it’s the reason many people are discovering his entire body of work.
