Rian Johnson's hotly-anticipated murder mystery sequel Glass Onion is already being named by several critics and early audiences as the go-to family comedy of the year, which is really no surprise given the success of the franchise's original installment, Knives Out.
In both films, protagonist Benoit Blanc is invited to solve a complex mystery that plays out in real-time, with hidden secrets and rising tensions that keep things exciting from start to finish. Glass Onion sees Dave Bautista the star-studded ensemble - an actor that many audiences will recognize from his various successful roles over the years.
10 Thor: Love And Thunder (2022) - 2.9/5
Available To Stream On Disney+
Despite the excitement that so many MCU fans held for Love and Thunder, it's quickly become one of the most polarizing films in the franchise. There are people who enjoy the film's slapstick comedy and bold visuals, but most can agree that it's a large step down from Waititi's previous entry in the series.
Dave Bautista is still brilliant in the film, and even though he doesn't have as much screen time as he probably should, he makes the most out of every scene. Drax gets some of his most memorable moments in Love and Thunder, which is why it's such a shame that most audiences don't care for the film overall.
9 Spectre (2015) - 3.1/5
Available To Stream On FuboTV
Spectre is the fourth installment in Daniel Craig's tenure as the iconic British hero James Bond, and whilst many audiences were ittedly underwhelmed by the film overall, there are several moments and scenes that really stick out - particularly Dave Bautista's battle sequence on a moving train.
It's one of the James Bond series' most exciting and well-directed sequences to date, quickly cementing Dave Bautista as one of the best henchmen that James Bond has faced. In his few scenes, Bautista adds a much-needed sense of urgency and intensity to the somewhat messy story.
8 Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018) - 3.2/5
Available To Stream On Peacock
Master Z is probably the most unseen project in Bautista's filmography, simply because it wasn't much of a hit outside China. It's a riveting martial arts adventure that follows protagonist Cheung Tin Chi as he finds himself repeatedly drawn to the world of fighting and crime.
Although Master Z wasn't a huge success across the world, it's one that really stands out among Bautista's filmography thanks to its dynamic direction and bizarre story. It's unlike any other film in the genre, and Bautista's martial arts background really helps elevate his performance.
7 My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009) - 3.3/5
No Streaming Information Available
Werner Herzog is one of the most influential foreign directors in the film industry today, so it's no surprise that so many audiences connected with this bold crime thriller. It features a brash lead performance from Michael Shannon, who plays a character that finds themselves in a truly dark and dangerous situation.
Bautista's role in the film is only minor - he appears as one of the Police Officers tasked with solving the story's central conflict. Nevertheless, his raw intensity manages to keep every scene interesting and filled with tension, which is exactly what this story needs to thrive.
6 Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) - 3.5/5
Available To Stream On Disney+
The role of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequels is the character that Dave Bautista is most well-known for, essentially jump-starting his Hollywood acting career several years ago. He balances comedy and drama so effectively through this brilliant role, truly understanding the spirit of James Gunn's unique movies.
The aspect of the Guardians movies that really makes them stand out from others in the MCU is their ability to keep audiences laughing whilst exploring some genuinely moving topics. That is particularly true in this installment, where the multi-layered story centers around family, identity, and destiny.
5 Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) - 3.8/5
Available To Stream On Disney+
Both Guardians of the Galaxy movies have their respective strengths, but most audiences can agree that the original is the superior one. The film was a huge commercial success, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing MCU movies ever made.
James Gunn is one of the best things to happen to the superhero genre in a long time - his particular style of filmmaking has the exact same feel as reading a comic book, and this film's cast knows exactly how to capitalize on that style and eccentricity. Bautista is especially charming in his role, maintaining a great sense of humor without ever forcing Drax to sacrifice his intelligence and power.
4 Dune (2021) - 4.0/5
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Denis Villeneuve's Dune was probably the biggest cinematic event of last year, recounting the timeless story of Frank Herbert's classic novel on the big screen. It boasts a huge ensemble cast filled with some of the industry's biggest names, including Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson in the lead roles.
Dave Bautista plays somewhat against type in Dune, adopting the role of Glossu Rabban - the nephew of Baron Harkonnen who takes it upon himself to bring the downfall of House Atreides. He's a menacing villain, and although he's not given that much screen time, his role is sure to become more relevant in the sequel.
3 Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - 4.0/5
Available To Stream On Disney+
For many people, Avengers: Infinity War remains the best movie in the MCU to date. It brings together a whole decade of storytelling for an unforgettable conclusion that somehow managed to sur even the highest of expectations from superhero fans.
Bautista reprises his role as Drax in the film, and his character is actually one of the ensemble's standout - which certainly isn't easy for a movie with over 70 main characters. When the Guardians find themselves united with Iron Man and Doctor Strange on Titan, it's Drax that keeps things fun and lighthearted with his much-needed sense of humor.
2 Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) - 4.1/5
No Streaming Information Available
It's only been out for a matter of days, but many audiences are already naming Glass Onion as the best movie in Dave Bautista's filmography. The actor gives one of his boldest and most entertaining performances in the film, which allows his character to stand out among the extensive cast.
The success of Glass Onion can only spell good news for Rian Johnson and the future of the Knives Out franchise, as audiences don't seem to be tiring of it any time soon. Both films provide excellent original stories and down-to-earth storytelling, which is something that isn't always present in today's cinematic landscape.
1 Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - 4.1/5
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Although it's Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford that really steal the show in Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner sequel, the inclusion of Bautista's character Sapper Morton was one of the film's smartest and most beneficial decisions.
It's not often that Bautista is given the opportunity to deliver a solely dramatic performance, but Blade Runner 2049 simply proves that more directors should trust him with it. He genuinely disappears into his character and allows the audience to fully connect with him, which raises the stakes of this story tenfold.
