I once met someone who swore Chris Pratt had only been in three movies, total. It was right after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 came out, and I almost choked on my drink trying to explain his filmography. With Pratt’s latest sci-fi venture, Mercy, hitting screens this week, it seemed like the perfect moment to set the record straight: the man has done a *lot* of sci-fi.
Turns out, Pratt’s sci-fi résumé isn’t just extensive; it’s a wild ride through quality, character importance, and sheer memorability. Compiling this list of 21 films, I was floored by how many I’d forgotten he even touched. Get ready for some surprises; this isn’t your typical ranking.
TBD – Mercy (2026)
The smell of fresh popcorn is a siren song, but sometimes it masks a dud. Mercy, with its innovative premise of a man trying to prove his innocence to an AI he created, sparks curiosity. However, its January release and quiet marketing campaign temper expectations. Still, those trailers hint at something interesting. I’m intrigued, but reserving judgment.
20. Passengers (2016)
Passengers promised so much: Pratt alongside Jennifer Lawrence, a grand sci-fi concept. Yet, the story hinges on a deeply unsettling act: Pratt’s character essentially condemns Lawrence’s to death out of loneliness. The film breezes past this ethical black hole. This combination of A-list talent and a problematic plot grounds it near the bottom.
19. The Garfield Movie (2024)
Has anyone ever walked out of a movie theatre feeling like they had been lied to? This part of the list takes us in reverse through Pratt’s voice acting roles. While he excelled in earlier, more successful ventures, The Garfield Movie felt like a casting choice devoid of inspiration. Sadly, the film followed suit.
18. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
I won’t trash Thor: Love and Thunder, but Pratt’s presence felt like a studio mandate born from Avengers: Endgame. His limited role keeps it low on this list.
17. Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Pratt’s Jurassic trilogy concludes with a whimper, not a roar. But, at least he’s front and center, sharing the screen with some screen legends.
16. The Electric State (2025)
Think of that junk food you love: The Electric State is bad, but it’s a visually arresting, immensely watchable kind of bad. The quintessential Netflix movie.
15. The Tomorrow War (2021)
The Tomorrow War suffers from unrealized potential, yet the premise—soldiers from the present fighting in a future war—earns it a slight bump. It’s a case of a great idea that doesn’t quite land.
14. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
I’m not a fan, but even supporters admit Pratt wasn’t the ideal Mario. Still, he gives it his all.
13. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
The Jurassic World series improves in reverse order, placing this sequel in the middle. Part dinosaur flick, part haunted house, it’s watchable. Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard showcase solid chemistry, building on their previous dynamic.
12. Wanted (2008)
Have you ever been on a journey, only to realize you’re going in the wrong direction? Did you even remember Pratt in Wanted? This Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy action film is enjoyable, but Pratt’s role isn’t significant enough to elevate it.
11. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer’s Body is a cult classic, ahead of its time. However, Pratt’s role isn’t particularly memorable.
10. Her (2013)
Joining the “Chris Pratt Is in THAT Movie?” club is Spike Jonze’s Her. Like Wanted and Jennifer’s Body, it’s a great film, but Pratt’s supporting role doesn’t scream “Chris Pratt,” landing it mid-pack.
9. Onward (2020)
Chris Pratt and Tom Holland in a Pixar film sounds foolproof. The world almost ended when Onward premiered in March 2020. While not top-tier Pixar, Onward is enjoyable, emotional, and uses Pratt effectively.
8. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
This sequel isn’t as flawless as the original, but it remains inventive and fun. Pratt shines as Emmet, showcasing his everyman charm. It suffers from the sequel curse.
7. Jurassic World (2015)
The original Jurassic World gets a bad rap, but it delivers a decent, scary dinosaur movie while realizing the promise of the original series. They opened a park! Pratt trains raptors! It works, and Pratt is a major reason.
6. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Focusing on Pratt’s Star-Lord, Endgame’s scope is impressive, but Star-Lord’s limited role places it here.
5. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Star-Lord’s role in Infinity War is significant. His interactions with Thor are great, Gamora’s loss impacts the story, and his dusting is iconic. Stellar stuff.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
The Guardians films dominate this list. James Gunn crafted three wonderful movies. Vol. 2 sees Pratt face his dad, Kurt Russell, but it’s not quite as memorable as the others.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 might spotlight Pratt more, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a better “Guardians” movie. Star-Lord has a great arc and ending, a sentiment applicable to all characters, making it special.
2. The Lego Movie (2014)
Earlier, I mentioned a journey through Pratt’s voice work in reverse. We’ve arrived at his finest voice performance and animated film. The Lego Movie is intelligent, entertaining, and surprising. Pratt’s Emmet plays a large part in that.
What makes ‘The Lego Movie’ so good?
Its appeal comes from subverting expectations; it looks like a simple children’s film, but it operates on multiple levels. There are layers of satire and commentary on conformity. The script is sharp, witty, and filled with memorable lines. It avoids predictability.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
For me, thinking about Chris Pratt and sci-fi, the movie that launched his sci-fi career is the winner. James Gunn’s choice to cast Pratt as Star-Lord changed the MCU and Pratt’s career. He transformed from a sitcom actor to an action star. And the movie is a contender for Marvel’s best. So, it wins.
How did ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ change Chris Pratt’s career?
It changed everything. Before Guardians, he was known primarily for his comedic role in Parks and Recreation. The film showcased his ability to handle action, humor, and heart, broadening his appeal. After Guardians, he became a sought-after leading man in blockbusters.
Will Chris Pratt return as Star-Lord?
Right now, there are no concrete plans. Pratt himself has expressed openness to reprising the role. Everything hinges on Marvel’s future direction and whether Star-Lord fits into it. After all, Gunn moved to DC Studios.