Gabriel Basso’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Gabriel Basso movies 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 in The 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 again with Netflix’s The 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.

10

American Wrestler: The Wizard (2016)

Gabriel Basso Plays Jimmy Petersen

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American Wrestler: The Wizard

PG-13

Drama

Release Date

May 16, 2017

Runtime

117 minutes

Director

Alex Ranarivelo

Writers

Brian Rudnick

Producers

Ali Afshar

Cast

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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 of American Wrestler and 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 Wizard film 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.

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9

Hillbilly Elegy (2020)

Gabriel Basso Plays J.D. Vance

Hillbilly Elegy

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Hillbilly Elegy

R

Drama

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3/10

1/10

Release Date

November 24, 2020

Runtime

116 minutes

Director

Ron Howard

Writers

Vanessa Taylor, J.D. Vance

Cast

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Based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy is 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.

8

Barely Lethal (2015)

Gabriel Basso Plays Gooch

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Barely Lethal

PG-13

Comedy

Action

Adventure

Release Date

April 30, 2015

Runtime

100 minutes

Director

Kyle Newman

Writers

John D’Arco

Cast

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In the teen spy comedy 2915 Barely 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 Lethal follows 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 in Barely Lethal. His deadpan delivery balances out the over-the-top antics of the spy world, and he shares several fun scenes with Steinfeld and 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 Lethal is a fun detour into his lighter work – and a reminder that he’s got comedic skills to match his dramatic range.

7

Trigger Warning (2024)

Gabriel Basso Plays Mike

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Trigger Warning

Action

Thriller

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4/10

Release Date

June 21, 2024

Runtime

86 Minutes

Director

Mouly Surya

Writers

John Brancato, Josh Olson, Halley Wegryn Gross

Cast

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The 2024 Netflix action thriller Trigger 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 of Trigger 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 make Trigger Warning more 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.

6

The Whole Truth (2016)

Gabriel Basso Plays Mike Lassiter

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The Whole Truth

R

Drama

Thriller

Release Date

March 25, 2016

Runtime

93 minutes

Director

Courtney Hunt

Writers

Nicholas Kazan

Producers

Anthony Bregman, Charles Roven, Eyal Rimmon, Kevin Scott Frakes, Richard Suckle, Scott Fischer, Robert Ogden Barnum, Buddy Patrick, Raj Brinder Singh, Gideon Tadmor, Vishal Rungta, Elon Dershowitz, Jamin O’Brien

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    Mike Lassiter

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Directed by Courtney Hunt, 2016’s The Whole Truth is 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 Reeves and 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 Truth is a dark horse that shouldn’t be overlooked.

5

Juror No. 2 (2024)

Gabriel Basso Plays James Michael Sythe

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Juror #2

PG-13

Drama

Crime

Thriller

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7/10

19

8.3/10

Release Date

October 30, 2024

Runtime

114 Minutes

Director

Clint Eastwood

Writers

Jonathan A. Abrams

Producers

Adam Goodman, Clint Eastwood, Tim Moore, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jessica Meier, David M. Bernstein, Jeremy Bell

Cast

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Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2 marks 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. 2 carries 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.

4

The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)

Gabriel Basso Plays Gregory

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The Strangers: Chapter 1

Not Yet Rated

Horror

Thriller

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5/10

5.3/10

Release Date

May 17, 2024

Runtime

91 minutes

Director

Renny Harlin

Writers

Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland

Franchise(s)

The Strangers

Cast

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In The Strangers: Chapter 1, the eerie reboot of the iconic home invasion horror franchise, Gabriel Basso plays Gregory, a boyfriend caught in a terrifying fight for survival. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film reimagines the original The Strangers with 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 in The Strangers: Chapter 1 feel 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 longtime Strangers devotees praised Chapter 1 for 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 1 stands out for viewers who want to see him in full survival mode, fighting to stay alive in a nightmare scenario.

3

Super 8 (2011)

Gabriel Basso Plays Martin Read

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Super 8

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Thriller

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8/10

6.8/10

Release Date

June 10, 2011

Runtime

112 minutes

Director

J.J. Abrams

Writers

J.J. Abrams

Cast

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Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, Super 8 is a nostalgic sci-fi adventure that channels the spirit of E.T. and The 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 8 struck 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.

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2

The Big C (2010-2013)

Gabriel Basso Plays Adam Jamison

Gabriel Basso in The Big C

Before he was chasing conspiracies or dodging masked killers, Gabriel Basso broke hearts and delivered laughs in The 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 C was their first introduction to his talent, and still ranks as one of the best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows.

1

The Night Agent (2023-Present)

Gabriel Basso Plays Peter Sutherland Jr.

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The Night Agent

TV-MA

Drama

Mystery

Action

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

7/10

164

8.4/10

Release Date

March 23, 2023

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Shawn Ryan

Directors

Adam Arkin, Guy Ferland, Millicent Shelton, Ramaa Mosley

Writers

Seth Fisher, Munis Rashid, Corey Deshon

Cast

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Creator(s)

Shawn Ryan

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Netflix’s pulse-pounding thriller The Night Agent turned 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 in The Night Agent with 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 best Gabriel Basso movies and TV shows, The Night Agent isn’t just a must-watch – it’s the reason many people are discovering his entire body of work.