The best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows prove just how magnetic and versatile the Wednesday star can be. Born on August 28, 1956, in Cayey, Puerto Rico, and raised in New York City’s Lower East Side, Guzmán has been bringing flavor, heart, and grit to screens big and small since the ’80s. With a career that spans over four decades, he’s known for scene-stealing roles in gritty crime dramas, offbeat comedies, and prestige television. Whether he’s playing a streetwise hustler or a compassionate medic, Guzmán always brings an unforgettable mix of humor, intensity, and authenticity.
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After breaking out in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights and Magnolia, Luis Guzmán carved a niche for himself as Hollywood’s go-to guy for memorable supporting roles. Today, he’s loved for his unique voice, expressive face, and the way he makes even the smallest roles pop with personality. He’s collaborated with auteurs like Steven Soderbergh and Steven Spielberg, yet he’s just as comfortable in quirky indie gems and buzzy TV shows. From cult classics to Netflix hits, the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows showcase a career packed with charisma, depth, and pure cinematic joy.
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10
Mind Games (2014)
Luis Guzmán Plays Nate
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Mind Games
TV-PG
Drama
Comedy
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Release Date
2014 – 2014-00-00
Network
ABC
Directors
Sarah Pia Anderson
Writers
John Pogue
Cast
See All
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Christian Slater
Ross Edwards
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Steve Zahn
Clark Edwards
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Megalyn Echikunwoke
Megan
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Gregory Marcel
Miles Hood
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Mind Games is a high-concept psychological drama that aired for a brief run on ABC in 2014. Created by Kyle Killen (the mind behind Awake and Lone Star), the show centered on two brothers running an unorthodox problem-solving firm that manipulates human behavior using psychological tricks. While the series only lasted 13 episodes, it gave Luis Guzmán a chance to flex his acting muscles in a cerebral, emotionally charged setting. As Nate, the firm’s streetwise operations manager, Guzmán brought heart and levity to a show that danced on the edge of science fiction and psychological drama.
Luis Guzmán played off leads Christian Slater and Steve Zahn with ease, adding grounded, no-nonsense charm to their wild schemes. Even in a series with such a complex premise, Guzmán’s character stood out as the emotional glue holding the chaos together. Though Mind Games didn’t earn any major awards, Guzmán’s performance is one of its brightest spots. It’s a hidden gem among the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows, and one that perfectly demonstrates the skills he’s built a career from.
9
How To Make It In America (2010-2011)
Luis Guzmán Plays Rene Calderon
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How to Make it In America
TV-MA
Drama
Comedy
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Release Date
2010 – 2011-00-00
Network
HBO
Directors
Danny Leiner, Joshua Marston, Miguel Arteta
Writers
Joey Soloway, Arty Nelson, Donal Lardner Ward, Norman Morrill, Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, Ariel Schrag
Cast
See All
-
Bryan Greenberg
Ben Epstein
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Victor Rasuk
Cameron ‘Cam’ Calderon
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Lake Bell
Rachel Chapman
-
Eddie Kaye Thomas
David ‘Kappo’ Kaplan
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HBO’s How To Make It In America was a stylish, short-lived dramedy from creator Ian Edelman that followed a group of friends hustling to break into the New York fashion scene. With its hip-hop-heavy soundtrack and downtown grit, the series quickly built a cult following. Amid its sleek ambition, Luis Guzmán dropped in as Rene Calderon, a recently paroled hustler with a dream of selling an energy drink called “Rasta-Monsta.” As Rene, Guzmán was nothing short of hilarious. He brought swagger and unpredictable energy to the role, elevating every scene with his fast-talking, no-holds-barred attitude.
Luis Guzmán’s chemistry with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk was undeniable, and he provided some of the series’ most memorable moments. It’s one of those roles where you can’t imagine anyone else doing it justice. Despite only lasting two seasons, How To Make It In America remains a fan favorite, and Guzmán’s performance is a big reason why. He brought authenticity to a character that could’ve easily been a caricature, cementing How To Mae It In America’s place among the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows.
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8
Perpetual Grace, LTD (2019)
Luis Guzmán Plays Hector Contreras
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Perpetual Grace, LTD
TV-MA
Drama
Crime
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Release Date
2019 – 2019-00-00
Network
Epix
Directors
James Whitaker
Cast
See All
-
Ben Kingsley
Pastor Byron ‘Pa’ Brown
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Jimmi Simpson
James Schaeler
-
Cliff Gravel
New Leaf’s Father
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Crystal Thomas
DMV Clerk
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2019’s Perpetual Grace, LTD is one of the most underrated shows in recent memory. Created by Steve Conrad, the twisted noir drama aired on Epix and featured a surreal, slow-burn story filled with morally gray characters. Luis Guzmán joined this star-studded ensemble as Hector Contreras, a weary, world-worn private investigator entangled in a web of cons and corruption. Playing opposite Ben Kingsley, Jimmi Simpson, and Jackie Weaver, Guzmán delivered a restrained yet captivating performance.
Guzmán imbued Hector with quiet wisdom and a hint of melancholy, balancing out the show’s eccentric energy with a grounded presence. Director Steven Conrad’s unique tone – part Coen Brothers, part David Lynch – gave Guzmán a playground to explore emotional depth in a rare leading role. Though the show didn’t get the mainstream love it deserved, critics praised Guzmán’s performance, calling it one of the series’ many highlights. With its rich characters and dreamlike atmosphere, Perpetual Grace, LTD is a must-watch for fans of unconventional TV.
7
Code Black (2015-2018)
Luis Guzmán Plays Jesse “Mama” Salanda
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Code Black
Not Rated
Documentary
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Release Date
June 20, 2014
Runtime
80 minutes
Director
Ryan McGarry
Producers
Linda Goldstein Knowlton, Mark Jonathan Harris, Marti Noxon, Billy Mallon, Jan Shoenberger, Matthew Damron, Kevin Goodwin
Cast
See All
-
Andrew Eads
Himself
-
Danny Cheng
Herself
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Luis Enriquez
-
Jamie Eng
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In Code Black, a gritty medical drama created by Michael Seitzman, the emergency room is constantly in chaos, and that’s exactly where Luis Guzmán thrives. As Jesse “Mama” Salanda, he plays the veteran senior nurse who keeps the ER running with equal parts toughness and compassion. The nickname “Mama” isn’t ironic – he’s the heart and soul of the hospital, and the show just wouldn’t work without him. Guzmán was a mainstay throughout Code Black’s three-season run, and his performance added a necessary emotional anchor to the adrenaline-fueled drama.
Guzmán’s chemistry with Marcia Gay Harden and Raza Jaffrey added depth to the ensemble, and his no-nonsense mentorship of younger staff made Jesse a fan-favorite character. Directed by an array of TV veterans, including David Semel and Rob Bowman, Code Black stood out for its intense realism and moral complexity. Guzmán’s portrayal of Jesse earned widespread praise, even earning him a nomination from the Imagen Awards. It’s one of the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows because it showcases his ability to command the screen in a more dramatic, leadership-driven role without losing his trademark warmth.
6
Boogie Nights (1997)
Luis Guzmán Plays Maurice t.t. Rodriguez
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Boogie Nights
R
Drama
Documentary
10/10
6.0/10
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Release Date
October 7, 1997
Runtime
155 minutes
Director
Paul Thomas Anderson
Writers
Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast
See All
-
John C. Reilly
-
Don Cheadle
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights is a sprawling, stylized deep dive into the adult film industry of the late ’70s and early ’80s, and it’s the movie that catapulted Luis Guzmán into the mainstream. As club owner and aspiring porn actor Maurice t.t. Rodriguez, Guzmán lit up every frame he appeared in – even when surrounded by a stacked cast that included Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Maurice isn’t the central character, but Guzmán made sure he was unforgettable. With his loud shirts, lovable enthusiasm, and desperate need to be part of the “artistic” side of the adult film biz, he brought levity and heart to a story filled with chaos and dark turns. His comedic timing was razor-sharp, and his scenes always added a welcome dose of levity to the film’s heavier moments. Guzmán’s performance made a lasting impact – and it’s why Boogie Nights absolutely deserves its place among the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows.
5
The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)
Luis Guzmán Plays Phil Ramos
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The Taking of Pelham 123
r
Action
Thriller
7/10
8.0/10
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Release Date
June 11, 2009
Runtime
106minutes
Director
Tony Scott
Writers
Tony Scott
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
-
John Travolta
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In Tony Scott’s slick and suspenseful action thriller The Taking of Pelham 123, Luis Guzmán steps into the role of Phil Ramos, a former subway driver turned accomplice to a hijacking led by John Travolta’s unhinged villain, Ryder. It’s a tight, high-octane thriller that pits criminals against New York’s mass transit authority, with Denzel Washington anchoring the movie as a transit dispatcher caught in the middle. Guzmán’s Phil is more than just a sidekick – he’s a crucial part of the crew, bringing both grit and moments of surprising vulnerability.
As the tension rises, Luis Guzmán expertly humanizes Phil, showing us a man torn between criminal loyalty and the ticking clock of inevitable consequences. In a movie that moves at breakneck speed, he still finds a way to make a deep impression. Tony Scott’s direction keeps the energy relentless, and the ensemble – including James Gandolfini and John Turturro – is top-tier. Guzmán, in the mix with these heavyweights, more than holds his own. It’s a slick, underrated performance in one of the most entertaining thrillers of the 2000s, and another must-see in the lineup of the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows.
4
Oz (1998-2000)
Luis Guzmán Plays Raoul “El Cid” Hernandez
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Oz
TV-MA
Crime
Drama
10.0/10
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Release Date
1997 – 2003-00-00
Network
HBO Max
Showrunner
Tom Fontana
Writers
Tom Fontana, Bradford Winters, Sunil Nayar, Sean Jablonski, Sean Whitesell
Cast
See All
-
Ernie Hudson
-
Terry Kinney
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HBO’s Oz broke all the rules of television when it debuted in the late ’90s. Created by Tom Fontana, this gritty, graphic prison drama pulled no punches, and neither did Luis Guzmán as Raoul “El Cid” Hernandez. Joining in Oz season 2, Guzmán played the fearsome leader of the Latino gang in Oswald State Penitentiary’s infamous Emerald City unit. El Cid is ruthless, calculating, and deadly – and Guzmán portrayed him with terrifying precision. But what made the performance great wasn’t just the menace; it was the nuance. Guzmán gave El Cid layers, showing us a man navigating power, survival, and fractured loyalty in a brutal environment.
Luis Guzmán’s scenes in Oz were always charged, unpredictable, and often explosive, earning him widespread praise from critics and viewers alike. The cast of Oz included Christopher Meloni, Harold Perrineau, J.K. Simmons, and Ernie Hudson, and Guzmán stood toe-to-toe with all of them. The show was a game-changer for prestige television, and El Cid remains one of its most iconic and complex characters. There’s no doubt that Oz earns its place among the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows thanks to his unforgettable performance.
3
Narcos (2015)
Luis Guzmán Plays Jose Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha
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Narcos
Biography
Drama
Crime
9.0/10
See more : Glow Up Season 5 Ott Release Date and Time, Countdown, When Is It Coming Out?
Release Date
2015 – 2016
Showrunner
Chris Brancato
Directors
Chris Brancato
Writers
Chris Brancato
Cast
See All
-
Boyd Holbrook
-
Damian Alcazar
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Netflix’s Narcos took the world by storm with its raw, gripping retelling of the rise and fall of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. In Narcos season 1, Luis Guzmán brought his A-game as Jose Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha (aka “El Mexicano”) one of Escobar’s most powerful and dangerous allies. Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, Narcos blends real historical events with cinematic storytelling, and Guzmán’s role added serious weight to the early episodes. El Mexicano is a ruthless operator, and Luis Guzmán leaned fully into the role, offering a chilling, commanding presence every time he appeared on screen.
What made Luis Guzmán’s performance truly stand out, though, was the restraint. Guzmán never overplayed the more unhinged side of Gacha. Instead, he exuded a quiet menace that felt all the more real because of it. He starred alongside Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, and Boyd Holbrook, all delivering career-defining performances. Yet even in such a high-caliber cast, Guzmán managed to shine. Narcos became a global phenomenon and a crown jewel in Netflix’s original series lineup. It’s no wonder it remains one of the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows, as his turn as El Mexicano is both terrifying and unforgettable.
2
The Limey (1999)
Luis Guzmán Plays Eduardo Roel
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The Limey
R
Crime
Drama
Mystery
See more : Glow Up Season 5 Ott Release Date and Time, Countdown, When Is It Coming Out?
Release Date
May 15, 1999
Runtime
89 minutes
Director
Steven Soderbergh
Writers
Lem Dobbs
Producers
John Hardy
Cast
See All
-
Lesley Ann Warren
Elaine
-
Terence Stamp
Wilson
-
Luis Guzmán
Eduardo Roel
-
Barry Newman
Jim Avery
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The Limey is a stylish, cerebral revenge thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, and it features one of Luis Guzmán’s most poignant performances. He plays Eduardo Roel, a friend of a murdered woman whose father – played by Terence Stamp – comes to L.A. looking for answers. Guzmán’s character becomes the emotional compass of the film, helping Stamp’s grieving, vengeance-driven father navigate a seedy underworld of lies and cover-ups. As Eduardo, Guzmán tones things down and delivers a soulful, emotionally rich performance.
There’s a quiet sorrow in Luis Guzmán’s performance in The Limery, as Eduardo reflects on his friend’s death and the sense of helplessness that comes with it. It’s a mature, grounded character that shows off Guzmán’s serious dramatic abilities. The 1999 movie’s fractured narrative, moody score, and elegant editing made The Limey a critical favorite and a cult classic. Soderbergh’s direction brought a unique rhythm to the story, and Guzmán’s scenes are among the film’s most impactful. The Limey is often cited by cinephiles as one of the best revenge stories of the late ’90s – and it absolutely belongs among the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows for how he anchors the story with raw, human emotion.
1
Wednesday (2022-Present)
Luis Guzmán Plays Gomez Addams
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Wednesday
TV-14
Comedy
Fantasy
Supernatural
8/10
189
9.3/10
See more : Glow Up Season 5 Ott Release Date and Time, Countdown, When Is It Coming Out?
Release Date
November 16, 2022
Showrunner
Miles Millar, Alfred Gough
Directors
Tim Burton, James Marshall, Gandja Monteiro
Writers
Miles Millar, Alfred Gough
Franchise(s)
The Addams Family
Cast
See All
-
Jenna Ortega
-
Catherine Zeta-Jones
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Luis Guzmán reinvented a classic with his portrayal of Gomez Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday, a supernatural coming-of-age series from Tim Burton. The show follows Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she navigates life at Nevermore Academy, but it’s Guzmán’s turn as her adoring, eccentric father that had fans buzzing from the moment he stepped on screen. Unlike previous incarnations, Guzmán leaned into the character’s original Charles Addams cartoon roots – short, stocky, and devilishly charming.
Luis Guzmán’s Gomez in Wednesday is warm, romantic, and deeply devoted to his family. The chemistry with Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Morticia is electric, and his scenes with Ortega are bursting with heart and humor. Guzmán adds texture to Gomez, making him more than just comic relief – he’s a protective father and a man with a mysterious past. Wednesday became a global sensation, racking up millions of views and rave reviews. Guzmán’s performance helped ground the gothic fantasy with genuine warmth and old-school charm. This isn’t just a great role, it’s a cultural moment, and Wednesday will likely always remain one of the best Luis Guzmán movies and TV shows.
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Category: Entertainment