Seth MacFarlane’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows showcase the comedian, writer, and director’s unique brand of humor and versatility. Born on October 26, 1973, MacFarlane broke into Hollywood with Family Guy, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. His ability to blend satire, slapstick, and musical elements has made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern comedy. Over the years, he has expanded beyond animation, stepping in front of the camera for live-action roles and lending his voice to various animated films. His distinct style and comedic timing have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards.

MacFarlane’s work isn’t limited to television; his film career has been just as impactful. From creating the beloved Ted franchise to directing the Western comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West, Seth MacFarlane has proven himself both as a filmmaker and an actor. He has even dabbled in dramatic roles, such as his appearance in The Loudest Voice. With an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song under his belt, Seth MacFarlane has continued to cement his legacy. Whether starring in, directing, or writing a project, his influence on comedy remains undeniable – as his best movies and TV shows prove.

Custom image of Seth MacFarlane as Ed Mercer in The Orville against a backdrop of Stewie Griffin and Ted

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Every TV Show Created By Seth MacFarlane, Ranked Worst To Best

Seth MacFarlane has an impressive collection of animated and live-action TV shows he has helped to create over the course of his career.

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10

Ted 2 (2015)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Ted (Also Directed & Co-Wrote)

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Ted 2

R

Comedy

5/10

Release Date

June 26, 2015

Runtime

116minutes

Director

Seth MacFarlane

Writers

Seth MacFarlane

Prequel(s)

Ted

Cast

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    Amanda Seyfried

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    Liam Neeson

Sequel(s)

Ted 3

Franchise(s)

Ted

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The sequel to the hit comedy Ted, 2015’s Ted 2 saw Seth MacFarlane return as the voice of the foul-mouthed, living teddy bear. While Ted 2 didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, it still delivered plenty of crude humor and heartfelt moments. Directed by MacFarlane himself, Ted 2 followed Ted as he fought a legal battle to be recognized as a person, leading to plenty of satirical jabs at the justice system.

While Ted 2 didn’t break new ground, MacFarlane’s voice performance as Ted remained as hilarious and energetic as ever. His chemistry with co-star Mark Wahlberg carried much of the film’s charm, while the supporting cast, including Amanda Seyfried and Morgan Freeman, added depth to the story. The movie may not have been a critical darling, but for fans of MacFarlane’s signature humor, it still delivered plenty of laughs.

9

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Johann Kraus

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Hellboy II: The Golden Army

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

ScreenRant logo

8/10

16

8.7/10

Release Date

July 11, 2008

Runtime

120minutes

Director

Guillermo del Toro

Writers

Guillermo del Toro, Mike Mignola

Prequel(s)

Hellboy

Cast

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    Ron Perlman

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    Selma Blair

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Seth MacFarlane stepped outside his usual comedic comfort zone in Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army, voicing Johann Kraus, a ghostly ectoplasmic entity housed in a diving suit. Though not one of MacFarlane’s most recognizable roles, his performance added an extra layer of wit and personality to the film. His distinct vocal style helped make Kraus a standout character among Hellboy’s eccentric team of supernatural heroes.

Hellboy II itself was praised for its imaginative world-building, stunning visuals, and action-packed sequences. Del Toro’s signature fantasy elements made Hellboy II one of the best superhero movies of its era, and MacFarlane’s contribution added just the right amount of humor and charm. While he didn’t have a lead role, his presence helped elevate the film, proving that he could bring his unique voice work to projects outside his own creations.

8

The Loudest Voice (2019)

Seth Macfarlane Plays Brian Lewis

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The Loudest Voice

TV-MA

War & Politics

Drama

Release Date

2019 – 2018

Network

Showtime

Directors

Kari Skogland, Jeremy Podeswa, Stephen Frears

Writers

Jennifer Stahl, Laura Eason

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Barrett Martin

    Ken Silber

  • Headshot Of Russell Crowe

    Russell Crowe

    Roger Ailes

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Seth MacFarlane

    Brian Lewis

  • Headshot Of Annabelle Wallis

    Annabelle Wallis

    Laurie Luhn

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A significant departure from his usual comedic roles, The Loudest Voice saw Seth MacFarlane take on the dramatic role of Brian Lewis, Fox News’ head of PR. This limited series, starring Russell Crowe as controversial network head Roger Ailes, explored the rise and fall of Fox News. MacFarlane’s portrayal of Lewis was nuanced, showcasing his ability to handle dramatic material effectively.

While Seth MacFarlane didn’t lead the cast of The Loudest Voice, his role was crucial in depicting the inner workings of the media empire. His performance stood out as one of the show’s highlights, proving that he could hold his own alongside dramatic heavyweights like Crowe and Naomi Watts. The Loudest Voice was critically praised, and MacFarlane’s involvement showed that he was more than just a comedy creator—it confirmed his range as an actor.

7

A Million Ways To Die In The West (2014)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Albert Stark (Also Directed & Co-Wrote)

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A Million Ways to Die in the West

R

Comedy

Western

ScreenRant logo

5/10

5/10

Release Date

May 30, 2014

Runtime

116 Minutes

Director

Seth MacFarlane

Writers

Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild

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    Seth MacFarlane

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As both the star and director, Seth MacFarlane brought his signature comedic style to the Western genre in 2014’s A Million Ways to Die in the West. Playing Albert Stark, a cowardly sheep farmer who finds himself caught in a deadly feud, MacFarlane infused the film with his usual mix of satire, absurd humor, and musical numbers. While the movie received mixed reviews, it showcased his love for blending classic storytelling with over-the-top comedy.

A Million Ways To Die In The West featured an all-star cast, including Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, and Neil Patrick Harris, who helped bring Seth MacFarlane’s ridiculous vision to life. Though it wasn’t a box-office smash, A Million Ways to Die in the West became a cult favorite among fans of his humor. The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often push genre boundaries, and this 2014 cult favorite Western is no exception.

6

Ted (2024-Present)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Ted (Also Created)

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Ted

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

6/10

9.5/10

Release Date

2024 – 2023

Directors

Seth MacFarlane, Brad Walsh, Dana Gould, Jon Pollack, Julius Sharpe

Writers

Seth MacFarlane, Brad Walsh, Dana Gould, Jon Pollack, Julius Sharpe, Paul Corrigan

Franchise(s)

Ted

Cast

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    Max Burkholder

Creator(s)

Seth MacFarlane

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Expanding on the beloved Ted films, Seth MacFarlane created the Ted TV show in 2024, a Peacock original series that serves as a prequel. The show explores Ted’s early years growing up with his best friend, John (played now by Max Burkholder), before the events of the movies. By revisiting the foul-mouthed teddy bear and this Thunder Buddy, Seth MacFarlane successfully brought his irreverent humor to a new medium while retaining the charm that made the original Ted movies successful.

Seth MacFarlane once again voices Ted, proving that even after a decade, his comedic timing as the character remains sharp. By diving deeper into the backstory of the iconic talking bear, the Ted TV show offers fans more of the humor and heart that made the movies work. The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often balance comedy with surprising emotional depth, and the Ted Peacock series continues that tradition.

5

Sing (2016)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Mike

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Sing

PG

Animation

Comedy

Family

Music

ScreenRant logo

6/10

10/10

Release Date

December 21, 2016

Runtime

108 Minutes

Director

Garth Jennings

Writers

Garth Jennings

Cast

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    Matthew McConaughey

    Buster Moon

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    Rosita

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Seth MacFarlane’s role in the animated musical Sing showed off his lesser-known talent as a singer (a skill which was no surprise to fans of the likes of Family Guy, but was something of a shock for wider audiences). He voiced Mike, a Sinatra-style crooning mouse with a big voice and an even bigger ego. Directed by Garth Jennings, Sing became a surprise hit thanks to its charming characters, catchy soundtrack, and star-studded voice cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson.

Mike’s flashy, overconfident personality in Sing was a perfect match for Seth MacFarlane’s vocal performance. His rendition of classic jazz songs demonstrated his impressive abilities as a musician, further proving his versatility as a performer. Sing was both a critical and commercial success, and MacFarlane’s role helped make it one of the most enjoyable animated films of the decade.

4

Ted (2012)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Ted (Also Directed & Co-Wrote)

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Ted

R

Comedy

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

June 29, 2012

Runtime

106 minutes

Director

Seth MacFarlane

Writers

Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild

Producers

Jason Clark, Jon Mone, Scott Stuber

Cast

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    Mark Wahlberg

    John Bennett

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    Mila Kunis

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Arguably one of Seth MacFarlane’s most famous live-action films, 2012’s Ted introduced audiences to the outrageous, foul-mouthed teddy bear that would become a pop culture icon. As the writer, director, and voice of Ted, Seth MacFarlane created a hilarious, heartwarming comedy that resonated with audiences worldwide. Co-starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis, Ted became a massive box office hit and was one of MacFarlane’s earliest successes beyond animated shows like Family Guy and American Dad.

Seth MacFarlane’s voice performance as Ted was a comedic masterclass, blending crude humor with surprising emotional depth. Ted’s mix of raunchy comedy and genuine friendship made it one of the best Seth MacFarlane movies. It even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, proving that Seth MacFarlane’s talents extended beyond comedy.

3

The Orville (2017-2022)

Seth MacFarlane Plays Ed Mercer (Also Created)

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The Orville

Drama

Adventure

Comedy

9.5/10

Release Date

2017 – 2021

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Seth MacFarlane

Directors

Jon Cassar

Writers

Seth MacFarlane

Cast

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    Halston Sage

  • Headshot Of Adrianne Palicki In The FYC special event

    Adrianne Palicki

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A love letter to classic Star Trek, The Orville allowed Seth MacFarlane to step outside of pure comedy and explore deeper storytelling while still incorporating his signature humor. As the show’s creator, writer, and star, MacFarlane played Captain Ed Mercer, the somewhat underqualified but well-meaning leader of the Orville, a mid-level exploratory starship in the 25th century. While initially marketed as a sci-fi comedy, The Orville quickly developed into something much more: a heartfelt and ambitious space drama that balanced humor with poignant themes of morality, identity, and diplomacy.

Though The Orville started with a more comedic tone, it gradually evolved into a serious, character-driven series that earned praise from both sci-fi fans and critics. MacFarlane’s performance as Mercer showcased his ability to bring warmth and depth to a leading role. The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often push creative boundaries, and The Orville proved that he could craft a compelling sci-fi series with emotional weight. Despite being underappreciated during its initial run, The Orville has since gained a dedicated fan base and is regarded as one of MacFarlane’s finest achievements.

2

American Dad (2005-Present)

Seth MacFarlane Created & Voices Numerous Characters

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American Dad!

TV-MA

Animation

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

8/10

10/10

Release Date

February 6, 2005

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Seth MacFarlane

Writers

Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman

Cast

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    Seth MacFarlane

  • Headshot OF Wendy Schaal

    Wendy Schaal

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One of the best Seth MacFarlane TV shows, American Dad! is a long-running animated sitcom that has carved out its own identity apart from Family Guy. Co-created by MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman, the show follows Stan Smith, a patriotic but often clueless CIA agent, and his eccentric family. Unlike Family Guy, which leans heavily on cutaway gags and surreal humor, American Dad! is more character-driven, with stronger narrative continuity and more absurdist, offbeat storytelling.

Seth MacFarlane provides the voice for Stan, bringing his signature deep, authoritative tone to the character while also voicing Roger, the show’s scene-stealing alien who delights in disguises and chaos. His performances add a unique charm to the series, making his characters in the show some of the most recognizable in adult animation. Over the years, American Dad! has received critical praise for its sharp satire, clever writing, and ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its comedic edge. The show remains a staple of MacFarlane’s legacy, proving his talent for creating long-lasting, innovative animated series.

A collage image of three of the best American Dad episodes - createe by Tom Russell

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10 Best Episodes Of American Dad

The best episodes of American Dad show why many consider it Seth MacFarlane’s funniest show.

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Family Guy (1999-Present)

Seth MacFarlane Created & Voices Numerous Characters

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Family Guy

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

8/10

20

7.8/10

Release Date

January 31, 1999

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Seth MacFarlane

Directors

Peter Shin, Pete Michels, John Holmquist, Greg Colton, Brian Iles, Julius Wu, Joseph Lee, Joe Vaux, Mike Kim, Steve Robertson, Dan Povenmire, James Purdum, Dominic Bianchi, Dominic Polcino, Bob Bowen, Monte Young, Zac Moncrief, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bert Ring, Seth Kearsley, Scott Wood, Chuck Klein, Brian Hogan, Gavin Dell

Writers

Steve Callaghan, Patrick Meighan, Mark Hentemann, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Tom Devanney, Alex Carter, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild, Gary Janetti, Andrew Goldberg, Mike Desilets, Anthony Blasucci, Matt Weitzman, Kirker Butler, Damien Fahey, John Viener, Brian Scully, Ted Jessup, Chris Regan, Matt Pabian, Garrett Donovan, Ricky Blitt, Aaron Lee, Julius Sharpe

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Alex Borstein

    Alex Borstein

    Lois Griffin / Tricia Takanawa / Loretta Brown / Barbara Pewterschmidt (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Gary Beach

    (voice)

Franchise(s)

Family Guy

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Arguably the most defining project of Seth MacFarlane’s career, Family Guy remains one of the most influential animated sitcoms of all time – and his best TV show. Created by MacFarlane in 1999, the series follows the dysfunctional Griffin family – Peter, Lois, Meg, Chris, Stewie, and their talking dog, Brian – through absurd misadventures filled with cutaway gags, pop culture references, and satirical humor. While Family Guy was initially canceled in 2002, its strong DVD sales and syndication success led to a revival in 2005, and it has remained a staple of adult animation ever since.

Seth MacFarlane voices several of the show’s most iconic characters, including Peter Griffin, the bumbling but well-meaning father; Stewie, the diabolical but hilarious baby; and Brian, the intellectual and sarcastic family dog. His vocal performances are a crucial part of what makes Family Guy so enduring. Over the years, the series has earned multiple Emmy Awards and cemented itself as one of the most influential animated sitcoms in television history. The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows showcase his unique comedic voice, and Family Guy stands as his greatest and most recognizable creation.