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While he is an icon thanks to his role as Pee-wee Herman in various projects, the best Paul Reubens movies and shows prove that the actor was far more than just one role. Reubens's career on screen goes back to the 1960s, but he first started finding success in bit parts in the likes of The Blues Brothers and Cheech and Ching's Next Movie. It wasn't until the creation of his wildly popular character Pee-wee Herman that Reubens really cemented himself in pop culture which led to many more roles.
Reubens was a skilled comedic actor who brought his quirky energy to make standout roles, playing hilariously deadpan or going way over the top in a fun way. He was also known for playing effective villain roles, bringing a charming creepiness to many different projects. Reubens became a frequent collaborator of director Tim Burton, has worked with big-name actors like Johnny Depp and Ben Stiller, and has made memorable guest-starring appearances on countless hit shows. Reubens sadly passed away in 2023, but he left behind a great collection of movies and shows for fans to still enjoy.
10 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)
As Amilyn
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui, follows high school cheerleader Buffy Summers, who learns of her destiny to battle vampires. Her life takes a dramatic turn as she is guided by a mysterious mentor to embrace her new role as a vampire slayer amidst the challenges of adolescence.
Director Fran Rubel Kuzui
Release Date July 1, 1992
Cast Kristy Swanson , Donald Sutherland , Paul Reubens , Rutger Hauer , Luke Perry , Michele Abrams
Runtime 86 minutes
As popular as the show was in the 1990s, many fans might not be aware that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a movie before it was a television series. Joss Whedon initially wrote his script about a cheerleader who discovers she is the latest in a lone line of vampire hunters as a horror-comedy. Kristy Swanson originated the role made more famous by Sarah Michelle Geller, while many of the other iconic characters, like Angel and Spike, don't appear.
Part of the reason Buffy the Vampire Slayer's original film is not talked about more often is that it is fairly forgettable. However, there is one shining moment in the movie with Paul Reubens's performance as Amilyn. As the henchman to Rutger Hauer's chief villain, Amilyn is effectively menacing, but Reubens also brings the humor out in the role, including one of the funniest death scenes in the history of movies.
9 The Blacklist (2014-2015)
As Mr. Vargas
The Blacklist is an action/thriller crime-drama TV series on NBC from creator Jon Bokenkamp. The show follows former intelligence officer turned master criminal Raymond Reddington (James Spader) and FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone.) Red, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, known as “The Concierge of Crime,” mysteriously surrenders to the FBI and offers to help them catch a deadly terrorist, with the condition that he only speaks to Elizabeth- who just so happens to be starting her first day on the job. The two continue to partner to tackle Red's "Blacklist," which he offers in exchange for immunity for his past crimes.
Release Date September 23, 2013
Seasons 10
Showrunner Jon Bokenkamp
Paul Reubens stepped into another villainous role with his recurring part in the thriller series The Blacklist. James Spader starred in the series as Raymond Reddington, an international criminal on the FBI's most-wanted list who unexpectedly turns himself in to the authorities. To add to the shocking move, Reddington also reveals there is a secret syndicate of criminals around the world and he can help the FBI track down the most dangerous offenders.
He is of particular interest as a target to Reddington, with Spader and Reubens sharing some memorable moments...
Reubens was part of the series in its second and third seasons as Mr. Vargas, one of the key members of the central crime ring. He is of particular interest as a target to Reddington, with Spader and Reubens sharing some memorable moments on screen together leading up to the stunning end. The Blacklist's 10-season run was a gripping thrill ride that was elevated by Spader's lead performance and memorable guest stars like Reubens in the villain roles.
8 Murphy Brown (1995-1997)
As Andrew J. Lansing III
Murphy Brown is a television sitcom that aired from 1988 to 1998, starring Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown, a famous investigative journalist and anchor at the fictional news magazine FYI. The show explores her professional and personal life, highlighting her interactions with colleagues and various societal issues.
Cast Candice Bergen , Faith Ford , Robert Pastorelli , Joe Regalbuto
Release Date November 14, 1988
Seasons 11
Creator(s) Diane English
While Paul Reubens guest-starred in a lot of different sitcoms over the years, Murphy Brown was one of his most significant and memorable ones. Murphy Brown stars Candace Bergen as the titular character, an investigative reporter and news anchor working alongside a colorful cast of characters in her fast-paced journalism job. Reubens has a six-episode arc in season 7 to season 9 as Andrew J. Lansing III, Murphy's highly ambitious secretary.
Reubens was a perfect addition to the funny and fast series with his character walking a fine balance between off-putting and hilarious. Murphy Brown is one of the longest-running sitcoms of all time, with 11 seasons counting the 2018 revival. It is also remembered as a hugely influential show in terms of its representation of women in the workplace, including the controversial storyline of Murphy becoming a single mother.
7 30 Rock (2007)
As Gerhardt Hapsburg
Tina Fey's absurdist comedy series follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictional live sketch comedy show operating out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which is where the show derives its name. Loosely based on Fey's experiences as a writer on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock ran for seven seasons with a supporting cast that included Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer.
Release Date October 11, 2006
Seasons 7
Showrunner Robert Carlock
30 Rock was a show filled with big-name actors in memorable guest-starring roles, including Matt Damon, Jon Hamm, and Jennifer Aniston. Though Reubens only appeared in one episode of the series, he is often regarded as one of the best guest stars in the entire show. The sitcom stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin in an absurd and hilarious look behind the scenes of a late-night sketch comedy show.
Reubens was one of the earliest guest stars, appearing in a season 1 episode as inbred Austrian prince Gerhardt Hapsburg, who is celebrating his 25th birthday with an extravagant party. Reubens leans into the ridiculousness of the character, stealing the entire episode with his wonderfully outrageous performance. Reubens's episode, "Black Tie," seemed to serve as the show's successful transition from workplace sitcom to outlandish comedy with no concern for reality.
6 Flight Of The Navigator (1986)
As Max
Flight of the Navigator is a science fiction film directed by Randal Kleiser. Released in 1986, the story follows 12-year-old David, who is mysteriously transported eight years into the future after a close encounter with an alien spaceship. As David tries to understand what happened, he discovers the advanced spacecraft and forms a unique bond with its artificial intelligence, known as Max.
Director Randal Kleiser
Release Date July 30, 1986
Runtime 90 Minutes
Another beloved movie that benefited from Paul Reubens's voice work was Flight of the Navigator. The film follows a young boy who discovers a talking spaceship that brings him up in the cosmos and back to Earth only for the young boy to realize that a decade has passed in the meantime. The thrilling space adventure is elevated with the addition of the wise-cracking spaceship, Max, voiced by Paul Reubens.
Reubens also sought to hide the surprise of his voice work in the movie by being credited under a fake name.
Reubens shows off his impressive vocal work as he is barely recognizable in the role of Max. Reubens also sought to hide the surprise of his voice work in the movie by being credited under a fake name. Flight of the Navigator remains a beloved and nostalgic 1980s kids' movie that is a wonderful mix of youthful adventure and fun sci-fi ideas.
5 Mystery Men (1999)
As The Spleen
Mystery Men is a 1999 superhero comedy film that features an ensemble cast including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and Janeane Garofalo. Directed by Kinka Usher, the plot follows a group of underdog superheroes with unimpressive powers who must save their city from a formidable villain after the town's real champion is captured. The film blends humor and action as the quirky team learns to work together.
Director Kinka Usher
Release Date August 6, 1999
Runtime 121 Minutes
In a strong ensemble of comedic characters, Paul Reubens steals the show in the superhero satire Mystery Men. The movie is set in a city overseen by a beloved but vain superhero. When his archnemesis captures him, it is up to a band of outcast crimefighters to save the day. They include the Shoveler, a family man who uses a shovel as a weapon, Mr. Furious, a man who gets extremely angry without any real strength to back it up, and The Spleen, Reubens's character who emits powerful flatulence.
Starring alongside Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, and Geoffrey Rush, Reubens makes The Spleen a disgusting yet touching character who only wants to make friends. The movie was not a box office success when it was released, but has since found a cult following. Mystery Men remains ahead of its time with its view of the superhero world feeling even more fun and clever after the superhero movie genre exploded.
4 Blow (2001)
As Derek Foreal
Blow
Director Ted Demme
Release Date April 4, 2001
Runtime 124 minutes
It wasn't often that Paul Reubens has a grounded role in a real drama movie, but Blow is a prime example of how effective he could be in these types of roles. Blow is the true-crime story of George Jung (Johnny Depp), an American man who teamed with Pablo Escabar's Medellín cartel to establish the cocaine business in the United States in the 1970s. Reubens plays Derek Foreal, a pot dealer who is the man who introduces George into the drug business.
The movie is a gripping and entertaining crime movie that follows a similar energetic style to Martin Scorsese's crime movies, like Goodfellas and Casino. Reubens is once again a highlight in the movie, playing a role that allows him to show other sides of his talents while also creating a unique character in this world.
3 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
As Lock
Henry Selick directs The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop-motion fairytale from the mind of Tim Burton. Jack Skellington is the king of Halloween and one of Halloweentown's most beloved citizens, but he longs for something more. When he stumbles across a magical door that leads him to discover Christmas, he makes it his mission to replace Santa Claus and bring festive cheer to his perpetually spooky hamlet.
Director Henry Selick
Release Date October 29, 1993
Runtime 76 minutes
Paul Reubens has lent his distinct and versatile voice to a lot of different animated projects, but The Nightmare Before Christmas is the most beloved of them all. From the mind of Tim Burton and directed by animation legend Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas is set in Halloweentown and follows Jack Skellington as he grows tired of the same old Halloween scares and finds something new with the discovery of Christmas.
The stop-motion classic is filled with wonderful creature designs and fun characters. Reubens gets one of the standout roles as Locke, one of the three troublemaking trick-or-treaters who are given the mission of kidnapping Santa Claus. Reubens fits perfectly into the mischievous youngster role alongside Catherine O'Hara and Danny Elfman. The movie is filled with great songs and a twisted sense of humor that have helped to make it a horror-centric movie enjoyed every Halloween by countless fans.
2 Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
As Pee-wee Herman
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Pee-Wee is an eccentric man with childish behavior. He embarks on the greatest adventure of his life when he sets off in search of his most precious possession: his red bicycle, which has been stolen in broad daylight. Pee-Wee travels the length and breadth of the country to find it, and along the way meets new people and encounters bizarre situations.
Release Date July 26, 1985
Cast Paul Reubens , Elizabeth Daily , Mark Holton , Diane Salinger , Judd Omen , Irving Hellman
Runtime 90 minutes
The character of Pee-wee Herman began as a character performed on stage, but it wasn't until Paul Reubens teamed with young director Tim Burton for a feature-length adventure that the character really became a hit. Pee-wee's Big Adventure perfectly captures the energy of Reubens's hugely entertaining character while sending him on an adventure perfectly suited to himself as Pee-wee goes in search of his lost bike.
Reubens makes the character of Pee-wee Herman so loveable with his childlike interaction with the world and his sense of fun. However, he also makes him hilarious as this goofy entity. Combining this character with Tim Burton's surreal and somewhat creepy aesthetic worked surprisingly well with Pee-wee's Big Adventure becoming a surprise hit. It further catapulted the popularity of this character, leading to his even more popular TV follow-up as well as two more feature-length movies.
1 Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986)
As Pee-wee Herman
Pee-wee's Playhouse is a children's television series starring Paul Reubens as the eccentric and whimsical character Pee-wee Herman. Set in a colorful and surreal playhouse, the show features a cast of puppets, animated segments, and live-action characters, blending humor, creativity, and life lessons for a young audience. Premiering in 1986, it became known for its unique blend of fantasy and educational content.
Cast Paul Reubens , John Paragon , Phil Hartman , Laurence Fishburne , Ric Heitzman , George McGrath , Alison Mork , Wayne White
Release Date September 13, 1986
Seasons 5
Creator(s) Paul Reubens
Following the success of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, the character of Pee-wee Herman was ready to headline his own children's television show with the acclaimed Pee-wee's Playhouse. The show took a loose format and wacky sense of humor in its approach to the children's show formula, surrounding Pee-wee with talking clocks, friendly mail carriers, and a magic house that made for a wild world to step into.
Pee-Wee's Playhouse is another example of how effectively Paul Reubens took this unique character and made him an icon while sticking to the weirdness of his creation. The show was hilarious at times, but it also taught important lessons to kids. It also didn't take itself too seriously, with the show sometimes commenting on how "out there" Pee-wee was. It is a look at how Paul Reubens used the character of Pee-wee Herman to make adults and kids laugh together.
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