The bestPatton Oswaltmovies and TV shows showcase the incredible range of this multi-talented actor and comedian. Born in 1969, Patton Oswalt first made his mark as a stand-up comedian before transitioning into TV and movies. He became widely recognized for his role as Spence Olchin onThe King of Queens,and later gained critical acclaim for his voice acting and dramatic performances. While he has never won an Academy Award or a Golden Globe, he did win an Emmy in 2016 for his stand-up specialPatton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping. His ability to effortlessly switch between comedy, voice acting, and drama has cemented him as one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood.
Over the years, Oswalt has taken on an array of memorable roles, from lending his voice to animated classics to playing pivotal characters in live-action projects. Whether starring as thebeloved Remy inRatatouilleor voicing the scheming supervillain inM.O.D.O.K., his performances are always engaging. This list ranks the ten best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows, from entertaining supporting roles to career-defining lead performances, proving his status as a dynamic force in the industry.
Netflix’s adaptation ofThe Sandman, based on Neil Gaiman’s groundbreaking graphic novel, was one of the best original shows to hit the platform in 2022. Developed by Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, the series follows Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, as he navigates the realms of gods, humans, and nightmares.Patton Oswalt voices Matthew the Raven, Morpheus’ loyal yet talkative companion, providing moments of levity in the otherwise dark and atmospheric show.
Patton Oswalt’s performance as Matthew inThe Sandmanwas widely praised for bringing warmth and humor to the series. His distinctive voice fits perfectly, making the character feel both relatable and endearing.The Sandmanwas well received by both fans and critics, and Oswalt’s presence in the cast added an extra layer of charm. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often showcase his knack for injecting personality into even the smallest roles, and his work inThe Sandmanis no exception.
BoJack Horsemanbecame one of the most celebrated adult animated series to ever hit Netflix, blending dark comedy with deep emotional storytelling. Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the show follows BoJack, a washed-up sitcom star, as he navigates a self-destructive Hollywood lifestyle.Patton Oswalt voicesmultiple characters inBojack Horseman, most notably Pinky Penguin, a desperate book publisher who is often at the mercy of BoJack’s erratic decisions.
Oswalt’s vocal versatility shines inBoJack Horseman, allowing him to breathe life into a variety of characters. His ability to balance comedy with moments of sincerity makes his roles stand out. The show, lauded for its sharp writing and emotional depth, remains one of Netflix’s best original series, and Oswalt’s contributions help solidify its legacy. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often highlight his skill as a voice actor, andBoJack Horsemanis a prime example of his range.
8Please Stand By (2017)
Patton Oswalt Plays Officer Frank
A heartfelt indie drama directed by Ben Lewin,Please Stand Bytells the story of Wendy, a young woman on the autism spectrum, who embarks on a journey to submit herStar Trekscript to a writing competition.Patton Oswalt plays Officer Frank, a compassionate policeman who helps Wendy when she faces challenges on her trip.
Patton Oswalt’s portrayal of Officer Frank inPlease Stand Byis subtle yet deeply moving. Unlike his usual comedic roles, he delivers a performance filled with warmth and empathy. The film, led by a strong performance from Dakota Fanning, was praised for its sensitive portrayal of autism. Oswalt’s ability to bring authenticity to a dramatic role showcases his versatility and proves why he excels in both comedy and drama.
One of Patton Oswalt’s earliest and most recognizable television roles was Spence Olchin inThe King of Queens. Created by Michael J. Weithorn and David Litt, the hit CBS sitcom followed Doug (Kevin James) and Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini) as they navigated married life, often dealing with Carrie’s eccentric father, Arthur (Jerry Stiller).Oswalt played Spence, Doug’s nerdy, socially awkward best friend who often found himself the target of ridicule but remained a lovable presence throughout the show’s nine-season run.
Spence added a distinct comedic flavor to thecast ofThe King of Queens, with Oswalt delivering a performance that set him apart from the more traditional sitcom sidekicks. His deadpan delivery and awkward charm made Spence a fan-favorite character, and his interactions with the rest of the cast, particularly Jerry Stiller’s Arthur, led to some of the show’s funniest moments. WhileThe King of Queenswasn’t as critically lauded as some of Oswalt’s later work, it was a major stepping stone in his career, proving his comedic chops on a mainstream network. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows highlight his versatility, andThe King of Queensremains a beloved part of his filmography.
HBO’sVeep, created by Armando Iannucci, was one of the sharpest political comedies on television. Julia Louis-Dreyfus led the series as the perpetually exasperated Vice President Selina Meyer, surrounded by a chaotic team.Patton Oswalt played Teddy Sykes, the smarmy Chief of Staff to Jonah Ryan, bringing his signature blend of awkwardness and comedic precision.
Oswalt’s performance inVeepwas a hilarious highlight, showcasing his ability to embody the absurdity of Washington politics. His interactions with Jonah, played by Timothy Simons, were consistently entertaining, adding to the show’s biting satire. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often feature him stealing scenes, andVeepwas no exception, proving his talent for political humor.
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One of the longest-running sitcoms of the past decade,The Goldbergsis a nostalgic lookat 1980s family life, inspired by the childhood of series creator Adam F. Goldberg. The show follows young Adam and his eccentric but loving family, blending heartfelt moments with humor.Patton Oswalt serves as the series’ narrator, voicing the adult version of Adam as he reflects on his past.
Oswalt’s warm, comedic delivery is a perfect fit forThe Goldbergs, adding a personal touch that enhances the show’s nostalgic charm. His narration helps bring each episode’s lessons and humor full circle, making him an essential part of the series’ identity. While he never appears on screen, his voice work is one of the show’s defining elements, reinforcing why the best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often feature his unmatched storytelling ability.
In the animated sequelThe Secret Life of Pets 2, Oswalt takes over the role of Max, a neurotic but lovable Jack Russell Terrier originally voiced by Louis C.K.Directed by Chris Renaud, the film explores Max’s struggles with change as he adjusts to his owner’s new baby and embarks on a countryside adventure.
Thanks to his voice acting skills, Patton Oswalt brings new depth to Max, making him both funnier and more endearing than Louis C.K.’s version. His comedic timing and expressive delivery elevate the character, helpingThe Secret Life of Pets 2maintain the charm of its predecessor. The 2019 sequel, which also stars Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and Harrison Ford, was a box-office success and proved Oswalt’s ability to lead a major animated franchise. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often showcase his exceptional voice work, and his performance as Max is a prime example.
Marvel’sM.O.D.O.K.was a unique departure from the traditional superhero genre, presenting a stop-motion animated comedy centered on one of the Marvel Universe’s strangest villains. Co-created by Oswalt and Jordan Blum, the Hulu series follows the titular character, an oversized floating head with a superiority complex, as he struggles to balance world domination with family life.
Patton Oswaltnot only voiced M.O.D.O.K.but also co-wrote and produced the series, injecting his signature comedic sensibilities into the show. His performance makes M.O.D.O.K. both hilariously egotistical and surprisingly sympathetic. WhileM.O.D.O.K.only lasted one season, it was praised for its sharp humor and unique take on the Marvel mythos. This show stands as proof of Oswalt’s creative talents, reinforcing why he is a force in both comedy and animation.
A.P. Biowas a hidden gem in the world of modern sitcoms. Created by Mike O’Brien and produced by Seth Meyers,A.P. Biofollows a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor (Glenn Howerton) who takes a job teaching high school biology, using his students for his own self-serving schemes.Patton Oswalt plays Principal Ralph Durbin, an enthusiastic but often clueless administrator who struggles to maintain order at his school.
A hidden gem among his filmography,Patton Oswalt’s performance as DurbininA.P. Biois consistently hilarious, with his earnest yet ineffective leadership making him a standout character. His chemistry with Howerton and the rest of the cast helpedA.P. Biogain a dedicated cult following, even after NBC moved it to Peacock. The best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows often showcase his ability to play both lovable and ridiculous characters, andA.P. Biois a perfect example of his comedic genius.
One of the most beloved animated films of all time,Ratatouilleremains a high point in Patton Oswalt’s career. Directed by Brad Bird and produced by Pixar,Ratatouilletells the story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary talent for cooking, who dreams of becoming a chef in a world that sees him as nothing more than a pest. Oswalt provides the voice of Remy, delivering a heartfelt and nuanced performance that captures the character’s passion, determination, and charm.
Oswalt’s casting inRatatouillewas a stroke of genius, as his background in comedy and his genuine love for food made him the perfect choice for the role.Ratatouillewon the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains one of Pixar’s most critically acclaimed movies. Playing Remy not only cemented Oswalt as a top-tier voice actor but also secured its place at the top of the best Patton Oswalt movies and TV shows.
