Last updated on: October 8, 2025
You remember that look when an actor totally blindsides you? You know, you were thinking you knew them, and then boom—they give this performance that makes you see them in a completely different way. That’s what took place with Charles Melton.
Most of us first noticed him as Reggie Mantle—the brash jock on Riverdale. Charming, witty, slightly cocky—just right for a teen soap. Then came May December in 2023, and suddenly critics were mentioning “career-defining” and “Oscar-worthy.” I watched it and thought, Wait a minute—this is the same guy from Riverdale?
That’s Charles Melton’s magic. He’s not just going from TV to movies—he’s rebranding himself right before our very eyes. And today, I’m going to show you a tour of his greatest movies, the ones that reveal how far he’s traveled and foreshadow just how massive he’s going to get.
Who is Charles Melton, Really?
Let’s take it back a bit. Charles Melton wasn’t one of those children who was raised with a dream to be an actor. He was born in Juneau, Alaska, in 1991, and brought up in Manhattan, Kansas. His father is of English origin, and his mother is Korean—a background which gives him an identifiable presence on camera and makes him the odd one out in Hollywood.
Prior to acting, he actually modeled. Think of him strutting for Dolce & Gabbana, Kenneth Cole, and even doing campaigns for MAC Cosmetics. That’s where his captivating looks initially gained attention. But modeling was merely the first chapter. Acting followed, and that’s when everything else started changing.
Of course, Riverdale put him in the spotlight. Stepping into the shoes of Reggie Mantle in 2017, he soon gained popularity. But here’s the catch—playing the dashing high school jock was only the start. He yearned for more, and films were where he demonstrated that he had it.
Charles Melton’s Top Movies
1. May December (2023)
This is the movie that put Hollywood on notice and made them say: “Okay, Charles Melton is the real deal.”
The story is complicated. Julianne Moore plays a woman in a sordid affair with a far younger man—Charles Melton’s Joe Yoo. Years later, Natalie Portman’s character, an actress, arrives to observe them for a role. That’s when the fissures, the heartache, the hurt of Joe’s past decisions begin to surface.
Melton’s acting is subtle but relentless. He doesn’t require huge, over-the-top moments. Instead, it’s in the small details—the way his eyes fall, the uncertainty in his tone, the way he bears years of unexpressed anguish.
It’s a performance that lingers. Critics agreed. Overnight, he was no longer “the guy from Riverdale”—he was the actor everyone was clamoring to discuss.
2. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Switching gears from indie drama to Hollywood action franchise, Melton joined Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in one of the most popular series ever.
Sure, he isn’t the lead—this is still Will and Martin’s show—but his character brings fresh energy and vitality to the franchise. That matters. Not every actor can jump from quiet drama to high-octane action, but Melton does it with ease.
For fans, this was proof he could hold his own in blockbuster territory. For Melton, it was a stepping stone to global recognition.
3. The Sun Is Also a Star (2019)
Before the critical acclaim and action roles, Melton first proved he could headline a film in this YA romance.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and based on Nicola Yoon’s novel, the film follows Daniel (Melton) and Natasha (Yara Shahidi)—two strangers in New York who fall in love in just one day, right as Natasha faces deportation.
Melton is sincere, charming, and believable as the dreamer who believes in fate. While critics were mixed, fans loved it. For Melton, this was his chance to show he could be a romantic lead—and he delivered.
4. Heart of Champions (2021)
A quieter but important film in his career, Heart of Champions is a sports drama about a struggling college rowing team revived by a military veteran coach.
Melton plays one of the rowers, and while not the central character, his arc adds depth to the themes of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
It’s not flashy or romantic—just grit and determination. A clear sign of Melton’s desire to stretch his range.
5. The Thinning: New World Order (2018)
One of Melton’s first acting roles, this YA dystopian thriller takes place in a world controlled by standardized testing—where your score decides your fate.
It wasn’t a critical success, but it gave Melton important early screen time. A stepping stone. Without this film, he might not have been ready for The Sun Is Also a Star or May December.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Charles Melton?
Following May December, Hollywood buzzed with talk of Melton as a serious actor. Scripts, bigger roles, and higher expectations are now his reality.
The question: will he continue with heavy dramas, star in another studio romance, or explore something entirely different? Whatever path he chooses, one thing feels certain—the best is yet to come.
Why Charles Melton Stands Out
So, why is Charles Melton unique? Because he can surprise you.
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He swoons in a romance.
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He devastates in a drama.
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He holds his own in an action blockbuster.
He’s versatile, authentic, and a representative of something bigger in Hollywood—diversity and new voices. For Asian-American and Korean-American actors, Melton’s success is both symbolic and inspirational.
His career may still be young, but look at the resume: May December, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, The Sun Is Also a Star, Heart of Champions, Mainstream, The Thinning: New World Order.
Each film tells part of his story—where he began, how far he’s come, and where he’s going.
And if I had to pick a turning point? It’s May December. That’s the role that elevated him from a familiar TV face to a Hollywood contender.
But don’t discount the others. They show his range, courage, and hunger to grow.
And honestly? That’s why following his career is so exciting. Because with Charles Melton, the best is yet to come.
