The Man Who Can Do It All
You ever see an actor and think, “Wow, this guy can do anything”? That’s Pablo Schreiber for you. He’s not only a household name on TV; he’s a force to be reckoned with as a performer, bringing depth, grit, and intensity to every character he plays. Whether he’s storming into battle, struggling with demons, or plotting in a corporate boardroom, Schreiber makes you believe in every character he takes on.
If you’ve only seen him in Orange Is the New Black or Halo, you’re missing out. His movie roles showcase a whole different side of his talent—from war heroes to troubled skaters to men on the edge. So, let’s dive into his seven best movies and why they deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. First Man (2018)
Space films always have that bigger-than-life quality, don’t they? But First Man is not only about moon landings and astronauts. It’s about the faces behind the helmets. Schreiber portrays Jim Lovell, one of NASA’s most esteemed individuals. As Ryan Gosling’s Neil Armstrong gets top billing, Schreiber brings depth to the astronaut corps, depicting the fierce camaraderie and unbreakable resolve these trailblazers possessed.
Even as a supporting actor, he makes an impact. The manner in which he engages with the team leaves you feeling like you’re there, getting ready for a mission that cannot be done. If you enjoy films that blend history with unadulterated human emotion, this one is a must-watch.
2. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
War movies are oftentimes disconnected from us, yet 13 Hours draws you close and never loosens its grip. It isn’t simply a high-octane war film; it is based on true events, thus every bullet fired, every decision made, each moment felt has more weight behind it.
Schreiber plays Kris “Tanto” Paronto, a former Army Ranger thrown into a brutal fight for survival when the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi is attacked. It’s raw, intense, and exhausting in the best way. His portrayal of a soldier who refuses to back down, no matter the odds, makes this one of his most powerful performances. If you’re into heart-pounding, real-life heroism, this is your movie.
3. Lords of Dogtown (2005)
Skateboarding wasn’t yet an Olympic sport before it became a group of wayward kids with unbridled talent and zero rules. Lords of Dogtown keeps that rebellious spirit alive, and Schreiber’s portrayal as Craig Stecyk lends authenticity to the movie.
He plays a key figure in skate culture, blending into the 1970s California scene effortlessly. It’s not a big, flashy role, but it’s important. His performance makes the world feel real, like you’re hanging out with these kids, watching a revolution unfold. If you’ve ever picked up a skateboard (or just love a good underdog story), this movie will hit home.
4. Lorelei (2020)
Schreiber is not all action and intensity. He has some heavy emotional range, and Lorelei is where he shows it. He stars as Wayland, a recent ex-con who attempts to rebuild his life with his high school love Dolores (Jena Malone).
It’s a slow-burning, emotionally charged tale of love, regret, and second chances. Schreiber gives a raw, exposed performance that makes you feel every bit of his anguish. It’s not a flashy blockbuster, but it’s one of his strongest films. If you’re looking for a film that lingers long after the credits, give this one a try.
5. Fort Bliss (2014)
Here’s a film that doesn’t whitewash the difficulties of war. Fort Bliss features Michelle Monaghan as a soldier who returns to reunite with her son. Schreiber co-stars as a fellow soldier, adding to the film’s emotional resonance.
His part might not be the largest, but it’s necessary. He symbolizes the hardships, sacrifices, and emotional cost that soldiers pay. The film does a great job of showing the little-known battles they wage off the battlefield. If you enjoy honest, true storytelling, this one’s worth your time.
6. Thumper (2017)
Every now and then, a film will come out that just makes your skin crawl—literally. Thumper is one such film. It’s dark, it’s powerful, and Schreiber acts in one of his scariest roles to date.
He’s Wyatt, a criminal who traffics in drugs and corrupts impressionable children to form part of his criminal empire. He lacks any redeeming feature—cunning, cold-blooded, and downright chilling. Schreiber gets every aspect of that spot on, and you’ll cringe whenever he appears on screen. If you enjoy dark crime dramas with villains that stick in the mind, this movie will keep you stuck.
7. The Devil Has a Name (2019)
Schreiber has a talent for playing tough, multi-dimensional characters, and The Devil Has a Name provides him with yet another opportunity to excel. This time, he finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal war over environmental devastation.
This isn’t your standard courtroom drama. It’s got power struggles, twists, and urgency that keep it interesting. Schreiber’s character is smooth, charming, but finally corrupt, which makes him a great villain. If you like movies with strong messages and big performances, include this on your list.
What’s Next for Pablo Schreiber?
Schreiber is not slowing down at all. With his Master Chief in Halo and additional film projects on the horizon, his career is just expanding. If these seven films teach us anything, it’s that he has the range and ability to continue surprising us.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the takeaway? Pablo Schreiber is not another Hollywood actor. He’s a force. He brings something raw, real, and unforgettable to every performance. Whether you’re a fan of war dramas, crime thrillers, or indie gems, there’s something in his filmography for you.
Which of these films is your favorite? Or is there another Schreiber performance that you feel deserves the spotlight? Let’s discuss in the comments!
