Let me take you on a little trip down memory lane—back to the ’80s and ’90s when movie nights meant popcorn, VHS tapes, and Rob Lowe flashing that trademark smile that could make anyone swoon. But Lowe’s career wasn’t just about being the guy with good hair and a killer grin. Nope. He’s one of those rare stars who evolved—matured, faltered, got back up—and gave us a lineup of films that are still worth talking about today. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the best of Rob Lowe, these seven movies are more than just must-watches—they’re cultural moments, emotional journeys, and time capsules.
So, let’s get comfy. Imagine we’re hanging out, and I’m walking you through these films like a friend recommending their all-time favorites.
1. Wayne’s World (1992)
Ah, Wayne’s World—that quirky comedy that became a ’90s cult classic. If you grew up quoting “Schwing!” or doing the headbang to “Bohemian Rhapsody” in your car, you already know the magic. But let’s talk about Rob Lowe’s role as Benjamin Kane, the smooth-talking executive with a sneaky agenda.
Here’s what made this part special: Rob wasn’t just the bad guy. He was charming about it. He wasn’t twirling a mustache—he was rocking tailored suits and delivering his lines with a smirk that made you question whether you should hate him or secretly admire him.
What’s wild is that this was Lowe’s comeback. After a rocky period in his personal life, he stepped into comedy like it was second nature. Benjamin became one of those lovable villains who you wouldn’t trust with your life—but might still grab a drink with.
And that’s the magic of Lowe. Even when he’s the bad guy, he makes you want to see more.
2. The Outsiders (1983)
Remember being a teen and feeling like no one really got you? That’s The Outsiders in a nutshell. And if you ever felt like the quiet observer in a group of loud personalities, you’ll understand Rob Lowe’s character, Sodapop Curtis.
Based on S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, this movie is packed with stars—Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon—but Lowe holds his own. Sodapop isn’t the loudest or the toughest, but he’s the emotional glue in the Curtis family. He brings warmth and vulnerability to a film steeped in conflict and masculinity.
One of my favorite behind-the-scenes stories? Rob Lowe was so into the role that he was genuinely upset when some of his scenes were cut in the final version. That passion shows. Even in limited screen time, he left a lasting impact.
Watching The Outsiders feels like revisiting your youth—the confusion, the loyalty, the heartbreak. And Rob’s performance is one of the most quietly powerful in the bunch.
3. Behind the Candelabra (2013)
You want to see an actor disappear into a role? Watch Behind the Candelabra. Rob Lowe plays Dr. Jack Startz, a plastic surgeon who looks like he just walked off the set of a sci-fi movie. With his stretched face and blank expressions, he’s as fascinating as he is unsettling.
This HBO film dives into the glitzy, often bizarre world of Liberace (played by Michael Douglas), and Lowe adds just the right amount of absurdity and control. What’s brilliant here is the restraint. He doesn’t overdo it. He lets the makeup and stillness do the talking.
You can’t help but be mesmerized—and slightly creeped out. It’s one of those roles that reminds you: Rob Lowe isn’t just a pretty face. He’s an actor willing to take risks, mock his own image, and come out on top.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to reinvent yourself in Hollywood, this movie is a blueprint. Weird, bold, unforgettable.
4. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
If you’ve ever felt lost after college—or during any major life change, honestly—St. Elmo’s Fire will hit you hard. It’s about a group of friends trying to figure out adulthood, love, and purpose. Rob Lowe plays Billy Hicks, a saxophone-playing party guy with commitment issues and a whole lot of charm.
Billy is that friend you love but can’t save. He shows up late, breaks hearts, makes you laugh, then makes you cry. Rob Lowe plays him with raw emotion, layered with frustration and regret. You want to shake Billy, but you also want to hug him.
The scene where he plays the sax at the bar? Iconic. And don’t get me started on the soundtrack—it’s practically a character on its own.
It’s a messy movie about messy people—and that’s what makes it real. Lowe brings vulnerability to a role that could’ve easily been one-note. He gives Billy a soul.
5. Youngblood (1986)
Hockey fans, this one’s for you. Youngblood is a gritty, fast-paced sports drama about Dean Youngblood, a young player trying to earn respect on the ice. Rob Lowe gives us sweat, passion, and a surprising amount of intensity.
And yes, there’s a shirtless locker room scene that’s forever burned into the memory of anyone who watched it in the ‘80s.
But this movie isn’t just about eye candy. It’s about heart. About standing up for yourself. About brotherhood in a brutal sport. Patrick Swayze co-stars, and the chemistry between the two is electric—equal parts rivalry and respect.
Watching Youngblood today, you realize it was a stepping stone for Lowe. It showed he could lead, carry emotional weight, and push himself physically. It’s underappreciated, and honestly, that makes it more special.
6. About Last Night (1986)
Want to know what dating in your 20s really feels like? Watch About Last Night. No fairytales here. Just messy, funny, passionate love that makes you feel seen.
Rob Lowe and Demi Moore play a couple navigating the highs and lows of a serious relationship. It’s raw. Sometimes uncomfortable. Always honest.
Lowe’s character, Danny, isn’t perfect. He messes up. He avoids commitment. He says the wrong things at the worst times. But he’s also tender and real. You watch him grow, and it feels like watching a friend figure things out in real time.
And can we talk about the chemistry between Lowe and Moore? It’s electric. Their dynamic pulls you in, and by the end, you’re rooting for them—even if you’re not sure they’ll make it.
This is Rob Lowe at his most relatable. No glitz. No glam. Just a guy trying to figure love out—just like the rest of us.
7. Bad Influence (1990)
Ever had a friend who brought out your worst side? That’s Bad Influence in a nutshell. Rob Lowe plays Alex, the mysterious stranger who pulls a timid office worker (James Spader) into a world of danger, crime, and temptation.
It’s sleek, stylish, and surprisingly dark. Think Fight Club meets Fatal Attraction.
This role let Lowe lean into his edgier side. He’s seductive, manipulative, and magnetic. You know he’s trouble—but you can’t look away. It’s a movie that asks: What would you do if no one was watching?
Watching it today, it feels ahead of its time. A moody thriller about identity, control, and the masks we wear. Lowe plays Alex with a quiet menace that lingers long after the credits roll.
And let’s be real—how often do you see the good-looking guy turn into the puppet master? It’s a twist, and it works.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing: Rob Lowe isn’t just a movie star—he’s a storyteller. Whether he’s playing a smooth villain, a lovable mess, or a haunted antihero, he brings layers. He brings humanity.
These seven films aren’t just “top picks.” They’re snapshots of an actor who grew up in front of us, who stumbled, evolved, and kept showing up. That’s why they matter.
So the next time you’re scrolling for something to watch, give one of these a shot. Maybe you’ll laugh. Maybe you’ll cry. Maybe you’ll remember a piece of yourself from a time long gone.
Either way, you’ll see Rob Lowe in a new light. And honestly? That’s the best kind of movie magic.
