Austin Butler has had an extensive acting career beginning in 2005; however, he truly burst into the spotlight with his compelling portrayal in 2022’s Elvis. Starting as a teenager, Butler honed his skills through background roles in Nickelodeon’s popular programming and later became a familiar face in beloved children’s sitcoms such as Zoey 101, iCarly, Hannah Montana, and Wizards of Waverly Place. These experiences served as crucial stepping stones in developing his craft for future endeavors.
Although Butler has steadily worked over the past 20 years, his role in Elvis solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor. Many audiences will forever associate him with this iconic figure, alongside younger fans who remember his performances in family films like Aliens in the Attic and the teen-centric The Carrie Diaries. Austin Butler’s most significant roles illustrate his remarkable growth and versatility.
10 The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)
As Sebastian Kydd
The Carrie Diaries was a short-lived series inspired by Sex and the City, focusing on a young Carrie Bradshaw (played by AnnaSophia Robb) navigating her high school years while discovering her passion for writing and fashion. Butler portrayed Sebastian Kydd, a popular boy in Carrie’s life, marking a significant departure from the “boy next door” roles he had previously been associated with.
This role represented a pivotal moment for Butler, showcasing his ability to perform in more complex, appealing characters. It helped demonstrate that he was ready for more serious acting challenges beyond children’s entertainment. Butler’s performance as Sebastian marked a noteworthy transition in his career.
9 The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
As Jack
In contrast to his earlier work, Butler took on a role in the horror-comedy The Dead Don’t Die, where he was part of a star-studded ensemble that included Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton. This film explores the chaos of a zombie apocalypse, presenting Butler with an opportunity to flex his comedic muscles while navigating dramatic scenes.
Despite mixed reviews, his performance stood out, allowing audiences to appreciate his capacity for both humor and drama. Butler’s role as Jack exemplifies his diversity as an actor.
8 The Bling Ring (2011)
As Zack
Not to be confused with the more well-known film of the same name, the Lifetime movie The Bling Ring follows a group of teens who aspire to emulate the glamorous lifestyles of the wealthy through theft. Portraying Zack, Butler effectively embodies the group’s charismatic leader, skillfully capturing his charm while navigating morally dubious actions.
This performance was crucial for Butler as it was one of the earliest representations of his ability to portray more morally dynamic characters. He would later take on more roles inspired by real-life events or literature, building upon the foundation laid by Zack’s character.
7 Dude (2018)
As Thomas
Dude presents a coming-of-age story that revolves around four young women on the cusp of adulthood, with Butler playing a pivotal supporting role as Thomas—who is remembered by the central characters while they navigate grief. This film addresses deeper themes of loss amid moments of humor and bonding.
Though Thomas does not have a character arc since he exists only in memories, Butler’s performance brings a poignant depth to the narrative, showcasing his emotional range. His role in Dude highlights Butler’s ability to evoke profound feelings.
6 Masters Of The Air (2024)
As Major Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven
In the highly anticipated miniseries Masters of the Air, reminiscent of Band of Brothers, Butler stars alongside a talented cast, depicting Airmen in WWII. Preparing for this demanding role, Butler faced significant challenges, including a recent hospitalization and the physical and mental toll from embodying Elvis shortly before filming.
This dedication highlights Butler’s commitment to his craft, allowing him to bring authenticity to his portrayal of Buck Cleven. Its release on AppleTV+ aims to draw attention despite the platform’s limited audience reach. The series has already garnered critical acclaim, winning an Emmy.
5 The Bikeriders (2024)
As Benny
The Bikeriders transports viewers to the 1960s, centering on the rise of a fictional motorcycle club, with Butler portraying Benny, a new club member who becomes romantically involved during a turbulent transformation of the group. Unlike several of Butler’s blockbuster projects, this film is character-driven, allowing him to exhibit emotional depth alongside co-stars Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy.
The film delves into the characters’ inner worlds, giving Butler ample opportunity to display his ability to anchor a story effectively. His role in this drama reinforces his versatility as an actor.
4 The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)
As Wil Ohmsford
The Shannara Chronicles, based on Terry Brooks’ novel series, provided Butler a platform to prove himself beyond his early roles in children’s programming. The ambitious fantasy series featured magical elements and complex political struggles but was cancelled after two seasons.
Butler’s role as Wil Ohmsford, a young elf descendant entrusted with powerful Elfstones, provided a substantial arc that evolved over the course of the series. This role solidified Butler’s place as a serious actor capable of leading a fantasy epic.
3 Dune: Part Two (2024)
As Feyd-Rautha
In the much-anticipated sequel Dune: Part Two, Butler portrays Feyd-Rautha, a character vastly different from his prior roles. Set within a richly developed sci-fi universe, Butler’s transformation into this antagonist showcases his impressive range. His appearance in the film, particularly in striking black-and-white scenes, left audiences intrigued and excited.
His portrayal highlights a character not only marked by violence but also complex and strategic. Butler’s performance in Dune: Part Two reinforces his status as a versatile talent. The film has achieved significant recognition, earning nominations for two Golden Globes.
2 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
As Tex
In Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Butler takes on the chilling role of Tex, a devoted and dangerous member of Charles Manson’s infamous gang. This character offers a unique perspective on a well-known historical narrative, providing a fictional twist on events surrounding the Manson family.
Though his screen time is limited, Butler’s nuanced performance gives depth to Tex, suggesting a formerly complex figure beneath the surface of his malevolent role. This performance exemplifies Butler’s ability to immersive himself in transformative roles, setting the stage for future endeavors.
1 Elvis (2022)
As Elvis Presley
Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley stands out as a defining achievement in his career, reflecting his deep commitment to the role. The biopic, which covers a significant period of Elvis’s life, required Butler to adopt not only the icon’s voice but also his essence. His method acting approach resulted in a lingering vocal inflection even post-filming.
Recognized with accolades, including the BAFTA and Golden Globe, this portrayal has been lauded widely. In 2023, Elvis was named the American Film Institute’s Movie of the Year, further solidifying Butler’s position as a leading talent in Hollywood. More than 200 nominations across prestigious platforms further illustrate the film’s impact, making Butler’s investment in this role truly remarkable.