Chris Evans' hottest movie roles in the MCU and beyond (original) (raw)

Chris Evans' hottest roles

Marvel

Chris Evans may be best known for playing superheroes, movie stars, and the occasional murderer, but now, he's got a new role: PEOPLE's 2022 Sexiest Man Alive. To celebrate the actor's official induction into the sexy pantheon, EW has rounded up some of his hottest roles — both figuratively and literally. (No, really. Remember that time he played a superhero who was literally on fire?)

Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

Everett Collection

Not Another Teen Movie may be a forgettable parody of the '90s teen movie genre, but it's notable for being the movie where Evans appears nude, except for some whipped cream and strategically placed maraschino cherries.

Fantastic Four (2005)

Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch, in 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.'. Everett Collection

Before he was a shield-slinging captain, Evans played a very different kind of Marvel superhero. The actor made his comic book movie debut in 2005's Fantastic Four, literally lighting up the screen as Johnny Storm a.k.a. the Human Torch.

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

K.C. Bailey/TWC

Evans has starred in several films with Scarlett Johansson, including multiple Marvel flicks and the 2004 SAT heist movie The Perfect Score. But he's particularly charming in 2007 rom-com The Nanny Diaries, where he plays a character literally named "Harvard Hottie."

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Chris Evans in 'Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World'. Double Negative/Universal

Evans has a minor but memorable role in Edgar Wright's 2010 classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, playing asshole skater-turned-movie-star Lucas Lee. When he's not starring in films like Action Doctor or You Just Don't Exist, Lee likes to spend his time getting blazed back in his Winnie. He's the kind of guy who makes you want to have his adopted babies.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Chris Evans in 'Captain America: The First Avenger'. Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios

It's been several years since he hung up the shield, but Evans will probably always be known for his turn as Marvel's star-spangled hero. The actor has played Captain America in a whopping 10 films, beginning with 2011's The First Avenger and stretching to 2019's Avengers: Endgame. (If you count that Loki impersonation scene in Thor: The Dark World, that brings the total up to 11.) Evans' version of Steve Rogers is kind, charming, and fiercely principled, the kind of guy who will defend you from alien invaders and never, ever be late for your dates. He is and always will be America's ass.

Snowpiercer (2014)

John Hurt, Chris Evans, and Jamie Bell in 'Snowpiercer'. Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection

Released just two years after the first Avengers, Bong Joon-ho apocalyptic thriller Snowpiercer allowed Evans to show off his grittier side, playing a reluctant revolutionary named Curtis. It's a bleak and brutal role, but Evans brings a weary humanity to his tragic hero, resulting in one of his best performances to date.

Gifted (2017)

Wilson Webb

Gifted, the drama directed by Marc Webb, casts Evans as a charming father figure, who cares for his child prodigy niece (Mckenna Grace) after her mother dies.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Chuck Zlotnick/©Marvel Studios 2018

Yeah, we already covered Captain America. But Steve Rogers deserves a special shout-out for his appearance in Avengers: Infinity War, where he shows up rocking one hell of a beard.

Knives Out (2019)

Claire Folger/Lionsgate

The sweater that launched a thousand memes! Sure, Evans' Knives Out character Ransom Drysdale is an all-around awful human being, the kind of charming criminal who orchestrates murder plots and gleefully tells his family to "eat s---." But damn, cream-colored knitwear has never looked so good.

The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019)

Netflix

Inspired by a true story, Evans stars in this 2019 Netflix spy thriller as a Mossad agent named Ari Levinson. Joined by a crew of fellow undercover operatives, he helps evacuate Jewish-Ethopian refugees to Israel.

The Gray Man (2022)

Paul Abell/Netflix

Okay, so the mustache is a divisive look. And that haircut is definitely a choice. But Evans brings a sort of sociopathic charm to this spy thriller, reteaming with his Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Plus, it's very fun to watch Evans face off against Ryan Gosling, who is also an extremely handsome man.

Lightyear (2022)

Sox (voiced by Peter Sohn) and Buzz (Chris Evans) in 'Lightyear'. Disney/Pixar

Leave it to Evans to take an animated film about a plastic-toy-turned-interstellar-astronaut and make him hot.