The bestJonathan Groffmovies and TV shows showcase the incredible range that’s led him to be viewed as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents. Born in 1985 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jonathan Groff got his start on Broadway before seamlessly leaping the screen. Whether he’s charming audiences with his voice work in beloved animated films likeFrozenor diving deep into dramatic roles in shows likeMindhunter, Groff has proven himself to be a magnetic presence in any genre or medium.
Fans have come to love Jonathan Groff’s ability to fully inhabit every character he plays, whether it’s a quirky romantic, a tormented FBI agent, or an animated reindeer wrangler. His performances consistently bring emotional depth, authenticity, and a dash of charisma. He’s equally at home in musicals, psychological thrillers, animated adventures, and groundbreaking dramas. From Broadway royaltyto Netflix leading man, Groff’s career is a mix of fan favorites and critical darlings. The best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows include both lesser-known gems and blockbusters, and he shines in every single one.
Netflix’sLost Ollie,based on the bookOllie’s Odysseyby William Joyce, is a beautifully animated hybrid series that tells the poignant tale of a lost toy searching for the boy who lost him. Created by Shannon Tindle and directed by Peter Ramsey, the series blends live-action with CG animation to deliver a story that’sequal partsToy StoryandThe Velveteen Rabbit. While it may have flown under the radar for some,Lost Ollieis a hidden treasure in Groff’s filmography.
Jonathan Groff & Gina Rodriguez Interview: Lost Ollie
Lost Ollie stars Jonathan Groff & Gina Rodriguez share how they achieved their Kentucky accents in Netflix’s new animated series.
Jonathan Groff lends his voice to the titular Ollie, a stuffed bunny with big eyes and an even bigger heart. It’s a voice performance filled with warmth and wonder, capturing Ollie’s childlike innocence and unwavering loyalty.Groff’s vocal work adds an emotional resonance that makes Ollie’s journey deeply affecting.Alongside stars like Gina Rodriguez and Jake Johnson, Groff anchors the heart of the story. AlthoughLost Olliedidn’t garner major awards buzz, it earned praise for its storytelling and animation, and Groff’s performance was one of the key reasons it struck an emotional chord with audiences.
Ryan Murphy’s musical dramedyGleebecame a cultural phenomenon when it first hit screens in 2009, and one of Jonathan Groff’s earlier roles was as as Jesse St. James, the cocky and ultra-talented lead singer of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline.Groff’s character instantly made wavesby becoming a love interest for Rachel Berry (played by Lea Michele, his real-life best friend), creating some of the show’s most memorable dramatic moments.
Jonathan Groff brought an irresistible swagger and Broadway flair to Jesse, delivering standout musical performances that showed off his incredible musical talent and stage charisma.His chemistry with Michele was electric, and even as Jesse made some morally questionable choices, Groff kept him charismatic and compelling, and his guest appearances, especially in the early seasons, helped cement him as a fan favorite. WhileGleedidn’t earn Groff any individual awards, his presence was a major part of some of the series’ most iconic performances, earning him a spot among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for his infectious energy and vocal talent.
InLooking, HBO’s quietly powerful dramedy created by Michael Lannan and based on his bookLorimer, Jonathan Groff took center stage as Patrick Murray, a San Francisco-based video game designer navigating love, friendship, and identity. The series was praised for its subtle, character-driven storytelling and its refreshingly realistic depiction of modern gay life.
Jonathan Groff’s portrayal of Patrick was vulnerable, charming, and deeply human. He infused the character with a unique blend of optimism and insecurity, making him one of the most relatable characters on TV at the time.Lookingwas ahead of its time in its quiet complexity, and Groff’s performance was central to its success. He shared the screen with a stellar cast, including Murray Bartlett, Frankie J. Alvarez, and Russell Tovey, creating a believable and heartfelt friend group dynamic. Though the show only lasted two seasons (and wrapped up with a feature-length special in 2016), it earned a loyal fanbase and critical praise, with Groff winning NewNowNext award for Best New Television Actor.
Before his rise to Broadway and Hollywood stardom, Jonathan Groff had a brief but memorable stint on the long-running ABCsoap operaOne Life to Live. He appeared in 11 episodes as Henry Mackler, a high school student who becomes entangled in a dramatic and ultimately tragic storyline. It may not be his most famous role, but it marked a key stepping stone in his career since his performance stood out, even among the heightened drama of daytime TV.
Groff brought a sincerity and groundedness to Henry, which made the character’s fate all the more devastating.The soap, created by Agnes Nixon, served as a launchpad for many future stars. Though he didn’t receive any awards for this role, Groff’s natural screen presence and emotional delivery made him one to watch. Appearing alongside actors like Kristen Alderson and Melissa Archer, Groff proved early on that he had the chops for serialized drama. While it’s one of the lesser-known entries on this list, it earns its place among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for being a compelling glimpse at his raw early talent.
When Lana Wachowski revived the iconicMatrixfranchise withThe Matrix Resurrections, fans were curious to see how familiar characters would return and how new actors would fit into the mythology. Enter Jonathan Groff into the cast ofThe Matrix 4as areimagined version of Agent Smith, originally played by Hugo Weaving.It was a bold casting choice, and Groff didn’t disappoint.Groff’s Smith is suave, unpredictable, and unnervingly charismatic - a sharp contrast to the cold menace of Weaving’s version. He brings a sly, almost theatrical energy to the role, making it uniquely his own while still paying homage to the character’s origins.
Sharing the screen with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, Groff holds his own in intense fight sequences and cerebral showdowns alike. As far as the wider viewing experience is concerned,Resurrectionswas a visually dazzling and meta-heavy continuation of the sci-fi saga - and a unique blockbuster in Jonathan Groff’s filmography. WhileThe Matrix Resurrectionswas divisive among fans, Groff’s performance was one of its standout elements, earning praise for injecting new life into a classic character. It’s an exciting entry among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows, demonstrating his range in action-heavy, franchise-driven storytelling.
InFrozen II, the magical sequel to Disney’s 2013 megahit, Jonathan Groff returnED as Kristoff, the ice harvester with a heart of gold. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the film dives deeper into the mythology of Arendelle while delivering a more mature and emotionally layered story. While Jonathan Groff had few singing lines in the first movie, the sequel finally gave him a showstopping number - and he ran with it.
“Lost in the Woods,” Kristoff’s ‘80s-inspired power ballad, is a comedic and emotional high point of the film, and Groff delivers it with full vocal flair and hilarious sincerity.His performance balances heartfelt charm with endearing awkwardness, making Kristoff more than just a love interest - he’s a full-fledged hero in his own right. With co-stars Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Josh Gad all returning, the ensemble magic remains strong.Frozen IIwas a massive box office success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Groff’s expanded role solidified Kristoff as one of Disney’s most beloved male characters. Without question,Frozen IIearns its place among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for finally letting him shine musically.
Frozen: The 10 Best Kristoff Quotes That Make Fans Swoon
Kristoff’s love for Anna is one of fans' favorite parts of the Frozen movies, and these 10 quotes always can make anybody swoon.
When Disney+ released the filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway juggernautHamilton, fans around the world finally got to see Jonathan Groff’s scene-stealing turn as King George III. Directed by Thomas Kail, the 2020 film is a live-stage capture of the original Broadway cast performing the groundbreaking musical that revolutionized theater.Though Groff’s screen time is brief, his impact is massive - making his portrayal one of the most unforgettable parts of the entire production.
As the delightfully petty and unhinged King George, Groff turns every moment onstage into comedic gold. With exaggerated facial expressions, precise comedic timing, and a devilishly catchy rendition of “You’ll Be Back,” he brought royal sass to a hip-hop revolution. Sharing the spotlight with Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Phillipa Soo, Groff stood out in a cast full of stars. He earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance. Among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows,Hamiltonis a prime example of how Groff can steal the show with just a few songs and a crown.
M. Night Shyamalan’sKnock at the Cabinis a tense, intimate psychological thriller that puts Jonathan Groff in one of the most emotionally demanding roles of his career.Released in 2023, the apocalyptic movie tells the story of a family held hostage by four strangers who claim the world will end unless one of them is sacrificed.Jonathan Groff stars as Eric, one half of the central couple, navigating grief, fear, and love in a high-stakes nightmare scenario.
Jonathan Groff’s performance is subtle, heartbreaking, and deeply human. He plays Eric with a quiet vulnerability that makes the film’s moral and emotional dilemmas hit hard. His chemistry with co-star Ben Aldridge, who plays his husband Andrew, adds a powerful layer of realism to their relationship. Alongside Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint, and Nikki Amuka-Bird, Groff holds his own in a cast packed with strong performers and noted character actors. ThoughKnock at the Cabindidn’t receive major awards recognition, Groff’s portrayal was praised by critics. It stands tall among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows for its emotional weight and dramatic intensity.
Knock At The Cabin Cast & Character Guide
Knock at the Cabin is M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film and it boasts a small, but very talented cast to bring the writer-director’s vision to life.
InMindhunter, the chilling and cerebral crime drama from executive producer David Fincher, Jonathan Groff delivers what is arguably his most riveting performance to date. The Netflix series, based on the true-crime book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, follows two FBI agents as they develop criminal profiling in the 1970s. Jonathan Groff plays Holden Ford, a bright but emotionally complex agent whose obsession with understanding serial killers begins to consume him.
As Holden, Groff dials into a quieter, more introspective energy.His performance is precise, unsettling, and hypnotic, portraying the gradual psychological toll of diving into the darkest corners of the human mind.From his unsettling interviews with real-life killers like Edmund Kemper to the growing rift between him and his partner Bill Tench (played masterfully by Holt McCallany), Groff nails the slow-burn tension that defines the show. Created by Joe Penhall and directed in part by Fincher himself,Mindhunterreceived universal acclaim and quickly became a cult favorite. Though the show never got the awards attention it deserved, Groff’s performance remains a career-defining moment. There’s a clear reason thatMindhunterlands so high among the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows - it’s his most psychologically complex work yet.
It’s no surprise whatsoever that the best Jonathan Groff movies and TV shows is the cultural phenomenon that helped launch him into mainstream stardom: Disney’sFrozen.Released in 2013 and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the animated fantasy musical became a worldwide sensation, with Groff voicing Kristoff, the rugged ice harvester with a soft side and a lovable reindeer named Sven.
Though Kristoff doesn’t have a full solo song in the original film (a fact later remedied inFrozen II),Groff’s vocal work gave Kristoff humor, heart, and a grounded, endearing presence. His scenes with Anna (Kristen Bell) are filled with warmth and chemistry, and his silly reindeer voice for Sven is an underrated highlight. Alongside an all-star voice cast including Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, Groff helpedFrozenbecome one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The movie won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Let It Go.” While his role wasn’t the flashiest, Groff’s subtle charm brought Kristoff to life and made him a fan favorite.Frozenremains one of the bestJonathan Groffmovies and TV shows - not just for its global impact, but for the heart Groff brought to it.
