Ryan Guzman's 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows showcase his versatility, charm, and ability to command the screen no matter the genre. Hailing from Abilene, Texas, Guzman originally pursued a career in mixed martial arts before transitioning to acting. He was born in 1987, and his breakout role came in 2012’s Step Up Revolution at age 25, where he proved himself as both a talented dancer and an engaging leading man. From there, he carved a niche in Hollywood, taking on a variety of roles across action, thriller, drama, and procedural genres.

Best known for his role as Eddie Diaz in the hit procedural drama 9-1-1, Ryan Guzman has also made his mark in horror, romance, and even superhero television. While he may not yet be a heavyweight when it comes to accolades and awards, his performances continue to impress audiences and critics alike. Whether playing an obsessed lover in The Boy Next Door or a war veteran in Heroes Reborn, Guzman’s charisma and dedication elevate each role.

10 Pretty Little Liars (2013-2014)

Ryan Guzman Plays Jake

Now with multiple spin-offs, Pretty Little Liars dominated pop culture during its 2010-2017 run, and Ryan Guzman made a career-defining appearance during the height of the show’s popularity. In the teen drama, Ryan Guzman appeared as Jake, a martial arts instructor and brief love interest of Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale). Though he wasn’t a series regular, his character brought a new dynamic to Aria’s love life during seasons 4 and 5.

Guzman’s portrayal of Jake was cool and confident, offering a mature contrast to Aria’s usual entanglements. He also got to showcase his real-life MMA training in fight scenes, which set him apart from other romantic interests on the show. While his time in Pretty Little Liars was short-lived, it proved that he had the charisma to thrive in a hit series, paving the way for bigger TV roles.

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9 Windows On The World (2019)

Ryan Guzman Plays Fernando

Directed by Michael D. Olmos, Windows on the World tells the deeply emotional story of Fernando, played by Ryan Guzman, a young man from Mexico who travels to New York after the 9/11 attacks in search of his missing father. The 2019 drama is incredibly nuanced, and explores themes of immigration, family, and the human cost of tragedy. It’s a lesser-known but poignant entry in Guzman’s filmography, demonstrating his ability to carry dramatic weight.

Ryan Guzman’s performance as Fernando is filled with vulnerability and quiet strength, making the character’s journey all the more compelling. He shares the screen with veteran actor Edward James Olmos, who plays Fernando’s father, and their chemistry adds significant depth to the Windows on the World’s emotional core. While Michael D. Olmos’ movie may not have been a major box office success, it stands out for its heartfelt storytelling and Ryan Guzman’s moving performance. Windows on the World proves Guzman can handle deeply personal, dramatic roles as well as action-packed thrillers, and should be considered essential viewing for his fans (especially those who discovered him through 9-1-1).

8 Heroes Reborn (2015)

Ryan Guzman Plays Carlos Gutierrez

A continuation of NBC’s hit series Heroes, the 2015 series Heroes Reborn brought a new generation of superpowered individuals into the spotlight. Ryan Guzman joined the franchise as Carlos Gutierrez, a war veteran who takes up the mantle of a vigilante hero after his brother’s mysterious disappearance. Though the show only lasted one season, Guzman’s Heroes Reborn character stood out as one of the more engaging new additions.

Carlos wasn’t just a hero in a mask - his internal struggles with trauma and responsibility made him a layered character. Ryan Guzman brought the depth of this role to life near-perfectly, balancing action sequences with emotional storytelling. While Heroes Reborn didn’t recapture the magic of its predecessor, it was a fascinating attempt to expand the mythology. Many of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often highlight his physicality, and this role was no exception, showcasing his action skills in a way that pleased longtime fans of the franchise.

7 Notorious (2016)

Ryan Guzman Plays Ryan Mills

Created by Josh Berman and Allie Hagan for ABC, Notorious was a 2016 crime drama that blurred the lines between news media and the justice system. The show may have been unfortunately canceled after one season, but the strength of Ryan Guzman’s performance across all 10 episodes cement Notorious as some of his finest work. Ryan Guzman played Ryan Mills, an ambitious young producer working for a high-powered TV news show.

Though the series only lasted one season, Notorious gave Guzman a chance to showcase his charisma in a fast-paced, high-stakes world. Unlike many of his more physically demanding roles, Ryan Mills allowed Guzman to flex his dramatic muscles in a different way. His chemistry with stars like Piper Perabo and Daniel Sunjata made his character stand out, despite the show’s short run. While Notorious wasn’t a breakout success, it added another dimension to Guzman’s career, proving he could hold his own in an ensemble cast.

6 Jem And The Holograms (2015)

Ryan Guzman Plays Rio Raymond

Though Jem and the Holograms was a box office flop, Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Rio Raymond remains a bright spot in an otherwise controversial adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film aimed to modernize the beloved 1980s animated series about a young woman who rises to stardom with the help of her holographic alter ego. However, fans of the original show were disappointed with the drastic changes made to the source material. Despite the movie’s struggles, Guzman delivered a heartfelt performance as Rio, the band’s road manager and Jem’s love interest, adding much-needed warmth to the story.

Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Rio in the 2015 movie was grounded and charismatic, giving audiences a likable and supportive male lead. His chemistry with Aubrey Peeples, who played Jem, made Rio one of the more compelling aspects of the film. While Jem and the Holograms failed to capture the magic of the original series, it provided Guzman with another opportunity to showcase his versatility outside of action and dance-heavy roles. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often feature his ability to bring authenticity to any character, and Rio in Jem and the Holograms is no exception.

5 The Cleansing Hour (2019)

Ryan Guzman Plays Max

A hidden horror gem, The Cleansing Hour is a chilling supernatural thriller that follows a fraudulent online exorcist whose fake exorcisms suddenly become terrifyingly real. Directed by Damien LeVeck, the 2019 demonic possession movie stars Ryan Guzman as Max, the cocky host of the web series who thrives on internet fame and deception. His character starts as a manipulative showman, but as the horror unfolds, he’s forced to confront the true power of the demonic forces he once dismissed as a gimmick.

What makes The Cleansing Hour stand out is how it cleverly critiques the modern obsession with internet fame while delivering genuinely intense scares. Guzman’s performance is one of the movie’s highlights, as he convincingly transitions from smug arrogance to sheer desperation. His portrayal of Max is layered, making the audience root for a character who initially seems irredeemable. Damien Levecl’s combination of practical effects with psychological tension, along with Guzman’s gripping performance, cements The Cleansing Hour as one of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows - especially for horror fans.

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4 The Boy Next Door (2015)

Ryan Guzman Plays Noah Sandborn

The Boy Next Door offered Ryan Guzman one of his most intense roles to date, playing the dangerously obsessive Noah Sandborn. Directed by Rob Cohen, the 2015 psychological thriller follows a high school teacher, played by Jennifer Lopez, who becomes entangled in a passionate but ill-advised affair with her young neighbor, only to discover that he is far more dangerous than he initially seemed. The movie leans into its over-the-top tension, with Guzman delivering a performance that is equal parts seductive and terrifying.

Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Noah was a major departure from his previous roles. Instead of being the charming good guy, he fully embraced the role of a manipulative and violent antagonist. His ability to switch from charismatic to menacing made him a compelling villain, and his on-screen chemistry with Lopez was electric. Though The Boy Next Door received mixed reviews, it was a box office success, proving that Guzman could hold his own alongside A-list stars. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows highlight his ability to take on diverse roles, and The Boy Next Door demonstrated his willingness to push his boundaries and explore darker characters.

3 Step Up: Revolution (2012)

Ryan Guzman Plays Sean Asa

The movie that catapulted Ryan Guzman to fame in 2012, Step Up: Revolution, introduced him as Sean Asa, the leader of a Miami-based flash mob dance crew. Directed by Scott Speer, the film combined high-energy dance sequences with a compelling underdog story, as Sean’s crew fought against corporate greed threatening their community. With stunning cinematography, breathtaking choreography, and an engaging romance, it quickly became a fan-favorite entry in the Step Up franchise.

What made Step Up: Revolution stand out was Guzman’s natural charisma and impressive physicality. Despite having no prior professional dance experience, he delivered jaw-dropping performances that made it hard to believe he wasn’t a seasoned dancer. His chemistry with Kathryn McCormick, who played Emily, gave the film an emotional core that resonated with audiences. More than just a dance movie, Step Up: Revolution had a socially conscious message that elevated it beyond its genre. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often highlight his ability to bring charm and intensity to a role, and Step Up: Revolution proved he was a star in the making.

2 Step Up: All In (2014)

Ryan Guzman Plays Sean Asa

The fifth installment in the beloved Step Up franchise, Step Up: All In brought back Ryan Guzman’s character, Sean Asa, for another high-energy dance spectacle. Directed by Trish Sie, the 2014 Step Up movie follows Sean as he gathers an all-star team of dancers from previous films to compete in a high-stakes Las Vegas dance battle. The final entry in the Step Up series raised the stakes with even more elaborate choreography, stunning visuals, and a deeper look into Sean’s character.

Ryan Guzman once again proved he was more than just his appearance and impressive dance moves. His portrayal of Sean showed more depth than in Step Up Revolution, as his character faced personal and professional struggles while trying to build a future in the competitive dance world. His chemistry with Briana Evigan, who reprised her role as Andie West, gave the movie a strong romantic subplot that fans loved. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often showcase his ability to carry a film with his charm and physicality, and Step Up: All In solidified his place as one of the franchise’s standout stars. The film’s explosive dance sequences and energetic storytelling make it one of the best entries in the series.

1 9-1-1 (2018- Present)

Ryan Guzman Plays Eddie Diaz

Topping the list of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows is 9-1-1, where he plays firefighter Eddie Diaz. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, the hit Fox procedural drama follows first responders in Los Angeles as they tackle life-or-death emergencies. Ryan Guzman joined 9-1-1 in its second season, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his compelling performance and undeniable chemistry with the cast.

As Eddie Diaz, a military veteran and single father, Guzman brings both toughness and vulnerability to the role. His dynamic with Oliver Stark’s Buck has become one of 9-1-1’s most beloved relationships, sparking endless fan theories and discussions. His storylines, including his struggles with PTSD and his devotion to his son Christopher, played by Gavin McHugh, have made Eddie one of the show’s most emotionally resonant characters.9-1-1 remains one of Guzman’s most successful projects, allowing him to showcase his range as an actor. Whether he’s rescuing civilians from burning buildings or navigating the complexities of fatherhood, he delivers a performance that keeps audiences invested. His work on 9-1-1 has solidified his status as a television star, making it his most defining role to date.

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