9 Best Movies by Breaking Bad Cast After the Show’s End
If you're feeling done with searching for what to watch next, just like me, this list will come to your rescue.
Breaking Bad changed things. Well, at least for me it definitely raised a bar for both shows and movies. And while Better Call Saul ( 2015-2022) and El Camino (2019) have helped fill the void a bit, there's still this undeniable craving for more.
That's why today I want to introduce you to one of the best movies the members of the cast were a part of since the show's end.
These 9 performances will remind you why you fell in love with these actors in the first place. But be sure to stick to the end if you want to find out what our favorite duo (Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston ) has been up to.
Betsy Brandt as Topanga in Straight Up (2019)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Straight Up has 93% from critics and 69% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Straight Up is rated 6.9/10.
Straight Up is a sharp, witty indie that even further shows Brandt's versatility.
The film follows Todd, a gay man who forms an unexpected connection with a woman, Rory. That connection leads to a lot of confusion and a brilliant exploration of sexuality and identity.
Brandt delivers a supporting performance as Todd's mother. James Sweeney (writer, director and lead actor) told Filmmaker Magazine how they were able to nail that old-Hollywood rhythm:
“The style was cemented in casting, so the challenge was a matter of finding actors who could inhabit the rhythm with minimal side-coaching. With Betsy Brandt and Randall Park, we eased them into the pace by shooting Todd and Rory’s coverage first.”
Straight Up is available on Kanopy for free.
Anna Gunn as Martha Bullock in Deadwood: The Movie (2019)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Deadwood: The Movie has 98% from critics and 81% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Deadwood: The Movie is rated 7.3/10.
From one powerhouse drama to another, Anna Gunn doesn't stop making bangers. Trading Skyler White's suburban anxiety for frontier grit, she joins the celebrated cast of Deadwood for its long-awaited conclusion.
Deadwood: The Movie brings together characters of the original series. Gunn fits seamlessly into the ensemble and brings that quiet strength to her Martha Bullock. But in an interview to The New York Times, Gunn confessed:
“I was the one character in the show who was quite Victorian and proper and buttoned up. And I never got to say any of those really fun swear words. I was so disappointed!”
Deadwood: The Movie is available on Max and Amazon Video.
RJ Mitte as Steve in The Oak Room (2020)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, The Oak Room has 93% from critics and 51% from the audience.
- On IMDb, The Oak Room is rated 5.6/10.
Who knew Walter Jr. would grow up to star in one of the most intriguing psychological thrillers of 2020?
Set during a snowstorm in a small-town bar, this slow-burn thriller follows a prodigal son returning home to settle a debt. Mitte's performance in this is proof he's much more than just Walt Jr.
In an interview to Hero Magazine, Mitte reflected on the movie, saying:
“With everything that people are going through now, this film definitely talks to a lot of the isolation and loneliness. It definitely is a testament to who we are as individuals, to what we want, and what we need in our lives.”
You can watch The Oak Room for free on Hoopla and Plex.
Jonathan Banks as Pappy McAllan in Mudbound (2017)
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- On Rotten Tomatoes, Mudbound has 97% from critics and 85% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Mudbound is rated 7.4/10.
This Netflix war drama explores the sad truth of life in rural Mississippi. Mudbound tackles heavy themes of racism and post-war trauma.
Jonathan Banks continues to prove why he's one of the most reliable actors in Hollywood. In an interview to NME, his co-star Jason Mitchell revealed:
“Jonathan Banks actually had a hard day that day too [the day they did the Klan scene]. He cried a bunch that day. He just was like: ‘I can’t believe people do stuff like this.'”
Mudbound is available on Netflix.
Bob Odenkirk as Ross Grant in Nebraska (2013)
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- On Rotten Tomatoes, Nebraska has 90% from critics and 83% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Nebraska is rated 7.7/10.
Before Better Call Saul proved Odenkirk could carry a drama series, Nebraska (2013) gave us a glimpse of what's to come.
The story follows an elderly man convinced he's won a million-dollar prize, and his son who reluctantly agrees to drive him to Nebraska to claim it. Odenkirk's supporting role shows a completely different side of the man we know as Saul Goodman.
In an interview to Screen Rant, Odenkirk revealed:
“My father was an alcoholic and my feelings about him were not unlike the character Ross’ feelings about his father in this movie. I was frustrated by him and angry at him for how he handled our family and yeah, I completely related in a very direct way to the situation and the character.”
You can watch this personal story on Hoopla completely free of charge.
Dean Norris as Donald Gaines in Beirut (2018)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Beirut has 81% from critics and 57% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Beirut is rated 6.5/10.
Hank Schrader would've loved this one. Beirut follows a former U.S. diplomat forced back into the field for a high-stakes negotiation. This time, Norris brings his signature intensity to a supporting role.
“Dean was really good in Beirut, completely unrecognizable. Only his voice gave him away,” Redditor MetARosetta wrote.
Catch this gem right now on Hoopla and Kanopy for free.
Giancarlo Esposito as Bob in Unpregnant (2020)
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- On Rotten Tomatoes, Unpregnant has 92% from critics and 16% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Unpregnant is rated 6.5/10.
Who knew Gus Fring could be so... charming? Giancarlo Esposito can do it all.
This surprisingly touching road trip movie follows two teenagers trying to access healthcare, with Esposito providing a compassionate adult presence. Esposito even shared a cute picture with the two main leads:
Catch Unpregnant on Fandango at Home, Amazon Video, Max or Apple TV+
Aaron Paul as Steve Watts in Eye in the Sky (2015)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Eye in the Sky has 95% from critics and 82% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Eye in the Sky is rated 7.3/10.
Jesse Pinkman goes military in this nail-biting exploration of modern warfare. Aaron Paul proves once again that he can nail even the most challenging roles.
Eye in the Sky explores the ethical implications of drone warfare, with Paul playing a drone pilot facing an impossible decision. During his talk with The Guardian, Paul admitted:
“It’s impossible not to throw our own emotions into the mix.”
You can watch Eye in the Sky on Hoopla and Kanopy for free.
Bryan Cranston as Chief in Isle of Dogs (2018)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Isle of Dogs has 90% from critics and 87% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Isle of Dogs is rated 7.8/10.
Walter White goes to Japan! Well, sort of. Bryan Cranston's voice brings life to one of the most charming characters.
Cranston voices Chief, a talking stray dog who leads a pack. His performance captures both the humor and heart in a much more family-friendly package. In an interview to The Guardian, Cranston joked:
“Wes [Anderson] showed me an early drawing and Chief really was a mutt. I relate to that. It’s what I am. I’m not a pedigree of any kind either.”
You can find Isle of Dogs on Disney+, Fandango at Home, Amazon Video and Apple TV+.
