Brandon Sklenar’s Top 10 Must-Watch Movies and TV Shows

Following his exceptional portrayal of Spencer Dutton in the series “1923“, Brandon Sklenar has emerged as one of the most promising stars in the entertainment world. Originally from New Jersey, Sklenar’s passion for acting dates back to his early years. In an interview with Noble Magazine, he discussed a speech impediment he had as a child, stating, “I attended numerous public speaking classes to help me overcome my severe stutter, and they encouraged me to perform plays and such, which I believe is what sparked my interest.” During the same interview, he also expressed his growing affection for cinema, revealing that he began making short films at only 14 years old. At 19, he decided to leave college after just two months, relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams.

In an interview with “Man About Town Magazine”, Sklenar shared that fortune smiled upon him at Mel’s Diner on Sunset Boulevard when he requested a lighter from a stranger. Unbeknownst to him, this individual was an agent, who ultimately signed him. Additionally, he acknowledged his grandmother as another significant source of inspiration in his pursuit of acting.

In 2011, he made his first appearance in films with “Cornered”. Following this, he participated in a few indie projects and played guest roles on “Truth Be Told” and “New Girl”. Noteworthy movies he’s featured in include “Mapplethorpe”, “Vice”, and “Emily the Criminal”. His latest role was opposite Meghann Fahy in Blumhouse’s acclaimed thriller, “Drop“. Coming up later this year, Sklenar will star in “The Housemaid“, a psychological thriller adapted from Frieda McFadden’s best-selling novel of the same name, alongside Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. As fans eagerly anticipate its premiere, here’s a rundown of Sklenar’s top 10 movies and TV shows, ranked from number ten to one.

10
‘It Ends With Us’ (2024)

As Atlas Corrigan

Over a period of five years since its announcement, the book “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover had been eagerly awaited by avid readers and fans alike. The screen adaptation of this widely recognized novel, however, experienced turbulence behind the scenes, but was ultimately warmly received by viewers. In the movie, Blake Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a lively florist from Boston who embarks on an intense, passionate relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon who turns out to be abusive, mirroring her parents’ toxic marriage. When Sklenar’s Atlas, her former love, re-enters her life, she recognizes the pattern of history repeating itself.

An Emotional Story That Misses the Mark

The moving tale of love and bravery leaves a powerful emotional impression, boasting outstanding performances from its principal actors. Sklenar’s on-screen presence offers a soothing, reassuring vibe amidst the weighty subject matter. Although the movie attempts to approach the theme delicately, it falls short in capturing the intricate nature of victims’ experiences and in accurately portraying the subtle yet insidious aspects of abuse. Instead, Ryle’s actions are often portrayed as emotional outbursts, which oversimplifies domestic violence and fails to illustrate the psychological manipulation abusers employ to maintain control over their victims.

9
‘Walker: Independence’ (2022)

As Liam Collins – Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot”

Walker: Independence served as a prequel on the CW, based on the 2021-2024 series, Walker, which revisited the world of Walker, Texas Ranger (originally aired from 1993 to 2001). This show revolves around Abby Walker (portrayed by Katherine MacNamara), a wealthy Bostonian whose husband, Liam Collins (played by Sklenar), is tragically murdered during their journey westward. Upon reaching Independence, Texas, Abby embarks on a quest for justice in memory of her deceased spouse.

One Season Wonder

As a movie buff, I can’t help but rave about Sklenar’s stunning debut in the pilot episode. His character not only sparkled but also fueled the main protagonist’s journey. The series was an exhilarating Western ride with a twist – it offered a breath of fresh air by breaking genre barriers and introducing long-overdue diversity on the silver screen. Although it garnered a devoted fanbase, unfortunately, its run ended after just one season due to Nexstar’s takeover and subsequent budget cuts. The network subsequently focused on cheaper scripted programming instead.

8
‘Vice’ (2018)

As Bobby Prentace

Adam McKay’s movie titled “Vice” provides a sharp, satirical portrayal of one of the most notorious political figures in recent history: Dick Cheney. The film traces Cheney’s journey from leaving Yale in 1963, to his stint as a White House intern in 1969, his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978, his tenure as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, and ultimately, his role as Vice President during the George W. Bush administration.

A Damning Portrait

Christian Bale delivers an exceptional main act, masterfully portraying the ex-Vice President, where his transformation is so astonishing that it’s worth experiencing for yourself. Director Adam McKay leaves no doubt about his views on Cheney and his wife, Lynne, whose actions as a pair inflicted significant harm at home and abroad, leading to widespread human misery. Newcomer Jesse Plemons gives a compelling performance in the minor role of Bobby Prentace.

7
‘The Offer’ (2022)

As Burt Reynolds – Episode 10, “Brains and Balls”

The Offer is a biographical TV series that Michael Tolkin co-created with Nikki Costino for Paramount+. Spanning 10 episodes, it delves into the making of one of cinema’s most iconic films: Francis Ford Coppola’s groundbreaking gangster movie, The Godfather. Miles Teller portrays the film’s producer, Albert S. Ruddy, Matthew Goode assumes the role of studio executive Robert Evans, Dan Fogler plays director Coppola, and the cast also includes Juno Temple, Burn Gorman, Colin Hanks, and Giovanni Ribisi. Sklenar delivers a remarkable performance in one episode as the legendary Burt Reynolds, offering an unforgettable and captivating portrayal of the actor.

Irresistible, Entertaining Drama

The production received nominations for Best Limited Series, along with nods for Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie at an awards ceremony. Temple took home the prize for Best Supporting Actress for her performance at the Satellite Awards. For fans of filmmaking processes and enthusiasts of the 1972 movie classic, The Offer, it’s definitely worth watching.

6
‘Green and Gold’ (2025)

As Billy

Drawing from real-life events, the film titled “Green and Gold” marks Anders Lindwall’s first directorial feature. Co-written by Steven Shafer, Michael Graf, and Missy Mareau Garcia, the story unfolds as follows: Craig T. Nelson portrays Buck, a long-time struggling farmer from Wisconsin, who, upon receiving a foreclosure notice, puts all his hopes on the Green Bay Packers to save the family farm that has been passed down through generations. Madison Lawlor plays Jenny, Buck’s granddaughter with dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter, who strikes up a bond with Sklenar’s character, Billy, a traveling musician.

Full of Heartfelt Performances

The movie beautifully captures the emotional landscape of rural America, weaving an emotionally engaging tale about family and religion. Sklenar delivers a captivating performance in his role, with the entire cast delivering strong performances. “Green and Gold” is a must-see for its heartfelt, sweet narrative, especially for football enthusiasts. Fans of Sklenar should definitely include this film in their collection.

5
‘New Girl’ (2011-2018)

As Loner – Season 6, Episode 13, “Cece’s Boys” (2017)

Jess, played by Zooey Deschanel, catches her boyfriend being unfaithful, leading her to live in a loft with three bachelors seeking a fourth roommate. Eventually, she forms a deep bond with one of them. The series skillfully combines dramatic and humorous plotlines, focusing on their romantic entanglements, personal tribulations, and the challenges they face as adults.

Small Role, Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

In the 2010s, New Girl stood out as one of the best comedy series due to its many memorable episodes and has become a go-to show for dedicated fans, earning the title of a comfort series. Sklenar landed a guest role in “Cece’s Girls,” portraying an unnamed character known only as Loner. Although his part wasn’t significant, appearing on one of the most popular shows at the time demonstrated Sklenar’s determination to succeed in Hollywood – a dedication that eventually paid off, as he went on to carve out a successful career! (Spoiler alert: He did indeed make it!)

4
‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022)

As Brent

The movie titled “Emily the Criminal” is a gripping crime-thriller helmed by John Patton Ford. In the lead role as Emily, we find Aubrey Plaza. With a history of aggravated assault making it tough to secure a decent, steady job, this young woman finds herself drawn into the seedy underworld of Los Angeles, participating in a credit card fraud scheme to clear her debts and stay afloat financially. As Emily becomes more deeply ensnared in criminal activities, she finds it increasingly difficult to abandon her new lifestyle.

From a Movie to TV Series

In a relatively minor part as Brent, Sklenar stole every moment he was on screen, demonstrating he could handle larger roles in future projects. It was intriguing to watch Plaza in a role so different from her past performances, delivering a powerful portrayal that tackled class differences and struck a chord with numerous audiences. The film garnered exceptional reviews, leading to plans for a television adaptation. Although Plaza won’t be returning to the screen in this role, she is now serving as executive producer instead.

3
‘Westworld’ (2016 – 2022)

As Henry – Season 4, Episode 1, “The Auguries” and Season 4, Episode 8, “Que Será, Será” (2022)

It’s a real shame that HBO decided to end Westworld‘s run prematurely. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, this remarkable series revolves around a Wild West-themed amusement park known as Westworld, where the rich can indulge in whatever fantasies or misdeeds they desire, no matter how outlandish or morally questionable. Drawing inspiration from the 1973 film of the same name, the show delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence, consciousness, free will, and the essence of humanity.

A Great Boost to Sklenar’s Resume

Apart from the current series “The Wheel of Time,” “Westworld” might be the only TV show that comes close to matching “Game of Thrones” in terms of scale and ambition in recent times. Although its ending could have been stronger with Season 5, it’s definitely worth watching for those who value quality television. Sklenar is featured in a few episodes during its fourth season, and even though the role wasn’t particularly large, being part of such a prestigious series is a notable credit on his resume.

2
‘Drop’ (2025)

As Henry

Blumhouse’s newest suspenseful tale revolves around Violet (played by Fahy), a single mother and survivor of domestic abuse, as she delves back into the dating world. Following three months of interaction on a dating app with Sklenar’s character, Henry, they finally meet at an upscale restaurant in a towering building. Immediately, Violet feels a bond with the kind, courteous photographer. However, their idyllic date takes a dark turn when Violet begins receiving threatening messages through a fictitious app similar to AirDrop, called digiDROP. These messages reveal that her child and sister are being held captive, and will be harmed unless she administers poison to Henry.

Pure Unadulterated Fun

Following the year of 1923, Sklenar’s most significant role yet, “Drop,” stands out as one of his finest performances. This captivating and suspenseful mystery, reminiscent of Hitchcock but tailored for the digital era, offers an exhilarating, heart-racing experience that leaves viewers on tenterhooks from start to finish. The actors skillfully portray the chemistry of a first date filled with hope. Fahy provides a riveting performance that makes audiences empathize with a character who feels strikingly authentic. Sklenar is equally captivating in this role, leaving viewers eager for him to appear in more thrillers and perhaps even a romantic comedy.

1
‘1923’ (2022 – 2025)

As Spencer Dutton

Taylor Sheridan’s popular show, Yellowstone, has exploded into a cultural sensation, branching out into a vast franchise consisting of two spin-off series, with a third, 1944, in development. With its vibrant characters and intricate storytelling, it’s no wonder that it’s received such acclaim. Just as 1883 laid the foundation for the Dutton family’s legacy in the Montana mountains, the two-season series 1923 continues the saga. Like its predecessors, it’s an extraordinary achievement.

Sklenar Is a Star

In the series, Harrison Ford portrays Jacob Dutton, the head of the family and brother to the late James Dutton (Tim McGraw), creator of the Yellowstone Ranch in 1883. The show revolves around Jacob and his wife Cara (Helen Mirren) battling adversaries attempting to force them off their land, which they are determined to protect for their nephew, Spencer, played by Sklenar. This is Sklenar’s major breakthrough in Hollywood, as he leaves a series of minor roles in his wake. Spencer is one of the most compelling characters on the show, with Sklenar delivering an exceptional portrayal of a tormented war veteran. The audience experiences an exciting journey through Spencer’s prodigal son storyline. His relationship with Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) becomes the franchise’s most heartbreaking and epic love tale.

2025-04-13 22:33

10 ‘It Ends With Us’ (2024)