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From Frat Bro To Filmmaker: The 10 Essential Dave Franco Movies You Need To Watch (And His Shocking 2025 Horror Turn)

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Dave Franco has quietly become one of Hollywood's most versatile and intriguing actors, successfully navigating the tricky transition from charismatic comedy sidekick to a respected dramatic lead and, more recently, a compelling filmmaker in his own right. As of late 2025, his career is entering a fascinating new phase, marked by a bold shift into the supernatural body horror genre and a star-studded dark comedy, proving he is constantly looking for projects that challenge audience expectations.

The current buzz around Franco centers on his surprising new role in the 2025 film Together, a project that premiered to significant attention at the Sundance Film Festival, cementing his commitment to risk-taking cinema. This article dives deep into his complete filmography, highlights the essential roles that defined his career, and gives you the exclusive details on the fresh, upcoming projects that will dominate the conversation in 2026 and beyond.

Dave Franco: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

David John "Dave" Franco is an American actor, writer, and director known for his roles across comedy, drama, and thrillers. Initially, he did not plan on a career in acting, instead focusing on writing and poetry.

  • Full Name: David John Franco
  • Born: June 12, 1985
  • Birthplace: Palo Alto, California, U.S.
  • Education: University of Southern California (USC), where he studied psychology.
  • Spouse: Alison Brie (m. 2017)
  • Notable Relatives: James Franco (Older Brother)
  • Career Start: Began with small roles in the mid-2000s, including a memorable part in the comedy classic Superbad (2007). His breakout television role was in the ninth season of the medical comedy series Scrubs.
  • Directorial Debut: The Rental (2020), a horror film he co-wrote and directed, starring his wife, Alison Brie.
  • Genres: Comedy, Action, Thriller, Drama, and Horror.

The Essential Dave Franco Filmography: From Comedy Breakout to Directorial Grit

Franco's career trajectory is a masterclass in strategic role selection, moving from scene-stealing supporting parts to leading man status. His filmography is littered with high-grossing hits and critically acclaimed independent films, showcasing his versatility.

The Comedy and Action Powerhouse Era (2012–2016)

Franco first achieved widespread recognition by demonstrating his sharp comedic timing and ability to play the cocky, yet endearing, foil. This era defined his public persona before his later, more serious shifts.

  • 21 Jump Street (2012): As Eric Molson, a high school drug dealer, Franco perfectly balanced menace with a surprising layer of charm, turning what could have been a minor villain role into a career-defining performance. The film’s success catapulted him into the mainstream.
  • Now You See Me (2013) & Now You See Me 2 (2016): Playing Jack Wilder, "The Sleight," Franco’s role as one of the Four Horsemen cemented his status in the action-thriller genre. His character’s mastery of card tricks and close-up magic added a unique, high-energy element to the ensemble cast.
  • Neighbors (2014) & Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016): His turn as Pete, the co-leader of the fraternity alongside Zac Efron, showcased his ability to handle R-rated comedy with a surprising amount of heart. The chemistry between the cast members made these films commercial successes.
  • Nerve (2016): This underrated techno-thriller, where he played Ian, demonstrated his capacity to lead a younger-skewing, high-concept film, exploring themes of internet privacy and digital notoriety.

The Acclaimed Dramatic and Directorial Shift (2017–2020)

In the latter half of the 2010s, Franco made a conscious pivot toward more complex, dramatic roles and stepped behind the camera, signaling his ambition to be taken seriously as a filmmaker.

  • The Disaster Artist (2017): Playing Greg Sestero, the co-star and friend of Tommy Wiseau, Franco delivered a nuanced, empathetic performance opposite his brother, James Franco. The film, which chronicled the making of "the best worst movie ever made," The Room, earned him critical praise.
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (2018): Though a small role as Levy, his involvement in Barry Jenkins' critically lauded adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel showcased his desire to work with prestigious directors and on powerful, dramatic material.
  • 6 Underground (2019): As David/Six (The Driver) in Michael Bay’s explosive action film, Franco returned to the blockbuster genre, though his character’s limited screen time served as a bridge to his next major step.
  • The Rental (2020): This was a monumental project for Franco. His feature directorial debut, a tense horror-thriller, received positive reviews for its atmospheric tension and smart script, which he co-wrote. The film, starring Alison Brie and Dan Stevens, proved Franco’s aptitude for crafting suspense and managing a tight budget.

Dave Franco's Newest and Most Anticipated Projects (2025 & Beyond)

The most current and exciting phase of Dave Franco’s career is defined by two highly anticipated films that see him tackling dramatically different genres: supernatural horror and dark comedy.

1. Together (2025): The Supernatural Body Horror Turn

This is arguably Franco’s most surprising recent project. Together is a supernatural body horror film, a significant departure from his previous work. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the movie stars Franco and Alison Brie as a couple whose relationship is tested by a bizarre and terrifying physical transformation after they discover an unsettling truth about their shared existence.

The film, directed by Michael Shanks, has generated buzz for its intense, unsettling premise, suggesting a commitment to a grittier and more visceral form of storytelling. Franco’s involvement in such a genre-bending project highlights his desire to avoid being typecast and explore the darkest corners of human and physical connection.

2. The Shitheads (Upcoming)

Shifting gears completely, Franco is set to star in the dark comedy The Shitheads, directed by Macon Blair (known for I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore).

The premise is classic dark comedy: Franco and co-star O'Shea Jackson Jr. play a pair of deeply unqualified individuals—or "bozos"—who are hired to transport a troubled teenage millionaire.

The film boasts a phenomenal ensemble cast, including Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and the acclaimed Peter Dinklage, making it one of the most anticipated indie comedies on the horizon. This role allows Franco to return to his comedic roots while working within the framework of a unique, character-driven narrative.

3. Future Projects: Sequels and New Genres

Beyond these two major releases, Franco has several other projects in various stages of development that further diversify his filmography:

  • Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025): A potential return to the blockbuster franchise, indicating the enduring popularity of his character, Jack Wilder.
  • Hoppers (2026): A project listed for 2026, suggesting a continued busy schedule in the coming years.
  • The Intern's Handbook (TBA): An adaptation that could see Franco take on another lead role in a corporate thriller or dark comedy setting.

From playing the rebellious teen in 21 Jump Street to directing the psychological horror of The Rental and now starring in the body horror of Together, Dave Franco has proven he is far more than just a comedic actor. His calculated moves into directing and challenging genres demonstrate a serious, long-term commitment to filmmaking, cementing his status as a dynamic and unpredictable force in modern cinema.

dave franco in movies
dave franco in movies

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