If anyone is still wondering why Glen Powell keeps on glowing under the unyielding limelight in 2025, they are surely overdue for a deep dive into his filmography. Powell's seemingly rapid ascent is no accident, but the mark of an actor perfectly poised to seize Hollywood’s next leading man's crown. And for those who happen to have just ridden the high of The Running Man, consider it the ideal primer for discovering Powell's breadth. He has practically transformed binge-watching into a cinematic scavenger hunt, and Netflix plays the perfect field. 

If there is any list of movies that could guarantee to convert even the dubious into devoted fans of Glen Powell, Netflix seems to be doing a fine job at it. 

Hit Man finds Glen Powell teaming with auteur Richard Linklater in a film that gleefully obliterates genre boundaries. Based on the real-life exploits of a philosophy and psychology professor who masqueraded as an undercover hitman for police sting operations, Powell had taken center stage as Gary Johnson. His ability to slip in and out of personas ranging from a Russian thug, German killer, and Southern hillbilly revealed a comedic agility and dramatic depth in equal measure, with the film drawing critical acclaim as a "genuine star-clinching turn" for Powell, according to The New York Times. 

Under Linklater's direction and bolstered by Adria Arjona as a woman entangled with Johnson's latest scheme, Hit Man elevated far beyond quirky true crime. Powell’s performance had been a demonstration of charm and vulnerability that never slid into parody. The result has been a dark comedy with a surprisingly romantic core, cementing its position as one of the best releases of 2023 on Netflix. 

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If you thought Glen Powell could only charm away through rom-coms and high-octane fighter jet blockbusters, there is a in fact, a flick that will sandblast those assumptions straight back to basic training.

Sand Castle positions Glen Powell differently: in a gritty, grounded drama steeped in the stark realities of the Iraq War. The film chronicles the ordeals of young American soldiers tasked with repairing a broken Iraqi village, pulling Powell into a sharply observed ensemble cast. Here, the backdrop is far from comedic or romantic territory; instead, Powell channels a quiet intensity underscoring the film’s exploration of trauma, duty, and brotherhood under fire.​

Though the protagonist is Nicholas Hoult’s Private Matt Ocre, Powell ably supports in a role that tempers bravado with haunted introspection. The film has often been praised for avoiding overt jingoism, and Powell’s turn exemplifies this, never straying into caricature. For those who only associate Powell with lighter material or swaggering charm, Sand Castle is a revelation in restraint. ​

If Netflix had a tangible crown, Set It Up would be a definite jewel on it. This flick is a revitalized romantic comedy resurgence, with Glen Powell’s now sky-reaching pockets and effortless chemistry having magnetized the story’s already enduring appeal. Powell had starred opposite Zoey Deutch as two frazzled assistants plotting to set up their overbearing bosses, only to stumble into their own messy, magnetic romance. The movie debuted in 2018 but has remained on the platform’s recommended lists thanks to Powell’s breezy, self-deprecating performance. on it. 

Where Powell could have coasted on charm alone, he instead layers his character’s early smarminess with unexpected depth, peeling back emotional nuance beneath office antics. This was one of the earliest flags that Hollywood had a new leading man on its hands. Set It Up is, in fact, tailor-made for viewers needing humor, heart, and relatable banter.​

Though not a Netflix original, Top Gun: Maverick has flown onto the streaming service after a historic box office run, showcasing Powell in a crowd-pleasing blockbuster alongside Tom Cruise. Taking on the role of the competitive, unrepentantly cocky pilot Jake 'Hangman' Seresin, Powell brings swagger, wit, and surprising depth to what could easily have been a mere archetype. Top Gun: Maverick’s immense success confirmed Powell’s ability to hold his own in high-stakes, effects-heavy extravaganzas.​

Powell’s scenes inject the film with energy and sharp comedic tension, and the character quickly became a breakout favorite. Even with Cruise leading the cinematic squadron, Powell’s presence is felt in every dogfight and hangar-room standoff, setting the stage for even larger franchises or solo vehicles.

Anyone But You teamed Glen Powell with his media stunt inspiration, Sydney Sweeney, in a modern romantic comedy that unapologetically leans into classic screwball territory. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s 'Much Ado About Nothing', it revitalized the genre with sharp banter, viral moments, and undeniable on-screen chemistry. Much of the film’s critical and popular success is owed to Powell’s ability to spark banter and longing glances alike, elevating every ensemble scene with self-assured delivery.

Rather than coasting on genre tropes, Powell injects warmth, wit, and an unmistakable movie star quality that sets a new benchmark for contemporary rom-coms. Glen Powell’s range effortlessly moves from the charm of romantic comedies to the intensity of action and drama, demonstrating a versatility rare in Hollywood today. His ability to inhabit vastly different characters while maintaining a distinctive screen presence marks him as a talent to watch.

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Which of these Glen Powell-starring numbers will you be streaming soon? Let us know in the comments below.