Most people know the pop icon behind “SexyBack,” but searches for Justin Timberlake in a movie keep growing. His filmography runs from Oscar-buzz dramas to sex comedies, animated family films and gritty crime thrillers. Having watched nearly all of these back to back, I can say he is a capable actor whose best work is often in supporting parts, not leading-man blockbusters. This guide covers his best films, his weaker ones, where to watch them, and the off-screen headlines fans search for most.
Biography Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justin Randall Timberlake |
| Nickname/Stage Name | JT, “Prince of Pop” |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Age | 45 |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Religion | Christian (raised Baptist) |
| Profession/Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Genre/Field | Pop, R&B, dance-pop, funk; film and television |
| Spouse/Partner | Jessica Biel (married 2012) |
| Children | Two sons, Silas and Phineas |
| Parents | Charles Randall Timberlake, Lynn Harless |
| Siblings | Half-brothers Jonathan and Stephen |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $250 million |
| Height | About 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Notable Works | NSYNC, Justified, FutureSex/LoveSounds, The Social Network, Trolls |
| Awards/Honors | 10 Grammy Awards, 4 Primetime Emmy Awards |
| Social Media | Instagram @justintimberlake, X @jtimberlake |
How Justin Timberlake Moved From Pop Star to Screen Actor
Timberlake did not start in film. He started on The Mickey Mouse Club as a child, then became the youngest lead singer of NSYNC. That early TV training gave him comic timing and comfort in front of cameras long before his first real movie role.
His first serious screen work came in the mid-2000s. Small, risky parts in Edison, Alpha Dog and Black Snake Moan showed he wanted to be taken seriously, not just cast as a famous cameo. Directors like Nick Cassavetes and Craig Brewer gave him room to play flawed, uncomfortable characters.
Musicians-turned-actors often get mocked, and the shadow of Vanilla Ice in Cool as Ice still hangs over the idea. Timberlake avoided that trap by picking ensemble films with ambitious filmmakers. His hosting runs on SNL, where he joined the Five-Timers Club, also proved his charm worked outside music.
Justin Timberlake’s Best Movies Ranked
If you only have time for a few films, start here. This ranking weighs his performance, the film’s overall quality and how well each role has aged.
- The Social Network (2010)
- Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
- Southland Tales (2007)
- In Time (2011)
- Alpha Dog (2006)
- Reptile (2023)
- Shrek the Third (2007)
- Wonder Wheel (2017)
The Social Network (2010)
This is the high point of his acting career and the clearest answer to whether he can act. He plays Sean Parker, the Napster co-founder who pushes Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) to see Facebook’s multibillion-dollar potential. David Fincher directs from an Aaron Sorkin script based on Ben Mezrich’s The Accidental Billionaires.
Timberlake’s Parker is magnetic but morally bankrupt. Every scene he shares with Andrew Garfield’s Eduardo Saverin builds the betrayal that splits two former best friends. Armie Hammer’s Winklevoss twins, who claim Zuckerberg stole their idea, add the lawsuits that frame the whole story.
The film earned 8 Oscar nominations and 3 Oscar wins, plus 3 Golden Globe wins from 6 nominations. It runs 120 minutes, is rated PG-13 and holds a 7.8/10 score. Many critics place it among the masterpieces of the century. You can stream it on Paramount+ or rent or buy it on Amazon.
What stands out on a rewatch is how Timberlake plays insecurity under the swagger. Parker is selfish and disloyal, yet he is also the only character who truly understands power in the internet age. It remains his strongest performance.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
The Coen brothers, Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, cast him as Jim Berkey, a successful folk artist in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s. It is a short role, but it is one of his most memorable. Oscar Isaac leads as Llewyn, a struggling musician weighed down by setbacks and artistic integrity.
The standout scene is the recording of the novelty song “Please Mr. Kennedy” with Isaac and Adam Driver. It is one of the film’s few happy moments and shows off Timberlake’s musical talent without turning the folk-music film into a pop showcase.
Carey Mulligan plays Jim’s wife, which adds conflict to his friendship with Llewyn. The film is rated R, runs 105 minutes and works as a tribute to the folk scene. It is free on Pluto TV, with rent or buy options on Amazon.
In Time (2011)
Andrew Niccol’s dystopian sci-fi thriller gave Timberlake his first true action hero lead. The original premise: people stop aging at 25, and time is currency. Time is earned, spent and shared, and when it runs out, death follows instantly.
He plays Will, a poor man who receives a huge amount of time from a stranger. Falsely accused of crime, he goes on the run with Amanda Seyfried while Cillian Murphy’s timekeeper hunts them. The story is a direct comment on class, with rich people living forever while poorer people work a job just to survive.
His charisma and chemistry with Seyfried carry the film, though heavy exposition and messy plot mechanics slow it down. It scores 6.7/10, is rated PG-13, runs 109 minutes and is available to rent or buy on Amazon. Fans of sci-fi blockbusters who want a smarter angle will still enjoy it.
Alpha Dog (2006)
Nick Cassavetes’ dark crime thriller is based on real events. Emile Hirsch plays Johnny Truelove, a California drug dealer who has a teenage boy kidnapped because his older brother owes money. Anton Yelchin plays the kidnapped boy, Zack Mazursky.
Timberlake plays Frankie Ballenbacher, the party animal who slowly bonds with the 15-year-old he is guarding. That tenderness makes the tragic ending hit harder. His character is based on a real person, Jesse Rugge, who was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after seven years and was paroled in 2013.
This was one of his first big roles, and critics praised it. The film is rated R, runs 122 minutes and holds a 6.9/10 rating. It also works as a sharp portrait of youthful irresponsibility and millennial excess. Rent or buy it on Amazon.
Reptile (2023)
This Netflix original sees him cast against type. Benicio del Toro, an Oscar winner, plays veteran detective Tom Nichols, investigating a brutal murder case in New England. Timberlake plays Will Grady, a real estate agent whose girlfriend Summer (Matilda Lutz) is found dead.
As her boyfriend, Will becomes the main suspect. Director Grant Singer builds a slow-burn, noir-style story full of lies, corruption and hidden motives. Alicia Silverstone adds warmth as Nichols’ wife, and the twist around the real culprit keeps the tight suspense going.
Timberlake gives a creepy, disturbing performance that many viewers did not expect. Black Label Media produced it before Netflix took worldwide rights. It is rated R, runs 134 minutes and scores 6.8/10.
Justin Timberlake’s Comedies and Rom-Coms
Not every role has Oscar buzz. His 2011 comedy run proved he could carry mainstream audiences, and both films still pop up on streaming charts today.
Bad Teacher (2011)
Jake Kasdan directs this raunchy comedy starring Cameron Diaz as Elizabeth, a lazy, sleazy middle school teacher. She hates her teaching job and wants to save money for plastic surgery. She is the opposite of a role model for her students.
Timberlake plays Scott, a dedicated staff member and heir to a multimillion-dollar business. Elizabeth chases him for selfish reasons, while Jason Segel’s gym teacher offers her a real relationship. Part of the fun is knowing Diaz and Timberlake dated from 2003 to 2007.
It holds a 5.7/10 score and is rated R. It is light, silly and best watched for the cast’s comic energy. Rent or buy on Amazon.
Friends With Benefits (2011)
Will Gluck’s rom-com is better than people remember. Timberlake plays Dylan, an LA art director recruited by Jamie (Mila Kunis), a New York headhunter. The client and recruiter agree to sleep together casually in a no-strings arrangement.
The script mocks friends-to-lovers clichés while still delivering on them, and the two leads are falling for each other long before they admit it. Patricia Clarkson steals scenes as Jamie’s free-spirited mother.
Among 2011 releases, it was a quiet hit, earning about $150 million on a $35 million budget, more than four times its cost. It is rated R and scores 6.5/10.
Underrated Justin Timberlake Dramas Worth Watching
These are the films that rarely make “best of” lists but show his range in quieter dramas and sports dramas. If you liked his work in Alpha Dog, start here.
Palmer (2021)
This Apple TV+ original, directed by Fisher Stevens, is his most grounded lead role. He plays Eddie Palmer, a former high school football star who returns to his small Louisiana town after prison. He moves in with his grandmother and takes a job as a school janitor.
Palmer forms a close bond with Sam (Ryder Allen), a young boy who is bullied and has a troubled home life. The film deals with redemption, second chances, acceptance and hope without becoming preachy. Alisha Wainwright plays the teacher who helps him face hard choices.
He told interviewers he added about 15 lbs of muscle through weight training with trainer Ben Bruno to look like a former football player. After its January 29 premiere, it became one of Apple TV+’s most-watched weekend debuts, with viewership reportedly up 33%. It scores 7.1/10.
The Open Road (2009)
This underrated road dramedy from Michael Meredith pairs him with Oscar winner Jeff Bridges. Timberlake plays Carlton Garrett, a minor league player, while Bridges plays his estranged father Kyle, a fallen baseball star with a big ego.
When Carlton’s mother (Mary Steenburgen) becomes seriously ill, he must drive his father across the country to see her. Kate Mara plays Lucy, his ex-girlfriend, along for the emotional cross-country road trip. Old wounds open slowly.
The chemistry between Timberlake and Bridges is the main reason to watch. It scores 5.5/10 and is free on Tubi and Pluto TV, or with Amazon Prime.
Wonder Wheel (2017)
Woody Allen’s period drama takes place on 1950s Coney Island. Timberlake plays Mickey Rubin, a lifeguard and aspiring writer who narrates the story. Kate Winslet plays Ginny, a former actress working as a waitress and stuck in a cold marriage.
Ginny’s secret affair with Mickey gets complicated when her estranged stepdaughter Carolina (Juno Temple) arrives, hiding from mobsters. Jim Belushi plays Humpty, the carousel operator husband. The film is all lies, guilt and betrayal.
It has sharp dialogue and a retro feel, though Winslet’s range overshadows everyone else. It scores 6.2/10, runs 101 minutes and is rated PG-13.
Trouble with the Curve (2012)
Robert Lorenz directs Clint Eastwood as an aging baseball scout losing his sight. Amy Adams plays his daughter, who joins him on a final scouting trip. Timberlake plays Johnny Flanagan, a young scout and former pitcher who becomes her love interest.
The film pits traditional scouting against data-driven analytics. It also handles aging and family reconciliation with a gentle touch. Interestingly, like In Time, it circles back to the value of time.
It scores 6.8/10 and is rated PG-13. His role is small but likable, and it fits well in the sports drama category.
Black Snake Moan (2006)
Craig Brewer’s Southern drama stars Samuel L. Jackson as a Tennessee bluesman who finds a badly beaten young woman (Christina Ricci) and takes her in. He vows to give her spiritual guidance.
Timberlake, a Tennessee native himself, plays Ronnie, her estranged boyfriend. He is a soldier battling anxiety, and his scenes with Ricci are raw. It was one of his earliest attempts to shed the boy-band image.
Watch it on Paramount+ or Pluto TV, or rent or buy on Amazon.
Animated Films, Cult Classics and Cameos
Many family-film fans know his voice before his face. This section also covers his strangest role and one of his funniest cameos.
The Trolls Movies (2016–2023)
He voices Branch, the grumpy, cynical friend to Anna Kendrick’s cheerful troll Poppy. The franchise includes Trolls (2016), Trolls World Tour (2020) and Trolls Band Together (2023), with directors including Walt Dohrn and Mike Mitchell.
He also served as music producer. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from the first film earned an Oscar nomination. Trolls Band Together went further, reuniting NSYNC for a new single.
These adventures are his biggest box office hits by audience reach. You can stream them on Netflix or rent or buy on Amazon.
Shrek the Third (2007)
Director Chris Miller cast him as Arty, the awkward, insecure protégé Shrek must convince to rule Far Far Away. Mike Myers returns as Shrek.
It is the oddest Shrek film, but it has real heart. The story is about unlikely heroes, friendship and outsiders finding their place. It is a silly kids’ adventure with warmth.
It is rated PG and runs 93 minutes.
Southland Tales (2007)
Richard Kelly’s sci-fi epic is baffling, disturbing and, to its fans, brilliant. It tackles consumerism, celebrity culture, politics and government surveillance in ways that feel close to today’s reality.
Timberlake plays Private Pilot Abilene, an abandoned Iraq War veteran. His standout scene has him drugged and lip-syncing to The Killers’ “All These Things That I’ve Done.” It is the reason the film became a cult favorite.
It runs 144 minutes and is rated R. Watch it only if you enjoy films that refuse to explain themselves.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
Andy Samberg plays Conner4Real, a boy-band member turned solo rapper, in a fake documentary about his rise and fall. Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone direct.
Timberlake, a longtime Lonely Island collaborator, appears as Tyrus Quash, Conner’s personal chef. It is a short, uncredited appearance, but it is one of the funniest bits in this underrated music mockumentary.
Justin Timberlake Movies That Missed
Not every film landed. These two are useful for understanding his early growing pains and his 2010s experiments.
Edison (2005)
David J. Burke cast him as Joshua Pollack, a young journalist exposing corruption inside a special police unit. Morgan Freeman plays veteran journalist Moses Ashford and Kevin Spacey plays private investigator Levon Wallace.
The thriller went straight to DVD in the US instead of theaters. Timberlake looked inexperienced next to the veterans, which critics noted. It scores 5.3/10 and is rated R.
Runner Runner (2013)
Brad Furman’s online poker thriller casts him as Richie Furst, a Princeton grad student who loses his tuition money after being cheated. He travels to Costa Rica to confront billionaire owner Ivan Block (Ben Affleck).
Block offers him a job and a luxury lifestyle, but the dark side brings law enforcement into play. Gemma Arterton co-stars. The title is a poker term for winning with two lucky cards.
It scores 5.6/10 and is rated R. Watch it only if you are a completist.
Complete Justin Timberlake Filmography and Where to Watch
Here is a quick reference for his main live-action and animated films.
| Movie | Year | Role | Director | Rating | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edison | 2005 | Joshua Pollack | David J. Burke | 5.3/10 | Rent or buy |
| Alpha Dog | 2006 | Frankie Ballenbacher | Nick Cassavetes | 6.9/10 | Amazon (rent/buy) |
| Black Snake Moan | 2006 | Ronnie | Craig Brewer | — | Paramount+, Pluto TV |
| Shrek the Third | 2007 | Arty | Chris Miller | — | Rent or buy |
| Southland Tales | 2007 | Pilot Abilene | Richard Kelly | — | Rent or buy |
| The Open Road | 2009 | Carlton Garrett | Michael Meredith | 5.5/10 | Prime, Tubi, Pluto TV |
| The Social Network | 2010 | Sean Parker | David Fincher | 7.8/10 | Paramount+, Amazon |
| Bad Teacher | 2011 | Scott | Jake Kasdan | 5.7/10 | Amazon (rent/buy) |
| Friends With Benefits | 2011 | Dylan | Will Gluck | 6.5/10 | Amazon (rent/buy) |
| In Time | 2011 | Will | Andrew Niccol | 6.7/10 | Amazon (rent/buy) |
| Trouble with the Curve | 2012 | Johnny Flanagan | Robert Lorenz | 6.8/10 | Rent or buy |
| Inside Llewyn Davis | 2013 | Jim Berkey | Coen brothers | — | Pluto TV, Amazon |
| Runner Runner | 2013 | Richie Furst | Brad Furman | 5.6/10 | Rent or buy |
| Popstar | 2016 | Tyrus Quash (cameo) | Schaffer, Taccone | — | Amazon (rent/buy) |
| Trolls series | 2016–2023 | Branch (voice) | Walt Dohrn, others | — | Netflix, Amazon |
| Wonder Wheel | 2017 | Mickey Rubin | Woody Allen | 6.2/10 | Rent or buy |
| Palmer | 2021 | Eddie Palmer | Fisher Stevens | 7.1/10 | Apple TV+ |
| Reptile | 2023 | Will Grady | Grant Singer | 6.8/10 | Netflix |
Streaming deals change often, so check your local platform before you plan a movie night.
Off-Screen Headlines Fans Search For
His film career rarely exists in a vacuum. These are the personal stories and celebrity connections people most often look up alongside his movies.
Justin Timberlake DUI Arrest
In June 2024, Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, after police said he ran a stop sign and drifted out of his lane. He was initially charged with driving while intoxicated during his Everything I Thought I Was tour.
In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired, a traffic violation. He received a fine, 25 hours of community service and a 90-day license suspension.
As part of the deal, he gave a public statement urging people not to drink and drive. The case dented his clean-cut image, but it did not end his touring or acting work.
Justin Timberlake’s Wife, Jessica Biel
Timberlake has been married to actress Jessica Biel since October 2012, when they wed in Italy. They have two sons, Silas, born in 2015, and Phineas, born in 2020.
Biel is an established screen star in her own right, known for 7th Heaven and The Sinner. The two have not headlined a major film together, but they often appear together at premieres and public events.
They also share causes and public appearances, including political fundraising, which is covered below.
Justin Timberlake and Willie Nelson
The link here is musical roots. His grandfather introduced him to country legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, and at age 11 he sang country songs on Star Search as “Justin Randall.”
That country and folk background explains why he felt natural in Inside Llewyn Davis. It also resurfaced in his 2018 album Man of the Woods, which leaned into Southern and Americana sounds.
For fans who only know his pop side, his on-screen folk work makes far more sense once you know Nelson was part of his early musical education.
Justin Timberlake and Hillary Clinton
In August 2016, Timberlake and Biel hosted a fundraising luncheon for Hillary Clinton at their Los Angeles home. About 55 guests attended, with tickets priced at $33,400 each. The event was first planned at Leonardo DiCaprio’s home before he backed out and asked them to host.
There is a movie tie-in too. At that year’s Democratic National Convention, Chelsea Clinton walked on stage to his Trolls hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
He later flew from Los Angeles to Memphis to cast his vote early in that election.
Priyanka Chopra and Justin Timberlake
Priyanka Chopra and Justin Timberlake have not appeared in a movie together. Searches often pair them because both are global entertainers who moved between music and acting at the highest level.
Their career paths also mirror each other. Chopra built a film career in India before crossing into Hollywood, while Timberlake went from pop stardom to film. Both married stars from the music world, with Chopra married to former boy-band member Nick Jonas.
For now, a shared project remains a fan wish rather than an announced film.
Amy Schumer and Justin Timberlake
The clearest movie connection is Trolls Band Together. Schumer voiced Velvet in the 2023 film, alongside Timberlake, Anna Kendrick and Camila Cabello.
The two are also the same age, both born in 1981, and both have strong comedy credentials. Schumer is known for Trainwreck and sketch comedy, while Timberlake’s comedy chops come from SNL and films like Bad Teacher.
Justin Timberlake and Reese Witherspoon
Both have Tennessee roots, and that bond comes up often. The two were paired as presenters at the Golden Globes in 2007.
There is a funny early link as well. In 2001 on Jay Leno’s show, Timberlake mentioned being mistaken for Ryan Phillippe, and Witherspoon jokingly said her then-husband was better looking.
She also publicly praised his Super Bowl LII halftime performance in 2018. They have not starred in a film together.
Justin Timberlake and Michael Phelps
Their friendship is built on golf. Phelps joined Timberlake, Travis and Jason Kelce, and Blake Griffin at the 2025 8AM Golf Invitational in Las Vegas. 8AM Golf is Timberlake’s golf business.
The bond goes beyond the course. Phelps has talked on The Tonight Show about singing karaoke with Timberlake.
Phelps has no film credits with him, but he regularly appears in Timberlake’s social media clips from these events.
Justin Timberlake and Ellen DeGeneres
Timberlake has been a guest on Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show while promoting music and film projects. Those appearances helped introduce his comedic side to a broad daytime audience.
The two also share a family-film overlap. DeGeneres became beloved for voicing Dory in Pixar films, while Timberlake built his animated audience with Arty in Shrek the Third and Branch in Trolls.
They have not co-starred in a film, but their talk show moments remain popular clips.
Justin Timberlake Net Worth and Film Earnings
Justin Timberlake’s net worth is estimated at around $250 million. Most of it comes from music sales, world tours and producing, not acting.
His film income is still meaningful. The Trolls franchise, where he both voiced Branch and produced the music, is his most profitable screen work. Hits like Friends With Benefits also showed studios he could open a mid-budget comedy.
Beyond film, he reportedly sold the rights to his song catalog in 2022 for around $100 million. He also has business interests such as 8AM Golf, which keeps his income growing outside Hollywood.
FAQs
What is Justin Timberlake’s best movie?
The Social Network (2010) is widely seen as his best movie. His role as Napster co-founder Sean Parker is his strongest performance. The film won 3 Oscars and is often ranked among the century’s best.
Is Justin Timberlake still acting in movies?
Yes. His most recent live-action role was in the Netflix thriller Reptile (2023), and he voiced Branch again in Trolls Band Together the same year. He balances acting with music and touring.
Where can I watch Justin Timberlake movies?
Reptile is on Netflix, Palmer is on Apple TV+, and The Social Network streams on Paramount+. Many others, like In Time and Alpha Dog, are available to rent or buy on Amazon.
What happened with Justin Timberlake’s DUI case?
He was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, in June 2024. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. His penalties included a fine, community service and a license suspension.
Has Justin Timberlake won an Oscar?
No. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from Trolls. He has, however, won 10 Grammy Awards and 4 Emmy Awards.
Who is Justin Timberlake married to?
He is married to actress Jessica Biel. They married in Italy in 2012 and have two sons. Biel also joined him in hosting a 2016 fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.
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