Danny McBride has carved out a unique and loud niche in Hollywood as the purveyor of the "delusional alpha male." Whether he is playing a washed-up baseball pitcher, an aggressive high school administrator, or a spoiled heir to a televangelist empire, McBride’s brand of comedy is unmistakable: abrasive, incredibly high-energy, and unexpectedly human.

For those looking to dive into his filmography, McBride’s career is best understood through his long-standing collaborations with creators David Gordon Green and Jody Hill, and his transformative relationship with HBO. Below is the essential breakdown of Danny McBride’s movies and TV shows, categorized by his roles as an actor, writer, and producer.

The HBO Comedy Trilogy: Danny McBride’s Television Empire

If you want to understand the essence of Danny McBride, his three flagship HBO series are the place to start. In these shows, he plays variations of the same archetype—men with massive egos and minimal self-awareness—while gradually increasing the production scale and emotional complexity.

Eastbound & Down (2009–2013)

This is the role that defined McBride’s career. As Kenny Powers, a former Major League Baseball star whose career ended in a blaze of steroid scandals and bad behavior, McBride created a cultural icon. The show follows Kenny as he returns to his North Carolina hometown to work as a substitute gym teacher, all while desperately trying to make it back to the "Bigs."

What makes Eastbound & Down a masterpiece of dark comedy is its refusal to make Kenny a likable person. He is sexist, racist, and narcissistic, yet McBride’s performance captures a profound sense of loneliness and desperation. The show’s four seasons take Kenny from North Carolina to Mexico, back to the minor leagues, and finally to a surreal domestic life, proving that McBride can carry a long-form narrative with ease.

Vice Principals (2016–2017)

Following the success of Kenny Powers, McBride returned to HBO for a limited two-season series called Vice Principals. Here, he plays Neal Gamby, a divorced, angry high school vice principal who enters into a blood-feud-turned-alliance with his rival, Lee Russell (played brilliantly by Walton Goggins).

The chemistry between McBride and Goggins is the engine of the show. While Eastbound was a solo journey, Vice Principals is a toxic bromance. It explores the lengths to which mediocre men will go for a shred of power. The show is darker and more violent than its predecessor, often blurring the lines between comedy and a psychological thriller.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019–Present)

Currently McBride's most ambitious project, The Righteous Gemstones shifts the focus to a world-famous televangelist family. McBride stars as Jesse Gemstone, the eldest son and heir apparent to the empire built by his father, Eli (John Goodman).

The show is a massive satirical take on American megachurch culture, greed, and family dysfunction. With a larger ensemble cast including Adam DeVine and Edi Patterson, the series allows McBride to play with high-stakes crime plots while maintaining the signature vulgarity. It is also visually stunning, utilizing the lush landscapes of South Carolina to create a "southern gothic" comedic atmosphere.

Breakthrough Big Screen Comedies

Before he was an HBO powerhouse, Danny McBride was a scene-stealer in some of the most influential comedies of the late 2000s. His presence often acted as the wild card in films produced by Judd Apatow or starring Seth Rogen and James Franco.

The Foot Fist Way (2006)

This low-budget independent film was the spark that ignited McBride’s career. Playing Fred Simmons, a mediocre Taekwondo instructor with an inflated sense of self-worth, McBride caught the attention of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. The film established his specific comedic voice: the "hero" who is actually a pathetic, insecure man. If you want to see McBride in his rawest, most unpolished form, this is required viewing.

Pineapple Express (2008)

In one of the most beloved stoner action-comedies of all time, McBride plays Red, a resilient and incredibly hard-to-kill drug dealer. While Rogen and Franco were the leads, McBride’s Red became the breakout character. His ability to deliver lines while being beaten, shot, or recovering from an explosion is a testament to his physical comedy skills.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

In Ben Stiller’s star-studded satire of the film industry, McBride plays Cody Underwood, the special effects and pyrotechnics expert. Surrounded by massive stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise, McBride holds his own as the blue-collar guy who just wants to blow things up. It’s a more grounded role than Kenny Powers, but it displays his perfect comedic timing within a large ensemble.

This Is the End (2013)

In this meta-comedy where actors play "heightened" versions of themselves during the apocalypse, Danny McBride plays the villain. Entering the movie midway through by eating everyone’s breakfast and wasting their water, his version of "Danny McBride" is a terrifying, cannibalistic warlord. It is perhaps the most courageous performance in the film, as he leans into the most unlikable perceptions of his public persona for the sake of the joke.

Your Highness (2011)

A passion project for McBride and David Gordon Green, this is a "stoner-fantasy" epic. McBride stars as Thadeous, the lazy, jealous brother of a heroic prince (James Franco). While the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has developed a cult following for its absurd blend of high-fantasy tropes and low-brow humor.

Dramatic Turns and Genre Shifts

While primarily known for comedy, Danny McBride has occasionally stepped into dramatic or high-concept sci-fi roles, often surprising audiences with his range.

Up in the Air (2009)

In Jason Reitman’s Oscar-nominated drama, McBride plays Jim Miller, the brother-in-law of George Clooney’s character. He delivers a quiet, vulnerable performance as a man getting cold feet before his wedding. It was one of the first indications that McBride could handle sincere, non-comedic dialogue without losing his screen presence.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Ridley Scott made a surprising choice by casting McBride as Tennessee, the pilot of the Covenant ship. In a franchise known for horror and suspense, McBride provides a much-needed emotional anchor. He plays the character with genuine grit and heroism, proving he can exist in a blockbuster environment that doesn't rely on jokes.

As I Lay Dying (2013)

Directed by James Franco, this adaptation of William Faulkner’s classic novel features McBride in a starkly different light. Playing Vernon Tull, he fits seamlessly into the grim, rural setting of the story. This role, along with his work in The Sound and the Fury, showcases his appreciation for southern literature and dramatic storytelling.

The Mastermind Behind the Camera: Writing and Producing

One of the most impressive aspects of Danny McBride’s career is his prolific work as a writer and producer through his company, Rough House Pictures. He has become a major player in the horror genre and documentary space.

The Halloween Trilogy (2018–2022)

McBride shocked the film world when it was announced he would be co-writing a new trilogy of Halloween films with David Gordon Green. Moving away from comedy entirely, McBride helped craft a narrative that ignored all previous sequels and focused on Laurie Strode’s trauma.

  • Halloween (2018): A massive box office success that revitalized the slasher genre.
  • Halloween Kills (2021): A more brutal, chaotic sequel exploring mob mentality.
  • Halloween Ends (2022): A divisive but bold conclusion to the Michael Myers saga.

The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

Continuing his foray into horror icons, McBride co-wrote the story for this sequel to the 1973 classic. While the film took a more traditional horror approach, it demonstrated McBride's continued influence at Blumhouse Productions and his ability to navigate major studio franchises.

Telemarketers (2023)

As an executive producer, McBride helped bring this bizarre and gripping HBO documentary series to life. It follows two former office employees as they investigate the corrupt industry they once worked for. The series was nominated for an Emmy and fits perfectly into McBride's interest in the "fringe" elements of American society.

Voice Acting and Animated Projects

McBride’s distinct, gravelly voice is perfect for animation. He has contributed to several major hits, often playing characters that mirror his live-action persona but in a family-friendly context.

  • Despicable Me (2010): He voiced Fred McDade, the grumpy neighbor.
  • Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011): He voiced the Wolf Boss, a secondary antagonist.
  • The Angry Birds Movie (2016) & 2 (2019): He voices Bomb, the black bird who—fittingly—has a bit of an anger management problem.
  • Sausage Party (2016): Returning to R-rated territory, he voiced Honey Mustard in this food-centric existential comedy.
  • The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021): In one of his best voice roles, he plays Rick Mitchell, a technophobic father trying to save his family during a robot apocalypse. It is a heartfelt and hilarious performance that was widely praised by critics.

Why Danny McBride’s Career Matters

What distinguishes Danny McBride from other comedians of his generation is his commitment to "World Building." When he creates a show like The Righteous Gemstones, he isn't just looking for jokes; he is building a specific culture with its own rules, fashion, and history.

His characters are almost always "misunderstood" in their own minds. They see themselves as the heroes of an epic movie, while the rest of the world sees them as embarrassing failures. This gap between self-perception and reality is where McBride finds his greatest comedy. He has successfully transitioned from a "funny sidekick" to a genuine auteur who controls his own production company and dictates the tone of modern television comedy.

Full Danny McBride Filmography List (Highlights)

Movies

  • George Washington (2000) - Second Unit Director
  • All the Real Girls (2003) - Buster
  • The Foot Fist Way (2006) - Fred Simmons (also Writer)
  • Hot Rod (2007) - Rico Brown
  • Superbad (2007) - Buddy at Party (Uncredited)
  • The Heartbreak Kid (2007) - Martin
  • Drillbit Taylor (2008) - Don Armstrong
  • Pineapple Express (2008) - Red
  • Tropic Thunder (2008) - Cody Underwood
  • Observe and Report (2009) - Caucasian Crackhead
  • Land of the Lost (2009) - Will Stanton
  • Up in the Air (2009) - Jim Miller
  • Despicable Me (2010) - Fred McDade (Voice)
  • Your Highness (2011) - Thadeous (also Writer/Producer)
  • Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) - Wolf Boss (Voice)
  • 30 Minutes or Less (2011) - Dwayne
  • This Is the End (2013) - Danny McBride
  • As I Lay Dying (2013) - Vernon Tull
  • Joe (2013) - Executive Producer
  • The Sound and the Fury (2014) - Police Sheriff
  • Aloha (2015) - Colonel "Fingers" Lacy
  • Sausage Party (2016) - Honey Mustard (Voice)
  • Alien: Covenant (2017) - Tennessee
  • The Disaster Artist (2017) - Himself
  • Halloween (2018) - Writer/Executive Producer
  • The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) - Rick Mitchell (Voice)
  • Halloween Kills (2021) - Writer/Executive Producer
  • Halloween Ends (2022) - Writer/Executive Producer
  • The Exorcist: Believer (2023) - Story/Executive Producer

TV Shows

  • Eastbound & Down (2009–2013) - Kenny Powers (Creator/Writer/Lead)
  • Chozen (2014) - Jimmy (Voice/Executive Producer)
  • Vice Principals (2016–2017) - Neal Gamby (Creator/Writer/Lead)
  • The Righteous Gemstones (2019–Present) - Jesse Gemstone (Creator/Writer/Lead)
  • Telemarketers (2023) - Executive Producer
  • It's Florida, Man (2024) - Executive Producer

Summary

Danny McBride is much more than a loud-mouthed comedian. Over two decades, he has evolved into a versatile actor, a sought-after screenwriter for horror franchises, and the creative force behind some of HBO's most successful comedies. From the low-budget martial arts humor of The Foot Fist Way to the sprawling religious satire of The Righteous Gemstones, McBride continues to push the boundaries of what a "comedy lead" looks like. Whether you enjoy his stoner comedies or his darker, more dramatic work, his filmography offers a fascinating look at the construction of the modern American anti-hero.

FAQ

What is Danny McBride's most famous role?

Most fans and critics consider Kenny Powers from the HBO series Eastbound & Down to be his most iconic and influential role.

Did Danny McBride write the new Halloween movies?

Yes, Danny McBride co-wrote all three films in the modern sequel trilogy (Halloween, Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends) alongside director David Gordon Green.

Are there any upcoming Danny McBride movies?

McBride is currently working on future seasons of The Righteous Gemstones and is slated to return as the voice of Bomb in The Angry Birds Movie 3, scheduled for 2026.

Does Danny McBride always work with the same people?

He frequently collaborates with his former college classmates from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, most notably David Gordon Green and Jody Hill, under their production banner Rough House Pictures.

What is Danny McBride's net worth?

While we focus on his professional output, it is public knowledge that his success as a creator and producer for HBO has made him one of the most successful comedic talents in the industry today.