Ready to explore Austin Butler’s standout roles? From teen heartthrob to Oscar-nominated star, Austin Butler movies and TV shows reveal his incredible range. He stole hearts as Elvis Presley in Elvis (2022), earning critical raves for his transformative performance—arguably one of the best Austin Butler movies to date. But don’t sleep on his earlier work! Films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don’t Die showcase his knack for blending charisma with quirky charm. Whether he’s crooning onstage or navigating gritty dramas, Butler’s versatility keeps audiences hooked.
Curious about how old is Austin Butler? Born in 1991, he’s 32 but has already packed his career with iconic roles. TV fans might recognize him from The Carrie Diaries (a nostalgic gem) or Switched at Birth, where he cut his teeth as a rising talent. But it’s his leap to blockbusters that solidified his star power. And guess what? His Austin Butler new movie Dune: Part Two (2024) is set to blow minds—he’ll play the cunning Feyd-Rautha, proving he’s Hollywood’s next big thing.
Looking to binge Austin Butler movies and TV shows? Stream Elvis for a masterclass in acting, or catch his raw intensity in Masters of the Air. With upcoming projects like The Bikeriders, Butler’s momentum is unstoppable. Trust me—I’ve tracked his career for years, and these picks highlight why he’s a generational talent. Grab popcorn, hit play, and see why Austin Butler’s name is everywhere.
Austin Butler Movies and TV Shows Ranked
“Zoey 101” (2007–2008),
Austin Butler portrayed James Garrett, a charming and adventurous student at Pacific Coast Academy. His character quickly became a love interest for Zoey Brooks, adding a fresh dynamic to the series. Butler’s portrayal brought a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, resonating with the show’s young audience and showcasing his natural charisma and acting ability.
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Creator: Dan Schneider
Butler’s role in “Zoey 101” served as a significant stepping stone in his acting career, providing valuable exposure and experience. His performance was praised for its authenticity and relatability, making a lasting impression on viewers and setting the stage for his future roles in the entertainment industry.
“Dude” (2018),
coming-of-age comedy-drama, Austin Butler plays Thomas Daniels, a high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence alongside his friends. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and the transition to adulthood, with Butler’s character providing both comedic relief and emotional depth. His performance adds to the film’s exploration of teenage life and its various challenges.
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Director: Olivia Milch
- Writers: Olivia Milch, Kendall McKinnon
Dude showcases Butler’s ability to engage with contemporary, relatable characters. His portrayal of Thomas is both humorous and heartfelt, contributing to the film’s balance of comedy and drama. The movie’s focus on the experiences of young adults allows Butler to demonstrate his capability to connect with audiences through realistic and compelling performances.
Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure (2011)
Austin Butler plays Peyton Leverett, an aspiring filmmaker who becomes entangled in Sharpay Evans’ quest for Broadway stardom. Sharpay, portrayed by Ashley Tisdale, relocates to New York City with her dog, Boi, aiming to secure a role in a new musical. Peyton, a student filmmaker, offers Sharpay assistance and documents her journey, capturing her experiences and challenges in the competitive theater world. Their professional relationship gradually evolves into a romantic one, adding depth to the storyline.
- Genre: Comedy, Musical
- Director: Michael Lembeck
- Writer: Robert Horn
Butler’s portrayal of Peyton adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the film, complementing Tisdale’s performance. His character provides both support and perspective to Sharpay, highlighting themes of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. _Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure_ showcases Butler’s versatility and contributes to the film’s success as a family-friendly musical comedy.
“The Shannara Chronicles” (2016–2017),
Austin Butler portrayed Wil Ohmsford, a young half-elf healer who discovers his pivotal role in saving the Four Lands from demonic forces. Initially naive about his magical heritage, Wil embarks on a transformative journey alongside Princess Amberle Elessedil and the rover Eretria. Throughout their quest, Wil confronts personal doubts and external threats, ultimately embracing his destiny to protect the ancient tree, the Ellcrys, from dying and releasing banished demons back into their world.
- Genre: Fantasy Adventure
- Creators: Alfred Gough and Miles Millar
Set against New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, the series combines elements of magic, heroism, and self-discovery. Butler’s nuanced performance as Wil added depth to the character, making his evolution from an uncertain healer to a determined hero both compelling and relatable. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, “The Shannara Chronicles” remains a testament to Butler’s early versatility as an actor.
“The Carrie Diaries” (2013–2014),
Austin Butler played Sebastian Kydd, a charismatic and enigmatic student at Castlebury High School. Sebastian’s arrival disrupted the school’s social scene, quickly becoming the object of affection for many, including the protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. Their evolving relationship navigated the complexities of teenage romance, personal aspirations, and the challenges of balancing high school life with emerging adult responsibilities. Butler’s portrayal added depth to Sebastian, making him both intriguing and relatable to the audience.
- Genre: Teen Comedy-Drama
- Creator: Amy B. Harris
Set in the early 1980s, the series offered a nostalgic glimpse into Carrie’s formative years, highlighting her journey from a small-town girl to an aspiring writer with dreams of New York City. Butler’s role as Sebastian was pivotal, influencing Carrie’s personal growth and decisions. The show’s authentic depiction of teenage experiences, combined with stellar performances, left a lasting impact on viewers and critics alike.
Ruby & the Rockits (TV series – 2009)
Austin Butler portrayed Jordan Gallagher, the teenage son of Patrick and Audie Gallagher. Living in a household that includes his younger brother Ben, Jordan’s life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged uncle, David Gallagher—a former 1980s pop star—and his newfound teenage daughter, Ruby, enter the picture. Jordan’s initial skepticism about Ruby’s sudden appearance evolves into a complex relationship, marked by sibling-like rivalry and eventual camaraderie.
- Genre: Comedy
- Director: Ted Wass
- Writers: Marsh McCall, Ed Yeager
Throughout the series, Jordan navigates the challenges of adolescence amidst the backdrop of his family’s unconventional dynamics. Butler’s portrayal adds depth to the character, capturing the nuances of teenage angst, familial bonds, and personal growth. Despite its cancellation after one season, Ruby & the Rockits remains a noteworthy entry in Butler’s early acting career, showcasing his ability to bring authenticity and relatability to his roles.
“The Dead Don’t Die” (2019),
Austin Butler plays Jack, a young traveler passing through the small town of Centerville with his friends. Alongside Zoe (portrayed by Selena Gomez) and Zack (played by Luka Sabbat), Jack becomes unexpectedly embroiled in a bizarre zombie apocalypse that turns the town upside down. Butler’s portrayal adds a touch of youthful curiosity and humor to the film’s ensemble cast, contributing to the movie’s unique blend of absurdity and dark comedy.
- Genre: Comedy-Horror
- Director and Writer: Jim Jarmusch
This film stands out for its deadpan humor and meta-commentary on the zombie genre, offering a fresh perspective that both honors and subverts traditional tropes. Butler’s role as Jack, though not central, adds to the film’s exploration of human reactions to the absurd and the unknown.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019),
Austin Butler portrays Tex Watson, a member of the infamous Manson Family. Butler’s depiction brings a chilling intensity to the character, contrasting sharply with his later role as Elvis Presley. His performance, though brief, adds a layer of tension to the film’s portrayal of 1969 Los Angeles.
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Director and Writer: Quentin Tarantino
This role marked a significant point in Butler’s career, earning him critical acclaim and paving the way for more prominent roles in subsequent years.
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007)
In Nickelodeon series Austin Butler portrayed Zippy Brewster, a background character who appeared in 41 episodes. Zippy was a fellow student at James K. Polk Middle School, often seen in the background during various school activities. His character didn’t have significant dialogue or storylines but contributed to the show’s ensemble cast, adding to the authenticity of the middle school setting.
- Genre: Comedy, Family
- Creator: Scott Fellows
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Original Run: 2004–2007
Butler’s role as Zippy Brewster marked one of his early acting experiences, helping him gain exposure in the entertainment industry. Despite the minor nature of his role, it laid the groundwork for his future career, leading to more prominent roles in other television series and films.
“Elvis” (2022),
Austin Butler delivers a transformative performance as Elvis Presley, capturing the icon’s charisma and complexity. The film explores Presley’s rise to fame, his complex relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker, and the cultural impact of his music. Butler’s portrayal has been lauded for its depth, with Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis, praising his ability to “capture the humanity” of her grandfather.
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Director and Writer: Baz Luhrmann, co-writing with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner
The film has received critical acclaim, with Butler’s performance earning him several awards, including Best Actor at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. It’s a must-watch for those interested in the life and legacy of Elvis Presley.
“Dune: Part Two” (2024),
Austin Butler takes on the role of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the charismatic yet ruthless nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. Butler’s portrayal introduces a complex antagonist, blending physical prowess with a magnetic presence. He underwent significant transformations for the role, adopting a bald look with no eyebrows and adding muscle mass to embody the character’s formidable nature. Director Denis Villeneuve envisioned Feyd-Rautha as a blend of “a psychotic serial killer, an Olympic sword master, a snake, and Mick Jagger,” a vision Butler brought to life through intense preparation and dedication.
- Genre: Epic Science Fiction
- Director and Writer: Denis Villeneuve, co-writing with Jon Spaihts
Butler’s commitment to the role has been widely praised, with his performance adding depth and intensity to the film’s exploration of political intrigue and personal vendettas within the expansive universe of Arrakis.
“The Bikeriders” (2023),
Austin Butler portrays Benny, a pivotal member of a 1960s Chicago motorcycle club known as the Vandals. The film, directed by Jeff Nichols and inspired by Danny Lyon’s photo book, follows Benny’s journey as he becomes deeply enmeshed in the club’s transformation from a group of thrill-seeking enthusiasts to a more perilous criminal organization. Butler’s portrayal captures Benny’s internal conflicts and his complex relationships with fellow club members, particularly with Johnny (played by Tom Hardy) and Kathy (portrayed by Jodie Comer).
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Director and Writer: Jeff Nichols
Butler’s commitment to authenticity led him to undergo motorcycle training months before filming, ensuring a genuine representation of the biker culture. The film has been praised for its raw depiction of the era and the subculture, with Butler’s performance standing out as a testament to his versatility as an actor.
“The Intruder” (2019)
Austin Butler appeared in “The Intruder” (2019). This psychological thriller stars Michael Ealy and Meagan Good as a couple who purchase a Napa Valley home, only to have the previous owner, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, become unsettlingly involved in their lives.
- Genre: Thriller
- Director and Writer: Deon Taylor and David Loughery
The film received mixed reviews, holding a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, it was commercially successful, grossing over $40 million worldwide against an $8 million budget.
“Masters of the Air” (2024),
Austin Butler portrays Major Gale “Buck” Cleven, a courageous pilot in the 100th Bomb Group of the U.S. Air Force during World War II. The series delves into the harrowing experiences of these airmen as they undertake perilous bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, facing extreme conditions and the constant threat of enemy fire. Butler’s depiction captures Cleven’s leadership, resilience, and the profound emotional toll of aerial combat.
- Genre: War Drama
- Directors: Cary Joji Fukunaga, Dee Rees, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Tim Van Patten
- Writers: John Shiban, John Orloff
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, “Masters of the Air” is a companion piece to their previous works, “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.” The series offers an intimate look into the lives of these young pilots, highlighting their camaraderie, valor, and the heavy psychological burdens they bore. Butler’s performance adds depth to the narrative, portraying Cleven as both a steadfast leader and a relatable young man grappling with the realities of war.
