Happy Birthday Dylan O'Brien: A Look At His Top 10 Movies And TV Shows

As Dylan O’Brien celebrates his 33rd birthday today, let’s reflect on his impressive career. Known for his standout roles as Thomas in The Maze Runner series and Stiles Stilinski in Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien has impressed audiences since his debut in 2011. While these iconic roles have solidified his place in fans’ hearts, his career boasts many other remarkable performances. Over the past decade, O’Brien has appeared in a range of critically acclaimed films and TV shows across various genres. With several nominations and awards, his talent for bringing characters to life is truly exceptional.

Let’s dive into ten of the best movies and TV shows that show just how exceptional Dylan O’Brien truly is.

1. Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017)

In the early 2010s, Teen Wolf became a cultural phenomenon, with teenagers everywhere fantasising about having supernatural abilities. Who wouldn’t want to be part of Scott McCall’s pack, alongside Stiles Stilinski (O’Brien), Derek Hale, Lydia Martin, and the rest of the crew? Over six seasons, Teen Wolf amassed a huge fanbase and even inspired a follow-up movie released in January, this year.

2. The Maze Runner (2014)

The Maze Runner, a sci-fi adventure based on James Dashner’s popular book series, was the first installment in a trilogy that quickly gained a following. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a solar flare, the film follows Thomas (O’Brien) as he joins a group of boys trapped in a mysterious maze.

3. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

The second installment in the Maze Runner series, The Scorch Trials, hit theatres two years after the original. While it received mixed reviews—some praised its performances and script, while others critiqued its departure from the source material—the film was undeniably successful at the box office.

4. Deepwater Horizon (2016)

Deepwater Horizon offers a harrowing look at one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The film tells the story of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and the lives affected by the tragedy. O’Brien plays Caleb Holloway, one of the survivors, in a cast that includes Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell and Gina Rodriguez. The film’s gripping narrative and strong performances earned it critical acclaim, with O’Brien proving his versatility as an actor in a more serious and dramatic role.

5. Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

The final chapter in the Maze Runner trilogy, The Death Cure, received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing to issues with character development and the storyline. However, the film still resonated with many fans, who appreciated its thrilling action sequences and the closure it brought to the series.

6. Bumblebee (2018)

In the 2018 installment of the Transformers franchise, Bumblebee, O’Brien lent his voice to the beloved yellow Autobot. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, offering a refreshing take on the Transformers universe. Fans of the franchise hope to see him reprise the role in future installments.

7. Flashback (2020)

Flashback, directed by Christopher MacBride, is a psychological thriller that follows Fredrick Fitzell (O’Brien) as he experiences disturbing flashbacks to his high school days. The film explores themes of memory, time and identity, keeping viewers engaged with its twists and turns.

8. Love and Monsters (2020)

Released in 2020, Love and Monsters surprised audiences with its charming blend of adventure, comedy and romance. The film follows Joel Dawson (O’Brien) as he takes on a dangerous journey to reunite with his high school sweetheart, Aimee, in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monsters. O’Brien’s performance was praised for its humour and heart, making Love and Monsters a feel-good film that stands out in his filmography.

9. Not Okay (2022)

Not Okay, a dark comedy-drama that satirises social media culture, features O’Brien alongside Zoey Deutch. The film follows Danni Sanders (Deutch), a young woman who fabricates a story about surviving a terrorist attack to gain online fame. O’Brien plays Danni’s love interest in a role that perfectly captures the film’s commentary on the dangers of seeking fame at any cost.

10. The Outfit (2022)

O’Brien’s 2022 film The Outfit may not have been a box office success, but it was well-received by critics and audiences alike. This mobster mystery, directed by Graham Moore, stars Mark Rylance as a British tailor in Chicago who gets caught up in a deadly game of deception. Despite its modest budget and limited commercial success, The Outfit earned one of the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores of O’Brien’s career.