The bestRyan Guzmanmovies and TV shows showcase his versatility, charm, and ability to command the screen no matter the genre. Hailing from Abilene, Texas, Guzman originally pursued a career in mixed martial arts before transitioning to acting. He was born in 1987, and his breakout role came in 2012’sStep Up Revolutionat age 25, where he proved himself as both a talented dancer and an engaging leading man. From there, he carved a niche in Hollywood, taking on a variety of roles across action, thriller, drama, and procedural genres.
Best known for his role as Eddie Diaz in thehit procedural drama9-1-1, Ryan Guzman has also made his mark in horror, romance, and even superhero television. While he may not yet be a heavyweight when it comes to accolades and awards, his performances continue to impress audiences and critics alike. Whether playing an obsessed lover inThe Boy Next Dooror a war veteran inHeroes Reborn, Guzman’s charisma and dedication elevate each role.
Now with multiple spin-offs,Pretty Little Liarsdominated pop cultureduring its 2010-2017 run, and Ryan Guzman made a career-defining appearance during the height of the show’s popularity. In the teen drama, Ryan Guzman appeared as Jake, a martial arts instructor and brief love interest of Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale). Though he wasn’t a series regular, his character brought a new dynamic to Aria’s love life during seasons 4 and 5.
Guzman’s portrayal of Jake was cool and confident, offering a mature contrast to Aria’s usual entanglements. He also got to showcase his real-life MMA training in fight scenes, which set him apart from other romantic interests on the show. While his time inPretty Little Liarswas short-lived, it proved that he had the charisma to thrive in a hit series, paving the way for bigger TV roles.
Pretty Little Liars: Cast And Character Guide
The mysterious teen drama Pretty Little Liars has a large and memorable cast, and the actors have been involved in other compelling projects.
Directed by Michael D. Olmos,Windows on the Worldtells the deeply emotional story of Fernando, played by Ryan Guzman, a young man from Mexico who travels to New York after the 9/11 attacks in search of his missing father. The 2019 drama is incredibly nuanced, and explores themes of immigration, family, and the human cost of tragedy. It’s a lesser-known but poignant entry in Guzman’s filmography, demonstrating his ability to carry dramatic weight.
Ryan Guzman’s performance as Fernando is filled with vulnerability and quiet strength, making the character’s journey all the more compelling. He shares the screen with veteran actor Edward James Olmos, who plays Fernando’s father, and their chemistry adds significant depth to theWindows on the World’s emotional core. While Michael D. Olmos’ movie may not have been a major box office success, it stands out for its heartfelt storytelling and Ryan Guzman’s moving performance.Windows on the Worldproves Guzman can handle deeply personal, dramatic roles as well as action-packed thrillers, and should be considered essential viewing for his fans (especially those who discovered him through9-1-1).
A continuation of NBC’s hit seriesHeroes, the 2015 seriesHeroes Rebornbrought a new generation of superpowered individuals into the spotlight. Ryan Guzman joined the franchise as Carlos Gutierrez, a war veteran who takes up the mantle of a vigilante hero after his brother’s mysterious disappearance. Though the show only lasted one season,Guzman’sHeroes Reborncharacterstood out as one of the more engaging new additions.
Carlos wasn’t just a hero in a mask - his internal struggles with trauma and responsibility made him a layered character. Ryan Guzman brought the depth of this role to life near-perfectly, balancing action sequences with emotional storytelling. WhileHeroes Reborndidn’t recapture the magic of its predecessor, it was a fascinating attempt to expand the mythology.Many of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often highlight his physicality, and this role was no exception, showcasing his action skills in a way that pleased longtime fans of the franchise.
Created by Josh Berman and Allie Hagan for ABC,Notoriouswas a 2016 crime drama that blurred the lines between news media and the justice system. The show may have been unfortunately canceled after one season, but the strength of Ryan Guzman’s performance across all 10 episodes cementNotoriousas some of his finest work. Ryan Guzman played Ryan Mills, an ambitious young producer working for a high-powered TV news show.
Though the series only lasted one season,Notoriousgave Guzman a chance to showcase his charisma in a fast-paced, high-stakes world. Unlike many of his more physically demanding roles, Ryan Mills allowed Guzman to flex his dramatic muscles in a different way. His chemistry with stars like Piper Perabo and Daniel Sunjata made his character stand out, despite the show’s short run.WhileNotoriouswasn’t a breakout success, it added another dimension to Guzman’s career, proving he could hold his own in an ensemble cast.
ThoughJem and the Hologramswas a box office flop, Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Rio Raymond remains a bright spot in an otherwise controversial adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film aimed to modernizethe beloved 1980s animated seriesabout a young woman who rises to stardom with the help of her holographic alter ego. However, fans of the original show were disappointed with the drastic changes made to the source material.Despite the movie’s struggles, Guzman delivered a heartfelt performance as Rio, the band’s road manager and Jem’s love interest, adding much-needed warmth to the story.
Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Rio in the 2015 movie was grounded and charismatic, giving audiences a likable and supportive male lead. His chemistry with Aubrey Peeples, who played Jem, made Rio one of the more compelling aspects of the film. WhileJem and the Hologramsfailed to capture the magic of the original series, it provided Guzman with another opportunity to showcase his versatility outside of action and dance-heavy roles. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often feature his ability to bring authenticity to any character, and Rio inJem and the Hologramsis no exception.
A hidden horror gem,The Cleansing Houris a chilling supernatural thriller that follows a fraudulent online exorcist whose fake exorcisms suddenly become terrifyingly real. Directed by Damien LeVeck, the2019 demonic possession moviestars Ryan Guzman as Max, the cocky host of the web series who thrives on internet fame and deception. His character starts as a manipulative showman, but as the horror unfolds, he’s forced to confront the true power of the demonic forces he once dismissed as a gimmick.
What makesThe Cleansing Hourstand out is how it cleverly critiques the modern obsession with internet fame while delivering genuinely intense scares.Guzman’s performance is one of the movie’s highlights, as he convincingly transitions from smug arrogance to sheer desperation.His portrayal of Max is layered, making the audience root for a character who initially seems irredeemable. Damien Levecl’s combination of practical effects with psychological tension, along with Guzman’s gripping performance, cementsThe Cleansing Houras one of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows - especially for horror fans.
10 Scariest Exorcism Scenes In Horror Movies, Ranked
Possession movies are often only as good as their exorcism scenes. These 10 films prove that, done right, an exorcism can be absolutely terrifying.
The Boy Next Dooroffered Ryan Guzman one of his most intense roles to date, playing the dangerously obsessive Noah Sandborn. Directed by Rob Cohen, the 2015 psychological thriller follows a high school teacher, played by Jennifer Lopez, who becomes entangled in a passionate but ill-advised affair with her young neighbor, only to discover that he is far more dangerous than he initially seemed.The movie leans into its over-the-top tension, with Guzman delivering a performance that is equal parts seductive and terrifying.
Ryan Guzman’s portrayal of Noah was a major departure from his previous roles. Instead of being the charming good guy, he fully embraced the role of a manipulative and violent antagonist. His ability to switch from charismatic to menacing made him a compelling villain, and his on-screen chemistry with Lopez was electric. ThoughThe Boy Next Doorreceived mixed reviews, it was a box office success, proving that Guzman could hold his own alongside A-list stars. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows highlight his ability to take on diverse roles, andThe Boy Next Doordemonstrated his willingness to push his boundaries and explore darker characters.
The movie that catapulted Ryan Guzman to fame in 2012,Step Up: Revolution, introduced him as Sean Asa, the leader of a Miami-based flash mob dance crew. Directed by Scott Speer, the film combined high-energy dance sequences with a compelling underdog story, as Sean’s crew fought against corporate greed threatening their community. With stunning cinematography, breathtaking choreography, and an engaging romance, it quickly became a fan-favorite entryin theStep Upfranchise.
What madeStep Up: Revolutionstand out was Guzman’s natural charisma and impressive physicality.Despite having no prior professional dance experience, he delivered jaw-dropping performances that made it hard to believe he wasn’t a seasoned dancer. His chemistry with Kathryn McCormick, who played Emily, gave the film an emotional core that resonated with audiences. More than just a dance movie,Step Up: Revolutionhad a socially conscious message that elevated it beyond its genre. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often highlight his ability to bring charm and intensity to a role, andStep Up: Revolutionproved he was a star in the making.
The fifth installment in the belovedStep Upfranchise,Step Up: All Inbrought back Ryan Guzman’s character, Sean Asa, for another high-energy dance spectacle. Directed by Trish Sie, the 2014Step Upmovie follows Sean as he gathers an all-star team of dancers from previous films to compete in a high-stakes Las Vegas dance battle. The final entry in theStep Upseries raised the stakes with even more elaborate choreography, stunning visuals, and a deeper look into Sean’s character.
Ryan Guzman once again proved he was more than just his appearance and impressive dance moves.His portrayal of Sean showed more depth than inStep Up Revolution, as his character faced personal and professional struggles while trying to build a future in the competitive dance world.His chemistry with Briana Evigan, who reprised her role as Andie West, gave the movie a strong romantic subplot that fans loved. The best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows often showcase his ability to carry a film with his charm and physicality, andStep Up: All Insolidified his place as one of the franchise’s standout stars. The film’s explosive dance sequences and energetic storytelling make it one of the best entries in the series.
Topping the list of the best Ryan Guzman movies and TV shows is9-1-1, where he plays firefighter Eddie Diaz. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, the hit Fox procedural drama follows first responders in Los Angeles as they tackle life-or-death emergencies. Ryan Guzman joined9-1-1in its second season, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his compelling performance and undeniable chemistry with the cast.
As Eddie Diaz, a military veteran and single father, Guzman brings both toughness and vulnerability to the role. His dynamic with Oliver Stark’s Buck has become one of9-1-1’s most beloved relationships, sparking endless fan theories and discussions.His storylines, including his struggles with PTSD and his devotion to his son Christopher, played by Gavin McHugh, have made Eddie one of the show’s most emotionally resonant characters.9-1-1remains one of Guzman’s most successful projects, allowing him to showcase his range as an actor. Whether he’s rescuing civilians from burning buildings or navigating the complexities of fatherhood, he delivers a performance that keeps audiences invested. His work on9-1-1has solidified his status as a television star, making it his most defining role to date.
