Pete Davidson has built one of the most recognizable careers in contemporary comedy, transitioning from sketch comedy stages to leading film roles over the past decade. His complete filmography encompasses more than 30 movies and television projects, with appearances spanning from early television cameos to major studio releases. Davidson first gained national attention through his work on Saturday Night Live, where he spent eight seasons as a cast member before embarking on new creative ventures.
The comedian’s filmography reflects a deliberate diversification strategy, balancing mainstream studio productions with smaller independent projects. Davidson’s acting roles have ranged from dramatic leading performances to voice work in animated features, showcasing a versatility that has helped him maintain relevance in an industry known for its unpredictability. His collaborations with directors like Judd Apatow and James Gunn have positioned him in critically acclaimed productions, while his willingness to appear in lower-rated projects demonstrates an experimental approach to his craft.
What Movies Has Pete Davidson Been In?
Davidson’s movie career began with minor appearances in films like School Dance (2014) and Trainwreck (2015), where he appeared in uncredited roles before establishing himself as a reliable supporting actor. His first substantial film role came in 2018 with Set It Up, a Netflix romantic comedy that became one of the platform’s most-watched original films. The success of Set It Up opened doors to more prominent projects, including his breakout starring role in The King of Staten Island (2020), a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama he co-wrote and executive produced.
15+ feature films | 8 seasons on SNL (2014–2022) | 159 episodes as cast member | Multiple streaming platform releases
The comedian has demonstrated a preference for comedy-drama hybrids throughout his film career, often gravitating toward roles that allow him to blend humor with emotional vulnerability. His work with Judd Apatow has been particularly significant, producing some of his most critically praised performances. Davidson has also shown willingness to take supporting roles in larger productions, including his appearance as Blackguard in The Suicide Squad (2021), a superhero film directed by James Gunn.
- Set It Up (2018) marked his first major film breakthrough and remains among his highest-rated works at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes
- The King of Staten Island (2020) served as his first leading role, which he also co-wrote and executive produced
- Big Time Adolescence (2019) earned 86% critical approval and showcased his dramatic range
- The Suicide Squad (2021) introduced him to blockbuster audiences in a supporting superhero role
- Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) demonstrated his ability to carry horror-comedy productions
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) represented his entry into major franchise filmmaking
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | School Dance | Stinkfinger | Film |
| 2015 | Trainwreck | Dr. Conner’s Patient | Film |
| 2018 | Set It Up | Duncan | Film |
| 2019 | Big Time Adolescence | Zeke | Film |
| 2020 | The King of Staten Island | Scott Carlin | Film |
| 2021 | The Suicide Squad | Richard Hertz/Blackguard | Film |
| 2022 | Bodies Bodies Bodies | David | Film |
| 2023 | Transformers: Rise of the Beasts | Mirage (voice) | Film |
What TV Shows Has Pete Davidson Been On?
Before his SNL breakthrough, Davidson appeared on several MTV programs including Wild ‘N Out and Guy Code during 2013 and 2014. These early television appearances helped him develop the comedic sensibility that would later define his SNL work. His natural delivery and willingness to self-deprecate quickly distinguished him from other performers of his generation.
Saturday Night Live Tenure
Davidson joined Saturday Night Live as a featured player in season 40 (2014), eventually becoming a repertory player and contributing to 159 episodes until his departure in 2022. His time on the show coincided with a period of reinvention for the long-running sketch series, and Davidson’s willingness to address personal topics like mental health and anxiety resonated with younger audiences. He returned to host an episode in 2023 alongside Ice Spice, marking his first appearance since leaving the cast.
Other Television Appearances
Beyond SNL, Davidson has maintained a consistent presence in television through guest appearances and recurring roles. His work on The Freak Brothers (voicing Phineas T. Phreakers since 2020) represents one of his longest-running television commitments outside of SNL. He has also appeared in episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Rookie, and The Kids in the Hall, demonstrating his range across different comedy formats.
Featured player (2014) → Repertory player (2015) → 159 episodes total → Departed 2022 → Returned as host 2023
Davidson’s television work has also included several stand-up specials documenting his comedy tours. Netflix released Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli in 2024, following earlier specials Pete Davidson: SMD (2016) and Pete Davidson: Alive from New York (2020). His Peacock series Bupkis, which premiered in 2023, served as his first major starring vehicle outside of SNL, with Davidson serving as creator, writer, and executive producer.
What Are Pete Davidson’s Best Movies?
Critical reception provides one measure for evaluating Davidson’s filmography, though audience scores often tell a different story. Set It Up holds the highest critical score at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, followed closely by The Suicide Squad at 90%. These two films represent different ends of his career spectrum, with Set It Up establishing his romantic comedy credentials and The Suicide Squad introducing him to superhero audiences.
Highest-Rated Roles by Critical Score
- Set It Up (2018) — 92% critic score, Duncan. A Netflix romantic comedy that became a streaming landmark and remains his most critically acclaimed film to date.
- The Suicide Squad (2021) — 90% critic score, Richard Hertz/Blackguard. James Gunn’s DC Comics reboot showcased Davidson’s ability to operate in major franchise territory.
- Big Time Adolescence (2019) — 86% critic score, Zeke. An indie comedy-drama where Davidson delivered what many consider his most nuanced performance.
- Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) — 85% critic score, David. A horror-comedy that demonstrated his capacity to anchor genre films.
- The King of Staten Island (2020) — 76% critic score, Scott Carlin. His first starring role in a theatrical release, co-written with director Judd Apatow.
Several films show significant gaps between critical and audience scores. Marmaduke holds 0% critical approval but scored 37% with audiences, while The Dirt received 38% critical but 94% audience approval, suggesting different appeal to niche demographics.
Audience scores frequently diverge from critical reception in Davidson’s work. Films like The Dirt and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts scored significantly higher with audiences than critics, indicating that his particular comedic style resonates strongly with certain viewer demographics even when professional reviewers respond less favorably.
What Are Pete Davidson’s Upcoming Movies?
The coming years appear particularly active for Davidson, with multiple projects across different production stages. The 2025 release slate includes several high-profile titles, while a 2026 project remains in active development. Industry tracking indicates filming has begun on How to Rob a Bank, expected for 2026 release.
Confirmed 2025 Releases
- The Home — Starring role as Max, currently scheduled for 2025 with a 29% audience score on early tracking.
- The Pickup — Playing Travis Stolly, co-starring alongside established comedy actors with a 25% audience score.
- Dog Man — Voice role as Petey the Cat and Lil Petey, an animated adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s book series with strong early audience scores at 82%.
- Being Eddie — Self-portrayal role with a 75% audience score indicating potential appeal.
- SNL50: The Anniversary Special — A special event marking Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary, where Davidson’s return participation is anticipated.
Release dates and project statuses remain subject to change. The Home and The Pickup carry lower early audience scores suggesting uncertain reception. Filmmakers may adjust release windows or alter project scopes as productions progress.
How to Rob a Bank represents the most significant upcoming project in active development, currently listed as filming for 2026 release. A separate project titled Wizards! remains in post-production without a confirmed release window. Davidson has also maintained his stand-up comedy career, with additional specials likely to be announced based on touring schedules and streaming platform interest.
A Timeline of Pete Davidson’s Career Milestones
- — First television appearances on Wild ‘N Out and Guy Code, establishing initial industry presence
- — Joins Saturday Night Live as featured player in season 40
- — First major film role in Set It Up, Netflix’s breakout romantic comedy
- — Big Time Adolescence releases to strong critical acclaim, establishing dramatic credentials
- — The King of Staten Island launches as his first leading theatrical role and co-written project
- — The Suicide Squad brings mainstream franchise exposure in the DC universe
- — Bodies Bodies Bodies demonstrates horror-comedy range and audience appeal
- — Announces departure from SNL after eight seasons and 159 episodes
- — Returns to SNL as host, signaling continued relationship with the show
- — Transformers: Rise of the Beasts expands reach into major franchise territory
Confirmed Information vs. Uncertainties
Understanding what has been officially confirmed versus what remains unclear helps establish the boundaries of reliable knowledge about Davidson’s career trajectory.
| Established Facts | Remaining Uncertainties |
|---|---|
| SNL tenure: 2014–2022, 159 episodes | Specific details about his involvement with Wizards! beyond animated voice work |
| Breakout role in Trainwreck (2015), recommended by Bill Hader | Whether future streaming deals with specific platforms will affect content availability |
| Father was a firefighter who died in the 9/11 attacks | Extent of his creative involvement in upcoming projects beyond acting roles |
| Co-writer and executive producer credits on The King of Staten Island | Whether additional stand-up specials will be produced following Turbo Fonzarelli |
| Creator and executive producer of Bupkis (Peacock) | Potential involvement in additional television projects beyond currently announced titles |
| Scheduled for multiple 2025 film releases including The Home and Dog Man | Status of How to Rob a Bank production timeline for 2026 release |
The Context Behind Pete Davidson’s Career Evolution
Davidson’s trajectory illustrates a deliberate approach to career building that prioritizes creative involvement over consistent genre positioning. Unlike performers who commit to a single comedic identity, Davidson has moved between romantic comedies, superhero blockbusters, horror films, and animated features with equal apparent comfort. This flexibility has allowed him to build a filmography that resists easy categorization while maintaining industry relevance.
His collaboration history reveals a pattern of working with established comedy filmmakers who share his willingness to explore personal themes within commercial frameworks. The partnership with Judd Apatow proved particularly formative, with The King of Staten Island establishing a template for semi-autobiographical storytelling that has informed subsequent projects. His attraction to roles offering creative input beyond standard acting demonstrates an interest in developing broader artistic control.
The shift from SNL to feature film leadership occurred gradually rather than through a sudden transition. Davidson maintained his television commitments while gradually building film credentials, allowing him to leverage television exposure for film opportunities without sacrificing either platform. This measured approach has helped him sustain a career that has outlasted many comparable SNL alumni who attempted similar transitions.
Sources and References
Several primary sources inform the documented details of Davidson’s filmography and career milestones. Wikipedia maintains a comprehensive overview of his professional credits, while Rotten Tomatoes tracks critical and audience reception across his projects. The Internet Movie Database provides detailed casting information including minor appearances and uncredited roles that might otherwise go undocumented.
Industry coverage from publications like Variety has documented Davidson’s career moves and project announcements, providing context that official credits alone cannot convey.
Streaming platform catalogs and official network sources confirm availability information, though distribution agreements frequently change. Viewers seeking specific titles should consult current listings on Apple TV, Max, Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock as regional availability continues to fluctuate.
Summary
Pete Davidson’s filmography spans more than 30 movies and television projects, anchored by his eight-season tenure on Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2022. His most acclaimed roles include Set It Up (92% Rotten Tomatoes), The Suicide Squad (90%), and Big Time Adolescence (86%), while his breakout starring performance came in The King of Staten Island (2020), which he co-wrote and executive produced. Looking ahead, multiple 2025 releases including The Home, The Pickup, and Dog Man indicate continued activity, with How to Rob a Bank currently filming for 2026. His streaming presence remains strong across platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV, where viewers can access his stand-up specials, films, and the autobiographical series Bupkis. For additional context on entertainment industry figures, exploring profiles like Catherine Zeta-Jones provides comparable career analysis across different generations of performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pete Davidson still on Saturday Night Live?
No, Davidson departed SNL in 2022 after eight seasons and 159 episodes as a cast member. He returned to host an episode in 2023 alongside Ice Spice.
How many movies has Pete Davidson been in?
Davidson has appeared in over 15 feature films, with his first credited role in School Dance (2014) and most recent releases including Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) and Riff Raff (2024).
What was Pete Davidson’s first big movie?
Set It Up (2018) on Netflix marked his first major film breakthrough, earning 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming one of the platform’s most-watched original films.
What are Pete Davidson’s highest-rated films?
His highest-rated films by critical score include Set It Up (92%), The Suicide Squad (90%), Big Time Adolescence (86%), and Bodies Bodies Bodies (85%).
Is Pete Davidson in Transformers Rise of the Beasts?
Yes, Davidson voiced the character Mirage in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), representing his entry into major franchise filmmaking.
What upcoming Pete Davidson movies are scheduled for 2025?
Scheduled 2025 releases include The Home (as Max), The Pickup (as Travis Stolly), Dog Man (voice role), Being Eddie, and SNL50: The Anniversary Special.
Where can I watch Pete Davidson movies online?
Streaming availability varies by title and region. The Suicide Squad, The King of Staten Island, and Bodies Bodies Bodies appear on Apple TV, Max, and Prime Video. Netflix carries his stand-up specials, while Peacock streams Bupkis.
Does Pete Davidson have any production credits?
Yes, he co-wrote and executive produced The King of Staten Island (2020), and serves as creator, writer, and executive producer for the Peacock series Bupkis (2023).
Rachel Walsh leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Aussie Report.