10 Movies Where Nick Frost Steals the Show (2024)

Whether he’s saving the world from zombies or just trying to have a nice pint with his best mate, Nick Frost is the ultimate sidekick. He has carved out a niche for himself as one of the most beloved comedic actors of the 21st century with his charm, his incredible on-screen chemistry, and stealing scenes time and again.

From his breakout turns in the groundbreaking Cornetto Trilogy with his frequent collaborator Simon Pegg to his wildly subversive work in Truth Seekers, a supernatural comedy series he co-created with Pegg, Frost has proven himself as a talented performer and versatile actor. He’s found heart in even the silliest of characters and become a mainstay in the world of genre-bending comedy.

Now, the time has come for Frost to step into the spotlight once again. He’s playing the lovable and (mildly) intimidating Gobber the Belch in the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake, which is poised to be a success and take Frost to a whole new level of fame. It’s also the perfect time to revisit 10 of the actor’s best and most essential movies.

10 'The Adventures of Tintin' (2011)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, who draws inspiration from Hergé's comic book series of the same name, The Adventures of Tintin follows Tintin, a young reporter, who buys a miniature model ship from an outdoor market, but when the toy breaks, his faithful canine companion discovers a scroll containing a clue to a long-lost treasure, which sends Tintin and the gruff, perpetually drunk Captain Haddock on an adventure of a lifetime.

Pays Loving Tribute to the Source Material

Blending state-of-the-art motion capture technology with the timeless charm of Hergé's classic comic strips, Spielberg transforms The Adventures of Tintin into a thrilling, action-packed, family-friendly movie that introduces the characters to a new generation of fans. It featured voices of Jamie Bell as Tintin, Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock, and Daniel Craig as the dangerous Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg voiced Thomson and Thompson, two bumbling detectives who added priceless humor to the movie.

9 'Cuban Fury' (2014)

One of Nick Frost’s most underrated movies of all time, Cuban Fury sees the actor in the role of Bruce Garrett, who, as a teenager, was a rising star in the world of competitive salsa dancing. But after a traumatic incident of bullying, he gave up on his dreams and resigned himself to a dull and unfulfilling life. Years later, as Bruce tries to win the heart of his new boss and office crush, Julia, he embraces the power of salsa.

A Feel-Good Underdog Story

Cuban Fury is an infectiously feel-good romantic comedy that deserves more recognition. Mainly because of Nick Frost and his seven-months-long dedication to learning the dance form. As the once-promising but now insecure Bruce, Frost is an absolute delight. He is awkward, relatable, determined, and has hidden depths. He’s in top form alongside Rashida Jones, Olivia Colman, and Chris O'Dowd, who deliver surprisingly heartfelt performances as well.

8 'The Boat That Rocked' (2009)

The Boat That Rocked is set in 1960s Britain and it follows a group of renegade disc jockeys as they operate a pirate radio station from a boat in the North Sea to challenge the authorities who only ever want to play classical music on the airwaves and deprive people of what they actually want to hear. As the government tries to shut down the station, the crew only fights harder to keep the rock and pop music alive.

A Heartfelt Comedy About Rebellion

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, The Boat That Rocked is another underrated gem of a comedy that sees all its stars in their element. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost and Kenneth Branagh are the seedy, progressive, larger-than-life DJs complementing the film’s celebration of youth and their rallying efforts to keep music and their way of life alive. Frost plays Dave, a member of the Radio Rock staff who makes it his personal mission to inspire and transform Tom Sturridge’s character.

7 'Kinky Boots' (2005)

In Kinky Boots, Charlie Prince inherits his father’s struggling shoe factory and is working night and day to save it from falling into financial ruin. He finds an unlikely savior in the form of Lola, a fabulous drag queen in need of some sturdy new footwear. Charlie and Lola team up and produce a new line of stylish, reinforced high heels and form a friendship along the way.

A Story of Friendship and Self-Acceptance

Directed by Julian Jarrold, Kinky Bootswas not an immediate success and only found a new life when it was adapted into a stage musical in 2013. Regardless, there’s something wonderful, warm, and nuanced about the movie that challenges small-minded prejudices and examines masculinity, identity, and the power of embracing one’s true self. Nick Frost has a supportive role as Don, a chauvinistic male worker at the factory, who adds an air of drama to Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s story.

6 'Fighting With My Family' (2019)

A biographical sports drama, Fighting with My Family introduces audiences to a tight-knit family of professional wrestlers, Rick and Julia Knight, and their children, Paige and Zak. Both the siblings dream of making it big in the world of WWE, and when she and her eccentric brother Zak are given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the league, only Paige emerges victorious.

Crowd-Pleasing Drama About Family

Based on the true story and career of professional wrestler Paige, Fighting With My Family is as much about one individual’s determination to prove herself in the cutthroat world of professional sports as it is about the emotional impact it has on the one left behind. The movie has both intense and lighthearted moments, with the cast delivering truly endearing performances. Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden star as Paige and Zak, while Frost is the father figure and role model they need throughout.

5 'The World's End' (2013)

Twenty years after their epic pub crawl ended in disaster, a group of friends, still just as immature, reunite to give the “Golden Mile” another shot and they arrive in their hometown of Newton Haven. However, as they hop from pub to pub and let old grievances surface, Gary, Andy, Steven, and the others realize that an alien invasion is threatening the world, and they’re the last beacon of hope.

Hilarious and High-Stakes End to a Trilogy

The send-off to Edgar Wright’s iconic Cornetto trilogy is often considered the weakest of the lot, but it’s still an essential entry that entertains and moves in equal measure. Reuniting with longtime collaborators like Simon Pegg and Paddy Considine, Frost is an absolute revelation. He blends side-splitting humor with genuine pathos, captures Andy’s flaws and hidden depths and makes sharp tonal shifts, eventually making The World’s End a must-watch.

4 'Attack the Block' (2011)

Attack the Block begins on a seemingly ordinary night in a South London housing project and introduces us to Samantha Adams, a trainee nurse who’s getting bugged by teenagers, when an alien invasion traps them all in an apartment building. The leader of the streetwise teens, Moses, manages to defend their turf while viscous extraterrestrial creatures cause a wreck outside.

Thrilling Blend of Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Social Commentary

The movie is a riotous one; it blends high-stakes thrills with genuine character drama. Lauded by critics for its unique mashup of scares, laughs, and social commentary, it is a true cult classic that also launched the careers of several actors. As the local drug dealer, Ron, Nick Frost is in fine form. He brings his charm and scene-stealing humor to the screen to complement the talents of John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker and shares an easygoing chemistry with the unlikely heroes.

3 'Paul' (2011)

In Paul, Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings are true sci-fi and comic book enthusiasts. They’re living the dream when they prepare to attend the annual San Diego Comic-Con, and along the way, take a road trip to Area 51. There, they encounter a wise-cracking, foul-mouthed alien named Paul. On the run from government agenda, Graeme and Clive must find a way to help the stranded Paul return to his spaceship.

Buddy Comedy Fueled by Alien Mishaps

Directed with a freewheeling energy by Greg Mottola, Paul is an irreverent homage to classic sci-fi tropes. It is anchored by absolutely affectionate and hilarious performances from Simon Pegg and the voice and motion capture of Seth Rogen as the titular extraterrestrial. Frost plays off their natural chemistry as the sarcastic Clive, elevating the movie’s goofy, anything-goes spirit and finding heart even in the most outrageous scenarios.

2 'Hot Fuzz' (2007)

Nick Frost once again teams up with Simon Pegg for Hot Fuzz, the second movie in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. It revolves around Nicholas Angel, a top-achieving London police officer who is reassigned to the sleepy village of Sanford. His disdain turns into determination when he teams up with the accident-prone, buddy-cop-loving Danny Butterman and investigates a series of crimes plaguing the town.

Thoroughly Entertaining From Start to Finish

The most commercially successful of all three Edgar Wright films in the trilogy, Hot Fuzz earned a lot of praise for its sly social satire and over-the-top action set pieces. It also features a genuine, comforting, and familiar buddy cop camaraderie between Pegg and Frost, with Frost delivering a standout performance that showcases his versatility as both a gifted comedian and a nuanced actor. Hot Fuzz also packs a lot of beloved genre tropes and pop culture references.

1 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004)

The first of the three films in Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy, Shaun of the Dead centers around a thirty-something directionless slacker named Shaun, who is stuck in a dead-end job and a lifeless relationship. But when a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out in his town, Shaun sees it as an opportunity to prove his worth. Along with a group of others, he hunkers down at a pub and when the time comes, Shaun fights to protect those he loves.

Established Frost as a Modern Comedic Icon

A wild and hilarious showcase of talent, Shaun of the Dead balances horror, humor, and character-driven drama. It is a masterpiece in every possible way, but mostly because it mines the career-best performances by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (in his film debut). The two share incredible chemistry and anchor every proceeding with impeccable comedic timing. The movie isn’t just a touchstone of the zom-com genre, but also one that earned him a nomination for the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer.