Josh Duhamel has always had an easygoing charm, the kind that makes you believe he could just as flawlessly lead a military unit into battle as he could fumble through diaper duty in a rom-com. With a career spanning over two decades, Duhamel has established himself as a likable star by playing a casino exec, a rancher, and a supportive dad. He’s brought an impressive level of sincerity to every role, and that only makes the plots feel more relatable.
His first shot to fame came in the early 2000s as Danny McCoy on NBC’s Las Vegas. Then he transitioned into movies, starring in blockbuster hits like Transformers, where he played a role that would span multiple sequels. But Duhamel is never one to stick to one lane and, most recently, he took a dramatic turn in Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, portraying a grief-stricken rancher named Staten Kirkland. It goes without saying that, over the years, Josh Duhamel has appeared in a wide variety of movies and TV shows. This list explores the highlights of his career.
Here are Josh Duhamel’s 5 best movies and TV shows.
‘When in Rome’ (2010)
Beth Martin is a successful and driven art curator at the Guggenheim, but she’s jaded by failed relationships. Impulsively, she takes a spontaneous trip to Rome for her sister’s wedding, and after a drunken misunderstanding involving Nick Beamon, the best man, she steals coins from the Fountain of Love. Back in New York, Beth is pursued by a series of eccentric suitors because they’re all under the spell of the fountain, but she’s still questioning Nick’s genuine efforts.
A Zany Little Rom-Com
‘Safe Haven’ (2013)
In this Nicholas Sparks adaptation, Julianne Hough plays Katie, a woman running away from a violent past and finding refuge in the sleepy coastal town of Southport, North Carolina. There, she meets Duhamel’s Alex Wheatley, a widowed father of two who runs a local general store. As Katie slowly lowers her guard, she becomes a part of Alex’s family and rediscovers love.
A Poignant Tear-Jerker Romance
Safe Haven may adhere to the author’s signature melodramatic formula, but Josh Duhamel’s sensitive and layered portrayal of the grieving yet hopeful Alex elevates the material beyond its inherent sappiness. He navigates the character’s emotional journey and emerges as the ultimate green flag. Even though critics were divided, some viewers consider the movie a comfort watch because of its emotional authenticity and romantic elements.
‘Transformers’ (2007)
Michael Bay directed this explosive sci-fi blockbuster in 2007 and introduced us to a world where alien robots were waging war on Earth. The story of Transformers centers on teenager Sam Witwicky, who becomes the key to locating a powerful artifact known as the AllSpark, which is also being sought by both the noble Autobots and the villainous Decepticons.
Brings Humor to a Blockbuster Spectacle
‘Las Vegas’ (2003 – 2008)
Created by Gary Scott Thompson for NBC, Las Vegas takes place inside the Montecito Resort and Casino, and it follows a team of employees managing everything from celebrity meltdowns to security breaches, all while dealing with their personal shortcomings and protecting the casino’s interests. At the heart of it is Danny McCoy, a former Marine turned surveillance expert, who rises through the ranks under Ed Deline’s mentorship.
Never Fails to Entertain
Josh Duhamel’s Danny McCoy is the show’s beating heart. He is suave, loyal, and complex. Whether he’s diffusing a hostage situation or sharing a quiet moment with Molly Sims’s Delinda, he brings the kind of charm that anchors the show’s flashier elements. And his chemistry with the ensemble cast, especially Caan and Nikki Cox, is just excellent. Las Vegas earned a devoted fanbase and solid ratings, and it’s a defining chapter in Duhamel’s TV career.
‘Ransom Canyon’ (2025)
In Netflix’s recent offering, Ransom Canyon, the rugged beauty of Texas Hill Country becomes the backdrop of a Western drama rooted in grief and legacy. We follow Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher haunted by the death of his son, as he finds himself caught in a bitter feud between three powerful ranching families. The only solace he can find is in Quinn O’Grady, a longtime friend and dancehall owner. Their connection is fleeting but comforting.
Raw and Unforgettable
Like any other Western TV show, this one is heavy on themes of survival and legacy. Developed by April Blair, it balances sweeping landscapes with intimate arcs and atmospheric storytelling. And while Ransom Canyon didn’t reach the same heights of popularity as the Yellowstone universe, it showcases Duhamel’s ability to convey pain without melodrama. His tense standoff with Eoin Macken’s Davis Collins is the highlight of the series.
