When Michael Cera first came on the scene in the mid-00’s, nobody was quite sure what to make of him. Was he 12 or 40 years old? His awkward demeanor and neurotic energy were charming, but who was this guy, really? Was he actually as nerdy as he seemed? Is he ‘in on the joke’ that is his personality? There are many layers to the 30-year-old actor and audiences have only seen a few of them.
Whether Cera is making movie-goers laugh in films like Superbad or Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, or is making them cringe in films like Magic, Magic, there is no denying that he is an extremely capable actor. Michael Cera has appeared in numerous films and television shows but, unlike many of his peers, very little is known about his personal life. He keeps to himself despite being in the public eye. All we really know about the guy is what he projects on screen. These are the 5 Best Michael Cera Roles.
5) Himself- This is the End (2013)
The closest glimpse we have into the life of Michael Cera was the fake one he portrayed in the 2013 film This is the End, a comedy film that stars Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jay Baruchel and others, all portraying fictionalized versions of themselves. During a lavish party at Franco’s palatial mansion, the Rapture takes place and takes all the good guys to heaven, leaving, well, most of Hollywood’s celebrities.
Michael Cera plays himself in a cameo that is absolutely the best part of the movie. This version of Cera is a cokehead with no respect for women, who is trying to get lucky with Rhianna.
Needless to say, that doesn’t happen and when the Apocalypse occurs, Cera is impaled by a street light. More importantly to Cera, though, is the fact that he can’t find his cell phone. One can only hope that if the actual Apocalypse occurs, this is how Cera goes out.
4) Scott Pilgrim- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
And you thought your ex had baggage. He or she cannot compare to Ramona Flowers, the love interest of Cera’s character, Scott Pilgrim. You see, to know Ramona is to love her. And to love Ramona is to kill for her, which is exactly what her ‘Seven Evil Exes’ intend to do. Unfortunately, Scott finds himself as the target of the angry exes and now he must defend himself, as well as the honor of Ramona, against a handful of video game bosses.
Edgar Wright directed this film that was a mashup of a video game, a comic book and a love story. The result is a pretty awesome flick that showcases Cera as a surprisingly agile warrior. But also he’s kind of a dick.
3) Nick- Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Michael Cera likes playing titular characters. Anyway, in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Cera plays a bassist in a gay band, even though he’s not gay. During a gig, Nick meets Norah (played by the gorgeous Kat Dennings) and the two go on an adventure through New York City that will end up being one of the most important nights of their lives.
Cera and Dennings have undeniable chemistry and part of us hopes that the two might actually get married someday. Nick and Norah remind us what being young and in love in New York City is like, and we can’t help but smile throughout the entire movie.
2) Evan – Superbad (2007)
Superbad was one of Michael Cera’s first leading roles and he absolutely endeared himself to audiences with his role as Evan, the “nice guy.” This was the mainstream audience’s first real look at Cera and he immediately won the hearts of all in his pursuit of Becca. Superbad was the aughties version of American Pie, which saw two seemingly “normal” high school kids attempting to hook up with the girls of their dreams at a party.
This film was a coming of age tale about the friendship between two friends who are about to head off in different directions following graduation. Cera plays the innocent-ish, nice guy to perfection and the chemistry between him and Jonah Hill has yet to be matched. Superbad should be the prototype for all high school buddy movies going forward.
1) George Michael Bluth- Arrested Development (2003-2006, 2013, 2018)
This was Cera’s breakthrough role and it is what caught the attention of Hollywood. Michael Cera portrayed George Michael Bluth on-and-off for 15 years. In those 15 years, audiences have gotten to see him quite literally grow up before their eyes. From the shy, awkward teen who was sort of in love with his cousin, to the college senior that changed his name to George Maharis, George Michael has been one of the highlights of Arrested Development for years.
Arrested Development continues to develop on various platforms and we cannot wait to see what shenanigans George Michael will find himself in.
