5 Miles Teller Movies to Watch if You Loved ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Miles Teller is a well-known name in Hollywood, but the actor had somewhat of a gap recently in his movie career. Top Gun: Maverick has reignited his career as many fans appreciate what his performance as Rooster brought to the franchise.

If you are just discovering Miles Teller through the Top Gun sequel, then here are some more movies to check out where you can see how talented this young actor is. 

Here are 5 Miles Teller movies to check out if you loved ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

The Spectacular Now

In The Spectacular Now, Teller plays a popular high school senior who begins to spiral after a bad breakup. He meets the shy Aimee (Shailene Woodley), who is dealing with her own set of problems. The two form a strong relationship that makes this movie well worth investing in.

While the plot sounds like any other generic teen romance movie, Teller and Woodley’s great chemistry lifts this movie beyond that, along with steller supporting roles from Bob Odenkirk and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It’s a charming story that gets you invested in not only their relationship but also in their separate lives and futures. 

Bleed for This

Teller puts on one heck of a performance in Bleed for This. In the movie, Miles Teller stars as a boxer who gets into a near-fatal car accident that breaks his neck. Doctors say he may never be able to walk again, but Teller is determined to get back in shape and get back into the ring. He also has help from his trainer, played by Aaron Eckhart. 

Sports stories about a comeback are always inspirational, but the most important part is getting audiences to care about the character. Teller accomplishes that in spades as he is able to play a sympathetic character who fans want to see succeed. It wasn’t seen by many in the theaters, but it’s an underrated gem for sure. 

War Dogs

In between The Hangover series and Joker, Todd Phillips directed this hilarious and chaotic war drama. War Dogs stars Teller and Jonah Hill as two friends who become international gun dealers. As their business expands, the situations become shadier and more dangerous. 

Teller shines in this role as a seemingly innocent person who gets roped in by Hill’s character who is a bad influence. Hill gives one of his best performances as well as an erratic and short-tempered character who constantly puts Teller’s life in danger with no regard. Teller keeps the movie balanced as Hill becomes increasingly unhinged. He may not be a great person, but Teller’s character is likable and easy to root for. 

Only the Brave

Top Gun: Maverick fans will want to check out this movie as it is the first collaboration between Miles Teller and director Joseph Kosinski. Based on a true story, Only the Brave follows a group of firefighters who risk everything whenever they have to go put out a fire. Teller plays an irresponsible character who joins the crew in order to provide for his daughter. He finds a second family within the firefighters that unfortunately ends in tragedy.

Only the Brave features a great ensemble cast that includes Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitsch, James Badge Dale, and Jennifer Connelly. Teller is a frustrating character to follow, but it is great to watch him transition into becoming a responsible member of a team. There are many charming moments, but it ends with an emotional gut punch. 

Whiplash

This is still Teller’s best performance by a mile. Teller plays a passionate drummer who wants to be the best. However, he has to face a brutal and relentless teacher (J.K. Simmons) who constantly bullies and berates him. Still, Teller pushes through this and past his own limits in his determination for greatness.

What’s fascinating about this movie is that Teller’s character is not a nice person, but it’s impossible to root against him as he pursues his goals. He holds his own against Simmons, who manages to steal the show in every scene he’s in. While Simmons’ Academy Award-winning performance is what most would remember from Whiplash, Teller still gives a performance for the ages that deserves to be praised.