Home Ziharkah7

From Babysitter To Box Office Star: Joe Keery's 10 Most Shocking Movies And TV Shows (2024 Update)

• minute read
Contents

Joe Keery has cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors, successfully navigating the tricky transition from a beloved TV star to a compelling leading man in feature films. As of December 2025, the actor best known for playing Steve Harrington has an impressive roster of projects, including recent 2024 releases and major upcoming films scheduled for 2025 and 2026, proving his career is accelerating well beyond the Upside Down.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into Joe Keery’s complete filmography, highlighting the roles that shattered his "nice guy" image and revealing the highly anticipated new projects that will define the next phase of his career. From indie horror to major action blockbusters and dark psychological thrillers, Keery’s choices demonstrate a commitment to challenging, often shocking, character work.

Joe Keery: Complete Biography and Profile

Joseph David Keery is an American actor and musician whose career trajectory is a masterclass in diversification, balancing a high-profile acting career with a successful solo music project. His breakout role on Netflix’s *Stranger Things* was initially intended to be a minor antagonist, but Keery's performance transformed the character into a fan-favorite hero.

  • Full Name: Joseph David Keery
  • Date of Birth: April 24, 1992
  • Birthplace: Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
  • Education: The Theatre School at DePaul University (Graduated 2014)
  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Estimated Net Worth: $4 Million (As of 2024)
  • Other Ventures: Musician (Performs under the name Djo)
  • Breakthrough Role: Steve Harrington in *Stranger Things* (2016–Present)

The Evolution of a Star: From High School Jerk to Indie Anti-Hero

Keery’s career is defined by his ability to take the goodwill earned from his role as Steve Harrington and channel it into riskier, more complex cinematic projects. His early work set the stage for this versatility, often featuring him in supporting roles that allowed him to hone his craft before taking the lead. The pivotal shift came with roles that actively subverted his "nice guy" image.

1. Stranger Things (TV Series, 2016–Present)

This is the role that launched Keery into global stardom. Initially introduced as a stereotypical high school jerk, Steve Harrington underwent one of the most significant character evolutions in modern television, becoming the protective "Babysitter" of the younger cast. The show’s massive success provided Keery with the platform to explore other challenging roles outside of the sci-fi horror genre.

2. Spree (Film, 2020)

Arguably Keery's most shocking role, *Spree* is a satirical horror-thriller where he plays Kurt Kunkle, a narcissistic rideshare driver obsessed with viral fame. The film is a dark, brutal commentary on social media culture, and Keery’s performance as the unhinged, livestreaming killer is a complete 180-degree turn from Steve Harrington. This role proved his capability to carry a film as a deeply unsettling anti-hero.

3. Free Guy (Film, 2021)

In this major action-comedy blockbuster, Keery played Walter "Keys" McKey, a video game developer who works alongside Ryan Reynolds' character. The film demonstrated Keery’s comfort in a high-budget studio environment and his ability to deliver a charming, intelligent performance, blending comedy with blockbuster action.

4. Marmalade (Film, 2024)

One of Keery's most recent projects, *Marmalade*, released in February 2024, is a romantic heist film. Keery stars as Baron, a recently incarcerated man who recounts his twisted, crime-tinged romance with the titular Marmalade to his cellmate. The film is a twisty, darkly comedic tale that continues Keery's exploration of morally ambiguous characters.

Upcoming Projects: Joe Keery’s Highly Anticipated Film Slate (2025-2026)

The next few years are set to be the biggest of Joe Keery’s film career, with a slate of major projects that will see him star alongside some of Hollywood’s most respected actors and directors. These roles confirm his status as a sought-after leading man.

5. Cold Storage (Film, Estimated 2026)

This upcoming sci-fi action-comedy is one of Keery's most high-profile future projects. He is set to star as a self-storage employee named Teacake who discovers a dangerous, parasitic fungus that threatens humanity. The film, which also stars Liam Neeson, is based on a best-selling novel and promises to be a major genre event, showcasing Keery’s versatility in comedy and action.

6. Finally Dawn (Film, Estimated 2025)

Keery is part of a star-studded cast in this Italian-American period drama, which also features Lily James and Willem Dafoe. The film is reportedly a large-scale production set in 1950s Rome, marking a significant step for Keery into international, serious dramatic cinema. This role will be a true test of his range outside of the English-speaking market.

7. Range Life (Film, Estimated 2025)

Also known as *Pavements*, this 2025 project is a drama based on the indie rock band Pavement. Keery is set to star alongside Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman, suggesting a deep dive into the world of music and indie culture—a natural fit given his own musical background.

Lesser-Known Roles and Hidden Gems of Joe Keery’s Filmography

Beyond the blockbusters and Netflix hits, Keery has an impressive list of smaller, independent films and early TV appearances that are essential viewing for any fan looking to appreciate his full range.

8. Fargo (TV Miniseries, Season 5, 2023)

Keery appeared in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed anthology crime series *Fargo*. His role as Gator Tillman, the dim-witted but dangerous son of a sheriff, allowed him to showcase his ability to play a more menacing, albeit foolish, character in a prestige television setting.

9. Slice (Film, 2018)

This indie horror-comedy features Keery in the role of Jackson, a former pizza delivery driver and werewolf. The film is a quirky, off-beat genre piece that also starred Zazie Beetz and Chance the Rapper, highlighting Keery’s willingness to participate in unique, experimental projects.

10. Molly’s Game (Film, 2017)

Keery had a small but notable role in Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, *Molly’s Game*, starring Jessica Chastain. His appearance in a critically acclaimed drama so early in his career demonstrated that he was already on the radar of major Hollywood filmmakers, even before his *Stranger Things* fame fully exploded.

The Djo Factor: Keery’s Dual Career as a Musician

To truly understand Joe Keery's artistic persona and career choices, one must acknowledge his thriving, parallel career as a musician under the pseudonym Djo. This is not merely a side project; it is a serious artistic endeavor that informs his creative expression.

Keery was formerly a guitarist and drummer for the Chicago psychedelic-rock band Post Animal. Since then, he has focused on his solo project, Djo, releasing albums like *Twenty Twenty* and the critically praised sophomore album *DECIDE*. His music is often described as neo-psychedelia and synth-pop, and it reflects a more introspective and experimental side of his creativity. The success of Djo, particularly with songs gaining viral traction, has expanded his fanbase and artistic reputation well beyond acting, giving him more creative control over his overall career path.

joe keery movies and tv shows
joe keery movies and tv shows

Detail Author:

  • Name : Guillermo Gusikowski
  • Username : hans.wilkinson
  • Email : carlotta.lueilwitz@lynch.com
  • Birthdate : 1984-12-11
  • Address : 706 Stanton Highway Apt. 329 Benjaminport, TX 20866-4908
  • Phone : 857.233.3381
  • Company : Cartwright-Stamm
  • Job : Traffic Technician
  • Bio : Voluptatem tempore ducimus ea. Laudantium veniam deserunt dolorem quasi. A veritatis laborum hic dolorem est animi quos. Ut recusandae et molestiae totam.

Socials

linkedin:

tiktok:

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/emmerich2024
  • username : emmerich2024
  • bio : Voluptatibus necessitatibus quia itaque est eaque enim occaecati. Commodi qui molestiae provident voluptas voluptatem et officiis saepe.
  • followers : 4205
  • following : 966

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/noel_emmerich
  • username : noel_emmerich
  • bio : Optio nulla doloribus et nihil. Fuga minus officia ipsam aut cumque sed.
  • followers : 305
  • following : 1216

Random Posts