David Duchovny has been a fixture in film and television for more than three decades, captivating audiences with his charm, wit, and understated charisma. Best known as the brilliant yet haunted Fox Mulder in The X-Files, he has since proven that his talent stretches far beyond the world of sci-fi. Over the years, Duchovny has taken on roles that reveal his full range—dramatic, comedic, and even romantic.

When you look closely at David Duchovny’s movies and TV shows, it becomes clear he’s not just a cult favorite but a versatile actor with staying power. His career spans everything from supernatural thrillers to laugh-out-loud comedies and heartfelt indie films. Whether you first encountered him chasing down paranormal mysteries or later discovered his sharp comedic timing in unexpected places, Duchovny’s work offers something for everyone. With such a rich and varied career, narrowing down his highlights is no easy task. Still, certain performances stand out as defining moments.

So, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 David Duchovny movies and TV shows that best showcase his range, versatility, and enduring appeal as an actor.

Here are the top 10 movies and TV shows by celebrated actor David Duchovny…

#10. You People (2023)

One of Duchovny’s more recent projects shows his comedic timing at its sharpest. In Netflix’s You People, he plays Arnold Cohen—the slightly awkward yet well-meaning father of Jonah Hill’s character. The film blends humor and heart as it explores modern relationships, cultural clashes, and family expectations. While Duchovny isn’t the central figure, his supporting role is memorable, offering plenty of moments where his understated wit shines through.

#9. Red Shoe Diaries (1992)

Before he became a household name, Duchovny took on a breakout role in Red Shoe Diaries, the romantic drama that later inspired a Showtime anthology series. He played Jake, a grieving man who stumbles upon the secret diary of his late fiancée. The role gave audiences an early glimpse of Duchovny’s ability to handle deep emotional beats with nuance. More importantly, it hinted at the compelling performances that would go on to define David Duchovny’s movies and TV shows throughout his career.

#8. Return to Me (2000)

For fans of heartfelt romance, Return to Me is an essential watch. Starring opposite Minnie Driver, Duchovny delivers a touching performance in this story of love, loss, and unexpected second chances. As Bob Rueland, a widower who unknowingly falls for the woman who received his late wife’s heart, Duchovny brings both tenderness and sincerity to the role. The film proves that beyond his wit and charm, he can also anchor a romantic drama with genuine emotional depth.

#7. The TV Set (2006)

In The TV Set, Duchovny steps into the role of a writer determined to get his dream pilot on air, only to face network meddling and mounting personal stress. The dramedy offers a sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the television industry, balancing satire with sincerity. Duchovny’s dry humor and quietly exasperated delivery make the character instantly relatable. Though often overlooked, this hidden gem in David Duchovny’s movies and TV shows is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys Hollywood satire with bite.

#6. Chaplin (1992)

Though a supporting role, Duchovny’s turn as Roland Totheroh—Charlie Chaplin’s trusted cameraman—adds depth to the star-studded Chaplin. Led by Robert Downey Jr. in the title role, the film brings the silent era vividly to life. Duchovny’s presence may be brief, but it underscores his ability to hold his own alongside Hollywood heavyweights while contributing meaningfully to the story of one of cinema’s greatest legends.

#5. Zoolander (2001)

Duchovny’s cameo as J.P. Prewett, the conspiracy theorist and retired hand model, is one of the standout comedic moments in Ben Stiller’s Zoolander. His deadpan delivery during the now-iconic explanation of the fashion industry conspiracy is both absurd and unforgettable. Though his screen time is short, the scene proves just how effortlessly Duchovny can land a laugh, cementing his knack for comedy in even the briefest of roles.

#4. Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)

In this emotional drama, Duchovny takes on a smaller yet pivotal role as Brian, the devoted husband to Halle Berry’s character. His sudden death sets the story in motion, but it’s through flashbacks that Duchovny leaves his mark. His tender performance gives the audience a real sense of what was lost, adding emotional weight that lingers throughout the film. By grounding the story in genuine warmth, Duchovny elevates the entire narrative.

#3. The Joneses (2009)

In this sharp satire on consumerism, Duchovny teams up with Demi Moore as part of a seemingly perfect suburban family—except they’re secretly a marketing ploy designed to sell products to their neighbors. As cracks in the façade appear, Duchovny’s character begins to wrestle with the ethics of their carefully manufactured life. The result is a thought-provoking performance that highlights his range and makes this film one of the more memorable entries in David Duchovny’s movies and TV shows lineup.

#2. Californication (2007–2014)

As Hank Moody, Duchovny delivers one of his most defining performances. The series follows a troubled novelist caught between creative struggles, messy relationships, and self-destructive habits. With a mix of biting humor, raw vulnerability, and reckless charm, Duchovny made the role unforgettable, earning a Golden Globe and cementing Californication as one of his most celebrated TV achievements.

#1. The X-Files (1993–2018)

No roundup of David Duchovny’s movies and TV shows would be complete without The X-Files. His portrayal of FBI Agent Fox Mulder is nothing short of iconic, cementing him as a pop culture legend. Across 11 seasons and two feature films, Duchovny, alongside Gillian Anderson’s equally iconic Dana Scully, delved into the unexplained, weaving together horror, sci-fi, and conspiracy. The result wasn’t just a hit series; it became one of the most influential shows in television history, with Duchovny’s haunted, razor-sharp Mulder at its core.

Featured image: Getty Images

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