Justin Timberlake has built a diverse filmography alongside his music career, appearing in genres ranging from musical drama to broad comedy. This guide maps the movies he has played in to help you quickly find titles that match your interests.
Below is a structured overview of his key film roles, release years, character names, and genres to help you scan and compare at a glance.
| Movie Title | Year | Character Played | Primary Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSYNC: The Movie | 1998 | Himself | Concert Documentary |
| Model Behavior | 2000 | Alex Taylor / Jason Sharpe | TV Comedy |
| NSYNC: Celebrity | 2001 | Himself | Concert Documentary |
| Crossroads | {"=":"Year"}2002Ben | Road Drama | |
| Britney: The Videos | 2002 | Cameo | Music Video Compilation |
| Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star | 2003 | Dickie Roberts | Comedy |
| Bad Education | 2004 | Frank Abagnale Jr. | Crime Drama |
| Alpha Dog | 2006 | Zack Mazursky | Crime Drama |
| Black Snake Moan | 2006 | Lazarus Redd | Drama |
| Shock and Awe | 2017 | Jonathan Landay | Drama |
| Trolls | 2016 | Branch | Animated Musical |
| Hotel California | 2025 | TBA | Upcoming Thriller |
Musical Drama Performances
Timberlake has chosen roles that lean into music and performance, reflecting his background as a pop icon.
NSYNC: The Movie and Concert Documentaries
His earliest on-screen appearances center on concert footage and behind-the-scenes access with *NSYNC, capturing live energy and fan interaction.
Crossroads
In this road drama, he plays Ben, a young musician balancing friendship and personal growth during a cross-country journey, weaving music into the narrative.
Trolls and Voice Work
As the voice of Branch in the animated musical Trolls, he contributes songs and vocal performance that complement the film’s colorful world.
Comedy and Satire Roles
Timberlake steps into humor-driven stories, often highlighting irony, celebrity culture, or awkward social dynamics.
Model Behavior
He plays dual roles in this television comedy, swapping identities between a regular guy and a model, delivering lighthearted situational humor.
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
Timberlake portrays a faded child actor attempting a comeback, satirizing the pitfalls of early fame and the entertainment industry.
Bad Education
Based on a true story, he embodies Frank Abagnale Jr., performing con artistry with a mix of charm and comedy in this crime narrative.
Drama and Gritty Character Studies
Beyond comedy and music, Timberlake takes on intense dramatic roles that explore moral complexity and personal turmoil.
Alpha Dog
He plays Zack, a volatile accomplice in a kidnapping, delivering a performance that balances bravado and vulnerability within a crime framework.
Black Snake Moan
In this Southern gothic drama, his character Lazarus Redd becomes entangled in a turbulent relationship, conveying raw emotional conflict.
Shock and Awe
Timberlake inhabits journalist Jonathan Landay, examining the ethical fallout of war reporting with subdued intensity and restrained drama.
Upcoming and Projected Roles
Timberlake continues to pursue varied projects, with announcements pointing toward new genres and formats on the horizon.
Hotel California
Details remain under wraps, but early reports label it a thriller, suggesting another shift into suspense-driven territory.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Timberlake's filmography spans concert documentaries, comedy, drama, and voice work.
- He frequently draws on his musical background in performance-driven roles.
- Notable dramatic turns include Bad Education and Alpha Dog.
- Upcoming projects indicate continued interest in thriller and suspense genres.
- His voice work in Trolls expands his reach into family-friendly animation.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which movie marked Justin Timberlake's first leading dramatic role?
Bad Education represented his first leading dramatic role in a feature film, where he portrayed con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. in a serious, fact-based crime narrative.
What animated musical has Justin Timberlake voiced a character in?
He voiced Branch in the animated musical Trolls, contributing both voice performance and musical elements to the film.
In which film did he play a character based on a real person involved in a kidnapping case?
Alpha Dog features Timberlake as Zack Mazursky, a character inspired by the real-life events surrounding a kidnapping case.
Which early role showcased him as a musician crossing into acting?
Crossroads allowed Timberlake to play Ben, a young musician navigating personal and friendship challenges during a road trip, highlighting his music background.