10 must-watch Brian Tee movies and TV shows that prove Quinn from Reacher is only the tip of the iceberg

You may be familiar with Brian Tee mostly for his sensational performance as the intimidating antagonist, Francis Xavier Quinn, in season 3 of the Amazon Prime crime series, Reacher. But this American actor, originally from Japan, has graced the screen for over two decades with his presence in a vast range of movies and television shows.

From taking up powerful roles in action-packed, high-profile movies to starring as complex characters in drama series, Brian Tee's talent and versatility are commendable. While his portrayal of the ruthless and cunning Quinn still keeps us on the edge of our seats, here is a list of top 10 movies and television series where Brian Tee played equally impactful roles.

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No Tears for the Dead (2014)

A Lee Jeong-beom film, No Tears for the Dead (2014) is a South Korean action thriller that centres around the story of the hitman Gon, played by Jang Dong-gun, who struggles to carry out the mission of killing a woman when he realises that he had accidentally shot her daughter at a restaurant in the past. Brian Tee plays the supporting role of Chaoz, a skilled agent and a close companion to Gon.

While Chaoz is ordered by their boss to keep a close eye on Gon and make sure he is able to execute the task, we get a glimpse of Chaoz’s own personal conflicts as he grapples with ideals of morality, friendship, and duty. The complex dynamic of the relationship between Gon and Chaoz adds emotional depth to the film. However, Tee portrays the character of Chaoz with a chilling intensity that captivates and intimidates audiences at the same time.

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The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) is the third installment of the franchise, directed by Justin Lin, which focuses on the car racing enthusiast, Sean, and his journey after he is forced to move to Tokyo with his distant, delinquent father and finds interest in drift racing. Brian Tee dons the role of Takashi, a powerful racer and a complex antagonist in the film, who is infamously known as D.K. or Drift King.

The rivalry between Sean and Takashi heightens apart from Sean's interference in the drifting scene because of Takashi’s love interest, Neela, who eventually leaves Takashi and grows closer to Sean. As Takashi, Brian Tee brings a formidable aura to the character, making him a villain who challenges Sean both on and off the racing track. A thrilling sequence in the film is when the two engage in a heart-pounding race against each other, which is also an example of Brian Tee’s compelling performance.

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Chicago Med

We became familiar with Brian Tee's brilliant and versatile acting skills when he first appeared in the NBC medical series, Chicago Med. Tee's character, Dr. Ethan Choi, has been an integral part of the series right from its premiere in 2015 till 2022, when he finally had to depart. Dr. Choi was the Chief of Emergency Medicine at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center with a history of service as a combat doctor in the Navy.

His journey was challenging as he handled complex medical cases, maintained workplace relationships, and dealt with ethical quandaries and personal problems, all while grappling with PTSD. In Season 8, Dr. Choi reunites with the nurse practitioner, April Sexton, and the two leave Chicago after their marriage to launch a mobile medical outreach program. This marked a heartfelt departure for Brian Tee from the show.

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Crash

The famous American television show Crash was inspired by the Oscar-winning 2004 film of the same name. The series featured Brian Tee as Eddie Choi, a former gangster who wanted to turn his life around and start afresh by becoming an EMT. From overcoming a troubled past to chasing a promising career in medicine, Eddie’s journey on the show has not only enriched its storyline of exploring intertwined lives in Los Angeles but also offered a gripping perspective on themes of identity, redemption, and personal growth. Most importantly, Brian Tee delivered such a phenomenal performance as Eddie that the character's triumphs and struggles seemed deeply inspiring and relatable to the audience.

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The Wolverine (2013)

The Wolverine is a 2013 James Mangold movie that was adapted from the Marvel Comic character Logan, aka Wolverine. It starred Brian Tee in the role of a corrupt and ambitious Minister of Justice named Noburo Mori, who was betrothed to Mariko Yashida, the daughter of an influential and fearsome Yakuza kingpin. Mariko also happens to be Logan's love interest in the film. Noburo Mori is known for his cunning and unscrupulous tactics that drove him to partner with illicit forces.

He conspired with Mariko’s father to have her kidnapped by the Yakuza gangsters. Mori’s character was not only a shrewd personality but also a comical one, much like many expert politicians. In an extremely hilarious scene, when Logan goes to confront Mori, he finds him in a rather compromising situation. It might not be a grand role but Brian Tee surely made it memorable, showcasing his talent as a dynamic performer.

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Grimm

Brian Tee makes an appearance in the supernatural crime TV series, Grimm, as Akira Kimura. Akira was a highly trained and formidable assassin, working for the Dragons Tongue, with a strong connection to the mysterious world of Wesen. With a Viking tattoo on the upper left part of his face, Akira was among the four Schakals who were in pursuit of Coins of Zakynthos.

Kimura’s character is enigmatic and ominous, and he not only exposes the deadly nature of his profession, but also plays a significant role in determining the protagonist, Nick Burkhardt’s fate. Brian Tee brings a sort of unsettling charm to the character that adds to the show’s dark, eerie mood and explores the dangerous realm of ancient conflicts and secret organisations.

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Mortal Kombat: Legacy

Mortal Kombat: Legacy is an action series directed by Kevin Tancharoen that first premiered in 2011. The series drew its inspiration from the famous video game franchise Mortal Kombat. Brian Tee delivered a fresh and unconventional portrayal of one of the central characters, Liu Kang. Here, Kang resigned from his role as the protector of Earthrealm when he could no longer put up with the shortcomings of humanity and joined Outworld as one of their special combatants.

He is depicted as a dark, complicated, and morally ambiguous figure in the series. Liu was left all alone after his trusted friend, Kung Lao, turned his back on him, and his lover, Molly, was tragically killed by some robbers. He not only avenged Molly’s death but also went on to become a pro hitman. Fans praised this innovative take on Liu’s character and also loved Brian Tee in the role.

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Jurassic World (2015)

Directed by Colin Trevorrow, Jurassic World is a sci-fi action film released in 2015. Brian Tee gave an exceptional performance in the role of Hamada, the head of the Asset Containment Unit, who was responsible for maintaining order and security on the island teeming with dinosaurs. Hamada is characterized not just as a bold and brave individual but also as an intelligent and capable one, overseeing the safety of the staff and visitors at the park.

When the genetically hybridised dinosaur named Indominus Rex breaks free from its enclosure and wreaks havoc on the people, it is Hamada and his team who are called to control the threat. However, the situation takes a disastrous turn. Despite being in a supporting role, Tee’s character remains unforgettable to the fans.

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We Were Soldiers (2002)

The movie, We Were Soldiers (2002), directed by Randall Wallace, was adapted from the 1992 book, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young, penned by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Hal Moore and journalist Joseph L. Galloway. In this war film, Brian Tee takes on the role of Pfc. Jimmy Nakayama, a young soldier entangled in the intense Battle of Ia Drang that took place in 1965 during the Vietnam War. Tee masterfully depicts the horrors and terrors of a battlefield through the harrowing experience of Nakayama. Apart from this, his performance as a courageous warrior also depicted the brotherhood of war. Although it is a small role, Brian Tee’s appearance makes it powerful.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)

Out of the Shadows (2016) was the sixth film of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, directed by Dave Green. We see Brian Tee playing the role of the iconic villain, Shredder, but with a fresh, new approach to his character. Shredder was the commander of the Foot Clan and the archnemesis of the heroic Turtles.

The film follows Baxter Stockman, the deranged scientist helping Shredder get out of prison, and eventually, the two hire Krang, the ruthless alien tyrant, alongside their two henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady, to take over the world. Shredder is portrayed as calculative and sly in his ways. Additionally, Brian Tee’s commanding energy makes the character seem like a threatening opponent to the Turtles. Fans are particularly fond of this installment, and we cannot blame them if they say it is because of Tee’s presence.