Jake McLaughlin’s 10 best movies and TV shows that prove he’s a hidden gem in Hollywood, ranked

Jake McLaughlin is an actor and former soldier. Despite some impressive performances, he is yet to be recognized by many among the Hollywood audience. McLaughlin is known for his sincere acting in thrillers and drama, and fans acknowledge his portrayals in the 2011 film, Warrior, and the television series, Quantico.

The actor has captured audience attention for the way he expresses powerful emotions without exaggeration, whether he plays a character seeking atonement, an investigative detective, or a grieving sibling.

Here is the list of Jake McLaughlin’s 10 best movies and TV shows that prove he is a hidden gem in Hollywood (ranked).

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

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10. Quantico

Quantico is an American thriller drama television series, The show ran on ABC from 2015 to 2018, for 57 episodes. Jake McLaughlin was the show's main cast member, playing Ryan Booth, a former CIA agent and current FBI agent. His popular dialogue from the show was:

"A supposed power player who cries herself to sleep when no one's looking? Then again, damsel in emotional distress is... that's a good cover."

The line revealed Ryan's observation about someone who might seem powerful and strong but is inwardly vulnerable. Rotten Tomatoes gave the a 70% rating. Check out Jake McLaughlin's scene with Priyanka Chopra on the flight in the Instagram link below:

Jake was realistic in his depiction of Ryan Booth. He brougfht alive an undercover agent embroiled in work and personal difficulties, which revealed his performing abilities.

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9. Scorpion

Jake McLaughlin appeared in Scorpion as LT James Corbin in the episode titled, Talismans. Rotten Tomatoes has rated this show at 61%. McLaughlin's in the guest role of Lieutenant James Corbin portrayed resilience and leadership qualities.

Corbin's daring pursuit of achieving his objectives in hazardous circumstances captivated the audience. McLaughlin made Corbin a memorable character by blending harsh and soft characteristics in Scorpion.

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8. NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles is about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the show weaves its action around a team working from the Spanish operation headquarters in Los Angeles, who specialize in solving mysterious situations for the government.

The IMDb rating of the show is 6.8 out of 10. In NCIS: Los Angeles, Jake McLaughlin appeared as Keith Rush, seeking answers about his deceased Naval yeoman sibling. In a scene, Keith says:

"No, no. Don't shoot. There's gasoline everywhere. Don't do it. Don't be stupid."

The viewers saw him conduct an emotional confrontation with agents Callen and Sam Hanna in an attempt to find answers concerning his sibling's death. McLaughlin delivered an authentic performance as a mourning brother to demonstrate his hidden talent.

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7. Will Trent

Jake McLaughlin delivers a definitive performance as Michael Ormewood in Will Trent, with a detailed portrayal. The experienced detective in Ormewood contributes captivating personality traits.

McLaughlin triumphs in the TV series by skillfully merging Ormewood's weak moments with his strong character traits, which endears him to the audience. His performance, of a person dealing with work and life challenges. received praise from viewers for his realistic representation.

Fans look at McLaughlin as a genuine talent in Will Trent because he successfully connects with Michael Ormewood using his acting abilities.

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6. Leverage

Jake McLaughlin appeared in Leverage as Corporal Robert Perry. Rotten Tomatoes has rated the show at 92%. Robert Perry was a corporal serving in Iraq when he suffered an injury from private soldiers operating for the Castleman Security, who concealed their involvement from Perry's superiors, claiming that terrorists had shot him.

In Season 1, we saw Perry saying to Marine:

"Hey, say hi to Jenny!"

Marine replied:

"He's cheating on you! With a camel. A drunk, slutty camel."

Perry then said:

"All right, it was one time, okay? And the camel's been texting me, but it's over, I promise."

The statement depicts friendliness and lighthearted banter among troops against the solemn backdrop of war. It shows McLaughlin's ability to balance drama and humor, emphasizing his versatility as an actor. This scene in Leverage became a fan favorite because it showed McLaughlin's ability to deliver a memorable conversation with natural charm and wit.

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5. Another Time

In Another Time (2018), Jake McLaughlin plays Adam, a physics enthusiast and financial expert who goes back in time to meet a woman before she gets engaged. Adam emerges as a commanding figure due to his seamless integration of intelligent comprehension and intense emotional desire. The audience found his character attractive for the way he tackled the dilemmas of destiny and individual freedom.

In the film, McLaughlin's Adam emerges as a hero the audience would root for. The actor showed his ability to transform a simple story into a meaningful experience.

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4. Home

In Home (2020), Jake McLaughlin plays Marvin Hacks. Rotten Tomatoes has rated this movie at 71%. A viewer said on the website:

"Don't let the bad reviews fool you. This is a hidden gem that depicts struggles that many families have to deal with."

McLaughlin's Marvin is a man seeking redemption after serving time in prison, with powerful emotional impact and inspirational motivation. Carlos Aguilar, a topic critic in Rotten Tomatoes, said:

"Though Marvin's particular brand of brokenness, one without violent episodes or overly dramatic lamentations, makes him enthralling to watch, the beats of the story are plagued with formulaic rot."

McLaughlin's performance depicts Marvin's silent determination to get back on his feet, allowing viewers to sympathize with his struggle for acceptance in his unforgiving community.

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3. In the Valley of Elah

In the Valley of Elah (2007) casts McLaughlin as Spc. Gordon Bonner. Rotten Tomatoes has rated the movie at 71%. In the plot, a retired Army sergeant and a police detective work together to find the former's son, a soldier who vanished shortly after returning from Iraq. Vietnam War veteran Hank Deerfield finds out that his son might have been the victim of foul play following a night out with his platoon.

Gordon Bonner played a significant character as Bonner. His public face shows charming behavior and emotional vulnerability, through which we see the trauma that soldiers experience after fighting a war.

The character of Bonner demonstrated how the platoon together experiences friendship, allegiance, and self-incurred shame. The way Bonner presents his background and communicates with other characters reveals deeper issues surrounding war and justice.

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2. Chasing a Dream

In Chasing a Dream, Jake McLaughlin plays John Van Horn. Rotten Tomatoes has rated the movie at 79%. John Van Horn creates an intriguing character with his pursuit of excellence, and his strength defines him. In his role as a track coach, Van Horn supports Cameron Stiles through the difficult period following the death of his closest friend during high school football activities.

Van Horn mentors Cameron by understanding his emotions and instilling determination in the teenager, allowing him to turn his sorrow into track performances that break the four-minute barrier. Van Horn's appearance in the story adds to the plot, highlighting the power of perseverance and healing, while also demonstrating how mentorship affects youth development.

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1. Warrior

In Warrior (2011), Jake McLaughlin plays Mark Bradford. Rotten Tomatoes has rated the movie at 84%. Mark Bradford adds emotional depth to the story through his portrayal of the military fraternity and the struggles of a veteran. The close bond between ex-Marines Mark and Tommy is illustrated through his character. According to the Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus:

"Warrior relies on many of the clichés that critics of the genre love to mock — and it transcends them with gripping action, powerful acting, and heart."

Through his character, the film explores what it means to return home from war, and the impact of military service on civilian reintegration. Bradford's performance added depth to the film's core themes of recovery, tenacity, and brotherly bonds.

Jake McLaughlin has always tried to depict intense sincerity through his roles on television and in films, besides versatility as an actor. He stands out for his realistic approach regardless of the genre — be it action or drama or romance — merging powerful qualities of a protagonist with with the fragile aspects.

His fans love him for his ability to bring alive stories and his charm on the screen, despite his occasional absence from public attention.