All that ever changed with Noah Centineo going into the limelight as the rom-com heartthrob of Netflix is the clichés. That said and done, it still hasn't changed much in saying that he has a career that grafts out much more into romantic action and superhero films artist who is versatile. After becoming famous for portraying Peter Kavinsky in To All the Boys I've Loved Before, however, he has ventured into every genre, from spy thrillers to DC blockbusters.
What makes Centineo's filmography deep is how it has evolved over the years. He did early indie films and then entered the world of low-budget hits that went after Netflix fame. A lot of praises queued up behind his performances for his sheer charm, which have helped in redefinition of the modern romantic lead but it has become evident that as Centineo takes on more challenging roles, he is intent on breaking free from the rom-com stereotype.
This list ranks the 10 movies that exemplify the best and worst of his journey, showcasing fan-favorite roles and very underrated gems. New or established fans will witness how these films prove that Centineo is one of Hollywood's most promising young stars.
10. Swiped (2018)

Though Swiped isn't Centineo's best work, it's one of his first as a leading man. He stars as Lance, a charming college guy who partners with a computer geek to create a provocative dating app. Even though the plot is predictable, Centineo's charisma comes through naturally. The movie, although panned for its handling, picked up on streaming sites, exposing him to more viewers. Notably, this was one of his final lower-budget endeavors before his Netflix stardom skyrocketed. Though not his best work, Swiped is a nostalgic reminder of his pre-superstardom era.
9. SPF-18 (2017)

Before his turn as Netflix's golden boy, Centineo appeared in SPF-18, a visually striking but story-sparse coming-of-age movie. He is Johnny Sanders Jr., a surfer who is between love and self-improvement. Although it received negative reviews at the time of its release, it is now a cult favorite among devoted Centineo fans. This film stands out for its aesthetic strategy accompanied by Goldie Hawn's voiceover narration and a guest appearance by Keanu Reeves. Short of its flaws, SPF-18 introduces Centineo as a possible leading man, priming the roles that would soon establish him as a household name.
8. The Perfect Date (2019)

Leaning on his To All the Boys popularity, Centineo starred in The Perfect Date, a Netflix romantic comedy in which he stars as Brooks Rattigan, a teenager who develops an app that enables him to be paid to be a "perfect" date. The movie is pleasant but predictable, banking heavily on Centineo's charm. Though it didn't innovate much in the rom-com space, it cemented his position as Netflix's favorite heartthrob. Interestingly, Centineo himself has since come out and indicated that he wishes to play more varied roles.
7. Black Adam (2022)

Venturing into the superhero world, Centineo played Atom Smasher in Black Adam alongside Dwayne Johnson. Although the reception of the movie was divided, Centineo's performance stood out as a highlight, providing humor and realism to the blockbuster action film. His character development as the youth and inexperienced hero promised a lot for the DC Universe. But with DC Studios in the process of a major overhaul, it is unclear if Centineo will be brought back. Either way, Black Adam was a turning point in his career, showing that he could stand up to big-budget fare.
6. Charlie’s Angels (2019)

Though Charlie's Angels did not succeed at the box office, Centineo's casting as Langston, a suave computer whiz, and Jane (Ella Balinska), love interest, provided some levity to the action-oriented retooling. Although he appeared little, his romance with Balinska and his comedic skills made him memorable. Interestingly enough, director Elizabeth Banks cast him before To All the Boys' stardom went viral, sensing his building star quality early. Although not the most important role in his life, Charlie's Angels hinted at his potential to move beyond rom-coms to the action genre.
5. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)

Jamey is a kindhearted and unsuspecting high school football player, one of Centineo's most admired performances in the Netflix drama. The film, which arguably modernizes Cyrano de Bergerac, was beset with mixed reactions due to its contentious premise. But audiences were sold on Centineo as the earnest and kind-hearted love interest. What was interesting was that this was one of his first post-To All the Boys projects that solidified his status as Netflix's one big crush. Another polarizer, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, is remembered for one more reason: Centineo managed to bring depth to what could have been a rather simple character.
4. To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

The final installment of The To All the Boys trilogy showcases a much mature, yet emotional, interpretation of Peter Kavinsky, played by Centineo. Unlike previous films, the focus of this one is on the collision of long-distance love and personal development. Centineo performs as one evolving in acting skill because it makes Peter Co - a dream boyfriend; he becomes a man with realistic affiliations and imaginable emergencies. Fans commended his really rich performances, which highly valued emotional moments that showcased his depth.
3. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)

This sequel brings Peter Kavinsky's character to new heights as he becomes entangled in a love triangle. Centineo perfectly walks the line between Peter's cocky and vulnerable side, and the drama never feels forced. This movie is different from most rom-com sequels because it goes deeper into the emotional depth of its characters instead of just banking on charm. Fun fact: Centineo improvised many of the scenes, including Peter's iconic spin-and-hug with Lara Jean, which became a fan favorite. Although there were some frustrated viewers with Peter's occasional mistakes, Centineo's performance kept audiences engaged emotionally about his journey.
2. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before, where Centineo was roped in to make him click with everyone, was undoubtedly his most prominent role. Peter Kavinsky is the archetype of the new type of rom-com male-object: he actively plays both confidence and good-heartedness. His on-screen chemistry with Lana Condor was so entirely believable that fans speculated about a real-life romance. Interestingly, Centineo was not the first choice for Peter originally that role had gone to another actor before he won over the filmmakers with his "it" qualities.
1. The Recruit (2022- present)

While not a film, The Recruit is Centineo's most ambitious career move to date. In this Netflix spy thriller show, he stars as Owen Hendricks, a young CIA attorney thrust into perilous assignments. Unlike his other roles, this one highlights his range, balancing action, humor, and vulnerability. The series was a success, and Netflix soon renewed it for a second season. What's impressive about The Recruit is the way Centineo can make a smooth transition from rom-com heartthrob to action star, demonstrating he has the range to helm various genres. With this film, Centineo officially entered a new chapter of his career.
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