The 10 Best Ashton Kutcher Movies and TV Shows, Ranked: From ‘That ’70s Show’ to ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’

Ashton Kutcher has been a star since he burst onto the scene in the late ’90s as Michael Kelso on That ‘70s Show. The nostalgic FOX sitcom was a huge hit, and Kutcher’s portrayal of Kelso, with his dim-witted yet lovable persona, made the actor a household name. His comedic timing and boyish charm won over audiences, setting the stage for a successful career in both movies and TV.

On the heels of the success of That ’70s Show, Kutcher starred in the hilarious 2000 cult favorite Dude, Where’s My Car?, a movie that further solidified his status as a comedic actor. That was followed by a string of rom-coms like Guess Who, No Strings Attached, Just Married and What Happens in Vegas, making him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men.

​​The Iowa-born star demonstrated his knack for innovation in television with the creation of Punk’d in 2003. The MTV hidden camera show, where celebrities were pranked, became a cultural phenomenon. Kutcher’s role as the host and mastermind behind the pranks was widely celebrated, and the show enjoyed a successful run until 2007, with a revival in 2012.

In 2004, he took on a more dramatic role in The Butterfly Effect, a psychological thriller that showcased his ability to portray serious and complex characters. While the reviews were mixed, Kutcher’s performance was praised for its depth and intensity, proving his versatility as an actor.

Ashton Kutcher continued to act, but his interests expanded beyond Hollywood into Silicon Valley. He was co-founder of A-Grade Investments, a venture capital firm that invested early on in tech companies like Skype, Foursquare, Airbnb, Path and Uber, among others, making him a respected figure in business. That was followed by another investment company called Sound Ventures. Clearly the Punk’d host was far more than just a handsome star.

Kutcher returned to the small screen in 2011 to replace Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men for its final four seasons. That was followed by four seasons of producing and starring in the Netflix show The Ranch.

Kutcher’s most recent project was the 2023 Netflix film Your Place or Mine with Reese Witherspoon, which was panned by critics but watched by millions on the streaming service. Clearly, fans still love Kutcher now as much as they did over 20 years ago. He also reprised his breakthrough role as Kelso on Netflix’s reboot That ‘90s Show.

Now married to That ‘70s Show costar Mila Kunis and raising their two children, the actor also volunteers for social causes, including the war relief efforts in Ukraine.

It’s safe to say Kutcher is well-rounded as an actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man and has consistently kept us laughing on big and small screens alike. He’s also well known for his ability to have onscreen chemistry with nearly any and every costar.

Here’s our ranked list of the 10 best Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows.

10. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

This Disney film was a loose remake of the 1950 film of the same name and featured an all-star ensemble cast. The Baker family, led by Tom (Steve Martin) and his wife, Kate (Bonnie Hunt), has — you guessed it — twelve children. The film humorously explores the chaos and challenges of managing such a large household.

In a small role as the the eldest daughter’s boyfriend, Hank, a clueless aspiring actor, Kutcher shows his knack for physical comedy in several hilarious scenes, including one in which the younger Baker kids put raw meat down his pants so he’ll get attacked by the family dog.

9. Just Married (2003): Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows

Just Married follows the story of Tom Leezak (Kutcher) and Sarah McNerney (the late Brittany Murphy), a young couple who fall in love despite their vastly different backgrounds. Tom is a late-night radio traffic reporter with a laidback attitude, while Sarah comes from a wealthy and sophisticated family. Despite their differences and the disapproval of Sarah’s family, they decide to get married.

The couple faces numerous challenges that test their relationship, the biggest one being their European honeymoon, where everything that can go wrong does. Chaos ensues, from broken-down rental cars, missed flights and lost luggage to misunderstandings, arguments and even the reappearance of an ex-boyfriend.

Kutcher’s onscreen chemistry with then-girlfriend Murphy and his character’s cluelessness about the complexities of marriage made this film a box-office hit.

8. What Happens in Vegas (2008)

This 2008 rom-com follows the formula of Just Married but with a twist, and again puts Kutcher’s comedic charisma on full display. It centers on Jack Fuller (Kutcher) and Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz), who find themselves in Las Vegas for different reasons. Jack is there to blow off steam after being fired from his job by his own father, while Joy is trying to recover from being dumped by her fiancé.

After a wild night of partying, Jack and Joy discover they have gotten married. To make matters even more complicated, Jack wins a $3 million jackpot using Joy’s quarter.

When they return to New York, a judge orders them to try to make their marriage work for six months before granting them a divorce, and they must also share the money during this period. While it received mixed reviews from critics, What Happens in Vegas succeeded at the box office, showing that Kutcher could carry a mediocre film.

7. The Guardian (2006) : Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows

This 2006 film, loosely based on a true story, allowed Kutcher to flex his acting chops. He held his own alongside Kevin Costner, playing cocky swim champ Jake Fischer, who sets off to become a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Seasoned swimmer Ben Randall (Costner) takes Fischer under his wing, and they embark on their most deadly mission yet.

Kutcher’s performance marked a pivotal moment in his acting career, further establishing him as a serious leading man.

6. Your Place or Mine (2023) : Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows

A more recent project for Kutcher, this Netflix movie lacked substance and believability, but fans still tuned in. With more than 88 million views, it was one of the top-streamed movies of 2023.

Peter (Kutcher) and Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) are platonic best friends living on opposite coasts, when circumstances cause them to swap homes for a week. Peter is a bachelor living a lush life in New York City, while Debbie is a single mom in Los Angeles. As they experience each other’s worlds and face new challenges, Peter and Debbie realize that their feelings for each other may be deeper than friendship.

5. Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000)

More than 20 years later, Dude, Where’s My Car? remains popular thanks to its absurd take on stoner humor, and it’s considered the movie that put Kutcher on the map.

Two potheads, Jesse (Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott) wake up after a night of partying and, as the name implies, cannot seem to locate their car. Hilarity ensues as they retrace their steps, coming across various outlandish situations, including encounters with angry girlfriends, a stripper, a group of UFO cultists and even aliens.

Kutcher’s performance captures the essence of a stoner comedy protagonist: laidback, clueless and perpetually bewildered by the strange events around him. The two actors play off each other effectively, creating a believable and entertaining friendship that drives the film’s comedy.

While Dude, Where’s My Car? may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, it remains a beloved cult classic known for its silly humor and memorable catchphrases, such as the titular line, “Dude, where’s my car?” and the infamous “And then?” drive-thru scene.

4. No Strings Attached (2011) : Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows

In this rom-com, Kutcher plays Adam, a charming and chill character who is initially content with the idea of a casual relationship but eventually realizes he wants more.

Adam and Emma (Natalie Portman) are lifelong friends who cross paths several times until they eventually reconnect as adults. Emma is a medical resident with a busy schedule, while Adam is working as a production assistant on a TV show.

The pair decides one night to engage in a “friends with benefits,” no-strings-attached sexual relationship. Afraid to ruin their friendship, they agree to avoid any emotional pitfalls and try not to develop any feelings while enjoying the perks of their arrangement.

However, as they spend more time together, Adam develops deeper feelings for Emma, complicating their initial agreement. Like its predecessors, What Happens in Vegas and Just Married, the movie didn’t get rave reviews but was a hit with rom-com fans.

3. The Butterly Effect (2004)

In a sharp turn from Kutcher’s typical roles, The Butterfly Effect is a daring and unconventional sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of time travel and the intricate web of cause and effect.

Kutcher stars as Evan, a man who suffers from severe blackouts during significant childhood events. To cope with these episodes, Evan keeps detailed journals of his experiences.

As an adult, Evan discovers he can transport himself back in time by reading his journals to re-experience these lost moments. He learns that he can alter the past by intervening during these blackouts, in the hopes of creating a better future for himself and those he loves. However, each time he changes something, it results in unforeseen and often tragic consequences, leading him to understand the complexity and unpredictability of tampering with time.

2. Two and a Half Men (2011-2015): Ashton Kutcher movies and TV shows

Kutcher joined the hit CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men as Charlie Sheen’s replacement in its ninth season, after Sheen was fired and written off the show.

He plays Walden Schmidt, a wealthy internet entrepreneur who purchases Sheen’s character’s beachfront Malibu house after his untimely death. Walden is a quirky, depressed character who is socially awkward but kindhearted. He forms an unlikely bond with Charlie’s brother Alan (Jon Cryer), who lives in the house after Charlie’s passing.

While ratings initially dropped after Kutcher joined the cast, he stayed on for the top show’s last four seasons and once again showed off his comedic chops.

1. That ‘70s Show (1998-2006)

That ’70s Show, the show that made Kutcher a household name, ran for eight seasons, from 1998 to 2006. The nostalgic portrayal of the ’70s resonated with audiences of all ages, while its humor and relatable characters made the show a beloved TV staple.

Set in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, the series follows a group of teenagers as they navigate adolescence, friendship and romance in the ’70s. Kutcher plays the lovable but dimwitted Michael Kelso, and he had many of the most memorable and hilarious moments on the show.

The show was a critical and commercial success, launching the careers of its young cast members, including Kutcher and his wife-to-be Mila Kunis.

Although Kutcher left the show in its second to last season, he appeared as a guest star in its final season to wrap up his character’s story. The show was revived in 2023 on Netflix as That ‘90s Show, and Kutcher returned to reprise his role. The spinoff has recently been renewed for a second season.