Pete Davidson and Dave Franco: Must‑Watch Movies & TV Shows

When you hear the names Pete Davidson and Dave Franco together, you might picture two very different comedic flavors colliding. Davidson, the Saturday Night Live alumnus, leans into self‑deprecating, often raw humor, while Franco, the versatile straight‑man turned leading man, balances sarcasm with heartfelt sincerity. Yet both have carved out impressive film and television résumés that keep fans reaching for the remote. If you’re hunting a binge‑worthy lineup, this guide to Pete Davidson & Dave Franco movies and TV shows will point you toward the performances that define each career, as well as a few surprising cross‑overs.

Pete Davidson’s Breakout Roles on the Big Screen

Davidson’s transition from stand‑up sketches to feature films has been anything but linear. He first made a splash with Big Time Adolescents (2019), a low‑budget comedy that let his awkward charm shine. The real turning point arrived with The King of Staten Island (2020), a semi‑autobiographical dramedy co‑written with Judd Apatow. Critics praised the film for its honest take on grief and growth, and it cemented Davidson as a capable lead beyond the SNL stage.

• Big Time Adolescents (2019) – A wild road‑trip romp that showcases Davidson’s improvisational flair.
• The King of Staten Island (2020) – A heartfelt blend of humor and heartbreak that mirrors his own life.
• Nightmare on Elm Street (2021) – A surprise horror cameo that proved he can handle genre shifts.
• Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022) – Voice work that adds a cartoonish edge to his portfolio.

Beyond these titles, Davidson has made cameo appearances in ensemble comedies like Home Sweet Home (2021) and All My Friends Are Dead (2023). While not every project hits the mark, his willingness to experiment keeps his filmography fresh.

Pete Davidson on Television: From SNL to Streaming

Davidson’s television pedigree began with his 2014 debut on Saturday Night Live, where his “Weekend Update” segments quickly became a fan favorite. After several seasons, he shifted toward scripted series, landing a recurring role on Brooklyn Nine‑Nine (2020) that let him play a version of himself in a police precinct comedy. More recently, he starred in the Netflix limited series F**k, That's Crazy (2023), a darkly comic look at a fictionalized version of his own life.

• Saturday Night Live (2014–2022) – Sketch comedy where his personal anecdotes turned into viral bits.
• Brooklyn Nine‑Nine (2020) – Guest spot that blended his real‑life persona with the show’s quirky humor.
• F**k, That's Crazy (2023) – Netflix’s bold, self‑referential series starring Davidson as himself.

These television forays illustrate how Davidson balances his raw stand‑up roots with more structured, narrative-driven projects.

Dave Franco’s Rise in Film: From Sidekick to Star

Dave Franco entered Hollywood as the younger brother of James Franco, but quickly stepped out of that shadow with roles that highlighted his own comedic timing. Early on, he co‑starred in 21 Jump Street (2012) and its sequel, delivering the perfect blend of goofy charm and earnestness. His breakout leading‑man moment came with Now You See Me (2013), where his magician‑in‑training character added a light‑hearted counterbalance to the film’s high‑octane tricks.

• 21 Jump Street (2012) & 22 Jump Street (2014) – Franchise that cemented his place in modern comedies.
• Now You See Me (2013) – A sleek heist film where his character’s humor steals the show.
• Neighbors (2014) – A raunchy college‑life comedy that highlighted his chemistry with Seth Rogen.
• Life Itself (2018) – A dramatic turn that proved his range beyond laughs.
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) – A supporting role in the Oscar‑winning multiverse epic.

Franco’s willingness to dip into drama, as seen in Life Itself and the mind‑bending Everything Everywhere All at Once, shows a versatility that keeps his career evolving.

Dave Franco on the Small Screen: Comedy Meets Drama

While Franco’s film career often steals the spotlight, his television work deserves a look. He first appeared on the sitcom Scrubs (2009) as a quirky intern, a cameo that hinted at his future comedic chops. More recently, he starred in the Apple TV+ series Mr. Corman (2021), a dramedy that follows a former teacher navigating the absurdities of modern life. The show’s off‑beat humor and introspective moments align perfectly with Franco’s on‑screen persona.

• Scrubs (2009) – Early TV cameo that showcased his willingness to play oddball characters.
• Mr. Corman (2021) – Apple TV+ series blending existential musings with subtle comedy.
• Future Man (2017–2020) – Guest spot on the sci‑fi comedy series, adding to his genre diversity.

Franco’s television choices often lean toward character‑driven narratives, allowing him to explore more nuanced performances.

Comparing Their Paths: What Sets Them Apart?

Both Davidson and Franco thrive on humor, but their approaches diverge. Davidson leans heavily on personal anecdotes, turning his own life’s chaos into comedic gold. Franco, on the other hand, often plays the straight‑man who reacts to absurd situations, letting the surrounding chaos amplify his comedic timing. This contrast explains why their filmographies feel distinct: Davidson gravitates toward raw, autobiographical projects, while Franco seeks out ensemble pieces that let his subtle wit shine.

Fans looking for laughs can mix and match: start with Davidson’s “The King of Staten Island” for an emotionally resonant comedy, then jump to Franco’s “Neighbors” for a raunchy, fast‑paced romp. If you prefer binge‑watching, pair “F**k, That's Crazy” with “Mr. Corman” for a contrasting look at how each actor translates humor to the small screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pete Davidson movie is the best introduction for new viewers?

Most critics recommend The King of Staten Island because it balances his trademark humor with a genuine, heartfelt story that’s easy to connect with.

What Dave Franco TV series should I start with?
Mr. Corman on Apple TV+ offers a perfect mix of comedy and introspection, showcasing Franco’s range beyond his film roles.

Do Pete Davidson and Dave Franco ever appear together?

As of now, the two have not shared screen time in a single project, though both have cameoed in ensemble comedies that feature large casts.

Are there any upcoming projects for either actor?

Both actors have hinted at new film and TV commitments for 2024, with Davidson reportedly developing a follow‑up to “The King of Staten Island,” while Franco is attached to a limited series on Netflix, though official details remain limited.