Alright, buckle up. Because if you’re like me — a sucker for slow burns, soft accents, and acting so good it makes you question your own existence — then Paul Mescal has probably already wrecked you at least once. Maybe it was during Normal People, or maybe you spotted him in something else and went, “Wait, that guy?”
Well, you’re not alone. And today, I’m doing the full dive. This is the complete, messy, slightly chaotic list of Paul Mescal movies and TV shows — with some rambles, awkward memories, and the occasional rogue typo thrown in. Just how I like it.
Where It All Began: The Theater Roots
Before the screen stuff, Paul was doing his thing on stage. I mean, actual theater. Live audience. No retakes. Stress dreams. The whole deal.
The Early Plays
- The Great Gatsby – Yeah, he played Jay Gatsby. I know, right? Green light intensifies.
- The Lieutenant of Inishmore – This one’s bonkers in the best way. Guns, cats, and Irish absurdity.
- Asking for It – A heavy one, based on Louise O’Neill’s novel. Hits hard.
There’s something about Mescal on stage that just… clicks. It’s like watching someone dig into their own brain in front of you. In a good, non-horror movie way.
The TV Debut That Launched 10,000 Crying GIFs
Normal People (2020)
You knew it was coming.
The show that broke hearts, won awards, and made chain necklaces hot again. This one sits at the top of the paul mescal movies and tv shows list for good reason. He played Connell Waldron like he was born to do it. Which is wild because I still can’t handle how raw that performance was.
There were moments that made me remember being 17 and thinking everything was the end of the world. (Still kinda do, honestly.)
Also, if you didn’t ugly cry during Episode 10… are you okay?
The Big Screen Moves: Films That Slap (Emotionally)
After the world collectively said, “Wait, who is this guy and why do I feel like I know him?”, Paul shifted into film. And yeah, it’s been a ride.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Okay, he’s not in it for long. But he is in it. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, this one’s moody and strange in the best way. Paul plays Will, a beach worker who honestly made me want to quit my job and move to Greece. For like five minutes. Then I remembered I sunburn in 4 seconds.
God’s Creatures (2022)
Oof. This film is heavy.
It’s set in a small Irish fishing village (of course), and Paul plays Brian, a young man who returns home and stirs up all kinds of drama. The tension here? Could cut glass. One of the darker entries in the paul mescal movies and tv shows lineup, but so worth it.
Funny story: I watched this with my aunt, who kept saying “Isn’t he the soft boy from that other show?” Not anymore, Aunt Linda. Not anymore.
Aftersun (2022)
This one broke me. Just emotionally steamrolled my soul.
Paul plays a young dad named Calum taking his daughter on vacation. That’s it. Nothing explodes. No car chases. Just vibes, memory, and emotional devastation.
I watched this late at night, and when the credits rolled, I just sat there like… “what even is life?” Like I forgot how to function.
If I had to pick one of the paul mescal movies and tv shows to haunt me forever, this would be it. In a good way. Maybe.
Getting Mythical with Ridley Scott
Gladiator II (TBA 2025)
Yeah, you read that right. Paul. Freaking. Mescal. In a Gladiator sequel. What even is this timeline?
He’s playing Lucius — the now-grown son of Lucilla — which means swords, sandals, and serious intensity. Early rumors say he trained like a madman for the role, which honestly sounds right. That guy doesn’t half-arse anything.
Still not over the fact that a guy I once watched fumble through awkward therapy scenes is now leading a literal gladiator epic. Wild.
Quick Flashback: Childhood Feels
Okay, pause. I need to tell you this. When I was a kid, I genuinely believed actors just… lived in the TV. Like little people trapped in the box. I once tried to talk to one through the screen and got mad when they didn’t respond. My older brother never let me live it down.
Anyway, Paul Mescal would’ve blown my tiny mind back then.
Music Videos and Short Films (Yes, These Count)
Phoebe Bridgers – Savior Complex (2020)
Remember this one? Directed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, starring Paul and… a Chihuahua.
Yeah. That happened.
It’s weird and dreamy and slightly chaotic, which is kinda the theme of most paul mescal movies and tv shows honestly. But it works.
Drifting (Short Film, 2020)
This was pre-Aftersun, but you can already see the emotional weight he brings. It’s about two childhood friends who grow apart — like, painfully apart. Reminded me of that time my best friend in 3rd grade moved away and I wrote her a 4-page letter and she never wrote back. Brutal.
Upcoming Projects: What’s Next?
Because Paul Mescal isn’t even close to done wrecking us.
Carmen (2022)
Oh yeah, forgot to mention — he can sing. Like, legit. Carmen is a modern reimagining of the classic opera. It’s poetic, raw, and honestly kinda hypnotic. If musicals aren’t your thing, this one might still hook you.
Strangers (Coming Soon)
Adapted from the novel by Taichi Yamada, this one’s gonna be spooky. Like, House of Leaves kind of spooky. Ghosts, memory, grief — all the good stuff. And Andrew Scott is in it too? Shut up and take my money.
The History of Sound
He’s starring alongside Josh O’Connor. I don’t even care what the plot is — just put them in a field somewhere being emotionally repressed and I’ll watch it on repeat.
The Mescal Method: What Makes Him So Dang Good?
There’s this… softness to him. But also a simmering intensity that makes every scene feel just slightly unsafe. In a good way. It’s like he’s constantly two seconds from falling apart or blowing up.
And yeah, the paul mescal movies and tv shows list isn’t massive yet. But every entry feels intentional. No filler. Just pure, heart-wrenching, slightly dangerous vulnerability.
Favorite Paul Moments That Live In My Brain Rent-Free
- That tiny, quiet sob in Aftersun. You know the one.
- The look on his face when Connell can’t speak in therapy.
- The Savior Complex smirk. Yep. It’s real.
- When he showed up at an awards show in a kilt and people lost their minds.
- That time he accidentally joined Irish Twitter because someone tagged him wrong. Iconic.
Weirdly Specific Paul Mescal Vibes
Okay, humor me. If I had to sum up paul mescal movies and tv shows in strange metaphors, it’d be:
- Like reading a journal you weren’t supposed to find.
- Like sitting in a cold car after a funeral. Quiet. Still. Full of meaning.
- Like eating soup at 3 a.m. because your heart’s a bit broken.
Told you it was weird.
Little-Known Fun Stuff (That I Totally Googled Then Pretended I Knew)
- He used to play Gaelic football. Big deal in Ireland.
- He can sing really well. No autotune nonsense.
- He almost became a teacher. Can you imagine being taught math by Paul Mescal? I’d fail on purpose.
Wrote this paragraph by hand. Then spilled coffee on it. Classic.
Why We Keep Watching
Because it’s not just about the plot. Or the big budget. Or the “Oscar buzz.” It’s the way he holds silence. The way he listens in scenes. The way he’s not afraid to look ugly-sad.
There’s just something unfiltered about him. Like he doesn’t know he’s being watched. Which makes all paul mescal movies and tv shows feel… real.
And let’s be honest — the industry needs more of that.
The Complete List (So Far) — Because Some Of You Like Order
Here’s your quick cheat sheet. Don’t say I never give you anything.
TV:
- Normal People (2020)
Films:
- The Lost Daughter (2021)
- God’s Creatures (2022)
- Aftersun (2022)
- Carmen (2022)
- Gladiator II (2025)
- Strangers (TBA)
- The History of Sound (TBA)
Shorts and Other:
- Drifting (2020)
- Savior Complex (2020 music video)
Final Thoughts From a Random Fan on the Internet
Look, I don’t know where Paul Mescal is going next. Maybe Broadway. Maybe space. Maybe he’ll open a cheese shop and retire from acting completely. I dunno.
But I do know that the paul mescal movies and tv shows we’ve got so far? They’re a gift. A weird, messy, emotionally-loaded gift that makes me feel a lot of things I didn’t ask to feel.
And hey — that’s the whole point of art, right?
