8 Best Vin Diesel Movies Outside the Fast & Furious Series

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - When people think of Vin Diesel, the first thing that comes to mind is almost always Dominic Toretto, the tough, family-first street racer from the Fast & Furious franchise. It is easy to see why. Diesel has played this iconic character in eight movies, making it one of the longest-running roles in Hollywood history. The series has made billions of dollars at the box office and turned him into one of the biggest action stars in the world. But if you only know him from those Vin Diesel movies, you are really missing out.

There are many other great Vin Diesel movies worth your time, from epic war films to beloved animated classics. Here are eight of the best ones you should watch.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, JustWatch TV, FlixFling, Plex

The first movie on our list is the classic epic war film by Steven Spielberg. Yes, Vin Diesel also stars in this masterpiece, alongside Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. He plays Private Caparzo, a kind-hearted soldier who joins Captain John H. Miller's dangerous mission to find a young soldier named James Ryan behind enemy lines during World War II. Though his role is small, Diesel delivers a warm and memorable performance that shows a very different, softer side of him.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In this Marvel Studios film directed by James Gunn, Vin Diesel voices Groot, a large, gentle tree-like creature who can only say three words: "I am Groot." Despite saying so little, Diesel gives the character a surprising amount of heart and emotion. The story follows a group of unlikely heroes, including a talking raccoon and a human outlaw, who must work together to stop a powerful villain from destroying the galaxy.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Kanopy, Hoopla

Starring as Xander Cage, Diesel plays a daring extreme sports athlete who is recruited by the US government as a secret agent. His job is to go undercover and stop a dangerous criminal group that plans to use a deadly weapon. Directed by Rob Cohen, this high-energy action film is fun and exciting from start to finish. Diesel is completely at home in this role, bringing a cool, fearless energy that makes the character very easy to root for.

Where to Watch: The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, The CW, Hoopla, Plex Player, Fawesome

Directed by the legendary Sidney Lumet, this courtroom drama is perhaps the most surprising film on this list. Diesel plays Jackie DiNorscio, a real-life mobster who chose to defend himself in what became the longest criminal trial in US history. Instead of playing a tough action hero, Diesel delivers a funny, charming, and deeply human performance. He shows real acting skill here, and many critics agree this is one of the best roles of his career.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

The biggest superhero movie ever made, Avengers: Endgame brought together almost every Marvel character for one final battle. Vin Diesel once again voices Groot in this epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, directed by the Russo Brothers. After half of all life in the universe was wiped out by the villain Thanos, the surviving heroes plan a daring time-travel mission to undo the damage. Groot's role in the climactic battle scene is small but carries real emotional weight.

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand

Next, we have this beautiful animated classic directed by Brad Bird. Set during the Cold War, the story follows a young boy named Hogarth who discovers a giant metal robot from outer space. Diesel voices the Iron Giant himself, a massive and powerful machine who slowly learns what it means to have a soul. With very few words and mostly just sounds, Diesel makes the robot feel warm, innocent, and deeply moving. This film is a must-watch for all ages.

Where to Watch: Peacock

Directed by David Twohy, this dark sci-fi thriller introduced the world to one of Diesel's most iconic characters: Riddick, a dangerous convicted criminal with the ability to see perfectly in the dark. When a spaceship crashes on a remote desert planet, Riddick and the other survivors must work together as terrifying creatures begin to hunt them. Diesel is magnetic in this role, quiet and dangerous and impossible to ignore. The film turned him into a star practically overnight.

Where to Watch: PeacockClosing our list is the direct follow-up to Pitch Black, also directed by David Twohy. This time, Riddick is pulled into a much larger conflict, as a powerful religious army is conquering planets across the universe and only he seems capable of stopping them. The film is bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than its predecessor, with impressive world-building and intense action. Diesel owns every scene he is in, proving once again that Riddick is a character only he could play.