You probably remember the blonde hair and the surfboard. If you grew up anywhere near a television in the early 2010s, Dillon Lane was basically the face of that sun-drenched, goofy Nickelodeon energy. He played Skinner on Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures, and for a lot of people, that’s where the story ends. But honestly? If you look at the full list of Dillon Lane movies and tv shows, you’ll see an actor who has spent the last decade quietly dismantling that "teen idol" box.
He didn't just fade away like a lot of child actors do. Instead, he started showing up in some of the weirdest, darkest, and most critically acclaimed projects on streaming. From working with Nicole Kidman to appearing in one of the most viral sketches in recent memory, Lane’s career is a masterclass in the "slow burn" transition.
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The Breakthrough: Bucket & Skinner and the Nick Era
Before we get into the heavy stuff, we have to talk about Skinner. Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures premiered in 2011. It was peak Nickelodeon: loud, colorful, and centered around two best friends in a fictional California surf town. Lane played Skinner, the slightly-less-bright but incredibly loyal half of the duo.
It only lasted one season (about 26 episodes), but it established Lane as a comedic presence. People forget that he also did the usual "Disney-Nickelodeon crossover" circuit. He popped up in Good Luck Charlie as Walker and had a memorable role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Cloud 9 as Burke.
For most actors, this is a trap. You become "that guy from the surf show" and the industry stops calling. But Lane clearly had different ideas. He started taking guest spots that felt... different. He appeared in Longmire, a rugged Western, and Secrets and Lies, a grim ABC mystery. He wasn't playing the "goofy surfer" anymore. He was playing teenagers with secrets and adults with baggage.
The Indie Shift: From Teenage Badass to Boogeyman Pop
If you want to see where Lane really found his feet, you have to look at his indie film work. In 2020, he starred in Teenage Badass as Albert Fisk. It’s a stylistically sharp, funny movie about a band trying to make it in the late 90s. Lane is fantastic in it because he taps into that specific, desperate ambition of a young musician. It feels lived-in.
Then there’s Boogeyman Pop (2018). This isn't your standard teen flick. It’s a neon-soaked, triple-feature horror-noir where Lane plays Forrest. It’s weird, it’s low-budget, and it’s exactly the kind of project an actor takes when they want to prove they have range.
Notable Film and TV Appearances
- The Guilty (2021): You might have missed him here because it's a voice-heavy role, but he contributed to this Jake Gyllenhaal-led Netflix thriller.
- Countdown (2019): He played Evan in this "killer app" horror movie. It wasn't The Godfather, but it showed he could carry scenes in a major studio horror production.
- Charlie Says (2018): Directed by Mary Harron (who did American Psycho), this film looked at the Manson Family. Lane played a small role, but being on a set with that level of prestige changes how you’re perceived in Hollywood.
The "I Think You Should Leave" Moment
Perhaps the most unexpected turn in the list of Dillon Lane movies and tv shows is his appearance in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. If you’re a fan of the show, you know it’s the ultimate "cool kid" credit.
Lane appeared in the "Prank Show" sketch (the one with the "I don't even want to be around anymore" guy). He plays one of the producers behind the scenes. It’s a small role, but it perfectly highlights his ability to play the "straight man" to absolute absurdity. It’s a far cry from the slapstick of his Nickelodeon days. It shows a level of comedic timing that is dry, subtle, and very modern.
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Why Lonely Planet Changed the Game
In 2024, Lane appeared in Lonely Planet, a Netflix romantic drama starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. This was a massive shift. The movie, set in Morocco, is a sophisticated look at love and identity. Lane didn't play a kid. He played an adult in a mature, high-stakes production.
Working alongside veterans like Dern is a litmus test for any actor. You either hold your own or you vanish. Lane held his own. This project, more than any other, signaled that the transition from child star to character actor was complete.
The Music Side of Dillon Lane
You can't really talk about his filmography without mentioning that he’s a legit musician. In Bucket & Skinner, he was already writing and performing. But his solo work is much more raw. He’s released tracks like "BroKen Promises" and "I Got It," which lean into a rock/indie sound.
This musicality often bleeds into his roles. Whether he’s playing a band member in Teenage Badass or a guy with a guitar in a guest spot, there’s an authenticity there that you can't fake. It gives his characters a certain "edge" that wasn't there during his bowl-cut years.
Navigating the Career Path
What’s interesting about Lane is the lack of "scandal." Usually, when a Nick or Disney star tries to "go dark," they do it by making a headline-grabbing, controversial movie or through personal drama. Lane just... worked.
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He took small parts in big shows like Modern Family and Better Things. He did stunt work when he had to (check his credits on Bucket & Skinner—he actually did some of his own stunts). He stayed active in the industry by being a "Swiss Army Knife" type of performer.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re tracking Lane’s career or looking to watch his best work, don't start with the sitcoms.
- Watch Teenage Badass first. It’s the best representation of his ability to lead a film with charm and nuance.
- Look for him in The Guilty. Even as a voice role, it shows his ability to convey emotion without the "crutch" of physical acting.
- Appreciate the guest spots. His work in Better Things (created by Pamela Adlon) is a great example of him fitting into a very specific, naturalistic style of acting.
Dillon Lane is currently in that sweet spot where he’s recognizable enough to get the room, but versatile enough to still surprise people. He’s moved past the "Skinner" label by simply being too good to ignore in everything else.
Keep an eye on his upcoming projects in 2026. The trajectory suggests he’s heading toward more "prestige" TV—the kind of HBO or FX dramas where he can really chew on a complex character. He’s already proven he can do the comedy, the horror, and the indie drama. Now, it’s just about finding the one role that makes the rest of the world catch up to what his fans already know.