If you only know Kieran Culkin as the guy who makes inappropriate jokes while sitting weirdly in chairs on Succession, you're missing out on a career that spans nearly four decades. Seriously. He’s been around forever. Most people remember his brother Macaulay being the biggest child star on the planet, but while that was happening, Kieran was quietly putting in the work. He started as the "kid who peed the bed" in Home Alone and ended up as one of the most respected actors of his generation. It’s a wild trajectory.
The Succession Spark and the Roman Roy Era
Let’s be honest: Succession changed everything. Before Roman Roy, Kieran Culkin was that actor you’d recognize from "that one indie movie" but couldn't quite place. Then came 2018. Suddenly, he’s playing the youngest Roy sibling—a role that felt like it was written specifically for his frantic, sardonic energy.
The thing about Roman is that he’s deeply unpleasant but you kinda want to hug him? Or at least buy him a drink. Kieran played that balance perfectly. He wasn't just a comic relief character; he was the beating, bruised heart of the show. By the time the series wrapped in 2023, he’d racked up an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actor. It wasn't just luck. He’d been refining that "distasteful yet sympathetic" vibe for years in smaller projects.
Why Igby Goes Down Was the Real Turning Point
If you want to understand Kieran Culkin movies and tv shows, you have to go back to 2002. Igby Goes Down is basically the blueprint for Roman Roy. In it, Kieran plays Igby Slocumb, a rebellious teen trying to navigate a dysfunctional, wealthy family. Sound familiar?
It was his first big lead role, and it was terrifying for him. He’s said in interviews that the success of Igby was actually scary because it meant acting was now a "career," something he hadn't necessarily chosen for himself. After the film came out, he basically took a step back. He didn't want the "Macaulay level" of fame. He chose theater. He chose weird indie scripts. Honestly, that's probably why he didn't burn out like so many other child stars. He did things on his own terms.
The Cult Classics and Voice Work
There’s a specific era of Kieran’s career that fans absolutely obsess over. We're talking about the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World days.
As Wallace Wells, Scott’s "cool" roommate, he stole every single scene. He had the best lines, the best timing, and that specific brand of deadpan delivery that makes you wonder if he’s even acting or just being himself. When the anime Scott Pilgrim Takes Off hit Netflix in 2023, the fact that he came back to voice Wallace was a huge deal for the fandom.
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Some Highlights You Might Have Missed:
- The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002): A gritty, beautiful coming-of-age story starring alongside Emile Hirsch. It’s dark, funny, and deeply underrated.
- Fargo (Season 2): He was only in it briefly as Rye Gerhardt, but man, he made an impression. It’s one of those "if you blink, you'll miss him" roles that actually sets the whole plot in motion.
- The Cider House Rules (1999): A reminder that he can do straight-up drama. He plays Buster, one of the orphans, and it’s a much softer performance than we’re used to seeing from him.
The Oscar Win and The Future (2025-2026)
Right now, Kieran is on a massive winning streak. In March 2025, he actually won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. If you haven’t seen it, Jesse Eisenberg directed it, and they play cousins traveling through Poland. It’s a heavy movie about grief and heritage, but Kieran brings this manic, unpredictable energy that makes it watchable.
What’s next? Well, 2026 is looking huge. He’s been cast as Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Taking over a role originally played by Stanley Tucci is a bold move, but if anyone can pull off that theatrical, slightly unhinged TV host vibe, it’s him.
He’s also doing a voice role as Squealer in the new Animal Farm adaptation and recently wrapped a Broadway run of Glengarry Glen Ross with Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr. The guy is everywhere. He’s finally at a point where he doesn't have to worry about being "Macaulay's brother." He’s just Kieran.
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Making Sense of the Culkin Catalog
If you're looking to dive into his work, don't just stick to the hits. The "Kieran Culkin movies and tv shows" list is full of gems that didn't get much love at the box office. Lymelife (2008) is a great example—he stars with his brother Rory, and it’s a really raw look at 1970s suburbia.
He’s built a career out of being the guy who says the thing everyone else is thinking but is too polite to voice. Whether he’s a bed-wetting cousin or a billion-dollar media mogul, there’s a consistent thread of honesty in his work. He doesn't "try" to be likable, which ironically makes him one of the most likable actors working today.
Your Kieran Culkin Watchlist:
- Succession (The absolute must-watch)
- A Real Pain (For the Oscar-winning performance)
- Igby Goes Down (The indie breakout)
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (For the laughs)
- The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (For the deep cut)
To get the full experience, start with Igby Goes Down and then jump straight to Succession Season 4. You’ll see exactly how he evolved that specific, sharp-tongued persona into an art form. Check out A Real Pain on streaming platforms to see the performance that finally got him the Oscar.
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Next Steps:
- Stream A Real Pain to see his 2025 Oscar-winning turn.
- Revisit Scott Pilgrim vs. the World before the new Hunger Games prequel drops in 2026.
- Look for tickets or recordings of his recent stage work if you want to see his range outside of film.