10 Must-Watch O'Shea Jackson Jr. Movies: Ice Cube's Son's Latest Career Evolution (2025 Update)

The transition from 'Ice Cube's son' to a leading Hollywood actor has been a remarkable journey for O'Shea Jackson Jr., whose filmography is rapidly expanding with diverse and critically acclaimed roles. As of December 2025, his career is hitting new heights, moving far beyond his breakout role as his legendary father in the NWA biopic. His latest projects, including the highly anticipated action sequel *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera*, cement his status as a versatile performer capable of anchoring major studio films, proving he is a formidable talent in his own right. O'Shea Jackson Jr. has successfully navigated the immense pressure of a famous lineage, carving out a distinct acting career that showcases his range across comedy, drama, and action genres. This article dives into his most significant movies, from his powerful debut to his freshest, most recent work, offering a complete look at the cinematic achievements of the actor also known by his stage name, OMG.

O'Shea Jackson Jr. Complete Biography and Profile

O'Shea Jackson Jr., also known by his stage name OMG, is an American actor, rapper, and songwriter. He is the oldest son of legendary rapper and actor Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Sr.) and Kimberly Woodruff.

• Full Name: O'Shea Jackson Jr.
• Born: February 24, 1991
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Sr.) and Kimberly Woodruff
• Stage Name: OMG
• Education: University of Southern California (USC), where he studied screenwriting.
• Career Start: Initially pursued a career in music as a rapper.
• Acting Debut: Portraying his father, Ice Cube, in the 2015 NWA biopic *Straight Outta Compton*.
• Major Recognition: Nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in *Straight Outta Compton*.
• Current Focus: A leading actor in major Hollywood productions, spanning action, comedy, and dramatic roles.

The Breakout Role: Stepping Into His Father's Shoes (2015)

The role that launched O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s acting career and remains one of his most iconic performances is his portrayal of his own father in the 2015 biographical drama, *Straight Outta Compton*. This film chronicled the rise and fall of the revolutionary gangsta rap group NWA, which included his father, Ice Cube, along with Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella.

The casting was a bold move, but Jackson Jr.'s physical resemblance and uncanny ability to capture his father's mannerisms, voice, and intensity were universally praised. The performance was so authentic that it earned him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award, instantly establishing him as a serious dramatic actor. This role was not just an acting debut; it was a powerful statement about his potential, proving he could handle immense pressure and deliver a compelling, award-caliber performance.

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The success of *Straight Outta Compton* immediately opened doors for him, but it also presented a new challenge: stepping out of his father's shadow. He has since been very candid about the work required to be recognized for his own merit, a goal he has achieved through a series of smart, diverse film choices.

O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s Diverse Filmography: From Blockbusters to Indie Hits

Following his debut, Jackson Jr. made a conscious effort to diversify his roles, avoiding being typecast and demonstrating his versatility across various genres. His filmography showcases a talent for both intense drama and lighthearted comedy.

Here are the 10 most essential movies in O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s career:

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1. Straight Outta Compton (2015)

   His debut and most celebrated performance, where he masterfully played his father, Ice Cube, during the NWA era. This movie is the foundation of his acting career and a must-watch for understanding his talent.

2. Ingrid Goes West (2017)

   A dark comedy co-starring Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen. Jackson Jr. plays Dan Pinto, a sensitive, Batman-obsessed aspiring screenwriter who provides a grounding, humorous element to the film's satire on social media obsession.

3. Den of Thieves (2018)

   This gritty, high-octane heist thriller saw Jackson Jr. share the screen with Gerard Butler. He played Donnie Wilson, a skilled getaway driver and one of the members of the heist crew. The film's success led directly to the development of a sequel, cementing his place in the action genre.

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4. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

   Entering the monster movie genre, Jackson Jr. took on a military role as Chief Warrant Officer Barnes. This blockbuster demonstrated his ability to handle large-scale action and special effects-heavy productions.

5. Long Shot (2019)

   A romantic comedy where he starred alongside Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. He played Lance, the best friend of Rogen's character. This role highlighted his comedic timing and ability to be a charming supporting lead.

6. Just Mercy (2019)

   A powerful legal drama based on the true story of lawyer Bryan Stevenson. Jackson Jr. played Anthony Ray Hinton, a man wrongly convicted and sentenced to death row. This dramatic role showcased his depth and commitment to serious, socially relevant filmmaking.

7. Cocaine Bear (2023)

   A wild, dark comedy directed by Elizabeth Banks. Jackson Jr. played Daveed, one of the drug smugglers trying to recover a lost shipment of cocaine eaten by a black bear. The film was a box office hit and proved his appeal in offbeat, ensemble comedies.

8. The Starling Girl (2023)

   An indie drama that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Jackson Jr. plays a youth pastor in a fundamentalist Christian community. This role further demonstrated his commitment to challenging and nuanced character work outside of the mainstream.

9. Swagger (TV Series, 2021–Present)

   While a TV series, his role as Ike 'The Mentor' Edwards in the critically praised Apple TV+ drama *Swagger* is essential viewing. The show, inspired by the life of Kevin Durant, explores the world of youth basketball, and his performance as a former star turned coach earned him significant acclaim.

10. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (Upcoming 2025)

    The most anticipated project on his slate, this sequel sees him reprise his role as Donnie Wilson, this time operating in Europe. The film is set to be released in 2025 and is a major indicator of his rising star power in the action franchise space.

The Future is Now: O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s Upcoming Projects and Star Power

The trajectory of O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s career points firmly toward leading man status. His recent and upcoming work is characterized by high-profile projects that place him at the center of the action, signifying a complete transition from a novelty casting to a genuine Hollywood star.

The Return of Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

The most significant project on the horizon is *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera*, which is scheduled for release in 2025. The sequel moves the action from Los Angeles to Europe, with Jackson Jr.'s character, Donnie Wilson, being pulled back into the world of crime and espionage. His discussions about the film highlight his excitement for the physical and mental preparation required for the role, working again alongside co-star Gerard Butler.

The development of a third film, *Den of Thieves 3*, is already in the works at Lionsgate, further underscoring the studio's confidence in the franchise and Jackson Jr.'s role within it. This action series is a crucial vehicle for his international star power.

Establishing His Own Legacy

Jackson Jr. has often spoken about the challenge of being the son of an icon like Ice Cube. He has used the advice from his father, who told him to "make them eat crow," as motivation to prove his critics wrong and establish his own, unique legacy. His film choices—ranging from the high-concept creature feature *Cocaine Bear* to the grounded drama *Just Mercy*—demonstrate a strategic intelligence in building a diverse and respected body of work.

His work as an actor has not overshadowed his roots in music, which he continues to pursue under the name OMG. However, it is his commanding presence on screen that has truly captured Hollywood's attention. With a mix of blockbuster action, character-driven dramas, and a proven ability to carry a film, O'Shea Jackson Jr. is not just following a path; he is forging a new one, ensuring his name, separate from his father's, is synonymous with quality and versatility in modern cinema.