The 11 Best Zach Braff Movies and TV Shows

Zach Braff has established himself as a versatile and talented actor, director and screenwriter over the course of his impressive career. He got his breakout role in the hit TV series Scrubs and then made his acclaimed directorial debut in Garden State, which was semi-autobiographical.

Braff said, “I wasn’t as extreme as Andy, but I was certainly battling my own demons. As I was writing it, I was hoping I could survive what became known as the quarter-life crisis, and depression and fantasizing that the perfect woman would come along and rescue me.”

No matter if he was playing roles in TV or movies, Braff has consistently delivered captivating performances and thought-provoking stories. He grew up in South Orange New Jersey and he said even at a young age, “I knew I was going to make movies and be an actor,” he says. “I knew I wouldn’t be living in South Orange. I knew I’d be the guy that got on the train.”

Here, we look back at our favorite Zach Braff movies and TV shows

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Did you know? Braff was waiting tables when he got cast in Scrubs.

11. Nobody's Watching (2006)

Created by Bill Lawrence, Nobody's Watching is a comedy that follows two friends who are given the opportunity to create their own sitcom. The film has many big names including Alan Thicke, Tom Bosley, Taran Killam and Paul Campbell.

10. French Girl (2024): Zach Braff movies and TV shows

Zach Braff’s latest movie, French Girl, follows Gordon Kinski (Braff) a bumbling high school teacher from Brooklyn who falls in love with French chef Sophie Tremblay (played by Evelyne Brochu). Sophie then goes back to Quebec City to interview for an executive chef position at the same restaurant where her ex is the head chef.  Braff’s comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with Brochu make this film a hit with audiences.

9. The Comeback Trail (2020)

This all-star cast, which has Zach Braff playing opposite Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman, was liked by both critics and audiences. Braff said he couldn’t believe he got the part, and that he didn’t even have to audition. However, it was pretty intimidating playing opposite De Niro.

Braff said, “Sometimes my character had to lead. It is not a joke and I would be in my trailer giving myself a pep talk. ‘You can’t be intimidated. You can’t be intimidated.’ I just remember thinking that I cannot be afraid that this is Robert De Niro.” The film follows a producer who owes money to a mobster, so he tries to kill off his aging movie star for the insurance money, but then realizes the movie he’s making is a masterpiece.

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8. Good Person (2023): Zach Braff movies and TV shows

This drama was written, directed and produced by Zach Braff. It stars Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Celeste O'Connor, Molly Shannon and Chinaza Uche. It follows a successful young woman who turns to opiates after a harrowing tragedy.

Says Braff,  “When we talk about grief and addiction, it can be maudlin. It can be too much. But if you can find the humor in it, that’s how you can affect people. A lot of times when grief happens, tragedy happens. Human beings reach for anything to numb the pain. So it just felt like something pretty universal. Everyone knows someone who’s an addict, and everyone can tap into those feelings of wanting to help them.”

7. Scrubs (2001-2010)

Of course, Scrubs is the show that made Zach Braff a star. Of his role, Braff said, “JD was designed to feel accessible. He wasn’t meant to be like Leo DiCaprio or someone that you’d be like, ‘Oh my God, look how handsome and perfect.’” And that’s exactly why everyone fell in love with him. Scrubs followed the lives of the staff at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, with a focus on young intern J.D. (Zach Braff) as he navigates the challenges of his medical career and personal life.

The show also starred Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison and Neil Flynn.  The show was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and accolades during its nine-season run. Braff's portrayal of the quirky and introspective J.D. was a standout, showcasing his talent for blending comedy and drama. The show's unique blend of humor, heart and medical drama made it a beloved staple of early 2000s television.

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6. Garden State (2004): Zach Braff movies and TV shows

This comedy/drama follows Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff), a struggling actor who returns to his hometown in New Jersey for his mother's funeral and reconnects with old friends, including the eccentric Sam (Natalie Portman). The movie not only starred Zach Braff, but he also wrote, directed and produced the film.

Says Zach, “I was just copying Diane Keaton in Annie Hall and Ruth Gordon in Harold and Maude. Those were my two favorite movies growing up, and I was kind of taking those two female protagonists and melding them into Natalie Portman. I was a very depressed young man who had this fantasy of a dream girl coming along and saving me from myself. And so I wrote that character.”

5. Wish I Was Here (2014)

Written by Zach Braff and his brother, Adam Braff, Wish I Was Here follows Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor and father who must find a way to pay for his children's private school tuition after his father can no longer afford it. The movie also stars Kate Hudson, Mandy Patinkin and Scrubs co-star Donald Faison. The movie was directed by Zach Braff.

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4. Chicken Little (2005): Zach Braff movies and TV shows

This animated film stars the voices of Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Garry Marshall and Don Knotts.  Chicken Little follows the story of a young chicken who causes a panic in his town after claiming the sky is falling, only to discover that there is a real threat to the town. Zach Braff plays the lead role of Chicken Little and brings the animated character to life.

3. The Ex (2006)

This romantic comedy stars Zach Braff alongside Amanda Peet and Jason Bateman. The story follows a chronic underachiever (Zach Braff) who works with his wife’s (Amanda Peet) ex-boyfriend (Jason Bateman) in a hostile office rivalry. The comedic chemistry is especially strong between Bateman and Braff.

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2. The High Cost of Living (2010): Zach Braff movies and TV shows

The High Cost of Living was a departure from Braff's more comedic roles, showcasing his dramatic range and ability to tackle more serious subject matter. His performance as the guilt-ridden protagonist was a standout, and the film received critical acclaim. Zach Braff and Isabelle Biais star in this thought-provoking drama about two lives that randomly collide with tragic consequences forcing them to confront loss, love and life.

1. The Last Kiss (2006)

The Last Kiss follows a group of friends in their late 20s as they grapple with the challenges of adulthood, including relationships, careers and the pressure to settle down. The film stars Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, Rachel Bilson and Casey Affleck. The Last Kiss was a critical and commercial success, with Braff's performance as the conflicted Michael earning praise.

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