The Ultimate List: 7 Must-Watch Movies With Freddie Prinze Jr. — From '90s Icon To 2025 Slasher Return
Freddie Prinze Jr. has experienced one of Hollywood's most fascinating career trajectories, transitioning from the undisputed king of '90s and early 2000s teen romantic comedies to a respected voice actor, and now, a star making a major comeback in both the thriller and rom-com genres in the mid-2020s.
This article, updated for late December 2025, dives deep into the filmography of the beloved actor, highlighting his most iconic roles and providing the freshest, most current details on his highly anticipated projects, including a major 2025 sequel and a recent 2024 mystery thriller, proving that the '90s heartthrob is back and better than ever on the big screen.
Freddie Prinze Jr.: Complete Actor Profile and Biography
Freddie James Prinze Jr. was born on March 8, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, and was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the son of actor and comedian Freddie Prinze Sr., who tragically passed away a year after his birth.
Prinze Jr. began his acting career in the mid-1990s and quickly rose to fame as a leading man in the burgeoning teen movie renaissance.
His diverse portfolio extends beyond live-action films, as he has also established a significant career as a writer, producer, and a prolific voice actor, notably voicing Kanan Jarrus in the animated series *Star Wars Rebels*.
- Full Name: Freddie James Prinze Jr.
- Born: March 8, 1976 (Age 49 in 2025)
- Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Spouse: Sarah Michelle Gellar (married since 2002)
- Notable Roles: Ray Bronson (*I Know What You Did Last Summer*), Zach Siler (*She's All That*), Fred Jones (*Scooby-Doo*), Kanan Jarrus (*Star Wars Rebels*).
- Career Highlights: Starred in multiple blockbuster films, co-created and starred in the ABC sitcom *Freddie* (2005–2006), and won a Golden Globe award.
The Highly Anticipated Comeback: New and Upcoming Freddie Prinze Jr. Films (2024-2025)
The biggest news for fans of the '90s icon is his return to the genres that made him famous: the slasher franchise and the mystery thriller. His recent and upcoming projects solidify his status as a versatile actor capable of leading a new generation of films.
1. I Know What You Did Last Summer Sequel (2025)
This is arguably the most exciting development for long-time fans: Freddie Prinze Jr. is officially reprising his iconic role as Ray Bronson in the upcoming *I Know What You Did Last Summer* sequel, which is penciled in for a 2025 release.
The film is a direct sequel to the 1997 slasher hit, and Prinze Jr. is set to star alongside his original co-star, Jennifer Love Hewitt.
The sequel, which began filming in late 2024, is generating significant buzz as a major horror franchise return. The return of Prinze Jr. and Hewitt brings a nostalgic yet fresh take to the franchise, with the new film being directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
2. The Girl in the Pool (2024)
In a pivot to the mystery thriller genre, Prinze Jr. starred in *The Girl in the Pool*, which saw a limited theatrical release in July 2024.
The film is a mystery thriller drama directed by Dakota Gorman and co-stars Monica Potter and Kevin Pollak.
The plot interweaves a complex set of events surrounding a murder, with Prinze Jr. taking on a more mature, dramatic role. This project highlights his shift toward darker, more character-driven material, moving away from his signature romantic comedy roles.
3. Christmas With You (2022)
Marking a successful return to the romantic comedy space after a significant hiatus, Prinze Jr. starred in the Netflix holiday film *Christmas With You*.
The wistful romantic comedy co-stars Aimee Garcia and follows a pop star, Angelina (Garcia), who, feeling career burnout, escapes to a small town to grant a young fan's wish, where she meets Prinze Jr.'s character.
The film was well-received by audiences and, according to Rotten Tomatoes, is actually ranked as Freddie Prinze Jr.'s best movie based on critical reception, solidifying his enduring appeal in the rom-com genre.
The Essential '90s and 2000s Classics
No discussion of Freddie Prinze Jr.'s filmography is complete without acknowledging the movies that cemented his status as a '90s teen idol and a bankable star. These films are essential viewing for understanding the teen movie renaissance of the era.
4. She's All That (1999)
Often considered the quintessential teen rom-com of the late '90s, *She's All That* stars Prinze Jr. as Zach Siler, a popular high school jock who makes a bet that he can turn the nerdy, artistic Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) into the prom queen.
The movie is a modern retelling of George Bernard Shaw's *Pygmalion* and was a massive box office success, making Prinze Jr. a household name and the definitive "rom-com king" of his generation.
5. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
This slasher film was a pivotal moment for Prinze Jr., launching him into the horror genre and creating one of his most recognized characters, Ray Bronson.
The movie follows a group of four friends who are stalked by a hook-wielding killer one year after they cover up a car accident. This role established his versatility, allowing him to star in both horror and romantic comedies, a rare feat for a young actor at the time.
6. Scooby-Doo (2002) and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
Prinze Jr. took on the role of Fred Jones, the leader of Mystery Inc., in the two live-action adaptations of the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon.
The films, which also starred his now-wife Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, were commercially successful and introduced the beloved characters to a new generation. His portrayal of the preppy, ascot-wearing Fred is one of his most iconic and family-friendly roles.
7. Summer Catch (2001)
A classic summer sports romantic comedy, *Summer Catch* stars Prinze Jr. as a young baseball pitcher named Ryan Dunne who is trying to make it to the major leagues while navigating a complicated romance.
Co-starring Jessica Biel, the film perfectly captured the early 2000s aesthetic of youthful ambition and summer love, further cementing his status as the go-to leading man for lighthearted, feel-good cinema.
The Enduring Legacy of Freddie Prinze Jr.
From his early breakout roles in high school dramas and slasher films to his recent, critically acclaimed return to romantic comedy and his upcoming sequel role as Ray Bronson, Freddie Prinze Jr.'s film career is defined by its ability to evolve. His work provides a nostalgic anchor for audiences who grew up in the '90s and 2000s, while his newest projects, particularly the 2024 thriller *The Girl in the Pool* and the 2025 *I Know What You Did Last Summer* sequel, prove he remains a relevant and compelling figure in modern cinema. Fans are eagerly anticipating his next moves, celebrating the return of a true Hollywood veteran.
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