The bestSeth MacFarlanemovies and TV shows showcase the comedian, writer, and director’s unique brand of humor and versatility. Born on June 08, 2025, MacFarlane broke into Hollywood withFamily Guy, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. His ability to blend satire, slapstick, and musical elements has made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern comedy. Over the years, he has expanded beyond animation, stepping in front of the camera for live-action roles and lending his voice to various animated films. His distinct style and comedic timing have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards.
MacFarlane’s work isn’t limited to television; his film career has been just as impactful. From creating the belovedTedfranchise to directing theWestern comedyA Million Ways to Die in the West, Seth MacFarlane has proven himself both as a filmmaker and an actor. He has even dabbled in dramatic roles, such as his appearance inThe Loudest Voice. With an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song under his belt,Seth MacFarlane has continued to cement his legacy. Whether starring in, directing, or writing a project, his influence on comedy remains undeniable - as his best movies and TV shows prove.
Every TV Show Created By Seth MacFarlane, Ranked Worst To Best
Seth MacFarlane has an impressive collection of animated and live-action TV shows he has helped to create over the course of his career.
The sequel to the hit comedyTed, 2015’sTed 2saw Seth MacFarlane return as the voice of the foul-mouthed, living teddy bear. WhileTed 2didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, it still delivered plenty of crude humor and heartfelt moments. Directed by MacFarlane himself,Ted 2followed Ted as he fought a legal battle to be recognized as a person, leading to plenty of satirical jabs at the justice system.
WhileTed 2didn’t break new ground, MacFarlane’s voice performance as Ted remained as hilarious and energetic as ever.His chemistry with co-star Mark Wahlberg carried much of the film’s charm, while the supporting cast, including Amanda Seyfried and Morgan Freeman, added depth to the story. The movie may not have been a critical darling, but for fans of MacFarlane’s signature humor, it still delivered plenty of laughs.
Seth MacFarlane stepped outside his usual comedic comfort zonein Guillermo del Toro’sHellboy II: The Golden Army, voicing Johann Kraus, a ghostly ectoplasmic entity housed in a diving suit. Though not one of MacFarlane’s most recognizable roles, his performance added an extra layer of wit and personality to the film. His distinct vocal style helped make Kraus a standout character among Hellboy’s eccentric team of supernatural heroes.
Hellboy IIitself was praised for its imaginative world-building, stunning visuals, and action-packed sequences.Del Toro’s signature fantasy elements madeHellboy IIone of the best superhero movies of its era, and MacFarlane’s contribution added just the right amount of humor and charm.While he didn’t have a lead role, his presence helped elevate the film, proving that he could bring his unique voice work to projects outside his own creations.
A significant departure from his usual comedic roles,The Loudest Voicesaw Seth MacFarlane take on the dramatic role of Brian Lewis, Fox News’ head of PR. This limited series, starring Russell Crowe as controversial network head Roger Ailes, explored the rise and fall of Fox News. MacFarlane’s portrayal of Lewis was nuanced, showcasing his ability to handle dramatic material effectively.
While Seth MacFarlane didn’t lead the cast ofThe Loudest Voice, his role was crucial in depicting the inner workings of the media empire. His performance stood out as one of the show’s highlights, proving that he could hold his own alongside dramatic heavyweights like Crowe and Naomi Watts.The Loudest Voicewas critically praised, and MacFarlane’s involvement showed that he was more than just a comedy creator—it confirmed his range as an actor.
As both the star and director, Seth MacFarlane brought his signature comedic style to the Western genre in 2014’sA Million Ways to Die in the West. Playing Albert Stark, a cowardly sheep farmer who finds himself caught in a deadly feud, MacFarlane infused the film with his usual mix of satire, absurd humor, and musical numbers. While the movie received mixed reviews, it showcased his love for blending classic storytelling with over-the-top comedy.
A Million Ways To Die In The Westfeatured an all-star cast, including Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, and Neil Patrick Harris, who helped bring Seth MacFarlane’s ridiculous vision to life.Though it wasn’t a box-office smash,A Million Ways to Die in the Westbecame a cult favorite among fans of his humor.The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often push genre boundaries, and this 2014 cult favorite Western is no exception.
Expanding on the belovedTedfilms, Seth MacFarlane created theTedTV show in 2024, a Peacock original series that serves as a prequel. The show explores Ted’s early years growing up with his best friend, John (played now by Max Burkholder), before the events of the movies. By revisiting the foul-mouthed teddy bear and this Thunder Buddy, Seth MacFarlane successfully brought his irreverent humor to a new medium while retaining the charm that made the originalTedmovies successful.
Seth MacFarlane once again voices Ted, proving that even after a decade, his comedic timing as the character remains sharp. By diving deeper into the backstory of the iconic talking bear, theTedTV show offers fans more of the humor and heart that made the movies work. The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often balance comedy with surprising emotional depth, and theTedPeacock series continues that tradition.
Seth MacFarlane’s role in the animated musicalSingshowed off his lesser-known talent as a singer (a skill which was no surprise to fans of the likes ofFamily Guy, but was something of a shock for wider audiences). He voiced Mike, a Sinatra-style crooning mouse with a big voice and an even bigger ego. Directed by Garth Jennings,Singbecame a surprise hit thanks to its charming characters, catchy soundtrack, and star-studded voice cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson.
Mike’s flashy, overconfident personality inSingwas a perfect match for Seth MacFarlane’s vocal performance.His rendition of classic jazz songs demonstrated his impressive abilities as a musician, further proving his versatility as a performer.Singwas both a critical and commercial success, and MacFarlane’s role helped make it one of the most enjoyable animated films of the decade.
Arguably one of Seth MacFarlane’s most famous live-action films, 2012’sTedintroduced audiences to the outrageous, foul-mouthed teddy bear that would become a pop culture icon. As the writer, director, and voice of Ted, Seth MacFarlane created a hilarious, heartwarming comedy that resonated with audiences worldwide. Co-starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis,Tedbecame a massive box office hit and was one of MacFarlane’s earliest successes beyond animated shows likeFamily GuyandAmerican Dad.
Seth MacFarlane’s voice performance as Ted was a comedic masterclass, blending crude humor with surprising emotional depth.Ted’s mix of raunchy comedy and genuine friendship made it one of the best Seth MacFarlane movies. It even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, proving that Seth MacFarlane’s talents extended beyond comedy.
Alove letter to classicStar Trek,The Orvilleallowed Seth MacFarlane to step outside of pure comedy and explore deeper storytelling while still incorporating his signature humor. As the show’s creator, writer, and star, MacFarlane played Captain Ed Mercer, the somewhat underqualified but well-meaning leader of the Orville, a mid-level exploratory starship in the 25th century. While initially marketed as a sci-fi comedy,The Orvillequickly developed into something much more: a heartfelt and ambitious space drama that balanced humor with poignant themes of morality, identity, and diplomacy.
ThoughThe Orvillestarted with a more comedic tone, it gradually evolved into a serious, character-driven series that earned praise from both sci-fi fans and critics. MacFarlane’s performance as Mercer showcased his ability to bring warmth and depth to a leading role.The best Seth MacFarlane movies and TV shows often push creative boundaries, andThe Orvilleproved that he could craft a compelling sci-fi series with emotional weight.Despite being underappreciated during its initial run,The Orvillehas since gained a dedicated fan base and is regarded as one of MacFarlane’s finest achievements.
One of the best Seth MacFarlane TV shows,American Dad!is a long-running animated sitcom that has carved out its own identity apart fromFamily Guy. Co-created by MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman, the show follows Stan Smith, a patriotic but often clueless CIA agent, and his eccentric family. UnlikeFamily Guy, which leans heavily on cutaway gags and surreal humor,American Dad!is more character-driven, with stronger narrative continuity and more absurdist, offbeat storytelling.
Seth MacFarlane provides the voice for Stan, bringing his signature deep, authoritative tone to the character while also voicing Roger, the show’s scene-stealing alien who delights in disguises and chaos.His performances add a unique charm to the series, making his characters in the show some of the most recognizable in adult animation. Over the years,American Dad!has received critical praise for its sharp satire, clever writing, and ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its comedic edge. The show remains a staple of MacFarlane’s legacy, proving his talent for creating long-lasting, innovative animated series.
10 Best Episodes Of American Dad
The best episodes of American Dad show why many consider it Seth MacFarlane’s funniest show.
Arguably the most defining project of Seth MacFarlane’s career,Family Guyremains one of the most influential animated sitcoms of all time - and his best TV show. Created by MacFarlane in 1999, the series follows the dysfunctional Griffin family - Peter, Lois, Meg, Chris, Stewie, and their talking dog, Brian - through absurd misadventures filled with cutaway gags, pop culture references, and satirical humor. WhileFamily Guywas initially canceled in 2002, its strong DVD sales and syndication success led to a revival in 2005, and it has remained a staple of adult animation ever since.
Seth MacFarlane voices several of the show’s most iconic characters, including Peter Griffin, the bumbling but well-meaning father; Stewie, the diabolical but hilarious baby; and Brian, the intellectual and sarcastic family dog.His vocal performances are a crucial part of what makesFamily Guyso enduring. Over the years, the series has earned multiple Emmy Awards and cemented itself as one of the most influential animated sitcoms in television history. The bestSeth MacFarlanemovies and TV shows showcase his unique comedic voice, andFamily Guystands as his greatest and most recognizable creation.
