Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien: movies they appeared in together

This evergreen explainer clarifies the filmography of Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, focusing on movies they shared and how often their careers intersected. We verify which projects they both appeared in, provide key metrics for each collaboration, and use the findings to describe their on-screen relationship and career trajectories. This guide is kept current for long-term usefulness and is structured for quick scanning and deep reading.

Short answer: which movies did Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien appear in together?

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien have appeared together in only one feature film: the 2015 romantic comedy drama The Intern. They did not share screen time in any other theatrical releases, and they have not collaborated on television or in other projects to date. Below is a compact overview of that film and their respective careers around it.

Their only shared feature film

The Intern (2015)

The Intern is a workplace comedy-drama directed by Nancy Meyers and starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. In the film, Rachel McAdams plays Jules Ostin, the founder of a fast-growing fashion e-commerce site, while Dylan O’Brien plays Matt, a recent college graduate hired as her intern. Their on-screen dynamic centers around a mentorship that evolves into a candid intergenerational friendship.

The film performed solidly at the box office, earning approximately $194 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. It was well received by general audiences, though reviews were mixed-to-positive, with particular praise for the performances of McAdams and O’Brien and for the film’s gentle, feel-good tone.

Rachel McAdams filmography at a glance

Rachel McAdams is known for romantic comedies, dramatic turns in prestige television, and a gradual move toward carefully selected film and streaming projects. Highlights include early recognition in comedies, a pivot to dramatic roles, and recent work in high-profile streaming series.

Key milestones in her film career

• Mean Girls (2004): Breakout comedy role as Regina George; enduring cultural impact.
• The Notebook (2004): Romantic lead role that broadened her mainstream appeal.
• Wedding Crashers (2005): Popular supporting performance in a major comedy.
• Spotlight (2015): Critically praised dramatic role as part of an ensemble investigating institutional abuse.
• Doctor Strange (2016): MCU appearance as Christine Palmer, expanding her visibility into superhero genre.
• Alpha (2018): Lead role in a prehistoric adventure drama.
• Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020): Musical comedy collaboration with Will Ferrell.
• Only Murders in the Building (2021–present): Lead in an acclaimed streaming comedy-drama, showcasing her strength in serialized storytelling.

Dylan O’Brien filmography at a glance

Dylan O’Brien rose to prominence through the MTV series Teen Wolf and has since balanced blockbuster franchises with idiosyncratic indie films. His roles often highlight physical commitment and emotional vulnerability, leading to steady audience recognition.

Key milestones in his film career

• Teen Wolf (2011–2017): Breakout television role as Scott McCall; strong fanbase and cultural footprint.
• The Maze Runner (2014): Lead role in a major YA dyst franchise.
• The Internship (2015): First major shared project with Rachel McAdams.
• American Assassin (2017): Lead role in an action-thriller for the big screen.
• Deepwater Horizon (2016): Physically demanding performance in a disaster drama.
• The Dark Universe (2022): Return to big-budget franchise storytelling.
• Jack Ryan (2023): Expanded presence in streaming with a supporting role.

Career trajectories and overlaps

Both Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien have built long-term careers, but the number of projects they share is limited. The Intern represents a single, carefully aligned collaboration that took place when both actors were seeking roles that diverged slightly from their typical genres. For McAdams, it was a step into light, character-driven comedy after several dramatic pieces. For O’Brien, it was a shift from physically intense YA fare toward a lighter, ensemble-driven environment.

Outside of this film, they have largely moved through separate professional ecosystems: McAdams in streaming prestige and selective films, O’Brien in big franchise work and event television. This reduces the likelihood of future crossovers but keeps the memory of their joint project intact as a well-received, if singular, pairing.

Why they haven’t worked together more often

The movie industry often channels actors into distinct lanes based on casting, genre, and scheduling. For McAdams and O’Brien, both reached periods of high visibility in different commercial categories, making overlap difficult. Additionally, production timelines for large franchises and premium streaming series rarely align in a way that allows room for side projects. As a result, The Intern remains a curated collaboration rather than the start of a recurring partnership.

Quick comparison table

Bottom line

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien have co-starred in a single movie, The Intern, which performed well at the global box office and showcased a mentor–intern dynamic. Beyond this collaboration, their careers have largely progressed independently, minimizing the chances of additional joint projects. This evergreen overview is designed to remain accurate and useful, giving readers a clear, evidence-based understanding of their shared film history.