Kevin James Movies and TV Shows – Complete List and Best Ranked

Kevin James established himself as a leading comic actor through nine seasons of the CBS sitcom The King of Queens, earning an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of delivery driver Doug Heffernan. Since that breakout role concluded in 2007, he has built a prolific film career spanning more than 25 movies, including voice work in major animated franchises and collaborations with Adam Sandler’s production company.

His filmography demonstrates particular versatility for a comedian primarily associated with physical humor and everyman characters. Beyond the Paul Blart: Mall Cop franchise, which he wrote and produced, James has appeared in family comedies, action thrillers, and faith-based dramas. According to data compiled on his career, he continues to maintain active projects scheduled through 2026.

What Are Kevin James’ Movies? Complete List

• Earned an Emmy nomination for The King of Queens during its nine-season run
• Appeared in over 25 feature films since his 2004 debut
• Voiced Frankenstein in three Hotel Transylvania animated features (2012, 2015, 2018)
• Writer and producer credits on Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Zookeeper, and Here Comes the Boom
• Transitioned to thriller genre with critically praised role in Becky (2020)
• Maintains two-decade collaboration with Adam Sandler across four major studio releases
• Two feature films scheduled for 2025 theatrical release

Kevin James TV Shows: From King of Queens to Now

While James maintains an active film schedule, his television work provided the foundation for his career longevity. His small-screen credits span three decades, from early stand-up appearances to recent Netflix productions.

The King of Queens (1998-2007)

James starred in 207 episodes of the CBS sitcom alongside Leah Remini, playing Queens parcel delivery driver Doug Heffernan. The series ran for nine seasons and established the physical comedy style that would define his subsequent film work. Critical profiles note this remains his most recognized performance.

Kevin Can Wait (2016-2018)

James returned to broadcast television with this CBS sitcom, playing retired police officer Kevin Gable. The series ran for 48 episodes across two seasons before cancellation, despite initial renewal for a second season.

Netflix and The Crew (2021)

Transitioning to streaming, James starred in The Crew as Kevin Gibson, a NASCAR crew chief. The Netflix series produced 10 episodes before cancellation after one season. He also appeared in the Adam Sandler Netflix films Sandy Wexler (2017) and Hubie Halloween (2020).

Best Kevin James Movies Ranked

Critical reception of James’s work varies significantly by genre, with his dramatic and supporting turns generally outperforming his broad comedies in aggregate scores.

Critical Standouts

According to aggregated critical data, James’s highest-rated performances include the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, where he played a nervous accountant alongside Will Smith, and the 2020 thriller Becky, where he portrayed a convict menacing a teenage girl. Both films represent departures from his standard comic persona.

Commercial Successes

Despite mixed critical reception, Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) became his signature financial hit, spawning a 2015 sequel. The original’s domestic box office performance established James as a viable leading man for mid-budget studio comedies. The Hotel Transylvania franchise, in which he voiced Frankenstein across three features, collectively grossed over $1.5 billion globally.

Voice Work and Animation

Beyond the Sony animated features, James provided voices for Barnyard (2006) as Otis the cow and motion-capture performance for Monster House (2006) as Officer Landers. These roles demonstrated his capacity for character work distinct from his on-screen physicality.

Kevin James Movies with Adam Sandler and Collaborations

James has maintained a professional relationship with Adam Sandler spanning nearly two decades, appearing in four features produced by Happy Madison Productions. This collaboration began after James established himself on The King of Queens.

The Partnership Begins

Their first co-starring role came in I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), where James played firefighter Larry Valentine opposite Sandler’s Chuck Levine. The comedy addressed themes of domestic partnership and workplace discrimination, grossing over $186 million worldwide.

Ensemble Franchises

James joined Sandler’s ensemble casts for Grown Ups (2010) and Grown Ups 2 (2013), playing Eric Lamonsoff, a furniture company owner with anger management issues. He later appeared as President William Cooper in the video game-inspired action comedy Pixels (2015), defending Earth against alien invaders.

Kevin James Filmography Timeline

1. 1998: Debuts as Doug Heffernan in The King of Queens (CBS)
2. 2004: First film appearance in 50 First Dates as factory worker
3. 2005: Breakthrough film role in Hitch
4. 2007: Co-stars with Adam Sandler in I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
5. 2009: Leads Paul Blart: Mall Cop as writer/producer
6. 2012: Voices Frankenstein in first Hotel Transylvania; stars in Here Comes the Boom
7. 2015: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and Hotel Transylvania 2 released
8. 2016: Returns to TV with Kevin Can Wait
9. 2020: Dramatic turn in thriller Becky
10. 2024: Stars in Monster Summer
11. 2025: Scheduled release of Guns Up and Playdate

What We Know About Kevin James Upcoming Projects

How Kevin James Built His Comedy Career

James began his entertainment career in stand-up comedy, appearing on An Evening at the Improv between 1994 and 1997 before landing recurring roles on Everybody Loves Raymond. These early credits established his working-class persona, which he refined into the Doug Heffernan character for The King of Queens. The sitcom’s nine-season run provided the stability that allowed him to transition into film production.

His career evolution reflects a strategic expansion beyond sitcom formats. While maintaining his partnership with Adam Sandler’s production company for broad comedies, James has pursued independent dramatic roles, most notably in the 2020 thriller Becky. This diversification mirrors similar career trajectories of other stand-up comedians who transitioned from television to multi-genre film work.

As a producer and writer, James has maintained creative control over several projects including the Paul Blart franchise and Here Comes the Boom, allowing him to shape narratives around his physical comedy strengths while exploring themes of vocational purpose and unexpected heroism. For viewers tracking upcoming major franchise releases, our Avatar Fire and Ash coverage provides additional context on blockbuster scheduling.

Sources and Career Verification

Information regarding James’s complete filmography derives from verified database entries and primary source reporting. Career timeline data appears in Internet Movie Database records. Official career information is maintained on his official website.

“James received an Emmy nomination for his lead role in The King of Queens (1998-2007), where he starred alongside Leah Remini across nine seasons.”

— Apple TV Person Profile

“According to a 2024 Deadline report, James is set to portray John Daly in an untitled limited series in 2026, listed as a lead role.”

— Wikipedia citing Deadline

Key Takeaways on Kevin James Filmography

Kevin James has appeared in over 25 films and multiple television series since his 1998 breakout on The King of Queens, with his work spanning from the Paul Blart franchise to dramatic roles in Becky and collaborative projects with Adam Sandler. His upcoming slate includes two feature films for 2025 and a limited series portraying golfer John Daly set for 2026. For viewers interested in ensemble casts in mystery series, see our coverage of the Cast of Harry Wild.

Frequently Asked Questions