The landscape of modern television and film is often defined by actors who can navigate between high-concept sci-fi, intimate indie dramas, and expansive streaming sagas. Garrett Wareing has emerged as a consistent presence in this space, building a filmography that reflects a transition from a breakout child performer to a versatile leading man. Understanding the trajectory of Garrett Wareing movies and tv shows requires looking at the specific creative risks he has taken across different genres, from the prestige of working with Oscar winners to the grueling demands of supernatural television series.

The Breakout: Stet and the Foundations of a Career

Every career has a definitive starting point, and for Wareing, it was the 2014 drama Boychoir. Starring as Stetson "Stet" Tate, Wareing played a troubled youth with a prodigious musical talent who is sent to a prestigious East Coast music school. This role was significant not just for its emotional weight but for the company he kept on screen. Sharing scenes with Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates provided a masterclass in performance that arguably shaped his approach to later roles.

In Boychoir, Wareing’s performance was characterized by a quiet intensity, a trait that would become a signature in his subsequent work. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it established him as an actor capable of carrying a feature film at a young age. This early exposure to high-level production values and veteran mentorship set a high bar for his future projects in the film industry.

Transitioning to Blockbusters and Psychological Thrillers

Following the success of his debut, Wareing moved toward the large-scale spectacle of Hollywood blockbusters. In 2016, he appeared in Independence Day: Resurgence, playing Bobby. Although the role was a supporting one in a massive ensemble cast, it allowed him to experience the mechanics of a major studio franchise. The film, directed by Roland Emmerich, focused heavily on visual effects and high-stakes action, representing a significant shift from the grounded, character-driven nature of Boychoir.

By 2018, Wareing sought out more experimental territory with the psychological thriller Perfect. Produced by Steven Soderbergh and directed by Eddie Alcazar, the film was a stark departure from mainstream cinema. Playing the character known as Vessel 13, Wareing navigated a surrealist narrative set in a futuristic wellness center. The film was polarizing; while some praised its avant-garde visual style and body-horror elements, others found its plot difficult to parse. For Wareing, however, Perfect demonstrated a willingness to engage with non-traditional storytelling, a move that often defines actors looking to distance themselves from a "teen idol" image.

The Television Expansion: From Pretty Little Liars to Manifest

Television has played a crucial role in maintaining Wareing's visibility and expanding his fanbase. In 2019, he joined the cast of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, a spin-off of the massive Pretty Little Liars franchise. He portrayed Zach Fordson, a character who provided a grounded romantic interest amidst the show’s central mystery. Although the series only ran for one season, it maintained a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Wareing's performance was noted for its charm and sincerity, helping him transition into the world of serialized TV drama.

However, his most recognizable television role to date came with the supernatural drama Manifest. Joining the series in its second season as TJ Morrison, Wareing became a key player in the intricate mythology surrounding Flight 828. TJ was a college student who shared a unique bond with Olive Stone, and his character arc—which involved survival, disappearance, and ultimate return—became a favorite among the show's dedicated "Manifesters."

Wareing’s involvement in Manifest spanned across the show's transition from NBC to Netflix, appearing in both the second and fourth seasons. The role required a balance of intellectual curiosity and emotional vulnerability, as TJ often served as a researcher for the "callings" that the characters experienced. The show’s global success on streaming platforms significantly elevated Wareing’s profile, making him a recognizable face to millions of viewers worldwide.

Leading the Modern Western: Ransom Canyon

As of early 2026, one of the most significant pillars of Wareing’s recent career is the Netflix series Ransom Canyon. Billed as a modern Western drama in the vein of Yellowstone or Virgin River, the show centers on the lives and loves of those living in a rugged Texas community. Wareing plays Lucas Russell, a hard-working ranch hand with aspirations that extend beyond the physical borders of the Double K Ranch.

This role is a homecoming of sorts for Wareing, who was born and raised in College Station, Texas. Critics have noted that his performance in Ransom Canyon feels authentic, likely bolstered by his own roots. As Lucas, Wareing portrays a character caught between loyalty to his work and the pursuit of his personal dreams. The chemistry between him and co-star Lizzy Greene has been a focal point of the show's reception. With the first season having completed its run in 2025 and subsequent production continuing into the current year, Ransom Canyon has solidified Wareing’s position as a reliable leading man in the "contemporary frontier" genre.

Genre Deep Dives: God is a Bullet and Dead Sea

While finding success in television, Wareing has continued to take on gritty roles in independent and genre films. In 2023, he appeared in the action-thriller God Is a Bullet, directed by Nick Cassavetes. Starring alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Jamie Foxx, Wareing played Wood in a dark narrative about a detective infiltrating a sinister cult. The film was known for its graphic violence and bleak tone, providing another opportunity for Wareing to showcase his range in darker, more mature material.

Similarly, in 2024, he starred in the crime-horror film Dead Sea (also known as Dangerous Waters). Playing Julian, Wareing navigated a survivalist plot set on the high seas. While the film faced a difficult reception from critics regarding its pacing and script, Wareing’s performance was often cited as a highlight, demonstrating his ability to maintain presence even in challenging productions. These roles suggest a career strategy that balances safe, popular television projects with more experimental and challenging film work.

Stephen King and the Adaptation of The Long Walk

One of the most anticipated entries in the list of Garrett Wareing movies and tv shows is his role in the 2025 adaptation of The Long Walk. Based on the novel by Stephen King (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), the story is a dystopian thriller about a grueling walking contest where the penalty for falling behind is death.

Wareing was cast as Billy Stebbins, a character known for his stoicism and mysterious background. In the source material, Stebbins is a pivotal figure who challenges the protagonist's perception of the competition. The film, which features a strong ensemble of young actors including Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, was one of the most discussed releases of the past year. Wareing's portrayal of Stebbins required a physically demanding performance, emphasizing the internal psychological toll of the contest. The project was highly regarded by horror and thriller enthusiasts, further cementing Wareing’s reputation as an actor who can handle complex, literary-based material.

Directorial Debut and Creative Control

Beyond acting, Wareing has begun to explore the creative process from behind the camera. This is an important facet of his career that differentiates him from many of his peers. In 2022, he wrote, directed, and starred in a short film titled The Difficulties of Being Drunk Alone.

This project allowed him to experiment with narrative structure and visual tone without the constraints of a major studio. While the film was a short-form project, it signaled his intention to become a multi-hyphenate in the industry. Actors who understand the mechanics of writing and directing often bring a different level of insight to their performances, and this is evident in the nuanced way Wareing approaches his more recent characters.

Recent and Upcoming Projects (2026 and Beyond)

As we look at the current status of his career in April 2026, Wareing shows no signs of slowing down. His recent project Chasing Summer (released earlier this year) saw him taking on the role of Colby, a character that returns him to a more grounded, dramatic setting. The film has been described as a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of loss and reconciliation, providing a counterbalance to the high-stakes drama of Ransom Canyon.

Furthermore, there is significant buzz surrounding the upcoming horror film Hide and Don't Speak. In this project, Wareing is set to star alongside Tanner Buchanan and Quvenzhané Wallis. Directed by Alexander J. Farrell, the film is expected to be a psychological horror entry that challenges the conventions of the genre. Given Wareing's history with films like Perfect and The Long Walk, this project seems to fit perfectly within his established interest in psychological tension and atmospheric storytelling.

Analyzing the Career Trajectory

When examining the complete list of Garrett Wareing movies and tv shows, a clear pattern emerges. He began his career by working with some of the most respected names in the industry, which established a foundation of professional discipline. From there, he avoided the trap of being pigeonholed into a single type of role. He has successfully navigated:

  1. High-Level Drama: Boychoir and Chasing Summer.
  2. Science Fiction and Supernatural: Independence Day: Resurgence and Manifest.
  3. Genre Thrillers: God Is a Bullet and Dead Sea.
  4. Modern Streaming Epics: Ransom Canyon.
  5. Literary Adaptations: The Long Walk.

This diversity is rare for an actor in his mid-20s. By alternating between the stability of long-running television shows and the volatility of independent film, Wareing has built a career that is both commercially viable and artistically interesting.

The Impact of Streaming on His Visibility

The role of platforms like Netflix cannot be overstated in this career analysis. Manifest found a second life on Netflix that it might not have sustained on traditional network television, and Ransom Canyon was developed specifically for the streaming giant’s global audience. This has allowed Wareing to bypass some of the traditional barriers to international stardom, as his work is available simultaneously in hundreds of countries.

His ability to lead a "comfort watch" series like Ransom Canyon while simultaneously appearing in a gritty Stephen King adaptation like The Long Walk demonstrates a strategic understanding of the modern entertainment market. He appeals to a broad demographic, from fans of romantic westerns to enthusiasts of dark, psychological thrillers.

Conclusion

Garrett Wareing’s filmography is a testament to the evolving nature of a career in the 2020s. Starting from a specialized background in choral music drama, he has expanded his reach into almost every major genre of modern entertainment. Whether he is navigating the supernatural mysteries of Manifest, the rugged landscapes of Ransom Canyon, or the terrifying psychological endurance of The Long Walk, he brings a consistent level of depth to his roles. For those following Garrett Wareing movies and tv shows, the next few years appear to be a period of further refinement and expansion into even more complex and challenging territory.