Josh Holloway has ALWAYS had main character energy. From his Southern-fried swagger as Sawyer in Lost to the dust-kicked chaos of Duster, Holloway doesn’t just show up, he steals the scene.
Born in San Jose and raised in the small town of Free Home, Georgia, he famously joked, per Apple, that he funded college with “a brief but successful turn as a shoplifter” before swinging from modeling to acting. Since his breakout, Holloway has thrived in roles that have danger and charm. Plus, a hint of mystery!
While many fans know him from his island days or his latest gritty getaway driver role, there’s a full spectrum of Holloway greatness waiting to be (re)discovered. So if Duster has reignited your Holloway obsession, here’s your cheat sheet to five killer roles where Josh totally owns the frame. And one irresistible bonus!
Josh Holloway movies and TV shows you need to watch
1) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
(Image via Paramount+)
Before you blink, Holloway makes his mark as IMF Agent Trevor Hanaway in this sleek spy thriller. His presence (though brief) is magnetic, and his chase scene in Budapest sets a ruthless tone for the entire film.
In a world of Tom Cruise stunts and explosive set pieces, Josh Holloway still manages to grab your attention.
Where to watch: Paramount+
2) Sabotage (2014)
As DEA Agent Eddie “Neck” Jordan, Holloway dials into his rugged, no-nonsense zone. He plays one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s elite team members, hunted down one by one after a cartel sting.
It’s raw, it’s violent, and Holloway is as intense as we’ve ever seen him. His chemistry with the rest of the ensemble cast, including Sam Worthington and Joe Manganiello, proves he can thrive in ensemble chaos.
Where to watch: Prime Video
3) Paranoia (2013)
This corporate espionage thriller may have flown under the radar, but Holloway’s turn as FBI Agent Gamble adds teeth to the slick storyline.
Set between the cutthroat world of tech giants (played by Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford), Holloway keeps the pressure mounting. With every scene, he shows how a supporting role can still be unforgettable.
Where to watch: Apple TV
4) Colony (2016–2018)
Colony is where Holloway shines. As Will Bowman, a former FBI agent navigating an alien-occupied Los Angeles, he shows out as a protector, rebel, and moral compass with finesse.
His chemistry with Sarah Wayne Callies is electric, and his arc hits all the emotional beats: from family man to revolutionary. This is peak Holloway: layered, intense, and completely magnetic.
Where to watch: Peacock
5) Intelligence (2014)
In this short-lived but fascinating series, Holloway stars as Gabriel Vaughn, a cyber-ops super agent with a chip in his brain. Think Person of Interest meets Jason Bourne.
It’s vintage 2010s tech-thriller cheese, but Josh brings so much heart, swagger, and sincerity that you’ll wish this show had gotten the long run it deserved.
Where to watch: Apple TV
BONUS: Community – “A Fistful of Paintballs” (2011)
We had to include this one. Holloway’s cameo as “Black Rider” in this paintball Western episode is iconic. Cloaked in cowboy cool and deadly charm, he fits into Greendale’s chaos like he was born for it. And yes, he absolutely flirts with Annie.
Where to watch: Peacock
Watch the trailer for Duster below:
