Kari Väänänen - Actor Profile

Kari Väänänen

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 17, 1953
Birth Place: Ivalo, Finland

About Kari Väänänen

Kari Kyösti Väänänen (born 17 September 1953 in Ivalo) is a Finnish actor and director. Domestically he is a member of the Ryhmäteatteri group of actors. He was introduced to international audiences by Aki Kaurismäki; and belongs to the list of his "trusted" stable of actors. His most challenging role has been the eponymous mafia hitman of Rosso, for which he learned all his lines phonetically, without previously speaking a word of Italian. Kari Väänänen was featured in Star Wreck, a Finnish sci-fi parody where he played the Russian president. He also starred in Jim Jarmusch's 1991 film Night on Earth. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kari Väänänen reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Kari Väänänen's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kari Väänänen remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Onni von Sopanen, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kari Väänänen Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kari Väänänen's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kari Väänänen.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 The Missile Uutis-Seppo Hit Similar →
2022 The Grump: In Search of an Escort Tarmo Average Similar →
2019 Master Cheng Romppainen Hit Similar →
2018 Ryhmäteatteri - Super Hit Similar →
2017 Kiwi Christmas Santa Flop Similar →
2017 Lapland Odyssey 3 Räihäsen isä Flop Similar →
2015 Dirty Hands Ivan Flop Similar →
2015 We Are the Pirates of the Roads Hurja-Kaarlo Flop Similar →
2011 Let My People Go ! Mr. Tiilikainen Flop Similar →
2011 Bohemian Eyes Self Average Similar →
2009 Backwood Philosopher Severi Average Similar →
2009 The House of Branching Love Niilo Average Similar →
2007 Christmas Story Iisakki Hit Similar →
2007 V2: Dead Angel Police Lieutenant Usko Saastamoinen Average Similar →
2006 Rock'n Roll Never Dies Laakkonen Flop Similar →
2006 Onni von Sopanen P.E. teacher Super Hit Similar →
2005 Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning President Uljanov Hit Similar →
2004 Trench Road Jarmo Kesämaa Average Similar →
2004 Honey Baby der Große Enrico Average Similar →
2003 Land of Love Hannu Rinta-Perkiö Flop Similar →
2000 Highway Society - Average Similar →
2000 Bad Luck Love Heinonen Average Similar →
2000 Lakeuden kutsu Erkki Hakala Average Similar →
1999 Ambush Corporal Tauno Snicker Average Similar →
1999 The Tough Ones Törnqvist Average Similar →
1998 Train Birds Asko, Milchfahrer Average Similar →
1997 Underwater Iceland Narrator Average Similar →
1996 Drifting Clouds Lauri Super Hit Similar →
1995 Iron Horsemen Darling Average Similar →
1994 Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses The Mute Average Similar →
1993 Ripa Hits the Skids Lynkkynen Flop Similar →
1992 La Vie de Bohème Schaunard Super Hit Similar →
1991 Night on Earth Man #1 Helsinki Super Hit Similar →
1991 Zombie and the Ghost Train Upseeri (voice) Hit Similar →
1990 Amazon Kari Flop Similar →
1990 Dolly and Her Lover Detective Karisto Flop Similar →
1989 Leningrad Cowboys Go America Igor (Village Idiot) Hit Similar →
1989 Cha Cha Cha Kari Pöllänen Hit Similar →
1987 Helsinki Napoli All Night Long Alex Average Similar →
1987 Hamlet Goes Business Lauri Polonius Hit Similar →
1986 Näkemiin, hyvästi - Average Similar →
1986 Harmagedon - Hit Similar →
1985 The Unknown Soldier Lammio Hit Similar →
1985 Rosso Rosso Hit Similar →
1985 Ylösnousemus Touko Heinävesi Average Similar →
1985 Calamari Union Frank Hit Similar →
1985 Viimeiset rotannahat - Flop Similar →
1984 The Clan: Tale of the Frogs Leevi Sammakko Hit Similar →
1983 Apinan vuosi Rene Hit Similar →
1983 Jon Jon Average Similar →

Kari Väänänen - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kari Väänänen?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kari Väänänen is "Onni von Sopanen" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Kari Väänänen acted in?

Kari Väänänen has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kari Väänänen?

Other notable films include "Ryhmäteatteri", "Drifting Clouds", and "Night on Earth".