
Michael Merlino
DirectingAbout Michael Merlino
Michael Merlino is a Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based actor & filmmaker who specializes in directing, editing, VFX, music production, and sound design. His work has earned a $10K national film grant, won awards from Chicago International Film Festival’s CineYouth and Artlist’s Creative Competition, and premiered at NFFTY with recognition from the Academy Award®-qualifying Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. With nearly a decade of experience in post-production, Michael has worked with brands like Google and Artlist.io, and composed original scores for films that have screened at festivals nationwide. Drawing from his Filipino heritage, his work blends diverse perspectives, dark humor, and Gen Z anxieties around authoritarian power—institutions, corporations, systems—while staying focused on emotionally-driven, visually-kinetic filmmaking. Michael is currently acting in narrative films, crafting visual effects for indie projects, and writing his debut feature, PINPOINT.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Merlino reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 3 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Michael Merlino'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 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Merlino remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Ping.Pong., which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Michael Merlino Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Michael Merlino's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Merlino.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | PINPOINT | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2025 | Sugar, Sorry | "Joe" | Flop | Similar → |
| 2022 | Ping.Pong. | Guy | Average | Similar → |
Michael Merlino - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Michael Merlino?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Merlino is "Ping.Pong." with a rating of 6.0/10.
How many movies has Michael Merlino acted in?
Michael Merlino has been featured in at least 3 major films throughout their career.


