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5 James Van Der Beek movies and TV shows you have to watch to celebrate iconic actor's legacy

Revisiting five of James Van Der Beek’s most memorable films that defined his career and left a lasting impact on audiences.

James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026. He had been battling with colorectal cancer for some time now and was forty-eight years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his family, who posted a statement honouring his memory on social media that read, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and six children. The actor gained stardom after his appearance in 'Dawson's Creek', then went on to star in several other noteworthy movies and television shows. In his remembrance, here are our picks for the top five Van Der Beek movies and shows you should watch. 

Varsity Blues

This 1999 movie was directed by Brian Robbins and starred Van Der Beek in the lead role, opposite Ali Larter as Darcy Sears. The plot followed the induction of an outsider second-string quarterback into a college football team after the team's famous quarterback, Lance Harbor (Paul Walker) was forced to step aside due to an injury. Van Der Beek perfectly encapsulated the angst of that age in his performance. 'Varsity Blues' is available for streaming on Apple TV. 

Dawson's Creek

This show ran for six seasons between January 1998 and May 2003, during which the show's leading characters, Dawson, Pacey, and Joey, almost became household names. Shining a light on all the shenanigans that happen to one during that coming-of-age period of one's adolescence. The cast of the show reunited recently to raise funds to support Van Der Beek's cancer treatment. 'Dawson's Creek' is available on Hulu. 

One Tree Hill

Although Van Der Beek appeared in four episodes of this teen drama, he became an enduring heartthrob through his portrayal of the film director Adam Reese. His integration with the literary source material necessitated that his character seek to adapt Luca's novel into a film. In more ways than one, the ethos of 'One Tree Hill' exists in the same universe as 'Dawson's Creek,' and it is no wonder that Van Der Beek shone so brilliantly in both. 'One Tree Hill' is available on Prime Video. 

The Rules of Attraction

This Roger Avary-directed film was based on a story by Bret Easton Ellis and released in theatres in October 2002. Van Der Beek played college campus-based drug dealer Sean Bateman, who suffers from a misunderstanding, believing that a girl named Lauren is leaving him discreet love notes. Furthermore, characters Sean, Lauren, and Paul are involved in a classic love triangle. As a result of this confusion, an exciting string of funny escapades transpires. Watch 'The Rules of Attraction' on Apple TV. 

Backwards

Sarah Megan Thomas and Van Der Beek appear in 'Backwards', which chronicled the aftermath of a competitive rower failing in her attempt to secure a spot in the Olympic team. 'Backwards' went on to prove that Van Der Beek was an exceptionally able supporting actor, and it was praised as a pleasant watch for sports enthusiasts and romantic comedy lovers alike. 'Backwards' is available for streaming on Netflix.