If you are a '90s kid, you probably remember actor Tom Welling as an incredibly attractive Clark Kent in the CW’s hit series, Smallville. But, the heartthrob has a variety of other projects – including some hidden gems – that are worth the watch for fans of his most recognizable effort.

Welling’s first credited role was as “Boy” in the “Picture Perfect” music video in 2000, and he has a total of 17 credits to his name. As he currently has no new projects in production, it is time to look at 10 of the best movies and TV shows from his 25-year-long career.

Mafia Wars, sometimes known as Deep Six, is an action film that does not entirely know what it is trying to accomplish. In this film, Welling plays an ex-con, Terry, and stars alongside Cam Gigandet – also known as James from Twilight. While it certainly will not win any Oscars, Mafia Wars is a fun-enough action trip that can tickle the senses while numbing the brain.

To be fair, its plot summary on IMDb makes about as much sense as the movie in its entirety. If you are interested, that description is:

An ex-con gets released early from prison only to be forced into an undercover unit of six men and on his first day the other five are all killed. Now he must face the men who he was tasked to spy on.

Professionals only lasted for one season, though its creators are still hoping to see another network pick it up. In this series, Welling plays a high-level security officer hired by a billionaire rocket designer following a failed satellite launch. That billionaire is portrayed by none other than Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser.

While audiences did seem to enjoy the series, with its action sequences and attempts at humor, it did not provide the CW with sufficient ratings, hence its cancelation. So, for now, the only 10 episodes are streaming online, through services like Peacock, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

In a 2019 “Crisis on Infinite Earths” episode, Welling returns to television screens as Clark Kent – albeit a potentially different version than the one shown in Smallville. With a flannel shirt and an endearing farm life, his appearance provides a nod to fans while still allowing the Batwoman show to stand on its own.

In the crossover episode, Lex Luthor is hoping to kill every version of Superman. But, Welling’s version has apparently given up his powers, and is instead living happily with his family. Because of this, the great Superman defeater – Kryptonite – has no effect on him.

The Winchesters expands the Supernatural universe, with Welling portraying a version of a character played by Mitch Pileggi in the original series. Through this character, Welling displays some of the qualities that are intrinsic to many of those he has embodied in the later years of his career – stoicism, strength, pragmatism, and hardheadedness.

Another key element of the fictional Samuel Campbell’s character is his relationship with his daughter, Mary. This not only serves as a point of interest for the character, but it also represents Welling’s own growth as a human, as he is a father of two kids.

Welling once again steps into a role of stoicism and strength for Parkland, representing Secret Service Agent Roy Kellerman – who was meant to protect JFK at the time of his assassination. His casting does certainly lend a Hollywood angle to Kellerman’s looks, which seems fitting in a film where Zac Efron portrays the doctor who first tried to save the injured President.

According to both critics and audiences, Parkland was not entirely successful at chronicling the events immediately following JFK’s shooting. But, it still managed to try something new, approaching a much-told story from a different perspective.

Following Parkland, Welling’s next credited role was as quarterback Brian Drew in Draft Day. He stars alongside Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, the late Chadwick Boseman, and others in this 2014 sports drama directed by Ivan Reitman (you may recognize Reitman as the man behind a little film called Ghostbusters).

Draft Day may not bring fresh perspectives to the genre, aside from the fact that it focuses on the ins and outs of the NFL Draft. But, Welling and the other cast members manage to imbue their roles with some heart, in an effort to make fairly two-dimensional characters a bit more 3D.

When Steve Martin’s first Cheaper by the Dozen film was released in 2003, it was not well-received by critics. Unfortunately, its sequel was met with even lower ratings. That being said, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a bit of a cash-grab that still knows what it is – a family comedy with slightly questionable writing and a lot of heart.

In this film, Welling reprises his role as Charlie Baker, the attractive eldest son who dreams of opening his own garage as a mechanic. But, the reason this sequel falls below its predecessor on the list is that Welling's character, and others, are less well-rounded, adhering to archetypes rather than expanding narratives.

The Tom Ellis-led series Lucifer is one that fans have long loved and defended, even managing to help convince Netflix to continue the show after it was canceled by Fox. In it, Welling portrays police Lieutenant Marcus Pierce – also known as Adam and Eve’s son Cain.

With this role, his apparent passion for hardheaded characters persists, and he serves as a solid foil to Ellis’ Lucifer. Plus, he steps onto screens with serious swag in season three, providing another opportunity for fans of his earlier works to celebrate his participation in the drama.

Another short-lived project that deserved a longer run time, Undeclared was very much a product of the early 2000s. The sitcom focuses on multiple college kids as they go about their lives at the University of North Eastern California, and was led by actors like Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, and a pre-Sons of Anarchy Charlie Hunnam.

Welling only makes a brief appearance in the series, joining for just one episode. But, Undeclared is still a great watch, especially if you enjoyed the high school drama Freaks and Geeks. Neither show gained the traction needed for networks to find them worthwhile investments, though both are critically successful and have since become cult classics.

As previously indicated, Cheaper by the Dozen was critically panned in 2003. Surprisingly, some audience members seemed to agree with the lower scores. But, if considered as a product of its time, Cheaper by the Dozen is an enjoyable, nostalgic family drama/comedy that blends humor with the chaos of parenthood.

Directed by Shawn Levy – known for projects like Night at the Museum, Free Guy, Real Steel, and Deadpool & Wolverine – Cheaper by the Dozen’s stacked cast of Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Alyson Stoner, and, of course, Tom Welling will put a smile on your face if you need something simple and heartwarming.