JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
15 Must-Watch Jake Gyllenhaal Movies: From Nightcrawler to Prisoners
Jake Gyllenhaal, a talented Oscar nominee, excels in diverse roles. Here are his top 15 movies, highly acclaimed by critics. Read further to know more
Since the 1990s, Jake Gyllenhaal has been a prominent actor in various movies like Donnie Darko, The Day After Tomorrow, and Jarhead. He began his big-screen journey as Billy Crystal's son in the 1991 comedy City Slickers and later gained recognition after his role in October Sky.
Despite his impressive performances, Gyllenhaal has surprisingly received only one Oscar nomination. Nevertheless, he continues to impress audiences with his versatile acting skills in every new role he takes on.
For fans who want to see more of his exceptional work, they can check out Jake Gyllenhaal's highest-rated movies in 2023, which showcase his talent and appeal.
1. Nightcrawler (2014)
- Genre: Crime/Thriller
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Papajohn, Marco Rodríguez, Bill Paxton, James Huang, Kent Shocknek, Pat Harvey, Sharon Tay.
- Director: Dan Gilroy
- Writer: Dan Gilroy
- Run time: 1h 57m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Nightcrawler is a neo-noir cult classic movie that showcases Jake Gyllenhaal's exceptional acting skills. He plays Lou, a small-time thief, who becomes a cameraman by shooting videos at night using a camcorder and police scanner. His compelling footage catches the attention of a local news station, which hires him without knowing how far he's willing to go for a headline.
The film also stars Rene Russo and Bill Paxton and received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. It's a gripping reminder of Gyllenhaal's talent and versatility, making it a must-watch for audiences.
2. Wildlife (2018)
- Genre: Drama
- Star Cast: Ed Oxenbould, Jake Gyllenhaal, Carey Mulligan, Travis W Bruyer, Zoe Margaret
- Director: Paul Dano
- Writer: Paul Dano
- Run time: 1h 45m
- Year of release: 2018
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
Jerry (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), Jeanette (played by Carey Mulligan), and their son Joe have recently moved to a small town in Montana near Canada. When Jerry loses his job, it causes tension between the couple. Things get worse when Jerry decides to join firefighters dealing with a forest fire, leaving his family to fend for themselves.
The movie Wildlife, directed by Paul Dano (known for The Batman), is a beautiful adaptation of Richard Ford's 1990 novel. Gyllenhaal and Dano co-produced the film, and Dano co-wrote the script with his partner, Zoe Kazan, who is also an actor. Critics praised the movie for its touching drama and filmmaking.
3. Source Code (2011)
- Genre: Sci-fi/Action
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden
- Director: Duncan Jones
- Writer: Duncan Jones
- Run time: 1h 33m
- Year of release: 2011
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
In the movie "Source Code," Colter, played by Gyllenhaal, must stop another attack after a train explosion. He joins a secret military operation that lets him experience the last few minutes of a deceased man from the event. By reliving those moments, he can figure out who the bomber is. But there's a catch - he has limited time to complete his mission.
Duncan Jones directed this science-fiction thriller after Gyllenhaal was impressed by Jones' film "Moon." "Source Code" is often compared to Tony Scott's "Déjá Vu," but it takes the idea of dreams and time travel to a whole new level with its unique storytelling.
4. October Sky (1999)
- Genre: Drama/Docudrama
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Natalie Canerday, Scott Thomas.
- Director: Joe Johnston
- Writer: Homer Hickam
- Run time: 1h 47m
- Year of release: 1999
- OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
In West Virginia, Homer Hickman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) wants to be a coal miner like his father, but everything changes when he sees Sputnik 1 launch. He becomes fascinated by rocket science. His dad disapproves, but with help from friends and a supportive teacher (Laura Dern), he chases his dream of a science scholarship and a better life.
"October Sky" is the movie where Gyllenhaal gets his first lead role. Critics loved his performance. The film is based on Homer Hickman Jr.'s book, "Rocket Boys." The title "October Sky" is special because it's an anagram of the book's title and a reference to how Sputnik 1 was originally described.
5. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
- Genre: Drama/Docudrama
- Star Cast: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau
- Director: Jon Watts
- Writer: Jon Watts
- Run time: 2h 10m
- Year of release: 2019
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
In "Spider-Man: Far From Home," Peter Parker (Tom Holland) wants to enjoy his school vacation abroad. But, when beings from another universe cause chaos, Nick Fury seeks his help. Still grieving Tony Stark's loss, Spider-Man teams up with new S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Mysterio (Gyllenhaal). However, he soon discovers that Mysterio's origin story is more complex.
The movie marks the end of phase three in the MCU. It's also Gyllenhaal's first appearance in the franchise. In an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Gyllenhaal admitted feeling overwhelmed on the first filming day and struggling to remember lines. But, with reassurance from Holland, he gained composure and became one of the best villains in the MCU.
6. The Guilty (2021)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Riley Keough, Peter Sarsgaard, Christina Vidal, Eli Goree, Ethan Hawke, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Christiana Montoya.
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Writer: Antoine Fuqua
- Run time: 1h 30m
- Year of release: 2021
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
"The Guilty," a remake of a 2018 Danish film with the same name, follows troubled police officer Joe Baylor, played by Gyllenhaal, who now works at an emergency call center. One night, he gets a distressing call from a woman named Emily (voiced by Riley Keough) claiming she's been kidnapped. Joe becomes obsessed with solving the case as he tries to assist her and find her location.
Despite concerns about yet another American remake of a foreign film, "The Guilty" is an incredibly well-made movie. Gyllenhaal delivers a strong performance, and much of the tension comes from what is not shown on screen. Those who use their imagination will appreciate this film the most.
7. Nocturnal Animals (2016)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney
- Director: Tom Ford
- Writer: Tom Ford
- Run time: 1h 56m
- Year of release: 2016
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
"Nocturnal Animals" is a psychological thriller directed by Tom Ford, adapted from the novel "Tony and Susan" by Austin Wright. The movie follows Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), an art gallery owner, and her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal). Edward sends her a manuscript titled "Nocturnal Animals," dedicated to her. The film switches between Susan's real-life experiences and the story within the manuscript.
Tom Ford skillfully portrays the frustrations of our strange world with rich metaphors and stunning cinematic style. The movie's colors, technique, and visuals are impressive. Despite its beautiful appearance, the film's emotions are powerful, unsettling, and sometimes captivating. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an outstanding performance, effortlessly expressing the psychology of his characters and leaving the audience frightened.
8. Prisoners (2013)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Maria Bello
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Writer: Denis Villeneuve
- Run time: 2h 33m
- Year of release: 2013
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
In the movie "Prisoners," two young girls are kidnapped in Pennsylvania, and the police are searching for the suspect. One of the girls' fathers decides to take matters into his own hands when the police release a minor they had arrested. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, who is also working on the case.
The film's gripping storyline keeps you hooked, and the performances by Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, and Paul Dano are incredibly powerful and emotional. Their acting stays with you long after the movie ends.
9. The Good Girl (2002)
- Genre: Drama/Comedy
- Star Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Deborah Rush, Mike White, John Carroll Lynch, Jake Gyllenhaal
- Director: Miguel Arteta
- Writer: Miguel Arteta
- Run time: 1h 33m
- Year of release: 2002
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
The Good Girl" revolves around a married woman, played by Jennifer Aniston, whose life gets shaken when she starts a secret affair with a strange guy, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who believes he's like Holden Caulfield.
Gyllenhaal's portrayal adds depth to the typical angry young man character inspired by Holden Caulfield. The movie is moving, perceptive, and enjoyable as it explores the complexities of the human heart. Aniston delivers one of the best performances of her career.
10. Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023)
- Genre: War/Action
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Sean Sagar
- Director: Guy Ritchie
- Writer: Guy Ritchie
- Run time: 2h 3m
- Year of release: 2023
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
In Guy Ritchie's film "The Covenant," set during the Afghanistan War, US Army Sergeant John Kinley (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is saved by Afghan interpreter Ahmed (played by Dar Salim) after an ambush. However, Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given the promised safe passage to America. To fulfill his commitment, Kinley decides to return to the conflict area to get them before the Taliban finds them.
Unlike Ritchie's previous works, "The Covenant" focuses more on developing characters and addresses serious issues. Jake's role is one of his most secure performances, allowing Salim to shine as a lead in a larger role than his previous Hollywood parts.
11. End of Watch (2012)
- Genre: Action/Crime
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Natalie Martinez, Anna Kendrick, David Harbour, Frank Grillo, America Ferrera, Cle Sloan.
- Director: David Ayer
- Writer: David Ayer
- Run time: 1h 49m
- Year of release: 2012
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
End of Watch is a gripping film that follows two Los Angeles police officers, Brian Taylor (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (played by Michael Peña), working in the rough South Central District. Unlike typical cop movies, it's thrilling, fast-paced, and the performances by Gyllenhaal and Peña are outstanding. The movie shows their daily police work, interactions with a dangerous gang, strong bonds, and personal relationships
The film effectively captures the intense and emotional impact of their job on the cops. It blurs the line between the audience and the characters by using different camera perspectives, making the experience truly immersive.
12. Okja (2017)
- Genre: Adventure/Drama
- Star Cast: Tilda Swinton, Sheena Kamal, Michael Mitton, Colm Hill, Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Jose Carias, Giancarlo Esposito, Jake Gyllenhaal
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Writer: Bong Joon-ho
- Run time: 2 hour
- Year of release: 2017
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Okja is about a girl named Mija who takes care of a special pig. When the pig is taken away by the meat industry, she goes on a mission to save it. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a crazy zoologist on TV, and his performance is over-the-top in a funny way. The movie blends action, comedy, horror, and social commentary. It humorously shows how we produce meat in real life.
13. Lovely & Amazing (2001)
- Genre: Drama/Indie film
- Star Cast: Troy Ruptash, Emily Mortimer, Brenda Blethyn, Jake Gyllenhaal
- Director: Nicole Holofcener
- Writer: Nicole Holofcener
- Run time: 1h 31m
- Year of release: 2001
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Lovely & Amazing tells the story of Jane, a wealthy mother with three different daughters, who share an odd idealism. Each daughter seeks redemption in their own way, but their progress is short-lived.
Jordan, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is a young photo developer who becomes involved with his older coworker, Catherine Keener, despite her anger. Gyllenhaal skillfully portrays the curiosity and desire for relationships with older women in his limited screen time. Though Lovely & Amazing didn't perform well at the box office, it delves deep into the characters' minds and highlights women's body-image insecurities.
14. Donnie Darko (2001)
- Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, Katharine Ross
- Director: Richard Kelly
- Writer: Richard Kelly
- Run time: 1h 53m
- Year of release: 2001
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8/10
Donnie Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) encounters a demonic rabbit named Frank, who warns of the world's end in 28 days. Is this reality or a parallel universe inside Donnie's mind? The mind-bending sci-fi movie delves into alternate lives hidden from the world. Starring Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and an early appearance by Seth Rogen.
15. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid, Valerie Planche
- Director: Ang Lee
- Writer: Ang Lee
- Run time: 2h 14m
- Year of release: 2005
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
"Brokeback Mountain," directed by Ang Lee, is a romantic Western film about two men, Jack (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger). They are hired as sheep herders and develop a deeper relationship on Brokeback Mountain. When they return home, they try to move on, but they can't forget each other. Secretly, they continue their relationship for twenty years.
The movie was originally considered by other big stars like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon, but they couldn't commit despite loving the script. "Brokeback Mountain" received numerous Oscar nominations and won awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. It beautifully portrays the bittersweet love story of these star-crossed lovers.
Also read: Here’s 'Jesse Stone' Movie Series in Order
FAQs
Latest Articles
