Jack Black is one of the most well-known actors and musicians today. His eccentric antics have captivated audiences since the 90s and show no signs of slowing down. Although Black is perhaps best known for his work as part of the comedy rock band Tenacious D, he is also a highly regarded actor, starring in some of the most beloved films. Here are 10 of Jack Black’s finest films, ranging from well-known comedies to more serious roles that he has played.
10. The Polka King
credit: Netflix
A select few have only watched this Netflix picture. This is incredibly disappointing, given how well Jack Black does the role. It depicts the tale of Jan Lewan, a polka legend from Pennsylvania, who went to prison after trying to get rich quickly through many elaborate schemes. The absurd lengths he goes to make millions of dollars are astounding in their brazenness but not in their morality. Black plays Jan with purity, shadow, and utmost deference while wearing a full-blonde wig and speaking with a Polish accent. You could compare him to a Polish polka-loving Jordan Belfort. To portray the larger-than-life Lewan, who else but Jack Black would do justice to the role?
9. The Pick Of Destiny
credit: New Line Cinema
Jack Black’s admirers know he is capable of much more than just acting. One of Jack’s numerous talents is music, and he displays his talent in several of his films. Jack and Kyle Gass’s metal band, called Tenacious D. The Pick of Destiny, chronicles the journey of JB and KG as they attempt to become the ultimate rock band. They plan to obtain a guitar pick fashioned from Satan’s tooth, called the Pick of Destiny. Fans of Jack Black’s humor and music are the most likely to enjoy this flick. The movie is a piece of rock music, including the songs of Tenacious D, and rock giants such Meatloaf, Ronnie James Dio, and Dave Grohl make appearances too.
8. High Fidelity
credit: Buena Vista Pictures
Jack has said that High Fidelity was the movie that got him noticed. John Cusack stars as a record store owner with a rocky relationship history, while Jack Black portrays Barry, a friend, and coworker at a record store. There are a few tonal similarities to Kevin Smith’s film Clerks. Workers at a record store are always chatting about music and making fun of clients’ record selections. There is a lot of laughter and warmth in this romantic comedy. In retrospect, it’s hardly surprising that this movie was pivotal in establishing Jack Black as a household name.
7. King Kong
credit: Universal Pictures
Peter Jackson’s King Kong is another example of a Jack Black film that demonstrates his range beyond the realm of comedy. In this modern update of the 1933 classic, King Kong is brought back to life with the help of cutting-edge CGI. Black plays Carl Denham, the director who sends a naive crew to the mythical Skull Island, home to the mighty Kong. Although it’s a lengthy movie, most reviewers had nothing but praise for it. Many people think that Jack’s performance as Denham is superior to the one in the original. Even if he doesn’t mean any harm, his character is often presented as a bad guy or, at best, a heroic fool. Whether you view him as a villain or not, Black is a great addition to the ensemble cast of this 2005 epic.
6. Tropic Thunder
credit: Paramount Pictures
Tropic Thunder is arguably the raunchy film on the list; it is about a gang of arrogant actors involved in a real conflict while filming a movie about the Vietnam War. The film is filled with jokes against Hollywood and other war films. Jack Black stars as Jeff Portnoy, alongside Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. The chemistry between the three leads makes this one of Jack Black’s funniest comedies. Even though the film’s bloodiness puts off some viewers, those who enjoy the genre should see it.
5. Kung Fu Panda
credit: Dreamworks Animation
Unsurprisingly, the first Kung Fu Panda movie is one of Jack Black’s most well-liked films. This animated film had all the makings of a classic from the get-go. Black plays the title role of Po, a clumsy panda who learns he is meant for greatness. Two further movies and several TV series followed the success of the original.
4. Shallow Hal
credit: 20th Century Fox
Shallow Hal is another comedy film that helped showcase Jack Black’s acting ability and is one that is still remembered fondly today. The film’s title character is a shallow man who is transformed into an admirer of inner rather than outer beauty after being smacked by Tony Robbins. Because of this spell, Hal falls in love with Rosemarie, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, who appears to Jack Black as a thin woman when she is much heavier in reality. The film’s message varies between body positivity and fat-shaming, but Black lends his typical kineticism and emotional depth to the character. The moment a spell-free Hal encounters Cadence, the young burn survivor, dispels any doubts about Black’s acting talent. Your heart will melt at that instant.
3. Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle
credit: Columbia Pictures
The plot of Jumanji revolves around a board game with real-world consequences. Twenty years and technological advancements later, the game is back, but this time it’s a video game. When a class gets sucked into the game, they all have to create avatars to represent themselves in the virtual world. One of them is a young woman who disguises herself as Jack Black’s Professor Shelly Oberon. The fact that Black must pass for a teenage girl for the film’s duration is a big part of the role’s comedic value. Even though the film also features Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson, Black steals the show. This Jack Black film rekindled interest in the Jumanji franchise, prompting a sequel two years later.
2. School Of Rock
credit: Paramount Pictures
One of the best Jack Black comedies, School of Rock, is often mentioned among the best of his films. The movie is another example of Jack’s talent as a musician and comedian. Jack plays Dewey Finn, who pretends to be his buddy Ned Shneebly and accepts a job as a teacher’s assistant at an elite institution. Dewey discovers the kids’ musical knowledge and begins training them for a career in rock music. He initially approaches them, intending to use them to exact revenge on the band that booted him out, but he becomes close to them. The film contains a lot of comedic gold and memorable lines, but it also manages to be touching. This movie acted as a gateway for me to discover many great rock bands as I was just beginning to play guitar as a teenager when the School of Rock was released.
1. Nacho Libre
credit: Paramount Pictures
Although School of Rock will always have a place in my heart, it can’t be denied that Nacho Libre is Jack Black’s finest work to date. To put it simply, this is brilliant. The script is clever, and the performances are superb, making this an excellent comedy. When Jack Black plays a role, he commits fully and with genuine enthusiasm, which makes the comedy so effective. He would pair wonderfully with Esqueleto. When he finally triumphs over all his obstacles, you can’t help but crack a smile. Superheroic prowess isn’t necessary to be inspired by a true hero.
Follow Us
