Jack Black is undoubtedly a legacy actor within the comedy genre. His ability to convey such emotion remains a cornerstone of the actor’s appeal. While his style of comedy remains relatively uniform — physical exaggeration, absurdism, etc. — the actor has been known to experiment with these assets as he continues to take on the genre.
Black first appeared onscreen in minor roles throughout the 1990s, but it wasn’t until he was cast in High Fidelity that he truly emerged in Hollywood. The 2000s were a pinnacle for Black, who led popular films and quickly became a leading man throughout the decade. And he hasn’t slowed down since. From major blockbusters (Kung Fu Panda) to beloved rom-coms (The Holiday), these are the best Jack Black comedy movies, ranked.
10
‘High Fidelity’ (2000)
Although Black technically takes on a supporting role, his presence in High Fidelity is essential for Rob Gordon’s (John Cusack) mission to “get the girl.” Barry Judd (Black) is one of Rob’s employees at his record store; although he does more joking and fooling around than working. It’s a comedic-relief character in a movie that comes across as brooding in nature.
This breakout role for Black — his very first feature film — differs from future characters in that it relies less on absurd or over-the-top humor and more highlights Black’s complex approach to acting. Still, he provides a strong performance. Additionally, the music-centric plot serves as a teaser for his next, most memorable film, School of Rock!
9
‘Shallow Hal’ (2001)
Shallow Hal, as the title suggests, follows the titular Hal (Black) as he confronts his longstanding preconceptions about beauty and dates only women who meet his impossible standards of perfection. The movie is contrived, leaning into stereotypes that can be seen as controversial today, but presents them in a manner that resolves Hal’s inner conflict. He stars alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays the illusion of a perfect woman with likable inner qualities; only Hal sees beyond her physical “imperfections.”
Shallow Hal was met with mixed reviews from critics, but it overall intrigued audiences with its subject matter. Unfortunately, it didn’t land as intended, but Shallow Hal deserves attention as one of Black’s notable comedies nonetheless. It’s a movie that could only have been made during the 2000s. It’s one of many comedy films that saw a resurgence in popularity some decades later, thanks to their arrival on streaming services and reaching new audiences.
8
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)
It’s a clever premise with a clear intended audience, following Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) on a whirlwind adventure through the Mushroom World. Interestingly, The Super Mario Bros. Movie appears to follow the hero’s journey, in which Mario must venture into an unknown world to save his brother. Of course, Bowser (Black) serves as the antagonist.
Black conveys this through his voice acting, as his animated persona transfers seamlessly. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is not as good as Black’s many other now-classics. However, it’s celebrated for other reasons: the movie became the highest-grossing video game movie ever. A second entry, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, will come out this year and is just as highly anticipated. The main cast is expected to return, with Black reprising his role as Bowser.
7
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle follows a similar premise to its source material. But the 2017 “loose sequel” leans into modern technology, as the characters find themselves entrapped in a digital world of Jumanji as their selected avatars (rather than a board game). Only one problem: the avatars are mixed up. This means that popular girl Bethany Walker (Madison Iserman) takes on the character of Professor Oberon. It’s a complex balance to maintain and portray.
Returning to this beloved adventure movie proved tricky since fans of the original Jumanji hold it in such high regard. But thanks to Black and his castmates, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle stood on its own. Neither the sequel nor the actors attempt to recreate the original; rather, they honor it. This is one of many video game-centric movies for Black, as he continues his streak of blockbuster dominance.
6
‘Nacho Libre’ (2006)
The Minecraft Movie was not Black’s first time working with director Jared Hess. The two teamed up for the 2006 sports comedy, which follows lowly cook Iganico (Black) and the events that unfold when he develops a secret identity as the famous Mexican wrestler Nacho. It’s for a good cause, though, since he hopes to raise money for orphans at his monastery.
The sometimes-forgotten movie features some killer quotes and an improvised song from Black, “Encarnación.” Nacho Libre had everything audiences desired at the time. Easy humor. Personal journey. Absurdism. Ridiculous, yes. But simple and easily rewatchable. The movie is now often considered to be a cult classic within its genre — that 39% on Rotten Tomatoes means nothing to them.
5
‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008)
Tropic Thunder remains a highly controversial satirical action movie, but is also considered to be one of the funniest movies of the 21st century, for good reason. The 2008 war comedy is, in many ways, a meta-commentary on the film industry and the extremes that they will go to in the name of “art.” Things go wrong on the set of the fictional “Tropic Thunder,” which was filmed on location in Vietnam. Their efforts to rectify these disasters, made by the actors involved, are recorded and subsequently turned into the movie itself.
Jeff Portnoy (Black) is erratic, boisterous, and motivated by a longstanding drug addiction, which becomes a major plot point in his arc. Black depicts these character traits brilliantly, infusing humor while also delving into the complexity of such a character. It’s a welcome change from his more PG roles. Despite the controversies surrounding the movie, Tropic Thunder received praise, Oscar recognition, and an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
4
‘The Holiday’ (2006)
While Black appeared in a rom-com early on in his career, he takes center stage in The Holiday. This fan-favorite Christmas movie follows two women, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), as they embark on thrilling adventures when they swap homes for the holidays in different countries. In their endeavors, the two meet prospective men, and the relationships evolve.
Black portrays one of these men, Miles, and audiences get to see him in a role beyond silly comedy. Although Jude Law is the heartthrob of the movie, Black encapsulates real romance with Iris. He’s a comfort to Iris in her emotional growth after a bad breakup and a source of hope for her life moving forward.
3
‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008)
As the notable quote (and lyric) goes, “Everybody was Kung Fu fighting.” The fan-favorite DreamWorks movie sees Po (Black) overcome his lazy tendencies and become one of the greatest Kung Fu fighters in the Valley of Peace. As it turns out, this was his destiny all along. But it’s not just self-fulfilment that this persona provides; Po uses his newfound skills to stop a villain and save his village.
Kung Fu Panda is one of Black’s first ventures into voice acting, which proved successful. Honorable mentions go to the sequels, which expanded into a $2 billion franchise. Something about Kung Fu Panda resonated with fans, who returned time and again to watch it. It’s comical, easy to watch, and filled with welcome life lessons.
2
‘Bernie’ (2011)
After a series of light-hearted movies, Black took on a more serious role in Richard Linklater‘s dark comedy, Bernie. Based on a true story, the movie follows the titular Bernie Tiede (Black) in a small Texas town. An otherwise well-respected member of their community, Bernie is charged with the killing of another local. Can Bernie’s reputation save him?
There’s murder, small-town vibes, and dark humor. It’s a lot like Fargo in this way. That being said, the movie is fueled by wholesome moments. Black exhibits a wide range of skills in his portrayal of Bernie, balancing the film’s dark nature with his signature style. Black received a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globes that year.
1
‘School of Rock’ (2003)
Black’s first time working with Linklater was undoubtedly his best. It’s still the movie that many think of when it comes to Black, which is a great legacy to hold. School of Rock is a comedy musical set at a private high school, where the students meet an unconventional (accidental) substitute teacher. The down-on-his-luck guitarist guides these students to engage with music in new and exciting ways.
Not only was his interpretation of Dewey Finn admirable, but Black also showcased his singing abilities, which later projects highlight. It stood as the highest-grossing musical comedy of all time (until Pitch Perfect in 2015). It was later developed into a Broadway musical. Additionally, this indie comedy earned Black a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
School of Rock
- Release Date
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October 3, 2003
- Runtime
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110 minutes
- Director
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Richard Linklater
- Writers
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Mike White
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