The Best Jonah Hill Movies Ranked
From Teen Comedy Icon to Academy Award Nominee
Explore the definitive ranking of Jonah Hill's best films, featuring his hilarious breakout roles and acclaimed dramatic performances in Hollywood hits.
About Jonah Hill
In the mid-2000s, Jonah Hill seemed destined to remain the high-velocity engine of the R-rated comedy boom. With a chaotic mop of curls and a gift for escalating frantic dialogue into high art, he became the definitive face of adolescent angst in Superbad. It was a performance that could have easily trapped him in a cycle of playing the loud-mouthed sidekick in films like Accepted or providing scene-stealing friction in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Instead, he staged one of the most sophisticated pivots in modern Hollywood history, transforming from a comedic firebrand into a formidable cinematic intellectual without ever losing his biting edge.
The shift began in earnest with Moneyball, where he traded frantic energy for a quiet, analytical stillness that earned him his first Oscar nomination. By the time he appeared as the prosthetic-toothed, Quaalude-popping Donnie Azoff in The Wolf of Wall Street, it was clear that Hill possessed a chameleonic ability to inhabit the grotesque and the vulnerable simultaneously. He doesn't just play characters; he dissects their insecurities. Audiences gravitate toward him because there is an inherent honesty in his discomfort. Whether he is portraying a desperate arms dealer in War Dogs or a sycophantic Chief of Staff in Don't Look Up, he taps into a specific brand of modern anxiety that feels agonizingly real.
His reputation as a creative polymath extends beyond the frame. While younger audiences might recognize his voice as the backbone of massive franchises like Megamind or the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, his true north has shifted toward auteur-driven narratives. He showed a raw, stripped-back sensitivity in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, proving he could handle heavy drama with the same precision he once used for the slapstick chaos of Get Him to the Greek. This versatility is perhaps most evident in the 21 Jump Street series. On paper, it was a routine reboot, but he infused it with a self-aware, subversive wit that redefined what a studio comedy could achieve in the 2010s.
Part of his enduring cultural impact stems from his refusal to stay in one lane or adhere to a single public persona. He has navigated the transition from the frantic breakout star of the Apatow era to a respected director and style icon with a rare kind of transparency. He occupies a space in the industry where high-brow prestige and populist entertainment intersect. We watch him because he represents the evolution of the underdog—someone who started out shouting for our attention and ended up commanding it through a sophisticated, ever-evolving body of work. He remains one of the few actors capable of making a blockbuster feel intimate and a small indie film feel essential.
Andy Stitzer has a pleasant life with a nice apartment and a job stamping invoices at an electronics store. But at age 40, there's one thing Andy hasn't done, and it's really bothering his sex-obsessed male co-workers: Andy is still a virgin. Determined to help Andy get laid, the guys make it their mission to de-virginize him. But it all seems hopeless until Andy meets small business owner Trish, a single mom.
Stutz
2022In candid conversations with actor Jonah Hill, leading psychiatrist Phil Stutz explores his early life experiences and unique, visual model of therapy.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
2019As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.
Django Unchained
2012With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.
When actress Sarah Marshall dumps aspiring musician Peter Bretter for rock star Aldous Snow, Peter's world comes crashing down. His best friend Brian suggests that Peter should get away from everything and to fly off to Hawaii to escape all his problems. After arriving in Hawaii and meeting the beautiful receptionist Rachel Jansen, Peter is shocked to see not only Aldous in Hawaii, but also Sarah.
Accepted
2006A high school slacker who's rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece of property near his hometown.
Get Him to the Greek
2010Pinnacle records has the perfect plan to get their sinking company back on track: a comeback concert in LA featuring Aldous Snow, a fading rockstar who has dropped off the radar in recent years. Record company intern Aaron Green is faced with the monumental task of bringing his idol, out of control rock star Aldous Snow, back to LA for his comeback show.
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot
2018On the rocky path to sobriety after a life-changing accident, John Callahan discovers the healing power of art, willing his injured hands into drawing hilarious, often controversial cartoons, which bring him a new lease on life.
Knocked Up
2007A slacker and a career-driven woman accidentally conceive a child after a one-night stand. As they try to make the relationship work, they must navigate the challenges of parenthood and their differences in lifestyle and maturity.
This Is the End
2013While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider. Now, Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior.
Hill continues to evolve his Viking persona by leaning into the comedic relief of teenage rivalry, maintaining a consistent character arc amidst the sequel's darker themes. His vocal performance adds a layer of levity that balances the franchise's shift toward epic, high-stakes storytelling.
How to Train Your Dragon
2010As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.
As the boastful Snotlout, Hill contributes to an impeccable ensemble dynamic by utilizing his signature deadpan delivery to ground the film's soaring fantasy elements. This early foray into prestige animation signaled his versatility and broad commercial appeal beyond live-action comedy.
Megamind
2010After Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain, defeats his long-time nemesis Metro Man, Megamind creates a new hero to fight, but must act to save the city when his "creation" becomes an even worse villain than he was.
Voicing the entitled cameraman turned supervillain, Hill injects a unique blend of pathetic insecurity and toxic bravado into the animated medium. He provides the film's most necessary friction by articulating the transition from mundane 'nice guy' to misplaced menace.
22 Jump Street
2014After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them.
Hill masters the art of the meta-sequel by leaning into the absurdity of repeating himself, effectively satirizing the very idea of Hollywood follow-ups. His performance relies on a heightened, almost frantic energy that ensures the character remains fresh despite the familiar premise.
Don't Look Up
2021Two astronomers go on a media tour to warn humankind of a planet-killing comet hurtling toward Earth. The response from a distracted world: Meh.
Playing a vapid, nepotistic Chief of Staff, Hill provides the sharpest satirical bites in this apocalyptic farce by weaponizing a specific brand of modern political arrogance. His ability to stand out in a massive ensemble cast highlights his refined skill for playing punchy, deeply unlikable characters.
War Dogs
2016Based on the true story of two young men, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan.
In this cynical exploration of the military-industrial complex, Hill leans into a sleazy, high-pitched laugh and a predatory charisma that anchors the film’s moral vacuum. He commandingly steers the narrative toward a darker, more satirical edge than his previous buddy-comedies allowed.
21 Jump Street
2012When cops Schmidt and Jenko join the secret Jump Street unit, they use their youthful appearances to go undercover as high school students. They trade in their guns and badges for backpacks, and set out to shut down a dangerous drug ring. But, as time goes on, Schmidt and Jenko discover that high school is nothing like it was just a few years earlier -- and, what's more, they must again confront the teenage terror and anxiety they thought they had left behind.
Hill brilliantly deconstructs the 'cool guy' trope by playing against his own physical type, finding a sharp, self-aware rhythm alongside Channing Tatum. His work here re-established him as a creative force who could successfully modernize a stale franchise through sheer comedic friction.
Superbad
2007Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.
Anchoring this R-rated touchstone, Hill captures the frantic, foul-mouthed desperation of adolescence with a vulnerability that few comedic leads can mimic. It remains the ultimate showcase of his improvisational timing and the foundational blueprint for his persona as the lovable, high-strung neurotic.
Moneyball
2011The story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget, by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
Hill’s understated, cerebral portrayal of Peter Brand stripped away the expected slapstick to reveal a performer capable of immense restraint and dramatic precision. It was the definitive pivot point in his career, silencing detractors by demonstrating he could anchor a prestige sports drama through intellect and subtle chemistry.
A New York stockbroker refuses to cooperate in a large securities fraud case involving corruption on Wall Street, corporate banking world and mob infiltration. Based on Jordan Belfort's autobiography.
As the prosthetic-toothed, Quaalude-popping Donnie Azoff, Hill transcends sidekick status to become the film's chaotic id, proving he could go toe-to-toe with DiCaprio under Scorsese’s high-octane direction. This Oscar-nominated turn cemented his transition from raunchy comedian to a powerhouse of elite character acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this list and SnakeDrafts
- Jonah Hill's dramatic talents shine in films like 'Moneyball' and 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot,' where he showcases depth beyond his comedic roots. These roles highlight his ability to navigate complex characters and emotional narratives effectively.
- 'Superbad' established Jonah Hill as a comedic force, embodying adolescent angst with humor and energy. This breakout role set the stage for his transition into both leading comedic roles and more serious performances, avoiding typecasting as just a sidekick.
- Jonah Hill expertly balances comedy and crime in movies like '21 Jump Street,' 'War Dogs,' and '22 Jump Street.' These films highlight his knack for mixing humor with action and criminal elements, enhancing his versatility as an actor.
- Jonah Hill lends his voice to beloved animated features such as 'How to Train Your Dragon' and 'Megamind,' demonstrating his ability to connect with family audiences. His performances in these films add charm and depth to animated characters, expanding his appeal across age groups.
- Yes, Jonah Hill has collaborated with acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and Bennett Miller in 'Moneyball.' These partnerships have helped elevate his status in Hollywood, showcasing his range from comedy to serious drama.
- Common themes in Jonah Hill's films include friendship, ambition, and personal growth, often intertwined with humor and complex character relationships. Movies like 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'Superbad' reflect his ability to explore these themes with both comedic and dramatic nuance.
- Jonah Hill skillfully bridges comedy and drama, delivering performances that are both funny and emotionally resonant. His roles in 'Don't Look Up' and 'Moneyball' exemplify this balance, highlighting his evolution as a versatile actor capable of handling diverse genres.
