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Jonah Hill's best movies: A career retrospective

Jonah Hill has become a mainstay in Hollywood, evolving from comedic roles to critically acclaimed performances. Let's dive into some of his best movies that showcase his range and talent.

Superbad
Moneyball
This Is the End

Jonah Hill's career is a fascinating study in comedic evolution and dramatic ambition. Starting out as the lovable, often outrageous, sidekick in comedies like Superbad and Knocked Up, Hill quickly proved he was more than just a funny face. His early roles were defined by an energetic, often improvisational style that made him instantly relatable to audiences. But it was his transition into more dramatic roles that truly solidified his place as a versatile actor.

Films like Moneyball showcased his ability to hold his own against seasoned veterans like Brad Pitt, earning him his first Academy Award nomination. This marked a turning point, as Hill began to seek out roles that challenged him, both comedically and dramatically. His collaborations with directors like Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street) and the Coen brothers (Hail, Caesar!) further cemented his reputation as a serious actor willing to take risks.

Beyond his on-screen performances, Hill has also ventured into directing, with his debut film mid90s receiving critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of adolescence. Whether he's making us laugh, cry, or contemplate, Jonah Hill continues to surprise and impress, making him one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

14. The Lego Movie (2014)

Jonah Hill voices the Green Lantern in The Lego Movie. While it's a smaller role, his comedic timing shines even in voice acting. The film is a animation spectacle with a surprisingly heartfelt story about creativity and being yourself, and features many cameos from different actors as superheroes, villains and other lego characters. Hill's contribution is a fun easter egg that adds to the movie's overall charm.

The Lego Movie

13. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)

In Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Jonah Hill makes a brief cameo appearance. The film follows a group of Boy Scouts who must use their skills to survive a zombie outbreak. While Hill's role is small, his presence adds to the comedic tone of the movie. The film is a fun and lighthearted take on the zombie genre, blending humor with gore for a entertaining experience.

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

12. The Sitter (2011)

David Gordon Green's The Sitter is a dark comedy where Jonah Hill plays Noah, a slacker college student who ends up babysitting three kids. The night quickly spirals out of control, involving him in drug deals and various misadventures. While the film didn't receive widespread critical acclaim, Hill's performance as the irresponsible and hapless sitter is a highlight, showcasing his comedic talent for portraying flawed and relatable characters. It's a wild and raunchy ride that offers some laughs.

The Sitter

11. You People (2023)

Kenya Barris's You People sees Jonah Hill playing Ezra Cohen, a man navigating the complexities of interracial relationships and family dynamics. The film tackles sensitive topics with humor and wit, exploring cultural differences and the challenges of modern romance. Hill's performance is both funny and relatable, as he grapples with the expectations of his family and the realities of his relationship. While the film has received mixed reviews, Hill's commitment to the role is undeniable.

You People

10. Nightmare Alley (2021)

Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley features Jonah Hill in a supporting role, showcasing his willingness to explore darker and more complex characters. While not a central figure, Hill's presence adds depth to the film's ensemble cast. The movie is a visually stunning and atmospheric noir thriller, exploring themes of ambition, deception, and the dark side of human nature. Hill's performance, though understated, contributes to the film's overall sense of unease and moral ambiguity.

Nightmare Alley

9. Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Nicholas Stoller's Get Him to the Greek pairs Jonah Hill with Russell Brand in a hilarious road trip adventure. Hill plays Aaron Green, an ambitious record company employee tasked with wrangling the eccentric rock star Aldous Snow (Brand) to a concert in Los Angeles. The film is filled with outrageous scenarios and witty banter, showcasing Hill's comedic timing and ability to play the straight man to Brand's over-the-top persona. While Brand steals the show with his outrageous antics, Hill provides a grounded and relatable presence that anchors the film.

Get Him to the Greek

8. mid90s (2018)

Jonah Hill steps behind the camera for his directorial debut, mid90s, a coming-of-age story set in the world of skateboarding. While Hill doesn't appear on screen, his vision and voice are clear throughout the film. Mid90s captures the essence of adolescence with honesty and authenticity, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and self-discovery. The film is a love letter to the era, complete with a nostalgic soundtrack and a raw, unfiltered aesthetic. Hill's directorial debut is a promising start to his career behind the camera.

mid90s

7. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

While Jay Baruchel voices the main character, Hiccup, Jonah Hill lends his voice to Snotlout Jorgenson, one of the Viking teens in Hiccup's training class. Although not the lead, Hill's vocal performance adds humor and energy to the ensemble cast. The movie, a visual treat, tells the heartwarming story of Hiccup's unlikely friendship with a dragon, changing his tribe's perception of the creatures. Hill's character provides comedic relief and contributes to the film's overall charm, helping to make it a beloved animated classic.

How to Train Your Dragon

6. 22 Jump Street (2014)

Chris Miller and Phil Lord's 22 Jump Street doubles down on the meta-humor and buddy-cop antics that made its predecessor a hit. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum once again prove to be a comedic dream team, effortlessly playing off each other's strengths. The film cleverly satirizes sequels, poking fun at the familiar tropes and escalating the absurdity to new heights. Hill's comedic timing and ability to embrace the ridiculous are on full display, making 22 Jump Street a worthy follow-up that delivers plenty of laughs.

22 Jump Street

5. This Is the End (2013)

In This is the End, Jonah Hill plays an exaggerated version of himself, caught in the apocalypse with a group of other celebrities. The movie thrives on its self-deprecating humor and the cast's willingness to poke fun at their public personas. Hill's portrayal is both hilarious and unsettling as he battles demons (both literal and figurative). The film's success lies in its unpredictable nature and the genuine camaraderie between the actors, making it a unique and memorable comedic experience.

This Is the End

4. Moneyball (2011)

Bennett Miller's Moneyball showcases Jonah Hill's dramatic range in a way few expected. As Peter Brand, Hill delivers a nuanced and understated performance, proving that he's more than just a comedic actor. The film tells the true story of the Oakland A's and their innovative approach to baseball management, and Hill's character is instrumental in bringing that story to life. His chemistry with Brad Pitt is fantastic, creating a dynamic duo that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Moneyball earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Hill, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented performer.

Moneyball

3. Superbad (2007)

Greg Mottola's Superbad is more than just a raunchy teen comedy; it's a coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Jonah Hill's portrayal of Seth is iconic, capturing the anxieties and insecurities of adolescence with hilarious precision. The film's success lies in its ability to balance vulgar humor with genuine emotion. Hill's performance is both outrageous and endearing, making Seth a character you can't help but root for, even when he's making terrible decisions. Superbad launched Hill into the mainstream, proving his comedic talents and solidifying his place as one of the leading comedic actors of his generation. Fun fact: Hill and Michael Cera were significantly older than their characters, adding a layer of comedic irony to their portrayals of awkward teenagers.

Superbad

2. 21 Jump Street (2012)

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's 21 Jump Street isn't just a reboot; it's a comedic revelation, and Jonah Hill is at the heart of its success. Paired with Channing Tatum, Hill delivers a performance that's both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. What sets this film apart is its self-aware humor and willingness to subvert expectations. Hill's character, Schmidt, is a far cry from the typical cool cop, and it's his vulnerability and awkwardness that make him so endearing. The chemistry between Hill and Tatum is electric, elevating the film from a simple action-comedy to a truly special cinematic experience. The success of 21 Jump Street led to a sequel, 22 Jump Street, further solidifying the franchise's place in comedy history.

21 Jump Street

1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street is a dizzying, depraved, and darkly hilarious masterpiece, and Jonah Hill is absolutely magnetic as Donnie Azoff. His performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and commitment, perfectly complementing Leonardo DiCaprio's manic energy. What makes Hill so compelling here is his ability to find the humor in the grotesque, never shying away from the character's moral bankruptcy. It's a truly unforgettable performance in a film that pulls no punches, cementing Hill's status as a comedic powerhouse with serious acting chops. The film garnered five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, and Best Actor for DiCaprio, marking a significant recognition of the film's impact.

The Wolf of Wall Street

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