Jonah Hill, renowned for his comedic prowess in films like Superbad, Knocked Up, and Get Him to the Greek, has also garnered acclaim for dramatic roles, earning Academy Award nominations for Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street. Collaborations with Hollywood stalwarts like Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Leonardo DiCaprio have underscored his acting versatility. Beyond comedy and drama, Hill’s talents are evident in animation voiceovers, such as The LEGO Movie, and action films, notably the 21 Jump Street series.
Moreover, Hill has showcased his multifaceted creativity with his directorial debut, Mid90s, a critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama, and through directing music videos, including Sara Bareilles’ “Gonna Get Over You”. Whether acting or directing, Jonah Hill continues to receive accolades for his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry, creating memorable moments that resonate with audiences and critics alike.
10. This Is the End (2013)
“This Is the End” is a 2013 American apocalyptic comedy horror film starring James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen. Set in Los Angeles, the film centers around a group of celebrities who find themselves trapped in James Franco’s house after a series of devastating events destroys the city.
The film was written, directed, and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg in their directorial debuts. It features a unique blend of comedy and horror elements while exploring themes of friendship, survival, and self-discovery.
The apocalypse serves as a backdrop for the plot, as the group of friends must not only face external threats but also confront their own character flaws and egos.
9. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is a 2008 American romantic comedy film directed by Nicholas Stoller. The movie stars Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Russell Brand. The screenplay was written by Segel, and the film was co-produced by Judd Apatow. Released by Universal Pictures, the film has garnered a positive response from the audience since its debut.
The movie’s plot revolves around Peter (played by Jason Segel), who goes on a Hawaiian vacation to cope with his recent breakup with his television star girlfriend, Sarah (played by Kristen Bell). Unbeknownst to Peter, Sarah is also visiting the same resort, accompanied by her new boyfriend, played by Russell Brand.
8. Rocket Science (2007)
“Rocket Science” is a 2007 American comedy-drama film that showcases Jonah Hill’s talent in a supporting role. Written and directed by Jeffrey Blitz, the film stars Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Nicholas D’Agosto, Vincent Piazza, and Aaron Yoo.
The story revolves around a high school student named Hal Hefner (played by Reece Daniel Thompson). Hal’s life is falling apart as he faces challenges including his parents’ separation, his brother’s constant bullying, and his severe stutter.
This comedy-drama captures the essence of teenage struggles while blending in elements of humor and genuine emotion. As Hal tries to navigate the complexities of high school, he finds himself joining the debate team in an attempt to regain control over his life and confront his fears.
7. 22 Jump Street (2014)
“22 Jump Street” is a 2014 American satirical buddy cop action comedy film, featuring some familiar faces from its predecessor, “21 Jump Street.” Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film stars the comedic duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as undercover officers Schmidt and Jenko.
In this sequel, the pair face a new challenge as they shift from investigating high schools to going deep undercover at a local college. The story is written by Jonah Hill, Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel, and Rodney Rothman, weaving humor and action together just as the original 21 Jump Street did.
The film showcases a variety of hilarious moments as the officers navigate the world of college, encountering unexpected challenges and situations on their quest to fight crime. Fans of the original “21 Jump Street” will certainly appreciate this sequel, which maintains the same comic spirit while exploring a whole new environment.
6. 21 Jump Street (2012)
“21 Jump Street” is a 2012 American buddy cop action comedy film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The plot revolves around a pair of underachieving police officers who are sent back to a local high school. Their mission is to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring. As they navigate the challenges of going undercover as students, both cops are forced to confront their own teenage insecurities and find a way to work together effectively.
The movie’s script, which injects humor into tense and dramatic situations, showcases Hill’s distinct writing talent. His chemistry with Tatum on screen creates an engaging dynamic, allowing for many memorable scenes and eliciting laughter from audiences.
5. Hail, Caesar! (2016)
“Hail, Caesar!” is a 2016 period black comedy film directed and written by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. The movie, set in the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, follows Eddie Mannix, a Hollywood fixer who works to keep the studio’s stars in line.
The film blends comedy, drama, and mystery to create an entertaining take on the happenings of 20th-century Hollywood. Jonah Hill plays the role of Joe Silverman, alongside an all-star cast including Josh Brolin, George Clooney, and Tilda Swinton. In true Coen brothers style, Hail, Caesar! features a mix of humorous and dramatic situations, balancing light-heartedness with serious undertones.
4. Django Unchained (2012)
“Django Unchained,” released in 2012, is a Western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The story is set in 1858 Texas and follows the journey of Django, a formerly enslaved man, played by Jamie Foxx. Teaming up with bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), they work together to collect bounties and rescue Django’s wife, Broomhilda von Shaft.
Jonah Hill makes a brief cameo appearance in the film, adding to its ensemble of award-winning actors. Although Jonah’s role was originally planned to be more significant, the final result showcases his versatility as an actor.
The film can be seen as a commentary on crime and racial inequality in the United States during the 19th century. Its explicit violence is juxtaposed with thought-provoking themes and memorable dialogue, which are typical of Tarantino’s work. This combination provides both action-heavy sequences and meaningful insights into the cruelty of that era.
3. Superbad (2007)
“Superbad” is a 2007 American coming-of-age teen buddy comedy film directed by Greg Mottola and produced by Judd Apatow. The film stars Jonah Hill as Seth and Michael Cera as Evan, two high school seniors about to graduate. They plan to party and lose their virginity before graduating, but their mission proves more challenging than anticipated.
In “Superbad,” Seth Rogen stars as Officer Michaels, adding a hilarious layer to the film. This comedy features memorable performances and hilarious moments that have solidified its status as a modern classic.
2. Knocked Up (2007)
“Knocked Up,” released in 2007, is another comedy success from producer Judd Apatow. This film stars Seth Rogen as the lead, Ben Stone, alongside Katherine Heigl as Alison Scott, who plays an ambitious career woman. The story revolves around an unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand, forcing the mismatched pair to navigate parenthood.
Both “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” showcase Jonah Hill’s comedic prowess and Apatow’s penchant for producing relatable and humorous films with unexpected emotional depth. These films have become staples in the genre and continue to entertain audiences with their awkward and endearing characters.
1. Moneyball (2011)
“Moneyball” is a 2011 biographical sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller. Based on true events, the film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand, a Yale-educated economist and Beane’s assistant.
The movie tells the story of Beane’s innovative approach to assembling a competitive baseball team on a tight budget using computer-generated analysis. Beane and Brand apply statistical methods to identify undervalued players and build a lineup that ultimately produces successful results on the field.
Jonah Hill’s portrayal of Peter Brand showcases his dramatic acting skills, which he is now widely recognized for in addition to his comedic roles. This performance earned Hill critical acclaim and helped establish him as a versatile actor in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jonah Hill’s top performances?
Jonah Hill is known for his roles in various critically acclaimed films, such as “Superbad” (2007), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), “Moneyball” (2011), and “21 Jump Street” (2012). Hill has showcased his acting range in both comedic and dramatic roles, earning praise for his performances.
Which movies have Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen starred in together?
Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen have appeared together in several films, including “Superbad” (2007), “Knocked Up” (2007), and “This Is the End” (2013). Their on-screen chemistry and comedic timing make them a popular pairing in the film industry.
What TV shows has Jonah Hill appeared in?
Jonah Hill has made guest appearances on several TV shows, such as “The Simpsons,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Additionally, he starred in the Netflix limited series “Maniac” (2018) alongside Emma Stone.
In which movies did Jonah Hill undergo a significant weight transformation?
Jonah Hill has undergone weight transformations for roles in films like “Moneyball” (2011) and “War Dogs” (2016). These physical changes demonstrate Hill’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to embodying the characters he portrays.
Is Jonah Hill known for doing voice acting in any animated films?
Jonah Hill has lent his voice to several animated films, most notably as the character Snotlout in the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. He has also provided voice work for other animated features, such as “Megamind” (2010) and “Horton Hears a Who!” (2008).
What awards has Jonah Hill won for his acting?
Jonah Hill has been recognized for his acting talents with several award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in “Moneyball” (2011) and “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013). Hill received a Golden Globe nomination for “The Wolf of Wall Street” and has also received multiple Critics’ Choice Movie Award nominations.
