The 10 Must-Watch Jake Gyllenhaal Movies of All Time

Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the best actors of his time and has been starring in so many iconic movies throughout his career.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the best actors of his time. Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1980, Jake is the son of the famous American film director Stephen Gyllenhaal and the well-known screenwriter Naomi Foner. He is known for his exceptional acting and versatility as an actor, which led him to star in some of the most iconic movies, such as Jarhead and Nightcrawler.

If you're looking for some of the best Jake Gyllenhaal movies to add to your watchlist, look no further! Here's a list of his top films that showcase his talent and range as an actor:

1. Nightcrawler (2014)

- IMDb Rating: 7.8

- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

- Available on: Plex, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In "Nightcrawler," Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role of Lou Bloom, a driven and ambitious man who stumbles into the world of crime journalism in Los Angeles. As Lou navigates the dark and dangerous underworld of nightcrawling, he becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the most shocking and sensational footage to sell to news stations. Gyllenhaal's performance in this film is nothing short of mesmerizing, as he fully embodies the character of Lou Bloom and delivers a chilling and unforgettable performance.

2. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

- IMDb Rating: 7.3

- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

- Available on: Disney Plus, fuboTV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In this superhero blockbuster, Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Quentin Beck, also known as Mysterio. He is a mysterious and enigmatic hero who teams up with Spider-Man to battle monstrous creatures known as the Elementals. Gyllenhaal brings a charismatic and complex presence to the character of Mysterio, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions until the very end. His chemistry with Tom Holland's Spider-Man is a highlight of the film, making "Spider-Man: Far From Home" a must-watch for any Marvel fan.

3. Zodiac (2007)

- IMDb Rating: 7.7

- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

- Available on: Paramount Plus, Netflix, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, Spectrum On Demand, Plex

"Zodiac" is a gripping thriller based on the true story of the infamous Zodiac Killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle who becomes obsessed with solving the cryptic ciphers left by the killer. Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Graysmith's descent into obsession and paranoia is riveting, and his performance anchors the film as it delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

4. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

- IMDb Rating: 7.7

- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

- Available on: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, FlixFling

In this groundbreaking romance drama, Jake Gyllenhaal stars alongside Heath Ledger as Jack Twist, a ranch hand who forms a deep and passionate relationship with cowboy Ennis Del Mar. The film follows Jack and Ennis over the course of two decades as they navigate the complexities of their forbidden love in a conservative and unforgiving world. Gyllenhaal's sensitive and nuanced performance in "Brokeback Mountain" earned him critical acclaim and a place in cinematic history.

5. End of Watch (2012)

- IMDb Rating: 7.6

- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

- Available on: fuboTV, HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home 

"End of Watch" is a gritty and intense crime thriller that follows the dangerous lives of two LAPD officers, Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña), as they patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The film is shot in a found-footage style, adding a sense of immediacy and realism to the action-packed story. Gyllenhaal's chemistry with Peña is palpable, and his portrayal of Brian Taylor as a dedicated and courageous cop is both authentic and compelling.

6. Source Code (2011)

- IMDb Rating: 7.5

- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

- Available on: The Roku Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand

In this sci-fi thriller, Gyllenhaal plays Captain Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up in the body of a stranger on a doomed train. He must discover the identity of a bomber in order to prevent a catastrophic explosion. Gyllenhaal's performance as a man caught in a time loop is riveting, and he brings both intensity and emotion to the role.

7. Stronger (2017)

- IMDb Rating: 6.9

- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

- Available on: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Pure Flix, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Based on a true story, Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing who lost both of his legs in the attack. The film follows Bauman's struggles to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the tragedy. Gyllenhaal delivers a powerful and moving performance, capturing the physical and emotional challenges that Bauman faced with authenticity and depth.

8. Wildlife (2018)

- IMDb Rating: 6.8

- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

- Available on: AMC+, Philo, Sundance Now, MUBI, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Plex

In this drama set in the 1960s, Gyllenhaal plays Jerry Brinson. He is a man who loses his job and embarks on a self-destructive path, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves. Gyllenhaal's portrayal of a man grappling with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty is raw and compelling, showing his range as an actor.

9. Prisoners (2013)

- IMDb Rating: 8.2

- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

- Available on: FilmBox+, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

In this intense thriller, Gyllenhaal stars as Detective Loki, who is tasked with finding two missing girls in a small Pennsylvania town. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and hidden truths come to light, testing Loki's resolve and morality. Gyllenhaal's performance as a relentless and dedicated investigator is both captivating and layered, adding depth to the film.

10. Jarhead (2005)

- IMDb Rating: 7.0

- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%

- Available on: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Set during the Gulf War, Gyllenhaal plays Anthony Swofford, a young Marine sniper struggling with the psychological toll of combat. The film explores the boredom, camaraderie, and disillusionment of war through Swofford's eyes. Gyllenhaal's nuanced portrayal of a soldier grappling with his identity and purpose in a turbulent environment is both poignant and thought-provoking.