J.K. Simmons’s long career has spanned theater, television, and film. The character actor has delivered countless memorable performances, such as hisportrayal as a neo-Nazi inmate in HBO’sOzand his Oscar-winning performance in Damien Chazelle’sWhiplash. With each performance, no matter how big or small, Simmons always gives everything he’s got. He is a scene-stealing actor who has the gift to make any role feel real and human. His career has touched all genres as well. Simmons can play serious, comedic, and everything in between. With one Oscar under his belt, Simmons still has a long career ahead of him, and fans are always excited when he pops up on the screen.
Simmons made his first television appearance with a small part on the showPopeye Doyle.He gained momentum and continued to work in television, appearing inAll My ChildrenandLaw and Order.Throughout his career, Simmons has provedKonstantin Stanislavski’s quote, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” Now, Simmons is a force to be reckoned with and one of the biggest actors in Hollywood. Let’s take a look at 13 of his best movies, ranked.
13’Palm Springs' (2020)
Palm Springs
When Nyles, a wedding guest, crosses paths with Sarah, a reluctant maid of honor, at a wedding in Palm Springs, their casual flirtation takes a surreal turn. After a bizarre encounter involving a mysterious cave and a rogue archer, Sarah getstrapped in a time loopand lives the same day over and over again, just like Nyles. And now the two must decide whether to escape the loop or embrace it for eternity.
Scene-Stealing Turn as Roy
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti shine inPalm Springsas their characters make the most of their chaotic, consequence-free existence. Another character stuck in the loop with them is J.K. Simmons’ Roy, who was also a wedding guest. He could have just been a one-note antagonist occasionally hunting Nyles, but instead, the actor turns him into a rich and poignant one, especially in the scene where he reflects on the family life he’s been robbed of.
12’Juror #2' (2024)
Juror #2is a gripping legal thriller directed by Clint Eastwood. In it, Nicolas Hoult stars as Justin Kemp, a recovering alcoholic and journalist who finds himself seated on the jury of a high-profile murder case. As the facts of the case unfold, he begins to suspect that he may have accidentally caused the victim’s death in a hit-and-run the night of the incident. So he begins to manipulate the jury’s decision while grappling with his own guilt.
The Moral Compass of the Film
Simmons plays Harold, a retired detective and fellow juror with sharp instincts and quiet authority. Rivaling Hoult’s morally conflicted character, he is a formidable presence in the deliberation room, and he brings a sense of justice to the trial by becoming the film’s ethical anchor. Even though he does not dominate the screen, his performance, every glance, and each line carry a lot of weight.
11’Red One' (2024)
A globe-trotting holiday film that combines action and comedy,Red Onereimagines Christmas mythology with a hilarious twist. The plot goes something like this: When Santa Claus is kidnapped on Christmas Eve, the North Pole’s grizzled head of security, Callum Drift, has no choice but to begrudgingly team up with a cynical hacker named Jack O’Malley to rescue him.
Santa Claus With Swagger
The movie takes its characters from snowy hideouts to tropical islands, and eventually, they uncover a plot that weaponizes Christmas itself. And at the heart of it all is Santa himself, played by J.K. Simmons, as he’s held captive by a winter witch and her army of snowmen. He brings a no-nonsense energy to Santa, shedding the jolly stereotype and trading it with a warrior-slash-philosopher with a dry wit. Though the film was met with mixed reviews,Simmons’ performance was a delight to watch.
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10’The Front Runner' (2018)
The Front Runner
Jason Reitman’s 2018 political drama tells the true story of Senator Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), whose presidential campaign was shattered due to an extramarital affair. Hart is a charming and policy-driven candidate whose bid is derailed by the scandal, and when media frenzy escalates, his refusal to answer questions makes things worse. Simmons plays Bill Dixon, Hart’s campaign manager, who tries to walk Hart through his struggling campaign.
Controlling the Political Chaos
As one would expect, Simmons brings a grounded intensity to the role. He acts as a voice of reason in a room full of idealists. He also gets frustrated and quietly heartbroken at times while watching the campaign spiral out of control.The Front Runnerreceived mixed reviews andcurrently holds a 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Alfred Molina, and Bill Burr.
9’The Ladykillers' (2004)
The Ladykillers
The film is a remake of a 1955 British comedy that follows a Southern professor (Tom Hanks) and a group of men who must kill an old woman (Irma P. Hall) after she learns of their plan to rob a casino. Professor Dorr thinks his elaborate plan will set things in motion, but it only leads to a series of absurd mishaps, rising body count, and slapstick humor.
Explosives and Comedic Gold
AlthoughThe Ladykillersis not considered to be one of the best Coen brothers' films, it is certainly a solid movie with a stellar cast. Simmons plays Garth Pancake, a demolitions expert with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Simmons leads into his character’s ridiculous presence with a lot of excitement and delivers one of his most unhinged performances of all time.
8’Thank You for Smoking' (2005)
Thank You For Smoking
In the 2005 black comedy,Thank You For Smoking, Simmons plays BR, a ruthless executive at a tobacco company. BR sends spokesperson Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) around the country to speak on behalf of Big Tobacco, a task that makes Naylor seem like a monster to many. While spinning his way through talk shows and Hollywood boardrooms, Nick also tries to be a role model for his son, who is too young to understand his profession.
Adds Corporate Menace with Perfection
Simmons is obviously a favorite of Jason Reitman, as he can be seen inseveral of Reitman’s films, and this one was a showcase of talent both in front of and behind the camera. As BR, Nick’s gruff boss at the Academy of Tobacco Studies, he brings an edge and authority to the film. He is the kind of boss who barks orders and smirks after. He doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but when he’s there, every moment crackles with energy.
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7’Extract' (2009)
Mike Judge’s 2009 comedyExtractfollows a business owner named Joel Reynolds (Jason Bateman) who has to juggle an unhappy marriage with his wife Suzie, a neighbor who won’t stop talking, misunderstandings, and a lawsuit, and managing his goofy employees. Simmons plays Brian Huggins, an employee at the factory who aids Reynolds through the lawsuit.
Makes Even Mundane Lines Funny
Mike Judge is a comedic legend who has given us several classic movies and TV shows throughout his career. This movie has non-stop laughs from beginning to end, and it once again proves Judge’s capabilities as a filmmaker. As for Simmons, his Brian has a quirk. He is hilariously indifferent to the names of the employees and often refers to them as “Dinkus” or “What’s-his-face.” His chemistry with Bateman is effortless and anchors the film’s comedic moments.
6’The Vicious Kind' (2009)
The Vicious Kind
The Vicious Kindis anunderrated 2009 independent filmthat tells the story of Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott), an emotionally damaged construction worker who travels home for Thanksgiving break with his reluctant brother and his brother’s new girlfriend. Since Caleb is still reeling from a toxic breakup, he projects his own issues onto Emma and distrusts her, eventually forcing himself to confront the deep-seated grief.
Silence That Speaks Volumes
J.K. Simmons plays Caleb’s harsh yet caring father, Donald. He may be emotionally distant, but his performance is mainly built on subtle gestures and loaded silences, which place him at the center of the storm that’s his relationship with Caleb, played by Adam Scott. Simmons, along with the rest of the cast, gave stellar performances, and the film went on to be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
5’I Love You, Man' (2009)
I Love You, Man
John Hamburg’s 2009 buddy comedy follows newly engaged Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd), a successful real estate agent with a loving fiancée and no male friend to serve as his best man. He befriends free-spirited Sydney (Jason Segel) while on a quest to make new friends. But their “bromance” gets so real so fast that it strains his relationship with Zooey.
Simmons plays Oswald Klaven, Peter’s blunt but well-meaning father who is frustratingly closer to his other son (Andy Samberg). Simmon’s role is small, but he gives an honest and funny performance.I Love You, Manis a hilarious take on male friendship with an all-star cast. It was a box office hit and a critical darling, with Simmons adding just the right touch of humor and heart.
4’Spider-Man' (2002)
Spider-Man
The movie was a genre-defining superhero origin story, and we’re all well aware of the plot. It follows Peter Parker, a shy high schooler whose life is forever changed after he is bitten by a genetically modified spider. He deals with his newfound powers, like web-slinging and superhuman instincts, while also confronting the consequences of having great responsibility.
The Definitive J. Jonah Jameson
J.K. Simmons epically plays theruthless Daily Bugle editor-in-chiefin Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy. J. Jonah Jameson is constantly screaming and puffing on cigars throughout the films, while always trying to paint Spider-Man as a villain. The comic book character was brilliantly brought to life by Simmons, and fans were excited when Jameson appeared at the end ofSpider-Man: Far From Homeas well.
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