Few actors in Hollywood are as beloved today as J.K. Simmons. Since the 1990’s, Simmons has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s strict band teachers, news reporters or guilty jurors, Simmons has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies that he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Whiplash
Teachers are inspiring figures that impacted my identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that engaged in bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Willing to yell, he rarely got along well with scared pupils whose lives he made a hell. Despite short temper, my teacher motivated me to achieve academic success. Through his valuable words of wisdom, I achieved my goal of graduation in the education system. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how teachers can change the lives of students in a flash as powerfully as “Whiplash”. Ever since its release in 2014, J.K. Simmons’ movie has stood the test of time as a musical masterpiece. In the greatest role of his career, Simmons embodied a cruel jazz band teacher that bullies students to achieve success causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in the most memorable role of his career. Simmons is one of those actors that has always had a powerful voice with authority, and “Whiplash” showcased his strengths as a performer. Working alongside Miles Teller who is also extraordinary, Simmons created a powerful portrait of jazz music teachers. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a musical tempo in front of the entire class causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” J.K. Simmons’ greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the value of teachers that would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of an iconic film about scary band teachers guiding students to excel in jazz music classes by bullying, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made timeless movies which are worth celebrating.
2. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero my brother has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a brother appreciating the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero making him feel heard. He would praise a hero whose great powers came with great responsibility. In 2002, J.K. Simmons honoured the superhero in his movie “Spider-Man”. In the most iconic role of his career, Simmons embodied the publisher of a magazine trailing a superhero swinging in the air. Simmons has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Spider-Man” showcased his comedic talents. As J. Jonah Jameson, Simmons did an exceptional job of portraying a legendary comic-book character. For instance, the scene in which J. Jonah Jameson has a fit of laughter when he’s requested by Peter to pay him in advance is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” a comic-book classic is its humanity. It turns Spider-Man into an ordinary person with issues everyone can identify with. As spectacular tribute towards a superhero whose great powers come with great responsibility, it’s a bold reminder of an actor whose movies audiences love dearly.
3. Up in the Air
Travelling can impact the lives of families. As far back I remember, I’ve always admired my father. However, long-distance became a barrier that prevented us from spending time together. When he got a job in Saudi Arabia, it was hard to stay in touch. As someone treasuring a father pursuing his career up in the air, I adored “Up in the Air”. Released in 2009, J.K. Simmons’ movie did an excellent job of depicting businessmen up in the air. In the most corporate role of his career, Simmons embodies a businessman fired from his job facing despair. With “Up in the Air”, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a fired employee. For instance, the scene in which Bob is fired from his job causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Up in the Air” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about career which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of businessmen up in the air, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has created an illustrious career making memorable movies with relatable characters about whom audiences care.
4. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. However, immigration became a barrier bringing bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was forced to give up my romance with a girl that I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the sacrifices involved in achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Ever since its release in 2016, J.K. Simmons’ movie has become a musical masterpiece. In the most musical role of his career, Simmons embodies a jazz club manager firing employees facing despair. Simmons has the abilities to steal the show in a supporting role, and “La La Land” showcased his strengths as an actor. Despite appearing in the movie for a short scene with limited screen-time, Simmons leaves a lasting impression. For instance, the scene in which Bill fires Sebastian causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers chasing dreams in L.A., it’s a bold reminder of an actor that deserves to be celebrated today.
5. Juror #2
Courtroom dramas are a genre of movies that my uncle loved dearly. I recall with nostalgia an uncle that adored the courtroom drama genre. My uncle grew up to embrace a genre in which 12 angry men would fight a case. He would often believe that being a lawyer was a noble profession worthy of celebration. As someone treasuring an uncle that grew up to value courtroom dramas, I adored “Juror #2”. Released in 2024, J.K. Simmons’ recent movie depicted a guilty juror that becomes the suspect of a murder. In the most legal role of his career, Simmons embodies a juror facing despair. With “Juror #2”, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a juror. Working alongside Nicholas Hoult who is also amazing, Simmons created a portrait of jurors that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Harold breaks jury rules to uncover evidence showcased the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Juror #2” a courtroom classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about guilt which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of committed jurors that face challenges seeking to solve a courtroom case, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies which audiences embrace.
6. Being the Ricardos
When it comes to the most beloved television sitcoms in American history, it’s worth discussing I Love Lucy. Created during the 1950’s, the show earned a huge following for depicting the life of a couple facing adversities. In 2021, J.K. Simmons honoured the celebrated television show’s legacy in his movie “Being the Ricardos”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Simmons embodied a legendary actor seeking to make a television show on air. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for playing grumpy characters in a foul mood. Working alongside Nicole Kidman who is also excellent, Simmons honoured the legendary television. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved television show that aired several years ago, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor whose movies give audiences dreams to follow.
7. Juno
Teen pregnancy is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies. Hollywood has often avoided telling stories of teen girls that become pregnant on the big-screen. In an industry that has often ignored an issue causing teen girls to face sorrow, it’s worth praising “Juno”. Released in 2007, J.K. Simmons’ Oscar-winning movie offered a realistic portrait of teen pregnancy. In the most likeable role of his career, Simmons embodies a caring father assisting his teen daughter with pregnancy causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase a sensitive side he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Elliot Page who is also amazing, Simmons captured teen pregnancy. As strong as Juno’s desire to overcome her pregnancy, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor whose memorable movies audiences love dearly.
8. Palm Springs
Time travel is a tricky concept that’s challenging to execute in movies. In order for any film about time travel to be successful, it needs to strike a balance between being entertaining and logical. It’s a complicated balance most movies are rarely able to achieve. However, in 2020 J.K. Simmons pulled it off effectively in his movie “Palm Springs”. In the most complex role of his career, Simmons embodies a man stuck in a time loop causing despair. It’s a complex role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strong comedic timing. Despite his limited screen-time in the movie, Simmons managed to leave a lasting impression. A powerful portrayal of time travel causing romantic relationships to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actor that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
9. Zootopia
J.K. Simmons has always been one of those actors that has used his commanding voice to create compelling characters. Through his powerful voice that projects authority, Simmons has created characters audiences relate to. Simmons’ strength for using his commanding voice to create colourful characters in the animated genre is clearly evident in his movie “Zootopia”. Released in 2016, J.K. Simmons’ movie showcased the actor’s aptitude for animation. In the most animated role of his career, Simmons embodied the mayor of a town facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strengths for using his voice to create colourful characters. As precious as the town of Zootopia, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
10. Spider-Man 3
J.K. Simmons hasn’t always made great movies that are beloved today. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Spider-Man 3” falls into the latter category. Released in 2007, Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man movie was a disaster. In the most wooden role of his career, Simmons embodies the publisher of a newspaper. Simmons brought humour to the role standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Spider-Man 3” is a disastrous comic-book movie, it honours J.K. Simmons’ enduring legacy. As strong as webs Spider-Man seeks to weave, it’s a spectacular reminder of a actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences captivated whose timeless movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to believe my dreams of film criticism are possible to achieve.
The Film Buff 