Jack Black, born Thomas Jacob Black, is a California actor, musician, and comedian. Black has had an extensive career in music, television, and film. He’s a celebrated creative in Hollywood, and his comedic takes have made for classic cult lines that fans still say today. He’s also worked with his band Tenacious D, and on the silver screen, Black has been featured in the Jumanji franchise, Kung Fu Panda blockbusters, and dozens of other hit features.
With a decades-long career under his belt, Jack Black has more than enough fan favorites. While our list isn’t necessarily exhaustive, we’re diving into a few noteworthy Jack Black movies that can’t be ignored. From his recent appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie to jammin’ in School of Rock, here are my favorite Jack Black films.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Black lent his voice to the new Super Mario Bros. film alongside Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, and Seth Rogan. Jack voices Bowser in the film. He is also the main antagonist. The film also features the origin story of brothers Mario and Luigi. These two characters are quite popular in video gaming, with several best-selling games. The film’s plot follows the two as they are transported to an alternate universe and become entangled between two kingdoms. One of the kingdoms is Bowser’s. The Super Mario Bros. Movie generally received positive reviews upon its release. It has so far grossed over $377 million in worldwide ticket sales. Additionally, the movie is currently on its theatrical run.
The House With W Clock In Its Walls (2018)
Jack Black plays the warlock Jonathan Barnavelt in this fantasy comedy based on the 1973 novel of the same name. John Bellairs wrote the original novel. The plot follows the adventures of Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan who moves in with his uncle Jonathan. The movie further explores the relationship between Lewis and his uncle as the 10-year-old learns magic. He would eventually help Jonathan uncover the mystery of a magic clock. From a $42 million production budget, the film grossed over $130 million at the global box office.
Jumanji Film Series (2017 – )
The Jumanji series is a movie franchise based on the children’s books Jumanji (1981) and its sequel Zathura (2002). The movie revolves around people being mysteriously sucked into an enchanted video game. Finishing all the game levels is the only way to get out of the game. Jack Black stars alongside comedian Kevin Hart and franchise magnet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The actors have also starred in two out of the four live-action Jumanji films. Jack plays Professor Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Oberon, an expert scientist, and is the avatar of Bethany (played by Madison Iseman).
Gulliver’s Travels (2010)
Gulliver’s Travels is a fantasy adventure comedy film where Jack Black plays the role of Lemuel Gulliver. Lemuel is a struggling news reporter sent on a mission to uncover the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. After arriving in the triangle, he is mysteriously sucked in by a water spout and magically transported to an island of tiny people. The themes lightheartedly revolve around love, envy, and acceptance. Emily Blunt, T.J. Miller, and Amanda Pete also star in the film.
Kung Fu Panda Film Franchise (2007 – )
Jack has consistently reprised his role as the voice of Po in the DreamWorks animated franchise Kung Fu Panda. The franchise includes films and television spin-off shows. Generally, the plot follows the adventures of Po, the Kung Fu panda, with his friends and fellow warriors in different quests. DreamWorks has officially announced Kung Fu Panda 4, slated for 2024. Jack Black is expected to continue voicing Po in the new sequel. The Kung Fu Panda movies have, over the years, seen massive box office success. The franchise is estimated to have grossed over $1.8 billion across the three released films. Jack Black has also been consistently lauded for his incredible voice acting in the franchise.
King Kong (2005)
King Kong is an epic adventure monster film and is also the eighth sequel in the King Kong movie franchise. King Kong follows the unsanctioned adventures of film director Carl Denham (Jack Black). He lies to his crew and actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) about shooting a film in the SS Venture ship. However, Carl intends to film the mythical Skull Island.
SS Venture coincidentally shipwrecks on Skull Island, and the crew encounters savage natives of the Island. King Kong, a 25-foot-tall ape, also lives on the island. The natives periodically offer human sacrifices to the ape. The film then dives into the relationship between King Kong and actress Ann Darrow. The relationship is juxtaposed with the efforts of Jack and company to free her from the monster. Kong is eventually killed in a confrontation with the Navy as the movie concludes. The film succeeded at the global box office, raising over $560 million in its theater run.
School Of Rock (2003)
School of Rock is a 2003 comedy film featuring Jack Black alongside Mike White and Sarah Silverman. The movie grossed $131 million at the global box office from a $35 million budget. Black stars as a music teacher who is set to turn a young group os students into a full-fledged rock band. The film largely received positive reviews, with critics praising Black’s performance. It is one of the highest-grossing music-themed comedy films of all time, sitting behind 2015’s Pitch Perfect.