Jesse Eisenberg is probably one of the most versatile and totally lovable actors of our decade, and, yes, we think he’s definitely underrated. This brilliant and hilarious man has an Oscar nomination for The Social Network (2010), where he blew his role as Mark Zuckerberg out of the water.
This actor has 46 acting credits under his belt, and he’s dabbled in about every genre there is. From drama to action to comedy, there’s nothing this man does that we don’t fall in love with. Since Zombieland: Double Tap just premiered this year, we thought we’d make a binge-worthy list of this man’s roles. As well, you can catch him again as Lex Luthor in the upcomingJustice League film. So, here are his 10 best films, according to IMDb.
The Art of Self-Defense (2019) - 6.8/10
This film is pretty new, and Jesse is the star. This crime comedy-drama follows a young man, who is dealing with the aftermath of being attacked on the street. He enlists a local dojo and a sensei to help teach him, well, the art of self-defense. It’s quirky, funny, and totally everything you could ask for from this versatile actor. There’s more than what meets the eye in this film, though, so prepare yourself for a tale of masculinity, violence, and an internal journey.
Adventureland (2009) - 6.8/10
This romantic comedy stars our main man and Kristen Stewart. In fact, Jesse pairs up with the Twilight alum pretty often, and we love pretty much all of their films. However, this is the only one to make the list, so listen up. This movie takes place in the summer of 1987, where a college graduate begrudgingly takes a job at a local amusement park.
However, he meets incredible people along the way and learns everything he needs to know about life. This quirky and fun film also has Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Wiig, and Bill Hader, so we’re not exactly sure what you’re waiting for.
Roger Dodger (2002) - 6.9/10
This comedy-drama stars Campbell Scott. After a man breaks up with his lover (who is also his boss), he takes his teenage nephew (Eisenberg) out on the town to meet some ladies. This movie also has Isabella Rossellini, so we doubt you want to miss this cringy and hilarious drama. Plus, watching Jesse Eisenberg pick up ladies with his uncle? We’re not sure we can pass that up. This movie is fun and quirky, and a 6.9 isn’t bad for this genre.
Rio (2011) - 6.9/10
This animated family film follows the adventure of two macaws. Jesse Eisenberg plays the lead voice, Blu, who is a domesticated macaw, who gets taken on a journey away from his people with a fierce lady macaw, Jewel (Anne Hathaway).
This comedy-adventure is actually pretty hilarious, and will even have adults laughing and engaged. This is a perfect family film, but we definitely will not judge if you watch it alone. Seriously, it’s pretty cute and fun.
Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) - 7.2
Fans of this cult zombie classic have been waiting 10 years for this sequel. Honestly, it didn’t disappoint us in the slightest. It’s pretty much the first film, but with a slightly different plot and some new jokes. Same cast, same director, and same cheesy zombie-killing goodness.
Seriously, we wanted nothing less than the same movie just 10 years later, right? Well, look no further, because color us impressed. Also, this cast is probably one of our all-time favorites, like ever.
The Squid and the Whale (2005) - 7.3/10
This underrated comedy-drama stars Owen Kline, Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, and Jesse Eisenberg. These four are a family, and the two young boys must deal with their parents’ untimely divorce in the 1980s in Brooklyn. This movie is relatable, comedic, and totally wholesome. This hidden gem managed a 7.3 on IMDb, so we think it’s definitely worth your time for a heart-warming and quirky treat.
Now You See Me (2013) - 7.3/10
We personally think you’re lying if you didn’t fall head over heels for Jesse in this film. This crime mystery (with a hint of magic) follows an F.B.I. Agent who is tracking down a team of illusionists. Why? Well, this magical team pull off huge bank heists during their shows and gives the money to their audiences.
This movie is stunning, and, if you love illusions, we promise you’ll be swept off your feet. The cast is also unreal, with Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and our one true love Jesse Eisenberg. Seriously, this movie is mind-blowing.
The End of the Tour (2015) - 7.3/10
This biography drama tells the story of an interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) and novelist David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel). This true story took place in 1996 after the infamous novel “Infinite Jest” was published by Wallace. If you love a good biography drama, we’re not sure what else you need besides these two actors and an incredible true tale. Plus, a 7.3/10 definitely seems worth your time.
Zombieland (2009) - 7.6/10
Of course, if the sequel made this list, undoubtedly the original did, too. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin, this Ruben Fleischer directed masterpiece is everything you could want from a zombie flick. It’s cheesy, cringy, hilarious, and totally worth it. This unlikely group of people team up to travel across a zombie-infested America, and you better prepare yourself for hilarity and zombie-slaying. Seriously, this is probably the best zombie film, like, ever. Zombies are hilarious, right?
The Social Network (2010) - 7.7/10
It’s probably no surprise that this Oscar nominee tops this list. Honestly, if you didn’t know who Jesse Eisenberg was before 2010, you definitely knew his name after this film. Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, and this movie tells the story of the development of Facebook, all the way from a Harvard dorm room to the successful website we know today.
With court cases, partnerships, and messy relationships, this film is a riveting portrayal of this story. With Rooney Mara, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer, this film is seriously a masterpiece. Oh yeah, it’s also directed by David Fincher, so, what are you waiting for? Go re-watch it, because we know everyone’s seen it since there’s no excuse for having not.
