Jared Hess is a film director whose most notable projects fall within the comedy genre. His movies have indeed defined an entire generation of movie-lovers, particularly those who first fell in love with his work in the 2000s. In fact, films like Nacho Libre and Napoleon Dynamite have been highlights that have made their mark on film history.
Now, Hess is set to return to the screen with his upcoming video game movie adaptation of Minecraft, which will reunite the director with Nacho Libre star Jack Black. Also starring are Jason Momoa and Matt Berry (of What We Do in the Shadows fame). Whether you grew up watching Hess' work or you are here for your next watch, come with us as we rank the best films from Jared Hess's filmography.
7 Don Verdean (2015)
Every director fumbles at some point, and even Hess makes mistakes. 2015 gave us the comedy-drama Don Verdean. The film follows an archaeologist named Don Verdean, who is hired by a small-town pastor to try and bring back some religious artifacts to inspire a larger church attendance. Well, the truth behind his practice continues to haunt him as he tries to cover up his failures. The film stars Sam Rockwell, Danny McBride, Lemaine Clement, Amy Ryan, and Will Forte.
What Makes It NOT Great
This film is all over the place. There is a sense of charm in the comedy aspect of it. However, Don Verdean still falls flat in its only-semi-interesting plot and lackluster character dynamics. Other than a slight glimmer of hope in Hess' directorial influence shining through, this one might just be the one to skip out on. Rent on YouTube
6 Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
Although none of us are ever dying to see Gentlemen Broncos, watching it fulfills more of a "why not?" question that wants to be answered. To put it simply, the film follows a young teen named Benjamin (Michael Angarano), who doesn't have any friends and is homeschooled by his mother (played by Jennifer Coolidge). Benjamin is prepped and ready to meet is idol at a fantasy writer's convention. However, upon further inspection, he quickly figures out that his own ideas are being stolen by the author he once admired.
What Makes It Not That Great
This film has "ridiculous" written all over it. It is over-the-top, dramatic, and awkward to watch at times. However, they are the parts that people tend to gravitate towards and the parts that people despise — which is impressive for Hess to have pulled off. The film is light-hearted and full of every kind of humor imaginable. Ultimately, Gentlemen Broncos is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of film that changes from person to person. Rent on Prime Video
5 Masterminds (2016)
2016's Masterminds is structured to be more of a crowd-pleaser rather than a critically acclaimed masterpiece. David Ghanatt, played expertly by the hilarious Zach Galifianakis, gets thrown into a whirlwind scheme led by his coworker Kelly (Kristen Wiig) to rob a bank. Of course, sneaking in and walking out with the cash is not as simple as it sounds, as David finds himself risking his entire livelihood in their antics to get away with this incredible heist.
What Makes It Great
For a comedy film that feels this incredulous and over-the-top, the fact that it is based on a true story lends it a certain charm. Based on the Loomis Fargo heist in 1997, Hess' Masterminds is like a shining star in the comedy genre. The cast, consisting of Galifianakis, Wiig, Owen Wilson, Kate McKinnon, Jason Sudeikis, and Leslie Jones, is a veritable who's-who of some of the funniest people in comedy right now. You will be brought on a wild ride, full of action and laughs, that will scratch that comedy itch in a way that only a Jared Hess film can. Stream on Hulu
4 Ninety-Five Senses (2023)
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The animated short film, Ninety-Five Sense, is not the typical project you might expect from Hess, but it is brilliant all the same. It centers around the premise that the five senses — touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing — are just scraping the surface of what we are truly capable of. The film explores the theory that the five senses we know of now are only a fraction of the total 100 we have, the others only unlocking after death.
What Makes It Great
The compelling animated film will capture your mind and create a perspective on life that goes beyond the confines of the breaths we take. Ninety-Five Senses explores the innate human curiosity of what exists beyond life. A thought-provoking film by Hess, it was nominated for Best Animated Short at the Oscars. Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
3 Peluca (2002)
Peluca is a comedy short film that came out in 2002. It is one of those origin story projects in Hess' filmography; indeed, it was an assignment he completed while he was a student at Brigham Young University (BYU). It follows a kid who decides to skip school with his two friends. When the kids win the lottery, they decide to go on a little shopping spree at a thrift store.
What Makes It Great
With Napoleon Dynamite being the standout film in Hess' career, lead actor Jon Heder being in this student short feels like poetic symmetry. Honestly, there would be no Napoleon Dynamite without the foundation that Peluca laid. The film itself is under 10 minutes long and if the comedy classic Napoleon Dynamite was your bread and butter, Peluca is worth a watch. Stream on YouTube
2 Nacho Libre (2006)
2006 gave us one of the most iconic cinematic experiences from one of the best comedic geniuses of our generation. Nacho Libre is a sports comedy film written and directed by Hess. The film follows the journey of a man with some big Lucha Libre dreams. Black plays the main character, Nacho, who makes the decision to defy the wishes of the Mexican monastery that he grew up in, becoming an anonymous amateur wrestler instead.
What Makes It Great
Jack Black made this film special. Nacho Libre is the kind of film that works for everyone. No matter how young you are, no matter how old you get, Hess' film holds up as pure, nostalgic fun. It is wholesome, dynamic, colorful, hilarious, and full of charm that only an iconic actor like Black could lead. The storyline is fluid and unique. Stream on Paramount+
1 Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Easily, the most noteworthy film in Hess' back pocket is the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite. The brilliant comedy film came out in 2004 and follows Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) who is in his prime awkward teen phase. After an accident, Napoleon finds a blooming friendship with the new kid at school named Pedro (Efren Ramirez). With all their hopes in their line of sight, the pair puts their creative minds together to conjure up a killer campaign for class president.
What Makes It Great
Napoleon Dynamite has managed to feel so special yet so simple all at once. Hess' vision as a director is fully captured in this comedy. As an audience, we continue to enjoy this film for its comedy, heart, and originality after decades since this release. Over time, Napoleon Dynamite has become a cultural phenomenon that seems to get even better. It holds a rewatchable quality that not many teen comedies of the 2000s hold. Stream on Hulu
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