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Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal, or Jake Gyllenhaal, is a popular American actor with a wide range of work in film, stage, and recently on TV. Brother of acclaimed actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake began his career as a child artist.
Some of his most popular movies are Donnie Darko, Prisoners, The Day After Tomorrow, Zodiac, and Brokeback Mountain—for which he was also nominated at the Oscars. He recently played the lead in Apple TV’s series Presumed Innocent, which has garnered much hype.
Gyllenhaal has worked in a variety of genres and has been credited as an intense and passionate actor. Here are seven movies and shows that you can watch and enjoy.
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Disclaimer: This list is not ranked and is based on the author's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised.
Presumed Innocent, Brokeback Mountain, Southpaw, and other shows and films featuring Jake Gyllenhaal
- Presumed Innocent
- Donnie Darko
- Brokeback Mountain
- Nightcrawler
- Zodiac
- Love and Other Drugs
- Southpaw
1) Presumed Innocent (Available on Apple TV+)
Jake Gyllenhaal made his TV debut with the much-hyped reworking of the famous 90s movie starring Harrison Ford. Originally based on the book of the same name by Scott Turow, Presumed Innocent is a 2024 show about Rožat ‘Rusty’ Sabich, who is accused of murdering his colleague and lover, Carolyn Polhemus. Enmeshed within the story are themes of workplace politics, sexism, fidelity, rage, and obsession.
Gyllenhaal’s version deviates from the book and movie considerably and fleshes out characters during the course of its eight episodes. The series has several twists and turns and paces on feverishly.
2) Donnie Darko (Available on Apple TV+)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, and others, this cult piece of cinema is a psychological thriller and has received much acclaim. Set in the late 80s, Donnie (Jake) is a teenager who sleepwalks while hearing the voice of a figure named Frank in a rabbit costume. The disturbing being informs Donnie that the world is soon going to end, and throughout the film, begins to influence Donnie’s actions.
This 2001 film is experimental with an impressive soundtrack and blends genres like sci-fi, horror, mystery, and comedy.
3) Brokeback Mountain (Available on Netflix)
One of the most important movies in Jake Gyllenhaal’s acting career, Brokeback Mountain is a seminal film that paved the path for sensitive LGBTQ+ representation in movies. Released in 2005 and starring Heath Ledger and Gyllenhaal in the lead roles, the movie is based on a short story and focuses on the complex relationship between two cowboys in the American West.
Set in a conservative society, the movie beautifully portrays the tragedy and angst of the forbidden love between the two. The film received abundant praise, and Ang Lee won the Best Director award at the Oscars.
4) Nightcrawler (Available on Apple TV+)
Jake Gyllenhaal’s twisted neo-noir film explores the lives of stringers (freelance photojournalists) and the ethics of journalism. The story revolves around Lou (Jake), who deliberately hunts for violent crimes at night on the streets of Los Angeles. He then records them and sells them to news stations.
Gyllenhaal’s acting has received much acclaim for his icy, sharp, and unscrupulous persona. This 2014 movie also has impressive cinematography that keeps the viewer glued to their seats.
5) Zodiac (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
Directed by David Fincher and based on the real story of a 1960s and 1970s serial killer in San Francisco, this movie is a critic and fan favorite. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., and others, the popular film is about the intense search and investigation that the police conducted to find the mystery killer.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. play two reporters intrigued by the killers’ taunting letters. This 2007 movie is noted for its remarkable research, specificity, and immense depth and is considered by many to be Fincher’s magnum opus.
6) Love and Other Drugs (Amazon Prime Video)
A romantic comedy, this 2010 movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. It tells the story of a womanizing medical representative, Jamie (Jake), who falls in love with a woman suffering from Parkinson’s disease. While Jake’s goal is to sell his medicine, Zoloft, instead of his competition’s Prozac, Maggie (Anne) is an artist.
The movie will take the viewers on a rollercoaster ride as it begins with a frantic energy and turns darker, commenting on the pharmaceutical industry and the reality of living with Parkinson’s.
7) Southpaw (Available on Apple TV+)
This 2015 sports film is a redemption story as it follows the life of a professional boxer, Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal), who has lost his wife to a fellow competitor. As he starts spiraling down by using alcohol and drugs, even his daughter is taken away from him.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s anguish is critically praised, and the movie has some heart-wrenching moments. The fighting sequences are impressively directed, and the movie does a good job of blending sport and drama.
Fans of Jake Gyllenhaal and viewers can watch these films and shows on Apple TV+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
