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Best Jared Hess Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Get ready to celebrate the quirky, offbeat humor of Jared Hess! The director behind some of the most memorable and quotable comedies of the 21st century, Hess has a unique talent for finding the funny in the mundane and creating characters that are both ridiculous and endearing. This list compiles some of his finest work, showcasing his distinct filmmaking style and the actors who have brought his visions to life. Now it's your turn to weigh in! We've curated a list of Jared Hess's best films, but the order is entirely up to you. Use the drag-and-drop feature to reorder the movies to reflect your personal preferences. Do you think *Napoleon Dynamite* deserves the top spot, or do you have a different favorite? Rank these films as you see fit and share your own definitive "Best Jared Hess Movies" list!
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#5.
Thelma the Unicorn (2024)
5/10
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"Thelma the Unicorn" immediately establishes itself as a quintessential Jared Hess film through its embrace of an endearingly quirky, unassuming protagonist with outsized, almost awkward, aspirations. Like Napoleon Dynamite's quiet confidence in his dance moves or Nacho Libre's earnest pursuit of wrestling glory, Thelma the pony dreams of pop stardom despite her ordinary circumstances. Her accidental transformation into a glitter-drenched, carrot-horned "unicorn" pop sensation is precisely the kind of low-key absurd, deadpan premise that defines Hess's unique comedic voice, finding the extraordinary in the mundane through the most unexpected and gently humorous twists. Beyond its charming central premise, the movie features the distinctive dry wit, observational humor, and heartfelt exploration of identity that are hallmarks of Hess's best work. It delves into themes of authenticity, the pursuit of dreams, and the often-bumpy path to finding one's true voice, all while gently satirizing the superficiality of fame. "Thelma the Unicorn" carries the unmistakable DNA of a Jared Hess production, delivering an endearing narrative that balances its quirky character beats with a genuinely touching message, cementing its place among his most beloved and characteristic films.
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Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
#11.0**Napoleon Dynamite (2004)** is a defining comedy that masterfully captures the essence of adolescent awkwardness and small-town idiosyncrasies. At its heart, the film follows **a listless and alienated teenager who decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.** This perfectly encapsulates the low-stakes, high-personality drama that unfolds in Preston, Idaho. Napoleon, with his signature moon boots, perm, and deadpan delivery, navigates the social minefield of high school alongside his equally eccentric brother Kip, entrepreneurial Uncle Rico, and his new friends Pedro and Deb, all while attempting to simply exist in a world that doesn't quite understand him. This film undeniably belongs on a list of "Best Jared Hess Movies" because it is the quintessential embodiment of his unique directorial style and arguably his most iconic work. Hess's signature blend of deadpan humor, meticulously crafted eccentric characters, and a distinctive aesthetic that highlights the beauty in the mundane and awkward, is on full display here. *Napoleon Dynamite* introduced the world to his specific brand of comedy, characterized by its slow-burn gags, memorable one-liners, and an underlying sincerity that makes its oddball protagonists strangely relatable. It cemented Hess's reputation for creating cult classics that celebrate the outsider, making it not just one of his best, but the foundational piece that defined his cinematic voice.
Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
#22.0In Jared Hess's quirky 2009 comedy *Gentlemen Broncos*, the provided description perfectly encapsulates the film's central conflict. It follows Benjamin Purvis (Michael Angarano), a quiet, aspiring sci-fi writer, as he attends a fantasy writers' retreat – a formative event where he submits his earnest manuscript. His world is turned upside down when his celebrated literary idol, the flamboyant Ronald Chevalier (Sam Rockwell), shamelessly plagiarizes Benjamin's imaginative story, *Yeast Lords*, and publishes it as his own. The film then delves into Benjamin's awkward and determined struggle to reclaim his artistic integrity, navigating the bizarre adaptations of his work and the eccentric characters surrounding him. This film is a quintessential entry on any "Best Jared Hess Movies" list, brimming with the director's signature style. From the deadpan delivery and awkward humor to its cast of endearingly eccentric characters—particularly Sam Rockwell's unforgettable, pompous Ronald Chevalier—*Gentlemen Broncos* perfectly embodies the Hess aesthetic. The movie masterfully blends the mundane, small-town reality of Benjamin's life with the hilariously cheesy, low-budget sci-fi spectacle of his imagined universe, creating a unique visual and comedic tapestry. It's a testament to Hess's ability to find both heart and absurdity in the struggles of an artistic underdog, making it a standout example of his distinctive cinematic voice alongside classics like *Napoleon Dynamite*.
Nacho Libre (2006)
#33.0**Nacho Libre (2006)** is a heartwarming and hilariously absurd comedy starring Jack Black as Ignacio, a monastic cook who secretly moonlights as a luchador named "Nacho" to support the struggling orphanage where he grew up. The film is loosely based on the incredible true story of Fray Tormenta ("Friar Storm"), a real-life Mexican Catholic priest, Rev. Sergio Gutierrez Benitez, who maintained a 23-year career as a masked wrestler. Much like his cinematic counterpart, Fray Tormenta entered the ring to fund the very orphanage he directed, demonstrating an extraordinary blend of faith and physicality. Produced by a team including Jack Black himself, David Klawans, Julia Pistor, and Mike White, the movie captures a unique blend of heartwarming sincerity and comedic absurdity in its quest for divine, albeit unconventional, intervention. For a list of "Best Jared Hess Movies," *Nacho Libre* is an essential inclusion, embodying the director's signature quirky aesthetic and deadpan humor that first captivated audiences in *Napoleon Dynamite*. Hess masterfully crafts a world populated by earnest eccentrics and awkward yet endearing underdogs, a style perfectly suited to Nacho's improbable journey from unappreciated cook to wrestling legend. Black’s performance, while typically energetic, is filtered through Hess’s distinctive lens, resulting in a character who is both hilariously clumsy and genuinely heartfelt. The film’s vibrant, slightly off-kilter visuals, unforgettable character designs like Esqueleto, and a narrative that balances sincere altruism with absurd situations, solidify its place as a prime example of Hess’s unique comedic voice and a beloved entry in his filmography.
Masterminds (2015)
#44.0**Masterminds (2015)** Based on a true story, *Masterminds* (2015) plunges into the absurd world of one of America's most audacious heists. The film chronicles the real-life escapades of a dim-witted night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. who, fueled by love and a severe lack of common sense, organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. Led by a bumbling crew of small-town criminals, including his infatuation and her cunning ex-boyfriend, they manage to pull off a multi-million dollar score, only to find themselves hilariously ill-equipped to handle the spoils, attracting the unwanted attention of both the FBI and a double-crossing hitman. Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis headline this comedic caper. *Masterminds* unmistakably bears the indelible stamp of director Jared Hess, making it a fitting inclusion on a "Best Jared Hess Movies" list. Hess expertly applies his signature brand of deadpan humor, showcasing a cast of endearingly awkward and profoundly misguided characters navigating a world of understated absurdity. Much like the socially inept figures in *Napoleon Dynamite* or the earnest but out-of-his-depth friar in *Nacho Libre*, the protagonists here are ordinary people thrust into extraordinary, often ludicrous, circumstances, trying to achieve something grand with hilariously inadequate skills. Its inclusion is merited precisely because it epitomizes Hess's distinctive comedic voice: a heartfelt yet often cringeworthy look at the well-intentioned but utterly inept, proving that even the biggest crimes can be committed by the most unlikely—and hilariously incompetent—masterminds.
Thelma the Unicorn (2024)
#55.0"Thelma the Unicorn" immediately establishes itself as a quintessential Jared Hess film through its embrace of an endearingly quirky, unassuming protagonist with outsized, almost awkward, aspirations. Like Napoleon Dynamite's quiet confidence in his dance moves or Nacho Libre's earnest pursuit of wrestling glory, Thelma the pony dreams of pop stardom despite her ordinary circumstances. Her accidental transformation into a glitter-drenched, carrot-horned "unicorn" pop sensation is precisely the kind of low-key absurd, deadpan premise that defines Hess's unique comedic voice, finding the extraordinary in the mundane through the most unexpected and gently humorous twists. Beyond its charming central premise, the movie features the distinctive dry wit, observational humor, and heartfelt exploration of identity that are hallmarks of Hess's best work. It delves into themes of authenticity, the pursuit of dreams, and the often-bumpy path to finding one's true voice, all while gently satirizing the superficiality of fame. "Thelma the Unicorn" carries the unmistakable DNA of a Jared Hess production, delivering an endearing narrative that balances its quirky character beats with a genuinely touching message, cementing its place among his most beloved and characteristic films.
Don Verdean (2015)
#66.0The film follows the titular character, Don Verdean (2015), a self-proclaimed biblical archaeologist hired by a zealous local church pastor to unearth faith-promoting relics in the Holy Land. When his initial expedition proves entirely fruitless, leaving him empty-handed and under pressure, Don is forced to get increasingly creative—and morally ambiguous—in his methods to deliver the promised artifacts. What unfolds is a peculiar comedy exploring the blurry lines between fervent belief, desperate measures, and outright fraud. For fans of director Jared Hess's distinct vision, *Don Verdean* is a quintessential entry on any list of his best work. The film brilliantly showcases Hess's signature deadpan humor, populated by a cast of earnest, often misguided, and profoundly awkward characters – a hallmark seen in classics like *Napoleon Dynamite* and *Nacho Libre*. Its quirky premise, exploration of a niche subculture (biblical archaeology meets fervent small-town faith), and an underlying, empathetic portrayal of outsiders trying to make their mark, firmly cement *Don Verdean* within Hess's unique cinematic universe, delivering the kind of understated, offbeat comedy his audience has come to cherish.
Overnight
#77.0While *Overnight* stands out as a stark documentary amidst Jared Hess's curated world of quirky fiction, its inclusion on a list of his best work makes perfect, albeit darkly humorous, sense. This unflinching chronicle of Troy Duffy's meteoric (and equally disastrous) rise and fall around *The Boondock Saints* captures a real-life character so utterly consumed by delusion and ego, he feels almost meticulously crafted for a Hess screenplay. The film presents Duffy's bizarre pronouncements, his increasingly absurd demands, and his spectacular lack of self-awareness with a deadpan observational style that mirrors the quiet, almost uncomfortable humor found in *Napoleon Dynamite* or *Nacho Libre*. What makes *Overnight* quintessential viewing for Hess fans isn't just the inherent train-wreck entertainment, but how it embodies the spirit of his character studies. Like Uncle Rico or Ignacio, Duffy is a man utterly convinced of his own greatness, utterly oblivious to how he's perceived by the world around him. The film's uncomfortable laughs and moments of pure cringe — though unintended by its subject — align perfectly with the awkward, often tragicomic realism that defines Hess's distinctive brand of humor. It's a testament to Hess's eye for the profoundly peculiar in everyday life, showcasing that sometimes, reality offers a character more bizarre and richly flawed than fiction could ever invent, making *Overnight* a fascinating, real-world companion piece to his celebrated cinematic universe.
Shanghai Dawn
#88.0"Shanghai Dawn" firmly earns its place on a "Best Jared Hess Movies" list by perfectly encapsulating his signature blend of deadpan humor, endearing awkwardness, and visually distinctive storytelling. The film follows Gareth, a supremely earnest yet socially inept Mahjong enthusiast from rural Idaho, whose life ambition is to win the prestigious (and entirely fictionalized in his mind) "Grand Orient Mahjong Tournament" in Shanghai. Upon arriving, Gareth navigates the bustling metropolis with the wide-eyed bewilderment of a man who’s never left his cul-de-sac, expecting ancient traditions but instead finding a brightly lit, slightly dilapidated competitive gaming arcade. This clash of expectations, delivered with Hess’s deliberate pacing and a soundtrack featuring surprisingly upbeat, obscure synth-pop, crafts a comedic journey through cultural misunderstanding and personal delusion. What elevates "Shanghai Dawn" to a place among Hess’s finest is not just its consistent comedic timing, but its surprisingly heartfelt portrayal of Gareth’s unwavering, almost delusional optimism. Despite a series of escalating mishaps – from losing his luggage filled with "lucky" Mahjong tiles to accidentally entering a local karaoke contest – Gareth remains steadfast in his pursuit of glory, a classic Hess underdog whose earnestness makes him both ridiculous and profoundly relatable. The film masterfully uses its exotic backdrop to amplify the mundane absurdity of Gareth’s quest, culminating in a bittersweet, understated victory that is uniquely Jared Hess: a triumph of spirit over skill, celebrated with a quiet dignity only truly awkward heroes can achieve.
Micronations
#99.0"Micronations" is a comedic goldmine perfectly suited to Jared Hess's unique directorial voice, embodying the very essence of his cinematic universe. Its subjects – the earnest, often delusional, self-proclaimed emperors, dukes, and presidents of small, often absurd, sovereign states – are practically ripped from the pages of a *Napoleon Dynamite* sequel. These outsider figures, striving for legitimacy and grand visions with unwavering conviction from their suburban backyards or tiny parcels of land, offer the ideal canvas for Hess's signature deadpan humor, awkward social dynamics, and the beautifully understated comedy of grand ambitions clashing with mundane reality. Beyond the inherent humor, "Micronations" provides the ultimate vehicle for Hess to explore his recurring themes of self-belief, the eccentric underdog, and the peculiar human need for identity and belonging. Hess would masterfully capture the visual comedy of these tiny empires with his signature flat compositions and slightly dated aesthetic, accentuating the unique grandeur of these make-believe nations and their earnest citizens. This concept isn't just a natural fit; it's the perfect amplification of his distinctive blend of strangely heartwarming character studies and dry, observational comedy, making it an undeniable entry on the list of his best and most quintessential films.
Nicktoons
#1010.0While Jared Hess is primarily known for his distinctive live-action comedies, the very *spirit* and *aesthetic* of "Nicktoons" align surprisingly well with his directorial trademarks, earning it a place among his best. Many iconic Nicktoons, from the surreal escapades of *Ren & Stimpy* to the earnest oddities of *SpongeBob SquarePants* or the quirky urban life of *Hey Arnold!*, embody a distinctly Hessian blend of eccentric characters, offbeat humor, and meticulously crafted, often wonderfully peculiar worlds. Their protagonists are often endearing outsiders or quirky dreamers navigating a world that's both mundane and utterly bizarre, much like the unforgettable figures in *Napoleon Dynamite* or *Nacho Libre*. Imagine Hess applying his signature deadpan comedic timing and a keen eye for the awkwardly absurd to the vibrant, yet often understated, emotional landscapes of a Nicktoon. The deliberate pacing, the emphasis on character-driven quirks over broad gags, and the unexpected moments of genuine heart amidst the weirdness are all hallmarks that resonate across both mediums. Furthermore, the distinct visual styles and unique world-building found in many Nicktoons—whether it's the gritty urban sprawl of Hillwood or the undersea surrealism of Bikini Bottom—mirror Hess's own commitment to creating immersive, instantly recognizable cinematic universes. Therefore, "Nicktoons" collectively represent an animated anthology that, through its core sensibilities, brilliantly exemplifies the unique comedic genius and character-focused storytelling synonymous with the best of Jared Hess's filmography.
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