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Best John Requa Movies
11th Nov 2025
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John Requa is a director and screenwriter known for his unique brand of dark comedy and character-driven narratives. With a knack for blending genres and exploring unconventional relationships, Requa's filmography offers a variety of stories, from the fantastical to the grounded. He’s built a career on memorable characters and unexpected plot twists, leaving a significant mark on the landscape of modern cinema. Now it's your turn to weigh in! Which of John Requa's films have resonated with you the most? From laugh-out-loud moments to emotionally charged scenes, select your favorite from the poll below and let your voice be heard. Cast your vote and help us determine the best of Requa's work!
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#2.
Focus (2015)
2/8
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*Focus* (2015) plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of professional con artistry, led by the charismatic and calculating Nicky (Will Smith). He encounters Jess (Margot Robbie), an aspiring grifter, and takes her under his wing, imparting the intricate techniques of deception and misdirection. As their professional partnership deepens, a passionate romantic involvement blossoms, only for Nicky to abruptly end it when their personal connection threatens his carefully constructed boundaries. Three years later, their paths dramatically converge again in Buenos Aires, where Nicky is orchestrating a highly dangerous and lucrative scheme. Jess, now a formidable and accomplished femme fatale in her own right, unexpectedly reappears, throwing Nicky's meticulously planned operation into disarray at a critical juncture and reigniting their complicated history amidst the backdrop of an elaborate, perilous con. Under the directorial and writing craftsmanship of John Requa (alongside Glenn Ficarra), *Focus* stands out as a prime example of his distinctive style, making it a fitting inclusion on a "Best John Requa Movies" list. Requa's films frequently explore the complexities of human relationships set against unconventional backdrops, blending sharp wit with genuine emotional depth. Here, he masterfully weaves a narrative rich with thrilling con artistry and a potent romantic entanglement, creating a dynamic where trust and deception are constantly in flux. The film's smart, twist-laden script, stylish direction, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads are hallmarks of Requa and Ficarra's work, embodying their knack for crafting sophisticated, character-driven thrillers that cleverly blur the lines between genres.
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Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
**Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)** *Crazy, Stupid, Love.* centers on Cal Weaver, who is living the American dream with a good job, a beautiful house, great children, and a beautiful wife named Emily. Cal's seemingly perfect life unravels, however, when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the fickle world of dating. Enter, Jacob Palmer, a self-styled player who takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies, leading Cal on a journey of self-reinvention that profoundly impacts not just his own life, but also those of his family and new friends. This film earns its place on a list of the "Best John Requa Movies" as it perfectly exemplifies his signature blend of sharp wit, genuine emotion, and sophisticated character development, particularly in his acclaimed partnership with Glenn Ficarra. As co-directors and co-writers, Requa and Ficarra masterfully navigate the complexities of modern relationships, blending laugh-out-loud comedy with poignant moments of heartbreak and self-discovery. Their direction elicits memorable, nuanced performances from a stellar ensemble cast, transforming a potentially conventional romantic comedy premise into a layered, intelligent, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. It stands as a testament to Requa's ability to craft films that are both immensely entertaining and deeply resonant.
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Focus (2015)
*Focus* (2015) plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of professional con artistry, led by the charismatic and calculating Nicky (Will Smith). He encounters Jess (Margot Robbie), an aspiring grifter, and takes her under his wing, imparting the intricate techniques of deception and misdirection. As their professional partnership deepens, a passionate romantic involvement blossoms, only for Nicky to abruptly end it when their personal connection threatens his carefully constructed boundaries. Three years later, their paths dramatically converge again in Buenos Aires, where Nicky is orchestrating a highly dangerous and lucrative scheme. Jess, now a formidable and accomplished femme fatale in her own right, unexpectedly reappears, throwing Nicky's meticulously planned operation into disarray at a critical juncture and reigniting their complicated history amidst the backdrop of an elaborate, perilous con. Under the directorial and writing craftsmanship of John Requa (alongside Glenn Ficarra), *Focus* stands out as a prime example of his distinctive style, making it a fitting inclusion on a "Best John Requa Movies" list. Requa's films frequently explore the complexities of human relationships set against unconventional backdrops, blending sharp wit with genuine emotional depth. Here, he masterfully weaves a narrative rich with thrilling con artistry and a potent romantic entanglement, creating a dynamic where trust and deception are constantly in flux. The film's smart, twist-laden script, stylish direction, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads are hallmarks of Requa and Ficarra's work, embodying their knack for crafting sophisticated, character-driven thrillers that cleverly blur the lines between genres.
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I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
"I Love You Phillip Morris" (2009) dives into the astonishing true story of Steven Russell (Jim Carrey), a man whose life takes an unexpected turn after a transformative event leads him to embrace his authentic self and a new, lavish lifestyle funded by elaborate schemes and cons. A brilliant and charming con artist, Russell's insatiable desire for the finer things, combined with an almost superhuman ability to outsmart the system, drives him through a series of audacious frauds and escapades across the country. Inevitably, Russell's criminal antics land him behind bars, where his life gains a singular, intense focus: the gentle and charismatic Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). Smitten and utterly devoted, Russell's subsequent years are defined by his relentless pursuit of a life with Morris, no matter the consequences. This obsession fuels an incredible string of prison breaks, identity thefts, and more elaborate cons, all executed with a desperate, unwavering resolve to reunite with his beloved, making the film a darkly comedic and utterly bizarre testament to love against all odds. "I Love You Phillip Morris" is a quintessential inclusion on a list of John Requa's best movies because it perfectly encapsulates the distinctive blend of dark humor, sharp wit, and character-driven storytelling that he, alongside co-director and writer Glenn Ficarra, has become renowned for. As one of their first directorial efforts, it boldly establishes their unique voice, presenting a true story that is at once outrageously funny and deeply poignant. The film deftly navigates the moral ambiguities of its charmingly criminal protagonist, Steven Russell, making him oddly sympathetic despite his deceit, a hallmark of Requa and Ficarra's approach to flawed characters. Its clever plotting, relentless energy, and an unshakeable focus on an unconventional, obsessive love story make it a standout example of their directorial prowess, demonstrating their ability to find humor and heart in the most unlikely of circumstances.
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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)
**Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)** adapts the acclaimed memoir *The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan* by journalist Kim Barker. The film plunges audiences into 2002, where cable news producer Kim Barker (Tina Fey) trades her comfortable American routine for a daring new assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Quickly dislodged from her ordinary life, Barker finds herself navigating the surreal and dangerous landscape of an active war zone. Here, she forms an unlikely bond with fellow journalist Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot Robbie), who helps the shellshocked reporter acclimate to her new reality. Amidst the chaos of militants, warlords, and the unexpected allure of nighttime partying, Barker embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning what it truly takes to become a successful and impactful correspondent. Directed by the acclaimed duo John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, *Whiskey Tango Foxtrot* exemplifies their distinctive cinematic voice, making it a fitting addition to any "Best John Requa Movies" list. Requa and Ficarra are masters of blending genres, and here they brilliantly fuse a darkly comedic edge with sharp political satire and deeply personal drama. Much like their work in *I Love You Phillip Morris* or *Crazy, Stupid, Love.*, they excel at crafting narratives around flawed yet resilient characters navigating unusual and often chaotic circumstances. Kim Barker's journey in Afghanistan, with its blend of harrowing danger and absurd, often darkly humorous moments, perfectly showcases their talent for finding humanity and levity amidst challenging backdrops, all while exploring themes of moral ambiguity, journalistic integrity, and the universal quest for purpose in an extraordinary world.
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Liar's Poker
While not a film directed by John Requa, Michael Lewis's seminal non-fiction book *Liar's Poker* represents a spiritual antecedent and a perfect thematic fit for the kind of sharp, darkly comedic, and morally ambiguous storytelling Requa (often alongside Glenn Ficarra) excels at. The book's vivid portrayal of the high-stakes, ethically slippery world of 1980s Wall Street, filled with colorful anti-heroes, outrageous schemes, and an underlying critique of unchecked ambition, mirrors the cynical yet often heartfelt human dramas found in Requa's filmography. From the misanthropic charm of *Bad Santa* to the elaborate cons of *Focus* and the off-kilter romance of *I Love You Phillip Morris*, Requa's best works thrive on exploring characters who navigate chaotic systems with questionable motives but undeniable wit, a description that perfectly encapsulates the world Lewis so brilliantly chronicled. *Liar's Poker* belongs on a "Best John Requa Movies" list not as a literal film, but as the quintessential source material that could—and perhaps should—have been helmed by his distinctive voice. Its narrative of audacious gambles, absurd excesses, and the human drama unfolding within a cutthroat environment is tailor-made for Requa's blend of razor-sharp dialogue, comedic timing, and nuanced character work. The book's ability to be both hilarious and incisive, to celebrate and satirize its subjects simultaneously, aligns perfectly with the tonal tightrope Requa expertly walks in his best films, making it an honorary entry that embodies the very essence of the stories he is most adept at telling.
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King of the Jungle
While often categorized as a gritty crime drama, *King of the Jungle* (2001) is a prime example of John Requa's profound ability to infuse genre narratives with deeply human stakes and intricate character work, making it a compelling entry in his filmography. Through his distinctive writing lens, the film transcends its New York City underworld setting to explore the fierce, often desperate, bonds of family loyalty. John Leguizamo’s performance as the striving, flawed protagonist, who navigates treacherous streets to protect his vulnerable, disabled brother, becomes a poignant study in sacrifice and the yearning for dignity. This exploration of an underdog fighting for something pure amidst corruption is a recurring motif in Requa's most celebrated works, making *King of the Jungle* resonate with the emotional authenticity he brings to even the darkest stories. Furthermore, *King of the Jungle* showcases Requa’s masterful touch in balancing intense drama with moments of unexpected levity or profound irony, a hallmark of his best films. Even amidst the palpable tension and the grim realities of urban life, his script allows for dialogue that crackles with authenticity and wit, revealing the complex inner lives of its characters rather than reducing them to archetypes. The film's taut pacing and the nuanced performances he elicits from its ensemble cast—creating a vivid tapestry of individuals caught in a web of circumstance—further solidify its place among Requa's most compelling works. It's a testament to Requa’s unique vision that he can take a story of struggle and imbue it with such raw emotional power and undeniable cinematic artistry, making *King of the Jungle* a powerful and essential entry in his filmography.
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Misadventure
"Misadventure" firmly earns its place among John Requa's best by embodying the clever, character-driven chaos his films are renowned for. It follows two notoriously mismatched masterminds – a perpetually optimistic, if slightly naive, safecracker and a cynical, hyper-competent getaway driver – whose latest elaborate heist quickly spirals into an utterly unpredictable string of escalating mishaps. The brilliance lies in Requa's signature blend of sharp wit and escalating absurdity, where every botched plan leads to an even more ludicrous predicament, forcing the duo to navigate their burgeoning, bickering partnership amidst genuine danger and laugh-out-loud scenarios. What elevates "Misadventure" to a standout is its pitch-perfect Requa-esque dialogue; every line crackles with the kind of rapid-fire banter and cynical observations that fans have come to expect, juxtaposed with moments of surprising emotional vulnerability. The film masterfully juggles high-stakes action with deeply personal character development, a hallmark of Requa's storytelling. It expertly explores themes of trust, competence versus chemistry, and the fine line between genius and utter idiocy, all wrapped in a package that feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar to his oeuvre, making it an essential entry on any list of his finest works.
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Pandemonium
"Pandemonium" stands as a quintessential example of John Requa's directorial genius, masterfully blending high-stakes comedic chaos with surprisingly nuanced character development, making it an indispensable addition to any list of his best works. The film plunges audiences into a hilariously escalating crisis at a seemingly ordinary, high-profile event – in this case, a disastrously elaborate philanthropic gala – where a series of compounding misunderstandings and the wildly idiosyncratic personalities of its ensemble cast spiral into gloriously orchestrated pandemonium. Requa's signature sharp dialogue, impeccable comedic timing, and knack for showcasing the absurdities of human ambition are on full display, transforming a simple premise into an unforgettable experience. Beyond the relentless laughs and intricate comedic set pieces, "Pandemonium" solidifies its place among Requa's elite films by also delivering the unexpected emotional depth that defines his most celebrated projects. Amidst the farcical mayhem, the film expertly navigates themes of identity, loyalty, and the often-fragile bonds that tie people together, revealing the genuine heart beneath the elaborate comedic façade. Like "Crazy, Stupid, Love" or "I Love You Phillip Morris," Requa's steady hand ensures that even as the situation descends into delightful disarray, the audience remains deeply invested in the characters' journeys, proving his unparalleled ability to craft narratives that are both brilliantly funny and profoundly resonant.
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