Jake Gyllenhaalis a talented actor who has showcased his range in a variety of emotional roles throughout his career. From heart-wrenching dramas to thrilling adventures, Gyllenhaal has proven his ability to captivate audiences with his performances. The actor’s ability to be both humorous and serious has made him one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, and his ability to play an array of characters is what makes him so appealing.
Gyllenhaal has a slew of upcoming projects in production at the time of this writing, including an as-yet-unnamed Guy Ritchie film (perDeadline), which follows their recently released collaborationGuy Ritchie’s The Covenant. Gyllenhaal has also been nominated for a whopping 106 awards (including an Oscar), of which he has won 36, proving his work is solid throughout his career. His performances in the following films will get you right in your feels, as the saying goes. Here are Jake Gyllenhaal’s 11 most emotional movie performances, ranked.
11The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
The Day After Tomorrowis a 2004 American disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich, co-written by Roland Emmerich and Jeffrey Nachmanoff, and starring Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Ian Holm, Emmy Rossum, and Sela Ward. While not necessarily known for its emotional depth, the film depicts various catastrophic events that lead to the start of a new ice age and follows the fight for survival as a large group of people attempt to escape the cold and reach safety.
The Day After Tomorrowwas a critical and commercial success, grossing over $544 million worldwide and becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2004. The film also received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its effects and atmosphere. Gyllenhaal’s character’s determination and bravery in the face of adversity make for a compelling performance.
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10Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Love & Other Drugsis a 2010 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. The film is loosely inspired by the true story of the pharmaceutical sales representative Jamie Reidy, played by Gyllenhaal, and his involvement in the creation and marketing of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.
While the film was a box office success, it received mixed reviews from critics. However, the performances of Gyllenhaal and Hathaway were praised, and the film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.Love & Other Drugsexplores the complexities of love and illness, and Gyllenhaal’s performance is both funny and touching.
9Demolition (2016)
Demolition, the 2016 filmdirected by Jean-Marc Valléeand starring Gyllenhaal, is a gripping story of grief, loss, and ultimately, Redemption. Gyllenhaal plays Davis, a successful investment banker whose life is turned upside down when his wife dies in a car accident. Davis is consumed by grief and begins to unravel, destroying everything in his life that reminds him of his wife. But in the midst of his destruction, Davis finds a new purpose: to connect with the people and things around him.
Demolitionis a powerful film that explores the human capacity for love and loss. Gyllenhaal gives an exceptionally raw and emotional performance, and Vallée’s direction is masterful. If you’re looking for a moving, thought-provoking film, look no further thanDemolition.
8Southpaw (2015)
Southpawis a gripping film about a boxer who fights his way back to the top after a tragic accident. The film stars Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope, a world champion boxer who must overcome personal tragedy and battle his way back to the top.
Southpawis an intense and emotional film that will have you on the edge of your seat. The film isdirected by Antoine Fuquaand also stars Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, and 50 Cent.Southpawis a powerful exploration of loss and redemption, and Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation for the role is impressive.
7Everest (2015)
Everestis a 2015 American biographical survival drama film directed and produced by Baltasar Kormákur, and written by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy. It is based on the real events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster and stars an ensemble cast of Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, and Gyllenhaal.Everestfollows the journey of a team of climbers who made history by becoming the first to summit Mount Everest during the “death zone” window, as they battle against all odds to make it to the top of the world.
Gyllenhaal plays one of the climbers, Scott Fischer and his character’s determination and bravery in the face of danger make for a gripping performance. Overall,Everestis an awe-inspiring film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s a must-see for any fan of mountaineering or adventure films.
6Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Nocturnal Animalsis a haunting film that explores the dark corners of human relationships. Directed and written by Tom Ford, this film is based on the 1993 novelTony and Susanby Austin Wright. The film stars Amy Adams, Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Isla Fisher, and Andrea Riseborough. The film follows an art gallery owner (Adams) who is haunted by her ex-husband’s (Gyllenhaal) novel, which she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
Nocturnal Animalspremiered at the 2016 Venice Film Festival and was released in the United States on June 28, 2025, by Focus Features. It grossed $30 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews from critics, with Ford’s direction and the performances of Adams and Shannon praised. Gyllenhaal actually plays two characters (Tony Hastings and Edward Sheffield) in the film, and his nuanced performances showcase his range as an actor.
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5Donnie Darko (2010)
Donnie Darkois a cult classic, a 2001 science fiction film, that features Gyllenhaal as a troubled teenager, the lead character Donnie, who begins to experience strange visions. Donnie is visited by a demonic rabbit with the power to travel through time. The rabbit tells Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.
As the days pass, Donnie becomes increasingly paranoid, and his waking hours are filled with strange experiences, visions, and premonitions. He begins to fear that he is losing his mind. Donnie must race against time to prevent the world from ending, and he must also try to understand the mysterious forces that are at work in his life. The film is a mind-bending exploration of mental illness and time travel, and Gyllenhaal’s performance is both eerie and captivating.
4Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountainis a landmark film that explores the taboo subject of queer love in the American West. The film was released in 2005 to critical and commercial acclaim. The story, about two young men who fall in love while working as ranch hands in the American West, was praised for its depiction of a gay relationship.
Although the film achieved success, it still faced controversy (rooted in homophobia). Some conservative groups denounced the film for its queer themes, and it was banned in a number of countries. Despite the controversy,Brokeback Mountainis widely considered to be one of the best films of the 21st Century. It won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and its legacy continues to this day. Starring opposite Health Ledger, Gyllenhaal delivers a sensitive and heartbreaking performance as Jack Twist, a man who must keep his love a secret.
3Stronger (2017)
The 2017 film,Strongeris based on the true story of Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. This biographical drama was directed by David Gordon Green and written by John Pollono, based on the memoir of the same name by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the mature take on the story and Gyllenhaal’s performance, but was a box-office flop, grossing just $8 million against its $30 million budget.
The film tells Bauman’s story after he lost both of his legs in the 2013 event. And Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Bauman, as he struggles to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the tragedy, is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and his performance earned critical acclaim.
2October Sky (1999)
October Skyis a 1999 biographical drama film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, and Laura Dern. The film, which tells a heartwarming coming-of-age tale, is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, Jr., a coal miner’s son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to take up rocketry against his father’s wishes and eventually became a NASA scientist. The film follows Homer as he and his friends face obstacles and overcome challenges to achieve their dream of launching their rockets into space. Gyllenhaal’s performance is both charming and relatable, withVarietysaying viewers can “easily sympathize with Homer’s desire to escape the darkness by reaching for the stars.”
October Skyreceived generally positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing $34 million against a $25 million budget. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song forStarsby J.A.C. Redford. Although theOctober Skymovie is set in the 1950s, its story is still relevant today. It is an inspiring tale of following your dreams and pursuing your passions, even in the face of difficult circumstances. If you are looking for a feel-good movie to watch,October Skyis definitely worth checking out.
