American actor Jake Gyllenhaal has carved out a remarkable acting career for himself across genres, winning praise for his range, intensity and dedication. From thought-provoking dramas to psychological thrillers and action films, Gyllenhaal has delivered consistently powerful performances irrespective of the box office numbers.
Here are the top 5 Jake Gyllenhaal movies that have earned the highest viewer ratings on IMDb.
1. Prisoners (2013)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Prisoners stands tall as one of the most intense thrillers of the last decade. Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, a driven investigator searching for two missing girls while navigating moral ambiguity at every turn. The film’s dark atmosphere, emotional weight, and powerhouse performances make it a standout entry in his career.
2. Donnie Darko (2001)
Director: Richard Kelly
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
This cult classic introduced audiences to a young Jake Gyllenhaal in a deeply layered performance. Playing a troubled teenager plagued by visions and existential questions, he anchors a story that blends science fiction, psychological drama, and dark humour. Donnie Darko continues to spark discussion decades after its release.
3. Nightcrawler (2014)
Director: Dan Gilroy
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
In Nightcrawler, Gyllenhaal delivers one of his most disturbing and transformative roles. Lou Bloom, a freelance crime journalist with no moral boundaries, explores ambition at its most dangerous extreme. The film offers a sharp critique of media ethics while keeping viewers completely unsettled.
4. Zodiac (2007)
Director: David Fincher
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Based on real events, Zodiac follows the obsessive hunt for a serial killer who terrorised San Francisco. Gyllenhaal portrays Robert Graysmith, whose fixation with solving the case slowly consumes his life. The film’s methodical pacing and chilling realism make it one of the finest true crime dramas ever made.
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
This emotionally powerful romance remains one of the most important films of Gyllenhaal’s career. Starring alongside Heath Ledger, he delivers a sensitive and heartbreaking performance in a story about love, repression, and loss. The film earned widespread acclaim and left a lasting cultural impact.
Honourable Mentions
While not in the top five list, these movies also received strong ratings and showcase Gyllenhaal’s versatility as an actor:
- Source Code – A smart and thrilling sci-fi ride that keeps you guessing.
- Enemy – A haunting, surreal psychological mystery.
- Stronger – A deeply moving true story about resilience and recovery.