Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is heading its way toward its July 14, 2022 release on Netflix, fans will get to see how the beloved panda Po fares on the small screen in an episodic TV series. The story follows Po as he teams with an English knight called Wandering Blade to retrieve a collection of mystical weapons, leading to an epic sojourn of misadventures sure to entertain the masses.
Po's voice actor, the renowned Jack Black, has made a living playing hilariously lovable characters in big, broad comedies, which tend to be favored by movie fans on Ranker over his more dramatic fare. On the whole, it appears that Black's best movies in the eyes of Ranker tend to feature his funniest starring roles.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after publishing.
Ice Age (2002)
In one of his only supporting roles to make the grade, Black voices the character of Zeke in the animated adventure Ice Age, an excitable saber-toothed tiger quick to pounce and maul on foes while constantly ribbing Diego with sarcastic remarks.
Zeke is built around Black's blustery sense of humor, which accounts for much of the hyper smilodon's amusing appeal. While Black only played Zeke one time, the original Ice Age remains the best in the franchise for many to due its stellar voice cast, clever novel premise, and lovably relatable anthropomorphized characters that reflect the best and worst of humanity.
Saving Silverman (2001)
Saving Silverman stars Jack Black and Steve Zahn as two slackers who are desperate to prevent their best friend Darren from marrying a domineering tyrant. The crass and crude comedy was absolutely skewered by critics to the tune of 22 Metascore and 19% Rotten Tomatoes score. Yet, Ranker voters appear to feel that the film as one of Black's funniest cinematic outings.
While the movie is far from Oscar-caliber, Black does give a severely underrated comedic turn as J.D., who not only has wonderful onscreen chemistry with Zahn but also steals the entire show thanks to his sophomoric quips and slapstick physical comedy. Between the bumbled kidnap attempt, side-splitting spaghetti scene, or the nacho reclining chair scene, it remains a memorable movie for viewers today.
Bernie (2011)
Reuniting with acclaimed movie director Richard Linklater for the first time since School of Rock, Black delivers arguably his finest performance in the small biographical dramedy Bernie. Based on a true story, Black soars as Bernie Tiede, a friendly Texas mortician who befriends a wealthy widow, both of whom harbor dark secrets.
Black's tour-de-force turn that requires him to sing, laugh, cry, and morbidly manipulate the public with a sweet-natured facade that serves as a front for the darkness beneath is certainly memorable. The way Linklater employs a documentary approach while brilliantly slaloming between comedy and drama is the mark of a director in full control, leading Ranker voters' decision seemingly on par with critics who hail the film as one of Black's best as well.
King Kong (2005)
Like Bernie, general moviegoers on Ranker seem to agree with professional movie critics on King Kong, Peter Jackson's epic remake of the 1933 classic. Interestingly enough, the movie gives Black a chance to veer from his trademark funnyman persona to give a more straightforward dramatic leading turn. It worked out quite well, opening a new lane for Black's performative skills.
Black plays Carl Denham in the film, an ambitious filmmaker willing to do whatever it takes to find his leading lady. But when King Kong has designs on Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) as well, Denham must decide what's really most important. True epic moviemaking at its highest degree of craftsmanship, King Kong proves Black can carry massive blockbusters on his back with the best of them.
Shallow Hal (2001)
A middling Farrelly brothers movie comedy in the eyes of most, Ranker voters seem to support Black's starring role in Shallow Hal, a beauty-obsessed bachelor who undergoes a major change of heart when obtaining the ability to see the inner beauty of women.
The growth Hal shows from mean-spirited, immature, and superficial to a heartfelt adult ready to follow his true feelings and commit to Rosemary (Gwynyth Paltrow) accounts for much of the movie's sweet-natured appeal. In his very first lead movie role, Black proves he can be the center of attention and go toe to toe with comedic heavyweights like Jason Alexander, who nearly steals the show as Hal's pal Mauricio.
Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny (2006)
A rock'n'roll comedy tailor-made for Black and his Tenacious D band member Kyle Gass, The Pick of Destiny is everything fans could want. The story follows JB and KG as they set out to become the greatest rockers on the planet by obtaining a magical guitar pick that will grant them supreme musical skills to perform some of the funniest Tenacious D stage songs.
Critics may have been slightly less impressed, but it's clear the movie was not made for prestige but to pay fan service to those who supported the band for a full decade prior. Black is at his most authentic when portraying his stage persona, which is why Ranker voters including the movie so high is no controversy at all.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
A near-universally beloved piece of replayable family entertainment, Ranker fans seem to share the view of critics (87% on Rotten Tomatoes) and general movie fans (7.6 IMDb rating) in regards to the first of what is now considered a beloved franchise.
Kung Fu Panda stars Black as the voice of Po, the lovable ursine slacker so perfectly cast that he's played the part four times to date. The original story finds the lazy underdog pressed into action when he's selected to guard the Valley of Peace, leading him on a harrowing series of misadventures full of memorable characters.
Nacho Libre (2006)
Ranker fans do not seem to agree with the mixed critical mass regarding the overall effectiveness of Nacho Libre, but almost everyone can agree that Black is genuinely hysterical as the titular Mexican luchador. Black endears as Ignacio/Nacho, a chef at a monastery who redirects paths and follows his dream to become a pro wrestler.
While big, broad, and wildly absurd, Black's brand of physical comedy has rarely been as impressive. Part of the appeal comes from screenwriter Mike White, who also wrote School of Rock and instinctively knows how to write to Black's droll comedic sensibilities. As such, the film is enjoyable for its feel-good vibes, hilarious Nacho Libre quotes, and for featuring genuinely touching moments.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Black's time in the jungle via Tropic Thunder is rightly praised as one of his most amusing movies to date. The plot follows a war movie production that turns all too real for the pampered Hollywood cast members.
The movie marvelously marries big-budget action with excellent characters and hilariously risque comedic material that might never be made today. Black truly stands out as Jeff Portnoy, a drug-addicted actor with fears of being typecast, giving Black a perfect chance to balance his comedic and dramatic chops.
School Of Rock (2003)
Unsurprisingly, Ranker fans consider School of Rock to be Jack Black's best film to date. Black stars as Dewey Finn, a wannabe rocker who takes a job as a substitute music teacher for junior high schoolers after being dumped from his band. Together, the class of underdogs and outsiders form a band to compete in the school talent show.
The rousing crowd-pleaser is uplifting and inspiring as can be, proving what can happen when misfits band together and express themselves collectively. Loaded with awesome songs, memorable quotes, Black's onscreen chemistry, and a true feel-good vibration, it's little wonder that Ranker fans seem to feel that Black has never been better than he has been as Dewey Finn.