Jeff Goldblum’s Top 15 Films, Ranked
With his distinctive vocal delivery and perpetually bemused expression, Jeff Goldblum has captivated audiences for over four decades. Though often typecast as the quirky scientist or affable oddball, Goldblum has proven himself to be a versatile actor capable of both comedic and dramatic roles. Here we break down his top 15 films, balancing box office success with critical reception and cultural impact. Grab some popcorn and settle in as we count down Jeff Goldblum’s greatest cinematic hits.
15. Earth Girls Are Easy (1989)
- Director: Julien Temple
- Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.2
As naïve alien Valentine, Goldblum brings slapstick humour to this kitschy musical comedy. Though a box-office flop, this cult classic showcases Goldblum’s talent for physical comedy and his ability to sell even the most absurd of premises.
“Jeff Goldblum is pitch-perfect in his role. He makes the ridiculous seem totally logical.” – Janet Maslin, New York Times
14. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
- Director: W.D. Richter
- Genre: Sci-Fi Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
Rocking a New Jersey accent, Goldblum energises this genre-bending sci-fi adventure as a physicist by day, and a rock star by night in New Jersey. Though chaotic and confusing, Goldblum’s magnetic presence makes it compulsively watchable.
13. Igby Goes Down (2002)
- Director: Burr Steers
- Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
As D.H. Banes, the flighty, bohemian father figure to the rebellious Igby, Goldblum adds warmth and nuance to this dark comedy exploring family dysfunction and coming of age.
“Jeff Goldblum gives the film's funniest performance as Igby's chaotically enthusiastic father.” – Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Richard Wells
12. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Genre: Quirky Comedy-Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
Reuniting with frequent collaborator Wes Anderson, Goldblum brings dry humour and simmering jealousy to his role as Steve Zissou’s more successful rival.
11. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Director: Taika Waititi
- Genre: Superhero Action-Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
As the flamboyantly dressed, blithely tyrannical Grandmaster, Goldblum steals his scenes in this Thor sequel with his eccentric line delivery and improvised quips.
“Jeff Goldblum is a scene-stealer as the preening, outrageous Grandmaster.” – Angie Han, Mashable
10. The Right Stuff (1983)
- Director: Philip Kaufman
- Genre: Historical Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
Though it is a small role, Goldblum paints a vivid portrait of real-life Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom, capturing his puckish humour and swaggering bravado.
Richard Wells
9. The Big Chill (1983)
- Director: Lawrence Kasdan
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
Displaying dramatic depth as dissatisfied writer Michael Gold, Goldblum holds his own against heavyweight co-stars like Glenn Close and William Hurt in this reflection on lost youth and faded idealism.
8. Silverado (1985)
- Director: Lawrence Kasdan
- Genre: Western
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
All charm and snappy patter as gambler "Slick," Goldblum energises this ensemble Western with his magnetic screen presence.
7. Independence Day (1996)
- Director: Roland Emmerich
- Genre: Sci-Fi Action
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
Goldblum achieved leading man status as wisecracking satellite technician David Levinson in this 90s sci-fi smash hit. His quick thinking and sparkling chemistry with co-star Will Smith helped launch the film to staggering box office success.
Richard Wells
6. Isle of Dogs (2018)
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Genre: Stop-Motion Animation
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
Perfectly cast as the gruff, stray Chief in Wes Anderson’s stop-motion passion project, Goldblum adds heart and deadpan humour through his vocal performance alone.
5. Nashville (1975)
- Director: Robert Altman
- Genre: Musical Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
Displaying startling dramatic depth early in his career, Goldblum simmers with ambition and insecurity as country music manager Tricycle Man.
4. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- Director: Philip Kaufman
- Genre: Sci-Fi Horror
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
Adding a biting cynicism to this chilling sci-fi thriller as sceptical health inspector Jack Bellice, Goldblum makes the fantastic seem disturbingly real.
3. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Genre: Quirky Comedy-Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
Initially hard-nosed Inspector Henckels pursuing Ralph Fiennes’ proper thief Gustave, Goldblum slowly reveals his pompous character’s hidden depths in trademark Wes Anderson style.
2. The Fly (1986)
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Genre: Sci-Fi Horror
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
Heartbreaking and unforgettable as scientist Seth Brundle tragically genetically fused with a housefly, Goldblum delivers the performance of his career in this Cronenberg classic.
1. Jurassic Park (1993)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Sci-Fi Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
With all due respect to the mosquito trapped in amber, Goldblum steals this dinosaur blockbuster as the wisecracking mathematician Ian Malcolm. Endlessly quotable and effortlessly cool, Goldblum’s Malcolm is the beating heart of the franchise. Life found a way for this iconic character and performance to land at #1.
There's no definitive ranking when it comes to something as subjective as film, but we hope this breakdown illuminates some of Jeff Goldblum’s most unforgettable roles.
Love him or hate him, that eccentric charisma keeps audiences coming back for more. As Goldblum himself would say, our list goes to 11...Er, make that 15.
TweetFacts Sources: Facts.net
