1. True Grit (2010)
A teenager hires a US Marshal to help her search for her father's killer. This is True Grit, and JK Simmons does the voice of a lawyer in the cast of this Western Road movie. True Grain is known as one of the few Westerns nominated for Best Picture.
The movie is loved by fans who rate it highly for how authentic it is as a Western due to its strong dialogues and performances, especially a fierce Hailee Steinfeld. JK Simmons took on a small role for the Coen brothers as the voice of an unseen lawyer after starring in their previous films, Dame Killers and Burn After Reading.
2. June 9 (2007)
Juno is about the quirky teenager, Juno MacGuff, who becomes pregnant after a night out with her best friend. JK Simmons plays Juno's father in this coming-of-age movie.
Critics praise the film for its humorous and offbeat comedy, as well as Elliot Page's portrayal as someone trying to figure out who he is before giving birth. Simmons was well received in his role as Juno's father, a man who approaches the pregnancy of his daughter with humor and full support. Juno ended up becoming one of the most iconic roles for Simmons, who was recognized as a great strength of a commendable actor.
3. Spider-Man (2002)
JK Simmons is well known primarily for his role as J. Jonah Jameson in the original film. Spider-Man trilogy, which finds Spider-Man becoming independent while fighting the Green Goblin. His role is that of Peter Parker's editor and Spider-Man's constant foil.
The original Spider-Man is a hit with fans of the original film who praise it for Tobey Maguire's performance as the original Spider-Man and his chemistry with other characters, including Simmons' humorous if frustrating Jameson. If Juno was when audiences appreciated Simmons for his balance of dramatic and comedic chops, then Spider-Man is where audiences first recognized the actor for his comedic timing.
4. Palm Springs (2020)
Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as a couple of wedding guests who get caught in a time loop. JK Simmons plays another man trapped in the time loop who haunts Samberg's character every chance he gets.
Viewers of the film have stated how much they like the film due to the chemistry between Samberg and Milioti, as well as the clever dialogue and comedic antics the pair get up to. Simmons has a pivotal role in Palm Springs as a character who adds a poignant quality to the film. Although it was a supporting role, Simmons took over the film due to his great relationship with Andy Samberg after they starred together in I Love You, Man.
5. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
JK Simmons reprises his role as J. Jonah Jameson in the sequel to the original Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2. The sequel focuses on Spider-Man contemplating whether to continue being the web-slinger while fighting Doc Ock.
Fans of the sequel praise the film for the chemistry between Mary Jane and Spider-Man, as well as the darker themes explored through clever fight scenes that border on terror. Simmons finds a way to balance out those darker themes in Spider-Man 2, which the actor remembers as one of the highlights of his career since he always wanted to work in a superhero franchise.
