The Best Movies Directed By Jon Favreau

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Updated May 1, 2024 10 items
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Over a hundred movie fans have gathered together to cast their votes on the finest films ever directed by Jon Favreau. The man who revolutionized superhero movies with his Iron Man series has always been an influential figure in Hollywood, having created numerous indie hits and blockbuster franchises over the years. One of the most notable things about Favreau's filmmaking is his ability to balance humor and emotion while still delivering a powerful message.

Favreau never shies away from taking risks, whether it's experimenting with new CGI technology or giving unconventional actors leading roles. His unique approach to moviemaking has earned him praise from critics as well as audiences alike. This collection features titles that cover every aspect of Favreau's career - from family-friendly classics like Elf and The Jungle Book to more mature content such as Chef and Swingers.

So kick back, grab your popcorn bucket, and prepare yourself for our countdown of Jon Favreau's best works yet. And remember: if you don't agree with our rankings, make sure to vote for your favorite films.

  • Iron Man
    1

    Iron Man

    Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow
    82 votes
    Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a genius industrialist and master engineer, builds a powered exoskeleton after a life-threatening incident. The invention transforms him into the armor-clad superhero known as Iron Man. With his new technology, he grapples with his own demons while protecting the world from dangerous threats. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Tony's dedicated assistant, and James Rhodes (Terrence Howard), a military liaison, play pivotal roles in Stark's journey. Directed by Jon Favreau, this action-packed movie won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2009.
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  • Elf
    2

    Elf

    Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
    74 votes
    A charming blend of whimsy and comedy, Elf is a festive delight. The film chronicles the journey of Buddy (Will Ferrell), an oversized elf who hails from Santa's workshop in the North Pole. Raised among elves, Buddy discovers he's actually human and embarks on a quest to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Encountering a world that lacks Christmas spirit, Buddy is determined to win over his cynical dad while spreading holiday cheer. Directed by Jon Favreau, Elf spins a heartwarming yarn about identity, family, and the magic of Christmas without revealing too much or transforming into a saccharine overdose. This is a movie that has won hearts without claiming any major awards.
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  • Chef
    3

    Chef

    Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo
    69 votes
    In Chef, Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) is a once-lauded culinary maestro whose career has hit a rut. After a public spat with food critic Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt), he quits his position at an upscale Los Angeles restaurant. Desperate for reinvention, he teams up with his ex-wife Inez (Sofia Vergara), best friend Martin (John Leguizamo), and young son Percy (Emjay Anthony) to refurbish an old food truck. Their cross-country journey serves up a hearty helping of life lessons and mouth-watering meals. This vibrant comedy-drama, laden with unexpected twists and delectable cuisine, won the Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award in 2014.
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  • The Jungle Book
    4

    The Jungle Book

    Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley
    49 votes
    The Jungle Book, an adventure-packed movie, features Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a young boy raised by wolves. Guided by the stern panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray), he embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery. The journey is not without peril, as Shere Khan (Idris Elba), a fearsome tiger, holds a deadly grudge against him. This film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, thanks to its stunning portrayal of the Indian jungle and its anthropomorphic inhabitants. Despite being set in a wild world, it tells a human story about identity and belonging.
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  • Iron Man 2
    5

    Iron Man 2

    Robert Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
    70 votes
    In Iron Man 2, an action-packed sequel, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) grapples with the pressures of being a superhero. He is pursued by the U.S government for his Iron Man technology and faces a formidable new adversary - Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who has a personal vendetta against him. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) lend their support as Stark's world unravels. Directed by Jon Favreau, this Marvel production offers thrilling sequences and explores Stark's struggle to balance his public persona with his private vulnerabilities. The film won a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2011.
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  • Zathura
    6

    Zathura

    Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard
    37 votes
    In the heart-throbbing adventure movie Zathura, two young brothers, Danny (Jonah Bobo) and Walter (Josh Hutcherson), discover an old space-themed board game. Intrigued, they begin to play, only to find their house magically hurtled through space. Joined by their older sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart), they must overcome cosmic challenges while navigating a perilous universe to finish the game and return home. Directed by Jon Favreau, this film is a wild interstellar ride filled with suspense, action, and whimsical elements of science fiction.
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  • Cowboys & Aliens
    7

    Cowboys & Aliens

    Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde
    47 votes
    In the heart of the Wild West, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), a man with no memory and a mysterious shackle, stumbles into the desert town of Absolution. The iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) rules this place. However, their petty conflicts take a backseat when alien spacecrafts descend onto the town. The movie Cowboys & Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, is an engaging fusion of science fiction and western genres that sees these hardened gunslingers join forces to fight off the extraterrestrial invaders threatening their survival. Their struggle against an unknown enemy unfolds amidst stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences.
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  • Made
    8

    Made

    Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Diddy
    27 votes
    A comedy about two hapless best friends who are plunged headlong into the world of organized crime. When Bobby (Jon Favreau) and Ricky (Vince Vaughn) accept a high-stakes delivery, the clueless duo is flown first-class to New York and thrust into the moneyed world of Ruiz (Sean Combs), a downtown Manhattan gangster. In a matter of hours, Ricky's delusions of grandeur unravel the entire operation and put both his and Bobby's lives in jeopardy.
  • Secret Cabinet
    9

    Secret Cabinet

    17 votes
  • Smog
    10

    Smog

    Sarah Silverman
    19 votes
    Smog is a 1999 comedy tv film directed by Jon Favreau.