John C. Reillyis as versatile of a performer as there is in Hollywood. Actor, comedian, musician, producer, writer. This multitalented, Chicago-born personality can do it all. This can be applied to his ability to shift between genres as an actor with ease. Starring in both dramatic and comedicroles in movies throughout his career, Reilly has shown is talents are not confined to one style. Thus far in his career, it is his comedic roles that have seemingly garnered him more popularity than his dramatic ones. Let’s examine John C. Reilly’s funniest performances.
7Cedar Rapids (2011)
Cedar Rapidsis a film that may have flown under a lot of people’s radars in 2011. Starring Ed Helms, Anne Heche, and of course, John C. Reilly. The story tells a tale of an insurance agent, played by Ed Helms, who is sent to a convention is Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From there he is taken under the wings of veteran convention-goers, one of whom is Reilly’s Dean Ziegler. While Dean is toned down more than some of Reilly’s other comedic characters, he is a vital piece to this underappreciated comedy.
6Moonbase 8 (2020)
What happens when you put together the collective minds of four of the funniest writers in comedy? You getMoonbase 8.Described as quirkily charming, this Showtime original series created and written by Jonathan Krisel, Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker, and John C. Reilly, stars the latter three as would-be astronauts training to become the next crew to travel to the moon. Those familiar with the writers style of comedy will know that this show is not for everyone, but not because of the lack of comedy provided by the three main actors, most notably Reilly.
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5The Little Hours (2017)
This 2017 irreverent comedy is based loosely on a collection of short stories by Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio. Playing Father Tommasso, the priestly leader of a convent of Nuns in Italy, Reilly knocks it out of the park in this dark comedy. Most notably, as he searches the river for his lost possessions, victim of a night of drunken debauchery.The Little Hoursis another Reilly gem that flies under the radar, deserving much more praise and credit than it has seen.
4Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
The more outrageous the performance gets, the funnier it gets when it comes to Reilly. WhileWalk Hard: The Dewey Cox Storyis not Reilly’s most outrageous, it is certainly one of his funniest. This direct parody of the Johnny Cash biopicWalk the Line, brings together some of the funniest people in Hollywood to tell the fictional story of Dewey Cox and his rise and fall from fame. While also boasting one of the best soundtracks in comedy film history. The film is one of Reilly’s funniest performances and,according toRolling Stone Magazine, a piece of cinema that parodied the musician biopic so scathingly well, it killed the genre for almost a decade.
3Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule (2007)
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, is one of the more uniquely funny shows in television history,changing the faceof comedy in the process. Created by Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, the show produced a spinoff show,Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule,featuring the character of Dr. Steve Brule and starring John C. Reilly. Parodying public access shows from the 80s, the fictional doctor played by Reilly, explores various every day tasks, jobs, and experiences. As his experiences and interactions continually end in embarrassment, Reilly’s commitment to this over-the-top character makes it one of his funniest performances.
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2Step Brothers (2008)
2008 was truly an epicyear for comedyfilms, withStep Brotherstopping the list. This Adam McKay directed comedy starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly is one of the funniest, most quotable comedy films of all time, and it showcases just how outrageous each actor can be. The two have an undeniable chemistry between them which helps to bring out the comedy in both performances. Who can’t help but root for the lovable loser Dale and his stepbrother Brennan. Speaking of his partnership with Will Ferrell, this brings us to John C Reilly’s funniest performances…
Reilly and Ferrell’s first film together was the 2006 hit comedy,Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, about NASCAR drivers and friends turned enemies, Ricky Bobby (Ferrell) and Cal Naughton Jr. (Reilly). AnotherAdam McKay-directed movie, the two actors play off of one another so well and show why their chemistry carried them into future projects together. Reilly’s performance on its own as the lovable, dense, sidekick, is a standout in the film and his funniest performance to date.
