Known for his funny and dark demeanor, Zach Galifianakis has become a comedic icon in Hollywood. His unique sense of humor and larger-than-life characters have captivated fans for over two decades. From his breakout role in The Hangover to his most recent flicks like Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Zach Galifianakis movies are truly worth watching again and again. Here is our list of the 10 best Zach Galifianakis films you should watch at least once.
Zach Galifianakis Career SummaryÂ
Zach Galifianakis is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He first gained recognition with his Comedy Central Presents stand-up special in 2001, and he has since become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedic actors. His zany persona and deadpan delivery make him a fan favorite.
He has starred in several hit films, including The Hangover trilogy (2009–2013), Due Date (2010), Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), Daddy’s Home 2 (2017), and A Wrinkle in Time (2018). He also hosted his own talk show, Funny or Die Presents: Between Two Ferns, with Zach Galifianakis from 2008 to 2018. It’s no doubt why Zach Galifianakis movies are a treat to watch; probably because of his versatile acting.
In 2020, Galifianakis starred in The Prom, a Netflix comedy-drama directed by Ryan Murphy. In addition to his onscreen roles, he has lent his voice to several animated films and TV shows such as BoJack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers. He continues to appear in films and television projects and is currently working on the Apple TV+ series Central Park.
He also created, and executive produced an FX show called Baskets, starring himself, ending its fourth season in 2020. He has also appeared in several music videos with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Alanis Morissette, and Weezer. Zach Galifianakis movies continue to be Hollywood’s most beloved works. These are entertaining with his zany characters and witty humor.
| Full Name | Zachary Knight Galifianakis |
| Born | October 1, 1969 |
| Spouse | Quinn Lundberg |
| Children | 2 |
| Movie Debut | Visioneers (2008) |
| Years Active | 1996-Present |
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
List of Zach Galifianakis Movies
- The Hangover (2009)
It’s the movie that made Zach famous worldwide. It’s a movie about four friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, only to wake up the morning after with little memory of what happened the night before. Zach stars as Alan, an eccentric oddball who is one of the most memorable characters in recent comedy history—and his performance makes The Hangover so great.
It’s not only one of the laughable Zach Galifinakis movies, but he also brings heartfelt moments that set this movie above other comedies. Galifianakis’s performance and outrageous scenarios give us plenty of reasons to love The Hangover.
- Due Date (2010)
Due Date follows Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.), an uptight architect who needs to get from Atlanta to Los Angeles quickly to be with his wife, Sarah (Michelle Monaghan), who’s about to give birth. On the plane ride there, he meets Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis), a wacky aspiring actor with strange ideas about how they should get to LA. The two embark on a road trip filled with zany hijinks as they try to make it to LA in time for the birth.
The chemistry between Zach and Robert Downey Jr. is electric, and Zach’s eccentric and comedic performance perfectly complements Downey’s straight-man role. Numerous WTF moments are what make it among the best Zach Galifianakis movies.
- Birdman (2014)
Starring alongside Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis is a true comic star in Birdman, the dark comedy by Alejandro G. Inarritu. Zach plays an actor dealing with personal demons on top of his professional struggles as he tries to get an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s ”What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” off the ground.
Zach has great chemistry with Keaton, and his performance gives Birdman much-needed comedic relief. Zach delivers all types of humor, including physical, self-deprecating, improvised, sarcastic, and dry wit, making it one of the memorable Zach Galifianakis movies.
Also check: Denzel Washington Movies
- Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)
Keeping Up with the Joneses stands out as one of the memorable Zach Galifianakis movies. Directed by Greg Mottola, the movie follows Jeff and Karen Gaffney (Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher), an ordinary couple who are intrigued by discovering that their seemingly perfect new neighbors are actually undercover spies.
Zach brings his signature brand of humor to the role of Jeff, playing him as a lovable but sometimes bumbling doofus who is always looking for a way to make life more fun for himself and his family. It’s an entertaining ride that will stay with you long after it ends and a respectful mention among Zach Galifianakis movies.
- It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the movie follows a 16-year-old boy named Craig, played by Keir Gilchrist, who checks himself into a mental health clinic to help him deal with his depression.
The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of mental illness and Zach’s performance. It is one of the watchable Zach Galifianakis movies and is beloved by many fans.
The film has comedic and dramatic elements making it an enjoyable watch for all viewers. Zach acts as a firm friend to Craig, who helps him accept his mental illness and build stronger self-esteem. His performance is praised for bringing an element of authenticity to the film, with viewers saying that his portrayal was “heartwarming” and “insightful.”
- Masterminds (2016)
Masterminds follows David Ghantt, played by Zach Galifianakis, who gets involved in a heist to steal millions of dollars from an armored truck company. What makes it among the superb Zach Galifianakis movies is its blend of comedy and crime, taking on a serious issue while still making it hilarious.
All in all, Masterminds is definitely one of the best Zach Galifianakis movies, and it stands apart from his other films in terms of creativity and comedic elements.
- The Campaign (2012)
The Campaign, starring Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell, is a hilarious comedy that offers some of his best comedic moments. Zach plays Marty Huggins, an unassuming albeit bumbling candidate for Congress. His opponent, Cam Brady (Will Ferrell), takes full advantage of Marty’s naivety and unleashes a slew of dirty tactics to remain in power.
Zach brings great life to this character as he transforms throughout the movie’s narrative arc, from an unsure political novice to a confident campaigner who stands up for his beliefs. What makes this one of the classic Zach Galifianakis movies, is his dialogue delivery, especially the one-liners.
- Puss in Boots (2017)
Zach perfectly personifies the energetic swashbuckling cat that has won millions of hearts. He is a master in comic timing and delivery, whether embracing his role as a hero or delivering hilarious one-liners. This combination of Zach’s performance with brilliant storytelling makes Puss in Boots an absolute must-watch for all Zach Galifianakis fans.
The movie also stars Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Billy Bob Thornton, who add to Zach’s brilliant performance. It is a visual treat that gives viewers hours of entertainment which they will enjoy throughout its duration. All the characters are brilliantly developed, and the acting is top-notch. With a mix of action, adventure, and humor, Puss in Boots unquestionably deserves to be counted among the best Zach Galifianakis movies.
- Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)
Galifianakis stars as Zach, the host of a celebrity interview show called Between Two Ferns. The movie follows Zach and his crew on an outrageous cross-country road trip to complete a series of high-profile celebrity interviews. Along the way, Zach and his team meet all sorts of interesting characters, including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Brie Larson.
Between Two Ferns is one of the memorable Zach Galifianakis movies. It features every element that Zach has become known for—his dry wit and clever style of humor combined with fast-paced comedy and satirical jabs at popular culture.
- Dinner for Schmucks (2010)
The story follows Tim (Paul Rudd) as he is invited to a dinner party where each guest brings an unusual guest – a “schmuck” – with them. Tim finds himself paired up with Barry (Galifianakis), who is more than he bargained for.
Zach delivers a perfect performance as the socially awkward yet lovable Barry, making this one of his most memorable films. Not only does Zach have amazing comic timing, but viewers can’t help but feel empathy for him due to the depth of his character’s emotions.
Also check: Best Paul Rudd Movies
Final Comments on Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galifianakis has had a long and successful career in film and television. With his unique brand of humor and larger-than-life characters, he has captivated audiences with his hilarious performances, sure to make any moviegoer laugh out loud. Whether you prefer slapstick comedies or darker dramas, Zach’s effort is always a treat worth remembering. These 10 amazing Zach Galifianakis movies are an example of how good he can perform.
