9 Jeff Daniels movies and TV shows you must watch if you admire the actor

Jeff Daniels is an actor known for his extensive work in movies, TV, and stage. He is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly portray both comedic and dramatic characters. Daniels has won Emmy Awards and has been nominated for Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Tony Awards. Some of his most famous work includes Something Wild, Dumb and Dumber, The Martian, and more. The actor has also played important roles on TV in shows like The Newsroom and The Looming Tower. Fans of the actor must check out these 9 movies and TV shows featuring Jeff Daniels.

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The Newsroom, The Purple Rose of Cairo, and other Jeff Daniels movies and TV shows

1. Dumb and Dumber

Directed by Peter Farrelly, this buddy comedy movie features Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels and focuses on Lloyd Christmas (Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Daniels), two dim-witted but naïve friends in Providence, Rhode Island. The two take a trip to Aspen, Colorado, when they find a suitcase full of cash and decide to return it to its owner, who they believe left it by mistake. However, the suitcase was actually left as ransom. Even though it received mixed reviews from critics, it was a box office success and has since become a cult classic and one of the defining comedy movies of all time. Jeff Daniels proves that he can play comedic roles with as much ease as he plays serious ones. He shares stellar chemistry with Carrey, and the two deliver an all-out comedy entertainer. Daniels highlights his prowess at slapstick humor and displays his acting range.

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2. The Newsroom

Created and written by Aaron Sorkin and starring Jeff Daniels, Dev Patel, and others, this political drama series aired from 2012 to 2014 over three seasons. The show focuses on behind-the-scenes events at the fictional Atlantis Cable News (ACN) channel. Jeff Daniels plays the role of anchor Will McAvoy, who aims to create a quality news show with his team while battling corporate and commercial obstacles, along with personal challenges. The show was a critical and commercial hit and remains one of Daniels’ must-watch performances. He delivers a stellar portrayal of a courageous anchor who shares his political ideologies unabashedly. Daniels brings enigma, intelligence, and a wide emotional range to the role, seamlessly creating an intriguing persona. Fans of the actor must not miss this one.

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3. Godless

Starring Michelle Dockery, Jeff Daniels, and others, this Western drama miniseries was created, written, and directed by Scott Frank. The seven-episode show is set in 1884, where a young outlaw on the run from his ruthless mentor finds himself in a New Mexico town run almost entirely by women. The show received positive reviews, and Jeff Daniels plays the role of Frank Griffin, the menacing outlaw from whom Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell) is fleeing. Once again, Daniels showcases his range and highlights his strength in serious roles. He plays the main antagonist with flair and charisma, fully embodying the dark and gritty nature of his character. He steals every scene he’s in, making it one of his most compelling performances and a must-watch for his fans.

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4. The Purple Rose of Cairo

Directed and written by Woody Allen, this period fantasy and romantic comedy movie features Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, and others. The movie is set in Depression-era New Jersey and focuses on Cecilia (Farrow), a waitress in an abusive marriage with Monk (Danny Aiello). However, when a film character, Tom/Gil (Daniels), falls in love with Cecilia, she flees her abusive husband. The movie was a critical success, and Jeff Daniels brilliantly plays the character of an archaeologist who is brought into reality by fantastical means. Compared to other Woody Allen movies, which are more serious in nature, this one is delightful and emotional, and Daniels once again showcases his ability to take on a character with full dedication. It is one of those movies that comes early in Daniels’ career, and fans of the actor must watch how he brilliantly embodies the role.

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5. The Looming Tower

Based on the 2006 book of the same name by Lawrence Wright, this drama miniseries is created by Dan Futterman, Alex Gibney, and Wright. Featuring Jeff Daniels, Bill Camp, and others, the show has ten episodes and focuses on the rising threat posed by Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda in the late 1990s. It also looks at the rivalry between the FBI and the CIA and how it led to mismanagement during the 9/11 attacks. It centers around the I-49 Squad in New York and the Alec Station in Washington, D.C.—the counter-terrorism divisions of the FBI and CIA, respectively—and how they carry out missions to tackle terrorism. Jeff Daniels plays the role of John O’Neill, chief of the I-49, who faces hostility from the CIA. The show perfectly highlights why Daniels is so good at these kinds of roles. He embodies the intelligent and powerful figure of John, who serves as the voice of reason. Daniels delivers one of his best performances and gives a scene-stealing portrayal.

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6. Something Wild

Directed by Jonathan Demme, this comedy thriller features Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, and others. The movie is about an uptight investment banker, Charles (Daniels), who goes on an adventurous road trip with a carefree and mysterious woman, Lulu/Audrey (Griffith). However, trouble ensues when Lulu/Audrey’s ex-convict husband Ray (Ray Liotta) also shows up. Again, this movie is one of the early works of Jeff Daniels, and even though he plays a conventional yuppie, he infuses his character with a lot of charisma. Daniels delivers a stellar performance as someone who starts off as a dull office worker and transitions into a wilder character as the movie progresses. His chemistry with Griffith is brilliant, and this is one of his best performances that fans must watch. The movie is thrilling, comedic, and has an inventive premise. It is a must-watch for fans of the actor.

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7. The Squid and the Whale

Starring Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, and others, this independent comedy-drama movie is directed by Noah Baumbach, who also wrote the screenplay. Co-produced by Wes Anderson, the film is a semi-autobiographical story about two boys in Brooklyn who must deal with their parents’ divorce in 1986. The film is shot on 16 mm using a handheld camera. The movie was a hit with critics and is one of the most underrated yet brilliant performances by Jeff Daniels. He plays Bernard Berkman, a struggling writer going through a complicated divorce. Daniels embodies the depressive nature of his character, whose career is failing while his wife’s career is thriving. The movie is emotional and tense, and Daniels truly proves his immense acting range and talent. Fans of the actor must watch the film for his one-of-a-kind performance.

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8. Speed

Directed by Jan de Bont, this action thriller features Keanu Reeves, Jeff Daniels, Sandra Bullock, and others. One of the most successful critical and commercial hits of the 1990s, the movie not only catapulted Reeves and Bullock to fame but also showcased Jeff Daniels’ ability to take on more action-focused roles. The story is about a city bus rigged with explosives that will detonate if the bus slows down below 50 miles per hour. In such a situation, LAPD officer Jack (Reeves) must prevent a disaster. While Daniels has a supporting role, he does a commendable job portraying Harry, Jack’s loyal partner and friend. Harry is brave and intelligent, and as Jack gets trapped on the bus, Harry must race around the city to find the criminal responsible. Daniels gives a dedicated performance in this action-focused role and proves he can handle anything—from comedy and drama to action and emotion.

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9. The Martian

Starring Matt Damon, Jeff Daniels, and others, this sci-fi movie is directed by Ridley Scott and focuses on astronaut Mark (Damon), who is stuck on Mars after being left behind by his teammates. The movie explores how Mark struggles to survive on the planet as help makes its way to him, along with the emotional and profound changes he undergoes during his time there. Based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, the movie was a critical and commercial success. Jeff Daniels plays the role of Teddy Sanders, the director of NASA. While his role is supporting, Daniels pulls off his character effortlessly. He delivers powerful dialogue and fully embodies Teddy’s leadership and resolve. It is one of the must-watch movies for fans of the actor. The film itself is also extremely thrilling and tense.