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This weekend, Jesse Eisenberg returns to the big screen inA Real Pain. The film, which he wrote, directs, and stars in, follows a man struggling to keep his emotions on check during a trip with his cousin.A Real Painhas drawn considerable praisefor Eisenberg’s subdued directing, brilliant writing, and Kiernan Culkin’s livewire performance. It bodes well for Eisenberg, who has been one of indie films darling performers for years. To celebrate his latest career milestone, we’re highlighting seven of his best performances to date.
The Squid and the Whale(2005)
As a young actor, Jesse Eisenberg landed on many radars for his emotional performance inThe Squid and the Whale. Told from the perspective of two children struggling with their parent’s divorce, Noah Baumbach gave Eisenberg a role that required incredible pathos. With several standout scenes that could have easily been accused of overacting, Eisenberg proved he could deliver a more nuanced performance than many young actors.
Adventureland(2009)
A Real Pain Sundance Review: Jesse Eisenberg’s Second Film as Director Is an Incredibly Poignant and Deeply Funny
At the time of its release,Adventurelandwas marketed asSuperbadin a theme park. This was a gross miscalculation of its goals, which were far less raunchy and more dramatic. It’s easy to see why the marketing team tried to highlight the more comedic angle, but the young adult coming-of-age tale has taken on new resonance in the years since its release. The all-star cast has gone on to great things, but most importantly, Jessie Eisenberg shines as a disaffected college grad trying to fix his life. He’s funny, charming, and genuinely excellent in this underrated flick.
Zombieland(2009)
Jesse Eisenberg had already gained a reputation as an emerging star by this point, butZombielandshocked audiences with its very real comedy. The horror-comedy showcased four Oscar-nominated actors, and the ensemble thrives in the found family aspects. Eisenberg proves the perfect mix of romantic foil for Emma Stone and comedic partner for Woody Harrelson. His sardonic narration puts the finishing touches onZombieland, which helped make it one of the funnier films to close out the decade.
The Social Network(2010)
“I would consider playing him again”: Jesse Eisenberg Has Always Been Open to Return for a Sequel to His Most Iconic Billionaire Role – It’s Not Lex Luthor
Jesse Eisenberg’s career-making performance changed the trajectory of how we perceive him. He perfectly captured a portrait of Mark Zuckerberg, and one cannot help but see Eisenberg’s nuanced take on the tech innovator in every aspect of Zuck’s appearance. Eisenberg also proved to be one of the most adept performers in Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue while thriving in David Fincher’s controlled style. A perfect fit of actor and opportunity, Eisenberg delivered a performance for the ages.
The Double(2013)
Despite some decent enough comedies that likely came from hisZombielandsuccess, it’sThe Doublethat stands tall a decade later. Playing a duel role in Richard Ayoade’s take on a Terry Gillam movie,The Doublerelies on Jesse Eisenberg’s ability to hold the camera’s attention. Eisenberg also proves adept at giving the movie some brilliant reaction shots despite being “a non-person” (according to his co-worker). Eisenberg’s non-verbals are integral toThe Double‘s success, and he proves a perfect fit for Ayoade’s satirical tone.
The End of the Tour(2015)
Playing the frustrated Rolling Stone writer David Lipsky, Jesse Eisenberg embraces a simmering rage that had been building over the years. While the star ofThe End of the Touris Jason Segel, Eisenberg does yeoman’s work in a semi-supporting role. While it’s told through his perspective, Eisenberg takes in the world of success swirling around a man who does not want it. The jealousy and anger seep out of Lipsky at every opportunity, and Eisenberg’s control over an unlikeable character is admirable.
The Art of Self-Defense(2019)
Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough Went Through an Absolute Nightmare For Their Bizarre Movie on Big Foots
Director and writer Riley Sterns proved uniquely talented as a filmmaker with his debut,The Art of Self-Defense. The satire about masculinity is one of the best dark comedies of the last five years. Jesse Eisenberg proves to be an excellent scene partner for Imogen Poots and Alessandro Nivola. He once again uses his unassuming physique to hide a far more dangerous creature. Eisenberg has a unique talent for converting these performances into something special and does so again withThe Art of Self-Defense.
A Real Painopens in theaters on June 17, 2025.Jesse Eisenberg stars and directs. Searchlight Pictures distributes.
Alan French
Film/TV Critic
Articles Published :280
Alan French began writing about television and film by covering the Emmys and Oscar beats in 2016. Since then, he has written hundreds of reviews on TV and movies. He attends film festivals regularly. He is a Rotten Tomato-approved critic and is on the committee for the Critics Association of Central Florida.
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