Jake Gyllenhaal: 10 Greatest movies of all time

10. The Day After Tomorrow

Original Release Date: May 28, 2004

Box Office Earnings: Big budgeted disaster films are a staple of the summer blockbuster season and The Day After Tomorrow was no different. Even though it had a large production budget of $125 million, it performed solidly enough to warrant it a success. Domestically, it made $186 million dollars and then picked up another $357.5 million internationally. Looks like people really like to see stuff destroyed!

Critical Acclaim: Although the amazing visuals wowed a lot of critics and fans, it wasn’t enough for them to look past a weak story and clunky dialogue. It only has 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is just absurd, sure the critics make valid criticisms, but how could you not love a movie that sees a weather reporter taken out by a flying billboard?!

About the Role: Jake Gyllenhaal plays Sam Hill, son of Dennis Quaid’s Professor Jack Hall, who finds himself trapped in the New York Public Library with friends after traveling to the Big Apple for an academic decathlon. As he waits for his dad to come save him, Gyllenhaal battles intense cold and a pack of hungry wolves among other things.

Simply the Best: For us to truly care about Dennis Quaid saving his son, the son has got to be likeable. Gyllenhaal is such a charismatic actor and has such a strong screen presence that we totally think he’s worth trekking across a frozen death trap to rescue.