Every Kevin Smith Movie, Ranked

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Known as a highly divisive figure in Hollywood, there’s no denying his enduring presence. Beyond his film career, he has also made significant marks in television, animation, comics, and podcasts. For devoted fans of Smith, even some of his less successful films are often overlooked due to the unique appeal he brings to all his projects.

It’s fascinating to explore his body of work again and realize that opinions about his movies are often quite polarized among critics. One film might receive extremely negative reviews in one segment of the media, while another section might rave about it. With “Dogma” hitting theaters once more in June after a long period of rights issues, now is an ideal moment to revisit all the full-length films that Kevin Smith has directed – from his View Askewniverse creations and beyond.

IMDb Rating: 4.3/10

The movie titled Yoga Hosers is arguably Kevin Smith’s least favored full-length directorial work among viewers. Despite the fact that the two main actresses played their roles well, the movie itself appeared to serve as more of an opportunity for Smith to spend time with his daughter rather than craft a unified film. Even the talented Ralph Gorman’s presence failed to salvage this disorganized cinematic endeavor.

The humor didn’t resonate, the absurd plot was confusing, and overall, the movie failed to impress. However, it appeared that Smith enjoyed working on this project immensely – despite the underwhelming outcome. In my view, “Yoga Hosers” is Smith’s one truly disappointing film. Critics have often been harsh towards Smith, but in many instances, their criticisms have been unjustified. For “Yoga Hosers”, though, the criticism was fair and well-deserved.

IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

The movie titled “Tusk,” similar to “Yoga Hosers,” originated from a chat in one of Kevin Smith’s podcasts. Unlike “Yoga Hosers,” this film saw Kevin Smith pushing his boundaries significantly to create a chilling body horror centered around an unstable individual who transforms his victims into human walruses. Despite the outrageous concept, much like many of Smith’s later works, the delivery can be quite unsettling. Justin Long delivers a convincing performance as an annoying podcast host-turned-victim, until the climax of the film where he appears to have accepted his new walrus life.

One significant issue that might have contributed to the film’s less-than-favorable reviews is the presence of Johnny Depp’s character, Guy Lapointe, who seems out of place amidst the serious tone of the movie. While Smith is often associated with comedic roles, this film, titled Tusk, aimed for a more straightforward approach to its somewhat absurd content. However, Depp appeared to interpret his role as if it were from a different movie, adopting a mock-French accent and overacting dramatically. His performance often distracted rather than added to the overall effect of the film.

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Kevin Smith has been candid about the tension on the set of “Cop Out,” which is regrettable given their amicable interaction during the filming of “Live Free or Die Hard.” Understanding this background, watching “Cop Out” becomes a bit clearer as Bruce Willis appeared to be half-heartedly acting alongside the lively Tracy Morgan.

The movie “Cop Out” turned out to be a completely forgettable buddy cop comedy that many still consider one of Smith’s least favorite films. Compared to other movies, it might seem as insignificant as “Yoga Hosers” compared to “The Godfather”, and for most viewers, it’s not worth the effort required to finish even the first act. It’s unfortunate because a film starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan had potential to be excellent under different circumstances. However, in the end, “Cop Out” lived up quite well to its title.

IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

People were overjoyed when news broke that a new Jay and Silent Bob movie was in production. With the clever concept of the characters attempting to prevent the creation of a remake of the film they had previously tried to halt in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”, fans of Smith’s interconnected cinematic universe were eagerly anticipating the release, especially after the director’s prolonged absence. Regrettably, the movie received mixed reviews upon its release.

In simpler terms, many jokes fell flat and the use of Kevin Smith as a fictionalized version of himself in the climax was quite distracting. However, this film showcased Jason Mewes’ best performance yet as Jay, featuring a heartfelt storyline that transformed the annoying pot dealer into a pivotal character within the View Askewniverse. Despite not being one of Kevin Smith’s best movies, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is still worth watching for fans who appreciate the world he built.

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Placing disappointingly low on the list is “The 4:30 Movie.” Remarkably, this production signified a comeback for Kevin Smith, distinguishing itself by steering clear of the View Askewniverse. Instead, it delved into semi-autobiographical territory, depicting a day in the lives of four friends who covertly visit their neighborhood cinema to catch every new release. The film’s emotional essence is crucial to grasp, as it substantially drives the narrative to its conclusion.

In Smith’s later productions, you’ll find some less polished elements such as subplots featuring wrestlers or tacky movie previews which can momentarily detract from the film’s overall charm. However, The 4:30 Movie stands out as a unique coming-of-age story that sets itself apart from much of Smith’s other work. It strikes a delicate balance between sentimentality and restraint, and the acting performances are genuinely heartfelt and deserving of praise. The 4:30 Movie seems destined to resonate more deeply with viewers as it matures, capturing a universal phase in life that is worth revisiting again and again.

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

In many aspects, the movie “Red State” from 14 years ago might appear outdated now, but its themes resonate strongly today. The story revolves around a fanatical religious cult whose actions are driven by intolerance and bigotry, with Michael Parks delivering an exceptional performance as Pastor Abin Cooper. This role surpasses the typical Smith-directed characters in depth and introduces an unsettling level of menace that remains unmatched in the director’s subsequent work.

As a movie buff, I’ve found that “Tusk” and “Red State” steer clear of typical bathroom humor, instead opting for a chilling portrayal of villainous acts. Although the narrative may lose its way as it progresses, the 88-minute runtime is manageable for horror enthusiasts. For some, “Red State” might have been a bit too far from Smith’s usual comedic filmmaking territory, but here’s to hoping he has another thrilling horror production in store. Without a doubt, “Red State” leaves me hopeful that it’s worth giving a try.

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

To numerous enthusiasts, Smith’s initial movie, Clerks, was a picture that didn’t necessitate a sequel – not even two. However, Smith’s affection for the characters who consistently work behind a cash register has always been evident. Before The 4:30 Movie signified a genuine comeback for Smith, and following Jay and Silent Bob Reboot not meeting expectations for some, Clerks III came the closest to providing a film that View Askewniverse fans could genuinely appreciate.

Clerks III is a poignant comedy that follows the characters as they embark on their last grand adventure across Jersey. Similar to many of Smith’s later films, Clerks III uses a self-referential narrative style, revisiting the story of the original Clerks while also incorporating Smith’s personal account of surviving a heart attack caused by a widow-maker. Although some longtime viewers found the death of Dante unsettling, given its contrast with the lighter, 90s films in the View Askewniverse, it served its intended emotional impact. Just as all good things come to an end, even the antics at the Quick Stop are reaching their conclusion. However, this finale invites us to reminisce about the enjoyable moments that led up to it.

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

The movie titled Jersey Girl marked Kevin Smith’s initial full-length feature outside the connected cinematic universe of his View Askewniverse. Following the conclusion of the View Askewniverse in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Smith decided to switch gears and create a romantic comedy starring a real-life couple, along with Liv Tyler, for his next project.

Initially, it appeared that pairing Affleck and Lopez again for a movie would be an undeniable hit, given their sizzling chemistry in the widely criticized film Gigli. However, the film Jersey Girl, unfortunately, overreached in attempting to recreate the romantic magic found in more successful rom-coms. Consequently, it ended up being a predictable movie that missed the mark and didn’t leverage even the negative attention from Gigli‘s poor reception.

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

The movie “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” seems less like a typical Kevin Smith production and more reminiscent of a Judd Apatow-style comedy, with Elizabeth Banks as one of the stars. However, it was released during a period when many comedies were trying to emulate Apatow’s humor. Despite this, Smith’s tendency to explore sexuality through comedy is more pronounced in this film than in any of his previous or subsequent works.

Despite being somewhat forgettable, the movie “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” surprisingly isn’t offensive in its production quality. It’s an enjoyable choice for a dull evening when you’re looking for a quick dose of humor. This film is also intriguing for fans of Smith’s universe as it includes Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson, who play Jay and Randal respectively, in supporting roles. In essence, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” is worth watching to catch some familiar faces like Rogen and Banks interacting with Smith regulars, while they portray characters quite distinct from their usual roles.

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Initially, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back didn’t garner widespread acclaim upon its debut, but over time, much like Kevin Smith’s earlier works, it has been embraced as a cult favorite by fans of the View Askewniverse. Originally intended to conclude the View Askewniverse saga, this film showcased appearances from characters that were present in Smith’s earlier movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma.

Fans often view “ ” as the quintessential example of a Kevin Smith film: a hilarious comedy filled with cameos, boasting an outlandish plot and abundant stoner jokes. It’s essentially a tribute to what Kevin Smith had achieved thus far, encompassing comic book culture and the witty satire of middle America that he has mastered since his 1994 film “Clerks“.

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2025-05-22 17:10