Top 9 Jim Jarmusch Movies

Jim Jarmusch is one of the biggest enthusiasts of independent cinema. He has done what no one else could; to remain continuously independent.

The only thing more difficult than being an independent filmmaker is being one in the US. Hollywood and the US market are less suitable for indie artists than Europe. However, this didn’t discourage Jarmusch, quite the opposite.

Let’s see the best Jim Jarmusch movies.

Night on Earth

“Night on Earth” is a 1991 movie that mixes comedy subgenres and drama.

If you’re fascinated by how different things happen to different people simultaneously, “Night on Earth” by Jim Jarmusch is the perfect film for you. Five stories happen to five taxi drivers in five European and US cities on the same night.

The “Night on Earth” cast includes great actors like Roberto Benigni, Winona Ryder, and Gena Rowlands. This movie is an interesting ride, both figuratively and literally. It got a nomination at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards and won an award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

It’s a good idea to start with this one if you haven’t seen any Jim Jarmusch movies.

Paterson

Undoubtedly one of the best Jim Jarmusch films, “Paterson” is a 2016 comedy, drama, and romance film.

It’s challenging to describe the story, so it’s best to watch the movie and see it for yourself. In essence, it’s about our daily life victories and defeats. However, he makes it even more beautiful by including poetry.

The cast includes Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani, and others. Here’s a “Paterson” movie trailer to get an idea of what it’s about.

Stranger Than Paradise

Instead of making spoilers by describing the story, it’s better to state several fascinating facts about “Stranger Than Paradise.” Jim is one of the few directors who can make a film with $100.000 and have a box office of over $2.4 million. It’s also a black-and-white movie with no standard coverage and entirely in single long takes.

The cast includes John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson, etc. Jim won the “Golden Camera” at Cannes and seven other awards at various film festivals. “Stranger Than Paradise” is one of the Jim Jarmusch movies that has Jim’s authenticity and his unique storytelling.

Broken Flowers

“Broken Flowers” came out in 2005, and it’s about an introverted man who is dumped by his woman. However, an anonymous letter occurs in his life by a former lover; tells him that he has a son. According to Jim, the “Broken Flowers” film is dedicated to Jean Eustache, the French director who he appreciates for his independence and uniqueness. 

The cast includes Bill Murray in the main role, who does an excellent job. There are other great actors such as Sharon Stone, Jessica Lange, Julie Delpy, etc.

Mystery Train

“Mystery Train” wasn’t a box office success. However, it was critically acclaimed and is one of Jim Jarmusch’s movies you should watch.

This 1989 movie consists of three stories and the spirit of Elvis Presley. A Memphis hotel connects the three stories, which sounds unconventional but that’s the authenticity of Jarmusch. It’s a triptych that’s similar to “Night on Earth” in the sense that it also happens throughout the same night.

It was a success in terms of awards since Jim won the “Best Artistic Contribution” award at Cannes and received several other nominations.

Coffee and Cigarettes

If you want to see Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Bill Murray, Roberto Benigni, and Steve Buscemi in the same film, watch “Coffee and Cigarettes.”

This movie is a series of scenes with people having coffee and cigarettes as a common activity. More precisely, there are eleven short scenes in which the characters discuss various interesting topics.

Film critics didn’t praise “Coffee and Cigarettes” much but it became a cult movie worldwide.

Dead Man

With Johnny Depp in the main role, the story is about how after killing a man, his character meets a strange Native American. The Native American, played by Gary Farmer, prepares him for a spiritual journey. What makes the movie even more authentic is that it’s entirely monochrome.

“Dead Man” wasn’t a box office success, quite the opposite. Still, the Cannes Film Festival nominated Jim for the Palme d’Or.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

This movie would have been just another film about a hitman who is targeted by the Mafia. But it wasn’t since Jim made the main character a hitman with an ancient samurai code.

“Ghost Dog” was a hit that made $9.3 million on a budget of only $2 million. It won the “Audience Award” at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and was nominated for other eight awards, including Cannes. 

Forest Whitaker plays the main role, and he is a big part of why this movie was critically acclaimed.

Only Lovers Left Alive

Last on this list of Jim Jarmusch movies but not less important is “Only Lovers Left Alive.” Describing the story already shows its authenticity.  A romance existing for centuries between a depressed musician and his lover is reunited. But despite that, his lover’s uncontrollable sister complicates the situation.

Other than making only $7.6 million on a $7 million budget, the film was a success regarding movie critics and international film awards. It also has an excellent cast, including Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Jeffrey Wright, etc.

Final Thoughts on Jim Jarmusch Movies

Jim Jarmusch is arguably the most famous independent filmmaker worldwide. He is an inspiration for many young directors and proof that indie movies can have a place in US cinema.

Other Jim Jarmusch movies that didn’t make this list include “Ten Minutes Older: The Trumpet,” “Down by Law,” and “Gimme Danger” about The Stooges. Watching all of them would be great, however, it’s better to start with those from the list above.