Every Jon Favreau Movie Ranked From Worst To Best
3. Elf (2003)
Who would have thought that a fish out of water comedy about a man-child played by Will Ferrell who thinks hes a real life elf would be adored as one the most popular ever Christmas films? The impossibly charming comedy is now a yearly staple, sitting alongside The Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Scrooged in that special bubble of slightly off-kilter festive classics.
This is Favreau the relationship maker at his best: he writes incredibly complex characters around the central heart that is Buddy. His father is a neurotic workaholic, his brother an alienated runt and his girlfriend a cynical old soul, and its the colourful elfs responsibility to break down every boundary.
Even the sickly sweet central message of tolerance and festive joy is entirely irresistible thanks to Will Ferrells performance and Favreaus script and direction. Hes never played as the butt of the joke or the victim, and its impossible not to be utterly captivated.