As a New Jersey native and longtime Kevin Smith fan, I feel like I am the right person for the job of ranking all of Smith’s films that fall within the View Askewniverse. Really, it’s a scientific process where I rewatch and decide which movies made me laugh so hard I peed myself, made me cry and left me with some of the most quotable moments. It’s a job I take very seriously, and I am here to report my findings.
If you have been living under a rock or are new to Smith’s films, the View Askewniverse is a group of them that are interconnected. It kicked off with his first film, Clerks and spans up to his most recent film, Clerks 3. Not every one of Smith’s films falls into this category (sorry, Jersey Girl), so you won’t find them on this list. And before anyone riots, this is a list solely based on my opinion, which might vary from yours. But one argument that should stand true across the board – Smith is Buddy Christ’s gift to all of us. So grab some snacks and settle in for this wild ride.
RELATED: Movie Review – Clerks III
8. Clerks II (2006)
This might be one of my most controversial opinions on this list (especially since this happens to be my best friend’s favorite Smith film), but Clerks II comes in dead last for me. It is still one of my favorite films that he has done, but it doesn’t compare to the others on this list. It’s funny and has some quotable moments and a few gut-punching scenes, but overall it falls short in the face of the others. What really lost it for me was taking Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) out of the Quick Stop. The saving grace for this one, though, is the introduction of Elias (Trevor Fehrman) and Becky (Rosario Dawson).
7. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019)
I waited a long time for Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) to get their sequel. Nearly two decades of my life passed before the iconic duo was front and center again. And I loved the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot but just not as much as I loved Smith’s older work. The concept is the same as their first film but done in a way that felt unique. But when comparing the two, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back will always be better in my eyes. However, the reboot did introduce us to Iron Bob, who needs an entire movie of his own and Harley Quinn Smith is such a badass.
RELATED: Top 11 Roger Corman Movies Streaming Right Now
6. Mallrats (1995)
There was a point in my life where Mallrats ranked higher, but over the last few years, it has flipped back and forth on the list. It’s a solid choice and enjoyable, but in the grand scheme of the View Askewniverse, it is on the weaker side. The introduction of Jason Lee into Smith’s troupe of castmates is what makes me really love the film. He is a joy to watch, regardless of who he works with. One of my favorite movie moments is watching Ethan Suplee try to see the sailboat for an entire film. Plus, the fact that this is set in a mall screams my childhood.
5. Chasing Amy (1997)
Similar to Mallrats, Chasing Amy varies on my list. Some days it’s high up, and other days, it sits right in the middle. What makes it so great is the dynamic between leads Ben Affleck, Jason Lee and Joey Lauren Adams. Kevin Smith took a step out of his comfort zone with this rom-com, which really paid off. It was one of the first films I watched with a female queer lead, and she was an utter badass. In the long list of favorite Kevin Smith characters, Alyssa Jones is in my top five. I’d love to see Smith take another crack at an unconventional rom-com in the future.
RELATED: Every Mel Brooks Movie Ranked
4. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
My solid middle pick will always be Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. It’s hysterical and exciting and features tons of cameos from Smith’s other films and celebrities. Plus, it has a monkey. As kids, this was the film my sisters and I chose to watch most since we could quote the entire thing and would laugh our asses off. Plus, can you name me a more iconic duo than Jay and Silent Bob? Go ahead; I’ll wait. Now that aside, this movie is pretty fantastic. It doesn’t try to be anything but a comedy packed with dick and fart jokes while also throwing in tons of View Askewniverse easter eggs and nods at other films.
3. Dogma (1999)
Dogma was always high on my list because, let’s face it – Alan Rickman is fantastic. Now add in Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as two angels trying to find a loophole back into heaven but are left to face off against the last living relative of Jesus Christ (Linda Fiorentino). It’s hard not to laugh at the film while also being moved by the subtle story Smith is trying to tell through Bethany and the others. Plus, the film is packed with Hollywood stars, including Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, George Carlin and Alanis Morissette. It also gave birth to one of my favorite quotes of all time – “No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater…than central air.”
RELATED: 5 of Brendan Fraser’s Best Movies
2. Clerks III (2022)
As the most recent addition, I will keep this section about Clerks III spoiler free. Just know that it had such an impact on my life that it has solidified itself as one of my favorite View Askewniverse films. It’s a nod to Kevin Smith’s growth as a creator, director, writer and human being. He uses his personal journey as an inspiration and tackles some of the most complex emotions so far. The return to the Quick Stop also provides a feeling of coming home after years of waiting. It’s iconic to the universe as well as helping to make the film feel like a giant nostalgic hug overall.
1. Clerks (1994)
And finally, without further ado, we have the top View Askewniverse film – Clerks. It’s a classic, and of all Smith’s films, it stands the test of time. If you have ever worked with the general public, you will find something in this film. From the stupid customers to the crazy situations you find yourself in. It was my introduction to Kevin Smith’s work and continues to hold the top spot over two decades later. And really, if we are looking at the film with the most quotable funny moments, it has to be this. 37? Salsa shark? The entire Star Wars Death Star rant? I could go on for days – and don’t tempt me because I might do just that.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/thank-you-kevin-smith/
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
- Saturday Morning Webtoons: DAGGER TO THE HEART and TO DIE OR TO FALL IN LOVE - December 7, 2024
- Tavern Talk Thursday: Cold Themed DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS Monsters - December 5, 2024
- Gift Guide: Must-Have Gifts for WEBTOON Lovers - December 1, 2024
