10 Best ’90s Comedy Movies Ranked

Today, theatrical comedies don’t carry as much cultural significance as they once did, with blockbuster superhero and sci-fi films dominating box office earnings. However, it’s hard to believe that in the ‘90s, comedies were among the most popular movies at the box office, frequently claiming top positions on the charts. In fact, the ’90s may be the last decade to produce a large number of all-time classic comedies and spawn some of the biggest movie stars ever, such as Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, and Dave Chappelle. It wasn’t just newcomers from sketch comedy who were successful, but also veterans like Robin Williams and Bill Murray, who continued to release excellent films during that period.

During that era, gross-out comedies gained popularity, pushing ’80s physical comedies aside. Simultaneously, major blockbuster action films started incorporating humor, making even the most serious action movies funny. Stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone transitioned into comedy roles. This period also witnessed a surge in parody movies, a whole category of films based on “Saturday Night Live” skits, as well as some sci-fi adventures that left audiences in stitches. Choosing the best from the many options was challenging, but we’ve compiled a list and ranked them from good to excellent. Can you guess who took the top position? Read further to discover the answer.

10. There’s Something About Mary

The 1990s marked the debut of the Farrelly Brothers, a duo who have a mixed filmography that includes flops like “Kingpin” and “Shallow Hal.” However, it’s worth noting that they were behind not just one but two standout films from the decade. Kicking off this impressive run was the 1998 romantic comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” starring Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, and Chris Elliot.

In the film “There’s Something About Mary,” we are introduced to Ted Stroehmann (Stiller), who has yet to overcome the humiliation from his high school prom fiasco that occurred 13 years prior. His fixation on his former girlfriend, Mary (Diaz), remains unbroken. Although he has left behind the social awkwardness of his adolescent years, he embarks upon a challenging and uncomfortable journey to reconnect with her. However, life becomes more complicated as Mary, now a successful surgeon, is also stunningly beautiful, attracting numerous admirers. Each of these suitors are just as smitten by her as Ted, leading them on an adventure that will test their determination.

With its outrageously humorous and brutally violent scenes, “There’s Something About Mary” stands as an exemplary execution of the gross-out comedy genre. It’s not just about crude, immature humor – though there’s certainly no shortage of that, including a timeless ejaculate gag that never fails to amuse, despite its childish nature. Instead, it offers a mix of witty sarcasm and biting satire as well. This film catapulted Ben Stiller into comedy stardom and remains Cameron Diaz’s highest-grossing live-action movie to this very day.

9. Friday

The 1990s kickstarted a wave of movies featuring prominent hip-hop artists. Tupac Shakur starred in both “Juice” and “Poetic Justice,” while Ice-T appeared alongside Wesley Snipes in “New Jack City.” However, the ’90s weren’t just about dramas. In 1997, a hilarious comedy called “Friday” hit the screens. This film was co-written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, and it marked F. Gary Gray’s first major directorial venture on the big screen. The cast also included Nia Long, Chris Tucker, Regina King, and Bernie Mac.

In South Central L.A., the film “Friday” offers a comedic take on the everyday struggles of a close-knit group of inner-city friends, standing as a counterpoint to the harsher movies often associated with the “hood” genre. The characters Craig and Smokey, portrayed by Cube and Tucker respectively, find themselves in a tough spot when they owe a significant debt to a local drug dealer.

From a different socio-economic background, the movie “Friday” outshines “Dazed and Confused” in terms of humor and social critique. Blending slapstick humor and near satire, this film offers both sharp wit and top-tier comedy. Remarkably, it became not just a success but also gave birth to a series, with two sequels (“Next Friday” and “Friday After Next”) and an animated spin-off following. Despite not often being listed among the decade’s best films, it certainly deserves recognition. Furthermore, 30 years later, it continues to be relevant as the memorable phrase “Bye, Felicia” remains a popular catchphrase in certain sarcastic circles.

8. Galaxy Quest

Back in the ’90s, during the peak of the parody craze, I found myself utterly captivated by one of the greatest spoof movies ever made – “Galaxy Quest”. It stood tall alongside timeless classics such as “Hot Shots”, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and the “Naked Gun” series. However, what truly set “Galaxy Quest” apart was its grandiose sci-fi adventure feel, elevating it beyond the realm of mere spoofs. An all-star cast graced this production, with heavyweights like Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, and Sam Rockwell bringing their A-game.

In a blend of admiration and jest, “Galaxy Quest” playfully mocks “Star Trek,” extending its jabs beyond the series to include the peculiarities of science fiction fans. The movie revolves around the cast of an iconic sci-fi TV show, who are inadvertently believed to be genuine space explorers when extraterrestrials visit Earth seeking aid in a war against a ruthless intergalactic regime. Tim Allen portrays Jason Nesmith, a once-prominent actor who resembles William Shatner and finds himself out of his depth as he navigates a real-life cosmic battle to protect not only their alien allies but also Earth itself.

As a hardcore gamer, I might not seem like your typical “Galaxy Quest” fan, given I’m not a Trekkie. But boy, was I wrong! Contrary to what you might think, the humor in this movie resonates even more with non-Trekkies. Sure, the jabs at the Final Frontier are apparent, but it’s the clever script and hilarious acting that truly make “Galaxy Quest” one of the best comedies of the 90s. In fact, it’s a must-watch for any alien movie fan from the ’90s, according to our list!

7. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

After the hit movies “Wayne’s World” and their follow-ups, Mike Myers returned with an entirely new concept. Unlike other projects based on “Saturday Night Live” sketches, this one was a deliberate spoof of the “James Bond” series and spy films as a whole. Released in 1997, “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” is essentially a long-running joke about the absurdity of the spy genre and its time period, but it also effectively mocks the genre while being a unique, side-splitting comedy on its own.

In the groovy ’60s, I was a swingin’ English secret agent named Austin Powers, who got frozen for safekeeping to thwart my nemesis, Dr. Evil (portrayed by Mike Myers himself). Waking up in the late ’90s, I found myself grappling with some serious culture shock but ready to take on the old and formidable foe that I’d left behind. This movie is jam-packed with hilarious sight gags and jokes that break the fourth wall, making it a real treat to watch – you might even miss a few funny moments if you don’t catch them all on your first viewing!

As much as I admire Mike Myers for his brilliant portrayal of Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, creating iconic lines and catchphrases that resonate till today, the film’s real magic lies in its ensemble cast. Michael York, Rob Lowe, and Elizabeth Hurley were the perfect additions to the team, transforming the spoof genre into a genuinely sparkling comedy. The “Austin Powers” series, with two sequels released in the 2000s, managed something extraordinary – it succeeded where other parodies fell short. There’s been buzz about a fourth movie for years now, but I can’t help but wonder if we’ll ever get to see it come to life?

6. Wayne’s World

In the 1990s, “Austin Powers” wasn’t Mike Myers’ first major movie success. Prior to that, in 1993, he starred in the critically overlooked but now beloved romantic comedy “So I Married an Ax Murderer.” However, a year before that, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member made his big-screen debut with “Wayne’s World,” a film based on his “SNL” sketch of the same name, where he and Dana Carvey played Wayne and Garth, two hapless aspiring rock stars who hosted a public access TV variety show from their parents’ basement.

In the movie, Myers and Carvey are accompanied by Rob Lowe, portraying the character of Benjamin Kane, a smooth-talking city TV producer. He desires to elevate their show onto a significant national television network. Initially, the two bumbling characters relish in the spotlight, but soon find themselves compelled to battle against the network as executives interfere with their production. Simultaneously, Wayne and Kane clash over the affections of Cassandra Wong, played by Tia Carrere.

Among films derived from Saturday Night Live skits, “Wayne’s World” stands out as the most successful, despite others like “The Ladies Man” falling short. This film, featuring the witty humor of Myers and Carvey, thrives on a single joke throughout its entire length. The movie is enhanced by its robust supporting cast and ’80s-style plot, which resembles a caper story. Additionally, its larger budget afforded more extravagant jokes, including a clever product placement gag that remains hilarious, if not funnier, than it was in 1992.

5. Men in Black

Blending elements of futuristic action and hilarious comedy, “Men in Black” introduces us to the character of the impulsive, street-wise NYPD officer Will Smith. This character gets drafted into the clandestine operations of a top government agency known as the Men in Black. Their job? To keep tabs on and safeguard Earth from its alien residents. For years, they’ve worked covertly, unbeknownst to the public. In this story, we find Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) in need of a replacement partner following the loss of his previous one. That void is filled by none other than James Edwards (Smith), a spirited NYPD officer from the city.

Now, fully inducted into every conspiracy theorist’s preferred organization, Edwards assumes the alias of Agent J and is paired with Agent K (played by Tommy Lee Jones). Together, they embark on a mission to retrieve a miniature gadget and return it to its rightful alien owners before it causes planetary destruction.

As a gamer, I can say that the 1997 “Men in Black” is like an unbeatable level in a game; none of the sequels or spin-offs could match its brilliance. The movie’s success and the hilarity of its moments stem from its ability to keep the humor balanced without overdoing it. Unlike other comedies, this one about Earth-bound space cops is surprisingly grounded. The absurdity of the plot, combined with the exceptional chemistry between the witty Smith and the serious Jones, carries most of the comic weight.

4. Dumb and Dumber

In the ’90s, Jim Carrey made a mark with some iconic roles that truly demonstrated his versatility as an actor. While he went on to act in more serious films like “The Truman Show,” 1994 was a year filled with comedies, and not just one or two, but three of them were hugely popular. Although both “The Mask” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” are worthy contenders, it’s “Dumb and Dumber” that stands out as the top pick from that year.

Directed by debutant director Peter Farrelly (with his brother Bobby sharing writing credits), “Dumb and Dumber” features Jim Carrey alongside Jeff Daniels as a couple of dim-witted flatmates who decide to travel cross-country to return a misplaced briefcase belonging to a woman. In an amusing twist, their kind act unwittingly causes chaos, as the contents within the briefcase turn out to be a substantial amount of money meant for ransom in exchange for the woman’s family. To compound their troubles, the kidnappers continue their pursuit across the country, oblivious to the fact that they are tracking the unsuspecting duo.

Title “Dumb and Dumber” may mislead you into expecting sophisticated humor, but instead offers a lot of physical comedy, lowbrow jokes, and an abundance of crude humor as promised. However, what truly sets this film apart is the surprising chemistry between Carrey and Daniels that makes it stand out among the comedies of its era.

3. Office Space

Workplace comedies are a common feature on TV, but when it comes to films, “Office Space” stands out as one of the best, not just from the ’90s. The movie is set in a fictional office of a tech company, where we encounter Peter Gibbons (played by Ron Livingston), a man who’s just another cog in the machine, growing increasingly disillusioned with his monotonous and seemingly meaningless job. With no apparent way out, Peter reaches his limit as he grapples with the tedium and purposelessness that has taken over his life.

After visiting a counselor to manage stress, Gibbons experienced an unexpected feeling of detachment, but surprisingly, he continued to advance in his corporate career, leaving him puzzled. However, despite this progress, Gibbons remained unsatisfied and decided to challenge the office culture that controlled his life by devising a plan with his colleagues to secretly embezzle money from their employer.

1999’s “Office Space” stands out as one of the most memorable comedies of the decade due to its biting critique of American corporate culture. The film, with its relatable characters who embody the struggles of office life, is a masterpiece of dry satire that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever worked in an office. The sharp wit and humor of “King of the Hill” creator Mike Judge contribute significantly to the film’s enduring appeal. Over two decades later, the monotony of corporate America has only served to elevate “Office Space” to cult status and a symbol of office apathy for many.

2. The Big Lebowski

Often, films delight in placing ordinary individuals into complex criminal situations, resulting in humorous chaos. However, few movies have executed this trope as brilliantly as “The Big Lebowski.” Beyond being a standout comedy, it might even be one of the top films of the entire decade, if not the best overall. Directed by the Coen brothers, who are renowned for their work, their film “Blood Simple” is frequently recognized as one of the greatest ’80s crime thrillers.

The movie ‘The Big Lebowski’ revolves around a mix-up in identities that puts chronic pot smoker Jeffrey Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges, in trouble with a group of criminals. Despite his attempts to clarify the situation, he and his bowling companions Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi) find themselves unwittingly involved in an adventure filled with kidnappings, valuable rugs, and rogue nihilists.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the best films of the decade, “The Big Lebowski” initially didn’t garner the same level of popularity upon its release that its enduring legacy suggests. The film’s unconventional style was not fully appreciated by critics at the time, but Steve Buscemi understands why it ultimately became a success. Today, the movie is widely recognized as one of the Coen Brothers’ most notable works and a classic in comedy cinema.

1. Groundhog Day

If you enjoy ’90s comedies, it’s likely no secret that “Groundhog Day” is our number one pick. This comedy has a unique blend of fantasy and romantic elements, skillfully combined by Murray. Similar to his role in “Scrooged,” Murray portrays Phil Connors, a self-centered weatherman assigned to report on the Groundhog Day celebrations in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. However, unlike his previous character, Phil is an arrogant, cynical, and pompous city dweller who is disliked by many.

Every now and then, an unexpected blizzard hits this small town I can’t stand. Waking up the next day, it turns out to be a nightmare: I’m stuck in this rural place I loathe and it feels like Groundhog Day – reliving the same day again and again. As if that wasn’t enough, I find myself developing feelings for my new producer (Andie MacDowell), all while trying to make sense of who I am on this infinite loop.

In a twist that could easily be mistaken for a “Twilight Zone” episode, the film “Groundhog Day” delves deep into the quirky dimensions of time travel, aspects often overlooked in sci-fi movies. Simultaneously, it offers a profound tale of love and grief that tugs at your heartstrings. It’s not an exaggeration to label “Groundhog Day” as almost flawless in its comedic delivery: each joke is perfectly timed, and the direction by Harold Ramis, a longtime collaborator of Murray, takes it to unprecedented heights. Bill Murray delivers one of his finest performances, arguably his most memorable role outside of “Ghostbusters.

2025-01-06 15:31