1990s comedy movies are known for both iconic hits and strangely bizarre creations, showcasing a lot of experimentation in the film industry during that time. While this experimentation can be thrilling, it sometimes left audiences feeling perplexed. The peculiar tone, unique visuals, and fragmented storytelling styles of these films have given them a reputation as puzzling and humorous works that lost their comedic edge. Yet, despite their oddity, many have gained cult status over the years.
In addition to the comedies from the 2000s, there were quite a few that were oddball, as each decade produces movies that push boundaries and experiment with novel comedy styles. It’s intriguing to revisit these productions because they often star major celebrities. However, not every movie labeled as avant-garde was a commercial or critical triumph; in fact, many of them received negative reviews and failed to bring in significant revenue at the box office. Although financial success doesn’t necessarily determine a film’s quality, it does suggest that audiences didn’t immediately resonate with the peculiar tone of these films.
8. Shakes The Clown (1991)
Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait
It’s accurate to note that the movie titled “Shakes the Clown” isn’t often hailed as a classic from the 1990s. However, its innovative concept and examination of the clichés and stereotypes associated with both professional clowning and the broader comedy world make it an intriguing, albeit peculiar, viewing experience. The story revolves around Shakes (portrayed by Bobcat Goldthwait) as he navigates a corrupt, drug-ridden, and ultimately violent clown community.
In the intriguing blend of comedy and tragedy, the contrast between the whimsicality of clowning and the somberness of the plot becomes particularly evident in the film “Shakes the Clown“. By the end, it seems as though the movie metamorphoses into a drama. Despite its comedic undertone, the film delves deeply into its weighty themes, which might catch viewers off guard if they were anticipating a more lighthearted clown movie. The main character, Shakes, is a complex figure grappling with troubles, and as his story unfolds and the narrative becomes chaotic, viewers may find themselves sympathizing with him.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Shakes the Clown (1991) | 43% | 49% |
7. Drop Dead Fred (1991)
Directed by Ate de Jong
People who remember the quirky comedy “Drop Dead Fred” might get a nostalgic feeling, as it explores the idea that imaginary friends can be an essential escape for children. In this movie, Elizabeth’s (Phoebe Cates) childhood friend, named Fred (Rik Mayall), reappears in her adult life with a force to be reckoned with. As chaos and mischief unfold, Fred gradually assists Elizabeth in overcoming the challenges in her life and finding her independence. Although this concept is appealing, the film’s dreamlike aesthetics and disjointed narrative make it somewhat hard to follow “Drop Dead Fred.
1) Elizabeth and Fred play main roles, but the rest of the cast keeps the narrative grounded in a believable world.
2) Carrie Fisher delivers a side-splitting performance in Drop Dead Fred, though her work may not be her best outside of Star Wars. She remains hilarious and refreshing throughout the film.
3) By examining Drop Dead Fred from the perspectives of magical realism and childhood trauma, we can grasp the plot, but it doesn’t make the story any less peculiar.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Drop Dead Fred (1991) | 11% | 77% |
6. Coneheads (1993)
Directed by Steve Barron
Initially, the “Conehead” skits on Saturday Night Live were successful, but turning these brief skits into a full-length film didn’t pan out as planned. The 1993 movie, Coneheads, features some amusing gags and moments that echo the classic sketch show, yet one of the reasons the Coneheads worked in their short form is because there’s essentially just one key joke about aliens living on Earth. Watching Coneheads today feels even more peculiar since many audiences are unfamiliar with the skit and the premise behind it.
It’s unfortunate that the movie “Coneheads” didn’t have room to develop its theme further, as Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Michelle Burke put a lot of effort into making viewers connect with the narrative. Although there are many science fiction films that incorporate humor, it’s unusual for a film like “Coneheads”. Despite making some observations about the immigrant experience in America, the storyline is too absurd to handle this topic sensitively.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Coneheads (1993) | 37% | 38% |
5. Theodore Rex (1995)
Directed by Jonathan R. Betuel
The movie titled “Theodore Rex” is a comedic fantasy film that may not be a notable addition to Whoopi Goldberg’s acting portfolio, as it’s unlikely to be remembered fondly by her fans. This production combines elements of police procedurals, science fiction, and fantasy, but its concept might leave viewers puzzled about its origin. Despite Goldberg’s popularity in the 1990s, “Theodore Rex” fails to effectively utilize her skills, as she is required to act alongside a large T-Rex puppet.
Critically bashed by both critics and viewers, the movie “Theodore Rex” attempts a familiar formula: pairing a veteran cop, portrayed by Kaite (Goldberg), with an unlikely partner – a dinosaur named Theodore Rex. Despite the fact that this setup has proven successful in the past, it’s hard to imagine how a human and a dinosaur could realistically work together. The puppetry used to bring Theodore to life is visually intriguing, but the design of the dinosaur isn’t enough to salvage “Theodore Rex”.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Theodore Rex (1995) | 0% | 18% |
4. Freaked (1993)
Directed by Alex Winter & Tom Stern
Alex Winter, famously recognized for his roles in the “Bill & Ted” series, teamed up with Tom Stern to create the bizarre comedy “Freaked” during the early ’90s. In this film, Winter plays Ricky, the central character who embarks on a harrowing journey that might leave viewers sleepless for weeks following their viewing of “Freaked”. This outlandish tale serves as an extreme warning about the hazards of chemical research, ecological preservation, and the mistreatment of those considered different. Due to its unique nature, the message of “Freaked” may be difficult to fully absorb.
The main theme of this film centers on a hazardous substance transforming individuals into monstrous beings, depicted powerfully with detailed prosthetics and authentic special effects, which may prove challenging for some viewers. As the intrigue at the core of Freaked expands, events become increasingly dark and perilous to the point where humor seems inappropriate. While it’s fascinating to revisit this movie, its unsettling nature is likely to startle audiences.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Freaked (1993) | 56% | 66% |
3. Ed (1996)
Directed by Bill Couturié
Following his rise to stardom as Joey on Friends, Matt LeBlanc aimed to make a name for himself in movies by starring in the quirky take on buddy comedy titled Ed. In this film, LeBlanc shares the screen with a chimpanzee, but collaborations between humans and animals don’t always translate well onscreen, and Ed was no exception. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a minor league baseball team, where Jack “Deuce” (LeBlanc) becomes a member and befriends the mascot, named Ed.
The movie presents an unusual situation where Ed, the character, constantly finds himself in troubles and Deuce surprisingly accepts his new roommate being a chimp. Despite Eric LeBlanc’s charming portrayal, the plot doesn’t compensate for the fact that Ed seems illogical. It primarily depends on easy humor to maintain viewer engagement. Ed, unfortunately, lacks a coherent narrative and comes off as too serious for viewers to perceive it as acknowledging the absurdity of its premise.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Ed (1996) | 6% | 22% |
2. Mystery Men (1999)
Directed by Kinka Usher
Over time, the movie “Mystery Men” has earned a reputation as a beloved cult favorite, largely due to its stellar cast ensemble. Ben Stiller plays the role of Roy in this film, one of the superheroes who tries to save the day and gain recognition. The humor in “Mystery Men” primarily comes from Roy and his motley crew of slightly less powerful superheroes, whose unique abilities are both amusing and highly unusual.
In the movie “Mystery Men“, although the storyline may not be particularly robust, the appealing performances of the main actors give it a push, even as things begin to spin out of control. Essentially, Mystery Men satirizes the conventions and missteps often found in superhero narratives, exploring a universe where individuals with less extraordinary abilities grapple with their powers. Yet, this approach can lead to muddled moments, as “Mystery Men” tends to overemphasize individual jokes at the expense of maintaining a clear, unified narrative flow.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Mystery Men (1999) | 60% | 57% |
1. Serial Mom (1994)
Directed by John Waters
Among John Waters’ films, “Serial Mom” is one with the broadest mainstream appeal. In this film, Kathleen Turner plays Beverly and Sam Waterston from “Law & Order” portrays her husband, Eugene. As the story unfolds, the dark comedy becomes progressively more violent and absurd. Waters is famed for his employment of satire to scrutinize the ideal of the American Dream and the nuclear family, which he achieves by depicting Beverly as a seemingly ordinary housewife who harbors a secret bloodlust as a serial killer.
In contrast to the stereotypical image viewers might have of a serial killer, I, as Beverly, don’t fit the mold. Yet, I manage the tasks efficiently and always seem to stay one step ahead, outsmarting anyone who attempts to catch me. The irony between my typical role and my actions in this film is quite amusing. However, “Serial Mom” takes a dark turn and includes numerous unforeseen plot twists, making it anything but predictable. The trial scene at the end challenges audience expectations of the narrative, making “Serial Mom” a movie that truly needs to be experienced to be believed.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Serial Mom (1994) | 63% | 71% |
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2025-04-23 01:59