All 13 of Bill Murray’s ’90s Movies, Ranked

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As a film enthusiast and a connoisseur of Bill Murray’s illustrious career, I can confidently say that his roles during the ’90s were nothing short of remarkable. Each film showcased the versatility and range of his talents, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition from comedy to drama, often within the same movie.

One of my favorite aspects of Murray’s work in this era is his knack for imbuing even the most unconventional characters with depth and humanity. Take, for instance, Herman Blume in “Rushmore,” a character who grapples with the complexities of middle age, infidelity, and the search for meaning in life. It’s an emotionally raw performance that resonated deeply with me, as I too have found myself grappling with similar existential questions at various points in my own life.

But let’s not forget the sheer joy he brought to the screen in movies like “Groundhog Day” and “Ed Wood,” where he displayed a comedic prowess that is unparalleled. These films show Murray at his best, effortlessly weaving humor into the most unexpected moments, leaving audiences in stitches while also delivering poignant life lessons.

And let’s not forget the time-loop joke from “Groundhog Day” – who could ever forget that? It’s a testament to Murray’s comedic genius that he can take such a simple concept and turn it into one of the most memorable moments in film history.

In short, Bill Murray’s work during the ’90s was nothing short of groundbreaking, and I eagerly await the day when I can relive those magical moments all over again.

It’s fair to say that Bill Murray is essentially interchangeable with humor. His presence in countless memorable films means you rarely have to travel far before encountering another one of his unforgettable performances. Be it the sharp-witted, ghost-hunting Ghostbuster or the disgruntled weatherman trapped in a time loop, Murray possesses an extraordinary knack for eliciting laughter, often at its most potent when his characters are at their lowest ebb.

During the ’90s, Bill Murray’s acting prowess shone particularly brightly. It seemed like there was at least one new movie of his every year, and this decade featured some truly outstanding performances from him. From the iconic “Rushmore” to the often-overlooked gem “Mad Dog and Glory”, the ’90s were a golden era for Bill Murray as they highlighted many of his most remarkable talents as a versatile actor. This list serves as the ultimate guide to all the movies from the ’90s that starred Bill Murray.

13
‘Larger Than Life’ (1996)

The tale unfolds around Jack Corcoran, a motivational speaker whose world takes an intriguing twist upon learning about his late father’s peculiar bequest – a trained elephant named Vera from their shared past in the circus. Facing a lack of suitable accommodations for Vera and rapidly depleting funds, Jack embarks on a journey traversing the nation, aiming to sell Vera to a circus.

Surprisingly Funny Buddy Film

Despite not being one of Bill Murray’s most famously recognized movies, “Larger Than Life” offers a charming buddy comedy experience that showcases his knack for blending everyday humor with the extraordinary. Directed by Howard Franklin, the film skillfully places Murray in the role of a rigid and discontented protagonist, who interacts with a variety of vibrant characters and ultimately discovers valuable lessons about camaraderie.

12
‘Space Jam’ (1996)

Space Jam, produced in the ’90s, is a movie that merges live-action and animation, featuring iconic figures from two different pop cultures: Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes. In this storyline, when the mischievous Looney Tunes find their world under threat by extraterrestrial amusement park proprietors, they enlist human aid to rescue them – by defeating a team of aliens in a basketball match, led by Mr. Swackhammer.

A Zany Sports Comedy

Space Jam is bursting at the seams with extravagant spectacle and traditional cartoon humor, making it stand out for its unique blend of animation and real life. Notably, Bill Murray makes an appearance as himself, playing golf with Larry Bird and Stan Podolak, who’s Jordan’s assistant. Later, he reappears during the thrilling final match against the Monstars. The movie offers a lively, though sometimes uneven, family-friendly journey that carries a strong whiff of ’90s nostalgia.

11
‘With Friends Like These…’ (1998)

Under the guidance of director Philip Frank Messina, the movie titled “With Friends Like These…” offers a gripping portrayal of an independent dark comedy. This story revolves around four struggling actors who are also best friends in LA, battling through the cut-throat industry together. When Johnny DiMartino learns from his agent about a renowned director seeking a lead for an upcoming production, the news sparks a scramble among his friends as they all compete for the coveted role.

Hidden Gem Worth Watching

The movie delves into the experience of pursuing fame in Hollywood, offering a humorous critique on the entertainment world and the extreme measures actors take to secure roles. It’s filled with treachery, deceit, and amusingly grim events. The principal actors are Robert Costanzo, Jon Tenney, David Strathairn, Adam Arkin, and Bill Murray makes a guest appearance as Maurice Melnick, adding to the film’s witty references to itself.

10
‘Wild Things’ (1998)

In the radiant setting of the Miami suburb Blue Bay, I found myself immersed in the intricate web of a neo-noir masterpiece titled “Wild Things.” As a high school guidance counselor named Sam Lombardo, I find myself at the heart of a whirlwind of accusations, with two students, the privileged Kelly Van Ryan and the socially marginalized Suzie Toller, pointing fingers at me for an alleged sexual assault. The seasoned Detective Ray Duquette steps onto the scene to delve into the investigation, and what he unearths is a tale of twists and turns that leaves one reeling.

Murray as a Jaded and Scheming Lawyer

The film is notable for its daring plot turns, as it follows characters maneuvering through a dangerous landscape of changing allegiances and a tangled web of betrayal, avarice, and ruthless killings. John McNaughton’s direction masterfully blends the most compelling aspects of crime, drama, and suspenseful thrillers. In this production, Murray portrays Ken Bowden, a cunning and ambitious lawyer who defends Matt Dillon’s character, Sam Lombardo.

9
‘Kingpin’ (1996)

In another sports comedy featuring Bill Murray, the film “Kingpin” tells the story of Roy Munson, a once-promising young bowler who fell into hardship following a career-ending accident and alcoholism. Eventually, Roy encounters an Amish bowling prodigy named Ishmael Boorg, whom he perceives as his chance to reclaim past glory. He decides to train him to win a major bowling competition.

Murray Elevates the Outrageous Material

In the movie, Bill Murray didn’t play the main character, but his portrayal of Ernie McCracken, a fierce and experienced competitor, played a crucial role in setting the story in motion by causing Roy’s accident. Later on in the film, he reappears as a renowned bowling champion on a national level, who squares off against Ishmael and will do whatever it takes to come out victorious. Murray’s acting alongside Woody Harrelson and Randy Quaid is remarkably dynamic.

8
‘The Man Who Knew Too Little’ (1997)

In “The Man Who Knew Too Little“, Bill Murray takes on the role of Wallace Ritchie, a clueless American who plans to celebrate his birthday with his brother in London. However, things don’t go as planned, as he unknowingly finds himself entangled in the intricate web of international espionage. Believing he’s participating in an elaborate pretend game, Wallace stumbles through a series of mishaps, misunderstandings, and unexpected heroic acts while navigating this unfamiliar world.

An Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Situations

Under the guidance of director Jon Amiel, the movie “The Man Who Knew Too Little ” was adapted from Robert Farrar’s novel. Farrar himself collaborated with Howard Franklin to write the screenplay. The film showcases Bill Murray’s exceptional comedic skills and distinctive character traits by having him portray an innocent, endearing character. Throughout the story, Murray’s charm and intelligence hold it together, making it a compelling watch despite its poor performance at the box office. His role alone makes it worth viewing.

7
‘Mad Dog and Glory’ (1993)

Under the joint guidance of John McNaughton in both writing and direction, Mad Dog and Glory invites audiences into the raw, neon-lit underbelly of 1990s Chicago. The narrative centers around an unassuming crime scene photographer named Wayne Dobie, who unwittingly rescues a hard-edged gangster called Frank Milo. In thanks, Frank offers Wayne a week with Glory, a captivating waitress, but Wayne unexpectedly finds himself growing genuine affection for her.

Nuanced and Captivating Character Study

Mad Dog and Glory isn’t one of Murray’s most renowned films or his highest-grossing from the 90s, but it stands out in his filmography due to its unusual casting of him as a more menacing character rather than the comedic roles he’s known for. His portrayal of Milo is so chilling that it creates quite a stark contrast with his typical performances. Joining forces with Robert De Niro and Uma Thurman’s compelling acts, this crime comedy offers an intriguing watch.

6
‘Quick Change’ (1990)

Swift Switch is a crime-comedy that narrates the escapades of Grimm, a sharp-minded character disguised as a clown, attempting an almost perfect heist in bustling Manhattan alongside his partners, Phyllis and Loomis. Having successfully robbed the bank, their escape strategy falters and the threesome encounters one hurdle after another on the turbulent streets of New York City while making their way to the airport with the stolen loot.

Combines Suspense and Slapstick

In their first time directing a film, Murray and Howard Franklin, guided by the novel “Grimm” penned by Jay Cronley, skillfully utilized Murray’s acting abilities to full effect. As the witty and unfazed Grimm character, Murray’s performance, characterized by dry humor and physical comedy, was both endearing and frenetic. The plot, revolving around a heist gone awry, greatly benefited from this approach. Additionally, Geena Davis and Randy Quaid added to the film’s cult status, making it a must-rewatch.

5
‘Cradle Will Rock’ (1999)

Tim Robbins’ film, titled Cradle Will Rock, takes you on a journey to the tumultuous and politically volatile 1930s New York City, focusing on the creation of a musical named The Cradle Will Rock. Under the guidance of playwright Marc Blitzstein, this project encounters resistance due to the societal, artistic, and economic turmoil, and we delve into the lives of key figures such as director Orson Welles, producer John Houseman, and Nelson Rockefeller, as they grapple with the ideologies of their time.

Explores the Bridge Between Art and Life

The Movie “Cradle Will Rock” seamlessly combines historical drama with a dark sense of humor. It was moderately successful in box office sales, but was highly praised by critics as “clever and thought-provoking”. The director’s skillful guidance, along with the profound examination of power, privilege, and the artist’s role in a society navigating political changes, gives it a compelling narrative structure. Notably, Bill Murray breathed character into both the roles of ventriloquist Tommy Crickshaw and his puppet.

4
‘What About Bob?’ (1991)

What About Bob?, featuring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, is a classic ’90s comedy. The story revolves around Bob Wiley, a man plagued by neurotic tendencies and compulsive behavior, who forms an excessive bond with his therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin. Despite being constantly anxious and in need of assistance, Bob persistently tags along with Dr. Marvin to his tranquil summer retreat, managing to ingratiate himself into the family, much to the psychiatrist’s mounting annoyance.

Murray’s Hilarious Neurotic Performance

Under the direction of Frank Oz, What About Bob? remains one of Bill Murray’s most memorable and lasting performances from the ’90s. In this film, Murray embodies the lovable yet chaotic character of Bob, showcasing both his sweet and innocent nature as well as a hidden energy that frequently annoys Dreyfuss’ Dr. Marvin. The relationship between these two characters crackles with intensity, making for a movie that is both hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure.

3
‘Ed Wood’ (1993)

In the gritty heart of 1950s Tinseltown, Ed Wood recounts the tale of Edward D. Wood Jr., a vibrant and imaginative filmmaker, who aspired to make cinematic wonders amidst seemingly insurmountable obstacles, eventually earning infamy as one of history’s most maligned directors. The film chronicles Wood’s battles and victories as he maneuvers through the realm of budget-constrained productions, artistic concessions, and studio intrusions, all while holding onto his faith in his unique vision.

Biopic That Looks at the Silver Living

Initially failing financially, Ed Wood eventually gained cult status and became one of Tim Burton’s most acclaimed works. This was largely due to Ed Wood’s nod to the director’s early films and the realm of budget-restricted filmmaking. The black-and-white cinematography served as a tribute to the fervor and determination prevalent during that era. Additionally, the cast, featuring Murray portraying Bunny Breckinridge, an actor and drag queen who joins Wood’s eclectic team, was particularly noteworthy.

2
‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)

In the career of Bill Murray, it’s likely that the beloved film “Groundhog Day” stands out. This movie follows the story of Phil Conners, a conceited and self-absorbed weatherman, who is assigned to cover the Groundhog Day celebrations in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. To his annoyance, Phil finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. Over time, he undergoes a remarkable transformation and learns to use his predicament as an opportunity for personal growth.

A Defining Entry in Murray’s ‘90s Career

In my opinion, “Groundhog Day” is an evergreen story that beautifully explores the themes of personal development and the importance of fostering relationships. This film is undoubtedly one of Bill Murray’s finest performances, showcasing his exceptional versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor.

Murray masterfully portrays the transformation of a character initially filled with cynicism and bitterness into an enlightened, empathetic individual. Moreover, he shares a charming romance with Andie MacDowell’s character, Rita, adding another layer to this captivating tale.

1
‘Rushmore’ (1998)

Under the direction of Wes Anderson and in collaboration with Owen Wilson, the film titled “Rushmore” revolves around Max Fischer, a student at the elite Rushmore Academy, who leverages his drive and imagination to compensate for his academic shortcomings. As the story unfolds, Max’s life is disrupted when he becomes smitten with Miss Cross, a widowed elementary school teacher. Concurrently, an unexpected friendship forms between Max and Herman Blume, a successful businessman who shares feelings for Miss Cross as well.

Bill Murray’s Iconic Award-Winning Turn

Bill Murray shines in his dramatic prowess during “Rushmore.” His portrayal of the weary Herman Blume is both nuanced and emotionally profound, characterized by understated emotion and clever wit. The rapport between Murray’s character and Jason Schwartzman’s eccentric Max is a standout aspect of the film. With Wes Anderson’s unique aesthetic and overall melancholic atmosphere, “Rushmore” stands out as one of the most unconventional comedies from the 1990s.

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2024-12-30 04:03