As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching movies from various eras and genres, I must say that Steve Martin’s body of work is nothing short of impressive. His versatility as an actor, coupled with his unique comedic timing, has graced us with some truly memorable performances.
Steve Martin, without a doubt, stands among the most iconic comedy figures spanning the last four decades. He’s consistently funny in every venture, whether on screen or television. Remarkably, some of his less successful films have gained cult status among fans. His versatility is evident as he excels not only in comedic roles but also serious ones, such as his portrayal in the 1997 film “The Spanish Prisoner.” Interestingly, you might not know that Martin is also a musician, having released numerous albums and even earning a Grammy. Truly, Martin possesses a multitude of talents.
In his vast filmography, his best performances have always come from his comedic roles. And he still draws laughs to this day. He’s been killing the game since the late-60s, and fans may very well be experiencing his final run as the stage actor/amateur investigator Charles Haden-Savage in the hit Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building. Rumors have circulated that Martin may take his final bow after the series has wrapped. He has since clarified his comments on possible retirement, claiming they are overstated, although he did not altogether rule out the possibility. So, if this is indeed his final run, let’s look back at all the great laughs he’s brought. Here are Steve Martin’s funniest movies.
15 Bringing Down the House (1998)
In the comedy movie titled “Bringing Down the House“, Steve Martin portrays Peter Sanderson, a divorced attorney living a hectic yet unsatisfying life. Yearning to re-enter the dating world, he manages to find some success online and sets up a date with an unknown woman named Charlene Morton. When they finally meet, Peter is taken aback to discover that Charlene is actually an escapee from prison who wants him to defend her in court. Initially refusing, Peter eventually succumbs due to Charlene’s persistent harassment, and the two eventually form a bond and embark on wild escapades together.
An Unforgettable Pairing Saves the Comedy
Martin once again shines in his role as the uptight Peter, whose monotonous existence is disrupted by the arrival of Queen Latifah’s character. Their comedy timing and on-screen chemistry are exceptional, making the movie a delight to watch. Directed by Adam Shankman with a lively tempo, Bringing Down the House highlights their quirky personalities and cultural differences to induce laughter. Although the plot may seem contrived at times and some jokes appear out of place, Peter and Charlene manage to loosen up over the course of their adventure, leaving behind a trail of chaos that is both hilarious and enjoyable.
14 All of Me (1984)
In the less-frequently discussed realm of comedies, the movie “All of Me” showcases Steve Martin in his element, delivering a hilarious performance as a man who finds himself in a bizarre predicament. He portrays Roger Cobb, a 38-year-old attorney, who works for the challenging and wealthy Edwina Cutwater. However, things take an unexpected twist when Edwina passes away and her spirit resides within Robb’s body, controlling only his right side. This leaves him no choice but to collaborate with Edwina as they work diligently to ensure that Edwina’s soul is transferred into Terry’s, following her initial wishes.
Martin Shines in his Absurd Duel Personalities
In the film “All of Me,” Martin received the Best Actor award from both the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle. His comical portrayal of a man struggling with sharing his body with a new personality was unforgettable. The movie’s unique premise, where Martin grapples with his own physical self, showcases his exceptional ability to balance sincerity and humor. Alongside the legendary Lily Tomlin and Victoria Tennant, this timeless classic deserves more appreciation for its innovative storyline.
13 Bowfinger (1999)
In the realm of buddy comedies, the movie “Bowfinger” revolves around Bobby Bowfinger, a struggling film producer yearning for success in Hollywood. Gathering an enthusiastic group of newcomers, he concocts a daring scheme to secretly shoot action star Kit Ramsey during his routine activities, all without his knowledge or approval, for his coveted science fiction project. To aid him in this undercover filmmaking endeavor, he deceives Kit’s identical twin brother into joining the operation.
Cinematic Gold Bound to Leave You in Stitches
In a nutshell, both Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy are comedy greats, famous for their fantastic on-screen partnerships. Pairing these two in a storyline ensures success. In the movie “Bowfinger,” Steve Martin delivers an exceptional performance, masterfully creating a unique character. To complement his scrappy character’s aspirations, we see Eddie Murphy play dual roles as Kit and Jiff. The hilarity escalates rapidly as the plot spirals out of control, leaving you captivated by the absurdity. In essence, “Bowfinger” showcases Steve Martin at his wittiest and most outstanding.
12 Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)
In a separate storyline from Space Jam, Looney Tunes: Back in Action revives iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. These classic personalities find themselves unwanted and join forces with an up-and-coming stuntman named DJ Drake and Warner Bros. executive Kate Houghton. Together, they aim to stop the malicious schemes of the ACME Corporation’s chairman, portrayed by Steve Martin. It seems that this villain intends to utilize the enigmatic Blue Monkey diamond to transform humans into submissive monkeys, with the assistance of DJ’s father, who has been abducted by him.
Pays Madcap Homage to Looney Tunes
In a different take: “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” didn’t do as well at the box office, but it’s an exhilarating ride that sends the cartoon crew on a globe-trotting adventure from Las Vegas to Paris, all while racing against the clock. The performance of Martin as the villainous ACME Chairman is particularly comical; he dives headfirst into the outrageous stunts and fires off witty one-liners. Directed by Joe Dante, who had another idea for the sequel initially, this movie blends live-action with traditional Looney Tunes animation, offering a delightful and nostalgic viewing experience for audiences.
11 The Man with Two Brains (1983)
The Man of Two Hearts
Absurd but Greatly Enjoyable
Under the guidance of director Carl Reiner, this delightfully warped comedy presents Martin as a charmingly unintentional comedian, who is both endearing and funny, especially when he’s telepathically conversing with Anne via mind-reading. In contrast to previous noir themes, this time they’ve satirized science fiction films. The collaboration between Reiner and Martin produced remarkable scenes in the realm of dark comedy. The unique concept and Martin’s chemistry with co-star Kathleen Turner create a tense atmosphere that is enjoyable, not intimidating.
10 ¡Three Amigos! (1986)
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself in splits watching the hilarious trio, including comedy legends Chevy Chase and Martin Short, in “¡Three Amigos!” This time around, they’re struggling actors given an unexpected opportunity to reprise their roles as justice-seeking heroes for a hefty payday. The catch? They’ve been summoned to the perilous town of Santo Poco, Mexico, by a woman who mistakes them for the real deal. Little do they know that El Guapo, the man they were asked to perform with, is not an actor but a ruthless bandit! The Amigos soon find themselves in a predicament, having been lured into ending El Guapo’s reign of terror.
A Quintessential Comedy That’s Equal Parts Silly and Smart
Under flawless direction that blends witty timing with physical and verbal humor, the movie ¡Three Amigos! offers non-stop, classic slapstick comedy from beginning to end. Martin, Chase, and Short brilliantly portray the inept actors who find themselves out of their depth. Their clueless actions, mistaken for those of real cowboys, result in numerous memorable scenes. Martin takes charge of the group, delivering side-splittingly absurd lines. In this film, he’s almost like an animated character, but his performance fits perfectly, generating exceptional slapstick laughs that continue to amuse us even today.
9 Father of the Bride (1991)
Martin has consistently shone in portraying the role of a father, a part that every parent inevitably encounters. In the movie “Father of the Bride,” he embodies George Banks, a dad grappling with his most significant apprehension – his daughter maturing and getting married. The film delves into this fear using Martin’s signature humor, although it may also evoke a few emotional moments. In this production, Martin had the opportunity to trade comedic blows with some of the best in the business, including Diane Keaton, George Newbern, and Kimberly Williams, who made her acting debut as his daughter.
Heartwarming and Hilarious Family Comedy
As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Father of the Bride” has truly stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic today, thanks to its hilarious humor and poignant themes. Although this movie is a modern take on a 1950s film with the same name, Martin’s unique touch shows he can excel in telling stories that are all his own. He masterfully blends heartfelt emotion and laughter into George’s memorable journey. The film offers moments of sheer panic and genuine humor, making viewers laugh and cry. Martin’s chemistry with the supporting cast is nothing short of amazing too. “Father of the Bride” continues to resonate with fans as it beautifully celebrates family love, nostalgia, and tradition, and with Martin at the helm, it remains a timeless classic that never fails to warm our hearts.
8 Roxanne (1987)
In this modern adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, Martin takes on the role of Charlie, a charming, witty, and valiant fire chief who struggles with romantic relationships due to his unusually large nose. Charlie develops feelings for the brilliant rocket scientist, Roxanne, but she is smitten with the latest fire station recruit, Chris. Unfortunately for Charlie, Chris isn’t as articulate as he is, so Charlie decides to assist him in wooing Roxanne, creating a tangled love triangle among the three.
One of Martin’s Funniest Romantic Comedies
In the heartwarming film Roxanne, Steve Martin shines brilliantly in the role of the humble and self-effacing romantic lead. Directed by Fred Schepisi with sensitivity and understanding, the movie offers Martin a perfect platform to give an outstanding performance as the sensitive and self-conscious fireman. Interestingly, Martin himself penned the script, demonstrating one of his many creative abilities. Alongside him is Daryl Hannah, who captivates from beginning to end. Transforming a timeless story for contemporary times and making it evergreen is no small task, but this is exactly what Roxanne achieved, earning Martin a Golden Globe nomination for his acting, as well as a Writers Guild Association nomination for his script.
7 L.A. Story (1991)
In this romantic comedy, L.A. Story, I, Martin, assume the role of Harris, a weatherman in Los Angeles who’s smack-dab in the middle of a midlife crisis. With a cushy job and a loving girlfriend, Trudi, life should be perfect. But alas, I’m not exactly content with my lot. Enter Sara, a vivacious journalist from London, who stirs up new emotions within me.
Ahead of Its Time
Under the guidance of director Mick Jackson, the film “L.A. Story” showcases Martin’s versatile creative prowess. His unique script weaves a tone that satirically dissects Los Angeles’ vanities, viewing them through a whimsical perspective. As the hapless weatherman, Martin dives headfirst into every odd plot development and humorous scenario, providing laughter that captivates modern viewers while maintaining a comforting familiarity. The exceptional cast, featuring Victoria Tennant and Richard E. Grant, is equally impressive. Bold, witty, and authentic, “L.A. Story” remains among the romantic comedies that continue to resonate.
6 Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)
In his second film role, Martin takes center stage, both acting and writing the script. This time, the movie is a tribute to film noir, titled “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid“. Joining forces once again with director Carl Reiner, Martin embodies Private Detective Rigby Reardon, who is on a mission to unravel a tangled web of deceit in order to solve a murder. Throughout the film, we witness Martin’s talent for portraying a tough, noir-style detective, while simultaneously adding humor to every scene by transforming seemingly unfunny moments into hilarious ones. During his investigation, Martin’s character also meets iconic figures from Hollywood’s past, including James Cagney and Ingrid Bergman.
Nothing Short of a Technical Marvel
The less-known movie ‘Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid’ is a hidden gem that comedy enthusiasts would be surprised to have overlooked. If they manage to find it, they are in store for an exhilarating journey. Critics praise Martin as a man with exceptional timing, making this unique film a testament to his love for both comedy and noir. With its nostalgic direction and the seamless blending of clips from numerous classic films, it honors the best of cinema’s past while creating something undeniably captivating.
5 The Jerk (1979)
This movie served as a precursor for beloved goofy characters like Pee-Wee Herman and Jerri Blank, with “The Jerk” featuring Steve Martin as Navin, who was raised thinking he was African American due to his upbringing by an African American family. Unbeknownst to him, the story unfolds as Navin navigates a personal quest, but there’s a twist: he’s unknowingly being pursued by an assassin.
Established Steve Martin as a Mainstay in Comedy
As a slapstick comedy, “The Jerk” offers an abundance of hilarious, over-the-top moments, as Navin inexplicably avoids death at every turn without realizing he’s being pursued. However, viewed from today’s perspective, the film might not be as strong as it once was. Regardless, it remains a delightful watch and played a significant role in establishing Steve Martin as a comedy icon. His portrayal of Navin was manic yet heartfelt, and the movie provided us with memorable lines such as “He hates these cans!” and “The new phone book’s here… I’m a somebody now.
4 Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
In the musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” based on the 1982 play, the character Martin might not be the leading star, but he certainly manages to outshine everyone else. The story revolves around Seymour, a hapless florist shop worker who is smitten with his colleague Audrey. However, she’s involved with a cruel dentist portrayed by Steve Martin. But things take an unusual turn for Seymour when he accidentally buys a carnivorous, talking plant that thrives on human sustenance.
A Campy Classic Elevated by Martin’s Cameo
Martin’s portrayal as the bloodthirsty Orin, though not the main character, is nothing short of hilariously captivating. His delight in his patients’ pain and enjoyment of his work is evident, and it’s equally obvious that Martin relishes the character. The musical, a blend of campy horror and absurd humor, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of ’50s B-movies, reminding us of their dark, twisted nature. While it’s certain that Little Shop of Horrors could still be successful without Martin, the experience would significantly lack its unique charm.
3 Parenthood (1989)
Steve Martin’s movie Parenthood might just be one of the finest films he’s ever made. In this role, he portrays Gil, a charming yet anxious father of three children who experiences despair when his son exhibits signs of his own childhood anxieties and learning difficulties. To make matters worse, Gil is feeling stifled at work and braces himself for the arrival of another child. The story spans multiple generations, focusing on Gil, his siblings, and their father as they navigate various challenges associated with parenthood.
Relatable and Hilarious Dad Drama
In a thoughtful comedy titled “Parenthood,” directed by Ron Howard, Martin delivers an engaging portrayal of a loving yet imperfect father. This role showcases his gradual maturity throughout his career, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. The film’s ensemble cast, spearheaded by Rick Moranis, weaves together compelling narratives that delve into the complexities of parenthood while touching upon some universal truths. Despite its comedic elements, “Parenthood” is also moving and sincere, making it an excellent choice for parents who have navigated the challenges of child-rearing.
2 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
In Martin’s most fashionable movie, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” the actor portrays Freddy, a smooth-talking swindler who encounters Lawrence (Michael Caine), another con man known for his charm and refinement. When they both spot the same target for their trickery, they form an uneasy partnership to fleece her of her wealth. The ensuing events unfold into a humorous and ruthless competition among swindlers.
Frank Oz Brings Together the Industry’s Greatest Talents
Frank Oz expertly guided the film “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” blending elements of refinement, slapstick, and drama flawlessly while cleverly challenging audience assumptions about a crime-centered comedy being so finely tuned. The duo of Martin and Caine, though seemingly odd, display a strong chemistry that resonates well. Freddy portrays an exasperating felon, somehow managing to evoke sympathy despite his clumsy and reprehensible nature. Lawrence assumes the role of mentor in this film, which is one of Martin’s most notable comedic performances, although it falls short when compared to the top-ranked comedy on our list, a fact that may be clear to Martin’s most devoted fans.
1 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
In one of the top-tier Thanksgiving films, Steve Martin portrays Neal, a self-proclaimed expert with a less-than-pleasant demeanor who works in advertising. On his mission to reach home for Thanksgiving, Neal’s flight is halted due to inclement weather, leading him to seek alternative transportation. It is during this predicament that he encounters Del, played by the affable and upbeat traveler John Candy, who happens to be bound for the same region. As fate would have it, they embark on a journey together, with a series of comedic misadventures ensuing along the way. Martin and Candy create an unforgettable comedic duo in this movie, their chemistry lighting up the screen throughout.
A Beloved Road Trip Riot
In the hilarious journey of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Candy’s warm-hearted personality contrasts perfectly with Martin’s rigid demeanor, making this film a nonstop laugh from beginning to end. Both critics and audiences agreed on the remarkable chemistry between these two icons, as Roger Ebert pointed out that “Steve Martin and John Candy don’t portray characters; they embody their real selves.” Their comedic travel disasters brilliantly highlight the emotional authenticity hidden beneath all the slapstick humor. This film is one of John Hughes’s masterpieces, standing the test of time due to its stunning cinematography, creative set designs, witty dialogue, and a script that is both straightforward and impactful.
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2024-10-07 02:34