90s Comedy Movies: 15 Fantastic Films, Ranked!
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We love 90s comedy movies. Whether slapstick like Dumb and Dumber and Something About Mary, or heartwarming films like Mrs. Doubtfire or Home Alone, or dark comedies like Fargo, there’s nothing better than the feeling of laughing along to our favorite actors and actresses. Here, we ranked our top 15 favorite films of the 90s.
15. Dumb and Dumber (1994) 90s comedy movies
Starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels and Lauren Holly, Dumb and Dumber has become a cult classic. Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Dumb and Dumber, follows two dimwitted friends on a cross-country journey to return a briefcase to its rightful owner. Fueled by slapstick humor and absurd antics, the film revels in its irreverent silliness. Carrey's manic energy and Daniels' deadpan delivery complement each other perfectly, making for an entertaining ride.
14. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
We pretty much love any movie with Robin Williams (talk about funny), but add an ensemble cast like Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan and you have movie magic. Directed by Chris Columbus, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the heartwarming tale of Daniel Hillard (Williams), a struggling actor who disguises himself as a British nanny to spend time with his children after a bitter divorce. Williams's comedic brilliance shines as he effortlessly transitions between the personas of Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire, delivering both laughs and touching moments. Columbus's direction ensures a perfect balance of humor and heartfelt emotion, making the film a timeless favorite.
Must read: ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Turns 30! See the Beloved Cast Then and Now
13. The Mask (1994) 90s comedy movies
Jim Carrey was big in the 90s and this film quickly became a fan favorite. Carrey starred opposite Cameron Diaz. Peter Riegert is also in the film. Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a mild-mannered bank clerk who discovers a magical mask that transforms him into a zany and charismatic superhero. Carrey's physical comedy and elastic facial expressions bring the character to life, while Diaz shines in her breakout role as the sultry nightclub singer, Tina Carlyle. With its vibrant visuals and high-energy humor, The Mask remains a quintessential '90s comedy.
12. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Starring Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York and directed by Jay Roach, this film was a hit as soon as it came out. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery introduces audiences to the groovy and hilariously inept British spy, Austin Powers (Myers), as he battles his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil (also played by Myers). Myers's comedic prowess shines as he delivers iconic catchphrases and inhabits multiple eccentric characters. Roach's direction infuses the film with stylish retro flair, making it a cult classic among comedy aficionados.
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11. There's Something About Mary (1998) 90s comedy movies
Cameron Diaz was a popular actress during the 1990s and this movie starring Diaz alongside Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon was a big hit (both then and now). In There's Something About Mary, Stiller stars as Ted, a lovable underdog who embarks on a quest to reconnect with his high school crush, Mary (Diaz), with hilarious and often disastrous results. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, their trademark blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt moments elevates the film, while Diaz's magnetic performance as the title character adds charm and depth to the narrative. With its memorable scenes, There's Something About Mary remains a comedy classic.
10. Home Alone (1990)
The movie that launched Macaulay Culkin’s career, Home Alone follows the misadventures of Kevin McCallister (Culkin), an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. As Kevin defends his home from a pair of bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), he learns valuable lessons about independence and the true meaning of family. Culkin's endearing performance and the film's blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments make it a holiday favorite as well a classic comedy.
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9. Clueless (1995) 90s comedy movies
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash and Brittany Murphy, Clueless transports audiences to the glamorous world of Beverly Hills high schooler Cher Horowitz (Silverstone) as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence with her fashionable friends. Written and directed by Amy Heckerling, her witty screenplay and sharp direction capture the essence of '90s teen culture, while Silverstone's charismatic performance as the well-meaning but clueless protagonist anchors the film. With its memorable one-liners and iconic fashion moments, Clueless remains a beloved coming-of-age comedy.
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8. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski follows the misadventures of Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski (Bridges), a laid-back slacker who becomes embroiled in a convoluted kidnapping plot after being mistaken for a millionaire with the same name. The Coen brothers' trademark blend of quirky characters and offbeat humor shines in this cult classic, with Bridges delivering a memorable performance as the iconic Dude. With its memorable characters, quotable dialogue, and surreal storytelling, The Big Lebowski has achieved legendary status among cinephiles.
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7. My Cousin Vinny (1992) 90s comedy movies
Starring Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei and Ralph Macchio, My Cousin Vinny follows the misadventures of Vinny Gambini (Pesci), a brash Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself out of his element when he is tasked with defending his cousin and his friend in a murder trial in rural Alabama. Pesci's fast-talking charm and Tomei's scene-stealing performance as his fiancée Mona Lisa Vito earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Lynn's direction ensures a perfect balance of courtroom drama and laugh-out-loud comedy, making My Cousin Vinny a standout comedy.
6. Fargo (1996)
Starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi, Fargo follows the story of Jerry Lundegaard, a desperate car salesman who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife in order to extort money from his wealthy father-in-law. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the plan goes awry, leading to a series of darkly comedic and violent events.
The film's dark humor, quirky characters, and absurd situations, combined with its deadpan delivery and biting satire, make Fargo a masterpiece of black comedy. Frances McDormand's portrayal of the pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson adds a touch of warmth and humanity amidst the chaos. Audiences are drawn to "Fargo" for its unique blend of suspense, comedy, and drama, as well as its masterful direction by the Coen Brothers. The film's iconic moments, quotable dialogue, and unforgettable characters have solidified its place as a cult classic in the realm of dark comedy.
5. Flirting with Disaster (1996) 90s comedy movies
Starring Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette and Téa Leoni, this film focuses on a neurotic new father (Stiller) who sets out on a cross-country journey with his wife and a kooky adoption agency employee to find his biological parents. Along the way, they encounter a series of hilarious and increasingly absurd situations.
The film's zany premise, fast-paced humor, and eccentric characters, coupled with Stiller's comedic timing and the ensemble cast's chemistry, make Flirting with Disaster a laugh-out-loud comedy. The film expertly blends slapstick comedy with witty dialogue and clever sight gags. The film’s irreverent take on family dynamics, identity, and the search for belonging, make it a hidden gem of '90s comedy.
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4. Swingers (1996)
Starring Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Ron Livingston, Swingers follows struggling actor Mike and his friends as they navigate the singles scene in Los Angeles, grappling with the highs and lows of dating, friendship, and self-discovery. The film explores themes of masculinity, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of '90s Hollywood. The film's witty dialogue, relatable characters, and authentic portrayal of young adulthood, coupled with its humorously awkward moments and memorable catchphrases, make Swingers a cult classic. Vince Vaughn's fast-talking and charismatic performance as Trent, Mike's friend and mentor, is particularly memorable.
3. The Wedding Singer (1998) 90s comedy movies
Starring Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Christine Taylor, The Wedding Singer, is about a down-on-his-luck wedding singer (Sandler) who falls in love with a charming waitress named Julia (Barrymore). However, their budding romance is complicated by various obstacles, including Julia's impending marriage to a wealthy but unfaithful fiancé.
The film's heartfelt romance and Sandler's endearing portrayal of the lovelorn Robbie, combined with Barrymore's irresistible charm, make The Wedding Singer fun to watch, over and over again. The film is also filled with hilarious supporting characters and memorable musical performances.
2. Toy Story (1995)
Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Don Rickles, Toy Story takes place in a world where toys come to life when humans aren't around. The film follows the adventures of Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, as they navigate the challenges of friendship, jealousy, and belonging.The film's clever premise, witty humor, and lovable characters, combined with groundbreaking animation and heartfelt storytelling, make Toy Story a timeless classic. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's dynamic voice performances as Woody and Buzz bring the characters to life with humor and heart.
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1. Groundhog Day (1993) 90s comedy movies
Starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott, and directed by Harold Ramis, Groundhog Day has been referenced many times since its debut 30 years ago. The film follows the misadventures of Phil Connors (Murray), a cynical weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. As he navigates the repetitive cycle, Phil undergoes a transformative journey, learning valuable lessons about life, love, and selflessness. With Murray's impeccable comedic timing and Ramis's deft direction, the film blends humor with poignant moments, earning its status as a beloved classic.
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