I Ranked All Of Jim Carrey's Movies From Worst To Best, See If You Agree
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Growing up, Jim Carrey was one of my favorite actors. His physical comedy and over-the-top personalities in films always had me lined up to watch his latest project. One year, I remember I got to be The Mask for Halloween, and it was by far one of my favorite costumes as a kid, although all my friends and family eventually got sick of the 9-year-old repeatedly yelling "Sssmokin'!"
New Line Cinema / Via giphy.com
For a kid who got to watch Jim Carrey's films when they premiered, in hindsight, it's almost as if his movie career matured as I did, from watching his ridiculously plotted movies like Ace Venture: Pet Detective or Dumb and Dumber to more dramatics films like Man on the Moon and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Although ninety percent of his films are comedic, his ability to add so much heart to his films still makes him one of the most beloved comedic actors from the '90s to now.
Paramount Pictures / Via giphy.com
I figured with such a great catalog of movies to choose from, I would rank them all from worst to best and see if ya'll agree.
🚨 SPOILER ALERT 🚨
35.Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Ever wonder what it'd be like if Jim Carrey and Nicolas Cage were in an a cappella group together? Well, then go ahead and watch Peggy Sue Got Married and find out. Seeing how this was one of Carrey's earlier film credits, he doesn't really have much screen time besides singing alongside Nic Cage where you get to hear some great falsetto tunes from the comedic actor.
34.High Strung (1991)
Not much to say about a film where Jim is barely in it and plays a grim reaper that is so annoyed by the main character that he ends up not taking him to the afterlife. Seems this film went around the festival circuit, and once Jim blew up, was re-marketed as featuring him, although it really doesn't.
33.The Dead Pool (1988)
I can only imagine how Jim Carrey must've felt knowing he got a role in the latest Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry sequel. It's pretty cool seeing Carrey lip syncing to Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" and also confronting a young Liam Neeson about his directing style. He then unfortunately ends up dead, but his character's death actually is the catalyst for the whole film, so that's gotta mean something.
32.Finders Keepers (1984)
Another early performance from Mr. Carrey, he plays an army deserter, and although he doesn't have much screentime, he sure does deliver as the dimwitted nephew who can't seem to keep himself out of trouble.
31.Once Bitten (1985)
Jim's first starring role, and of course, it has to do with vampires and virgins. The old formula of all '80s teen comedies where a horned-up teen is enticed by sex, and in this, also immortality and the chance to have infinite sex. The plot is as dumb as most plots were at this time, but he definitely delivers on a good enough performance which eventually landed him roles in other films.
30.The Number 23 (2007)
The first thriller on Carrey's filmography, The Number 23 was critically panned and has one of the lowest scores on rotten tomatoes due to its confusing and ridiculous plot. Like many of Jim's films, his performance is still good, just not enough to make the film any better.
29.Dark Crimes (2016)
It has always been hard for me to accept seeing Jim Carrey do strictly dramatic roles, though I always feel he puts in a great performance even if the writing and storyline is usually off. It was cool to hear him do a polish accent and see him play this gritty detective.
28.Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
It's unfortunate this film didn't happen sooner. I feel like the mojo of the original could've bled into this one, but when there's a 20-year gap, there's only so much silliness one film can take. Don't get me wrong, these two together were still hilarious at times. I just wish it was done a lot earlier when people were still clamoring for the film.
27.Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
A remake that made for some good laughs occasionally, but not on par with Jim's other projects. The Enron-esque plot made it familiar to audiences at the time, but it was Jim that had to do the heavy lifting when it came to the movie, and one man can only do so much.
26.The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)
Steve Carell, like Jim Carrey, went on a great run of comedic movies in the early to mid-2000s, so it's only natural that they would have natural collision again after their amazing but brief interactions in Bruce Almighty, which Carell made the sequel to. In this case, Jim is the antagonist and plays a David Blaine/Criss Angel-type magician who does the extreme to capture an audience. Though the film might not be the best, the combination of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, and Steve Buscemi was one to enjoy.
25.Batman Forever (1995)
Now, I know this movie has been ridiculed for the infamous Bat nipples, horrible plot, and obvious ploy from Warner Bros. to sell more toys. But it was clear that Jim Carrey's performance as Edward Nygma's The Riddler was awesome to watch. If you can forget about everything else that happens in the film and just focus on Jim Carrey, I think you'll be surprised at how much you might enjoy it.
24.Simon Birch (1998)
Jim's voice primarily narrates the story of his character Joe's friendship with Simon throughout the film. So, you only get to see him at the end as an older version of Joe when he visits his old friend's tombstone, but it's the warmth in his voice throughout the film that helps keep a pace that might not have been there had there been no narration.
23.Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
Seeing Jim Carrey in another comic book movie was a joy to watch especially since he was playing a an ex mob enforcer and born again Christian who hated profanity. Though, unfortunately, Colonel Stars and Stripes doesn't make it to the end of the film, his presence and overall performance added greatly to the movie.
22.Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011)
Similar to Liar Liar, we see Jim Carrey playing a father who seems disconnected from his family. Though this movie wasn't nearly as clever with its concept, it still delivers on some heartfelt moments that you can enjoy with your kiddos.
21.A Christmas Carol (2009)
With the holidays around the corner, there's no better time to rewatch this classic tale redone by Mr. Carrey, alongside Robin Wright, Gary Oldman, and Colin Firth. It might not be on the same par as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it's still pretty good for you to watch with the family.
20.Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Playing Sonic as a kid, I was used to seeing Dr. Robotnik be a fat, baldheaded guy, though I am not mad at the film's rendition of the character, since it's the great Jim Carrey playing him. Overall, though, we don't get enough of the comedic actor in the film as much as I'd like.
19.Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
More scenes than the sequel and definitely a lot more of the physical comedy we are used to as an audience, but of course, this film is more for kids than both adults and children, like his early work. Still can't believe he got to play Dr. Robotnik.
18.The Majestic (2001)
For being PG, this film was definitely not for kids, but its charm and heartwarming moments make for a good film. Mistaken identity isn't a new concept but one I thought this film handled pretty well. It's not a perfect movie, but the vulnerable moments director Frank Darabont wanted to portray onscreen with Jim's character Peter were delivered well.
17.Yes Man (2008)
I can't imagine saying "yes" to absolutely everything, but this film put Jim in a position to explore that, and it leads to some great laughter. I remember I couldn't get Third Eye Blind's "Jumper" out of my head for weeks after this movie. With the likes of Bradley Cooper, Zooey Deschanel, and Rhys Darby along for the ride in this silly comedy, you should definitely check it out if you haven't.
16.Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)
This outrageous '80s classic saw a cast of Jim Carrey, Jeff Goldblum, and Damon Wayans all on screen together as the aliens turned human who were looking for love. Like many plots in '80s films, it's simple and straight to the point, and most of all, hilarious when you see Jim and Damon in scenes together. It makes sense why these two ended up on In Living Color after this film, considering Damon was the one that vouched for him when they were casting.
15.I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
Though this film wasn't a box office hit like many others in Carrey's repertoire, it delivered on a true story that was both funny and tragic. It's unfortunate that the theme of homosexuality made it so controversial at the time, but if you can appreciate films like Catch Me If You Can and Brokeback Mountain, the themes of love and the lengths that one is willing to go for it are in this film and are worth watching.
14.Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Jim Carrey's second Dr. Seuss adaptation was another smash hit, and this time, he didn't have to cover himself in prosthetics and makeup. Jim's voicing of the goofy and lovable elephant Horton makes this film another great addition to the already lengthy catalog of kids films that Carrey has done.
13.How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Though this movie was critically panned, it still did amazing in the box office, mostly because of it being a live remake of the classic cartoon and, of course, Mr. Carrey. It is a tradition for the kids to watch it around the holiday season, and although this might be controversial, I enjoy it more than the original.
12.The Cable Guy (1996)
Another film that was critically bashed but that I and many others fell in love with. This film about a man who is looking for some illegal cable installations to having to deal with a stalker is not something you could ever take seriously, but Matthew Broderick and Jim Carrey were magic together. From the basketball scene to the Medieval Times duel, this movie made me laugh more times than I can count. A dark comedy that I think people need to give more of a chance if they haven't. Plus, it was directed by Ben Stiller.
11.Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)
Now, we all know this sequel was not as good as the first, but damn, it if it didn't leave an impression on me. Like the first, this was probably a film I shouldn't have seen as a kid due to some adult themes, but to me, the funniest parts were his fight against In Living Color co-star Tommy Davidson and the "bumble-bee-tuna" scene, amongst others. This movie, although ridiculously dumb in plot, still brings many laughs and joy to me to this day.
10.Bruce Almighty (2003)
After having smash hits Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Liar Liar with director Tom Shadyac, it makes sense why Carrey made it a point to work on this film with the premise of a TV news reporter being bestowed the power of God. The multiple moments throughout the film where Jim delivers his usual zany performance always delivers a good laugh, and of course, his manipulation of Steve Carell's character Evan is probably the film's most memorable moment.
9.Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
As a teen, seeing Jim Carrey do some adult comedy that I wasn't supposed to be watching was hilarious. I remember seeing this movie in high school thinking Jim Carrey was the absolute best comedic actor ever. His ability to portray Charlie and Hank was perfect. Seeing his face change as he transforms into the psychotic Hank and delivering the most crude and offensive behavior had me rolling from laughter. The plot is dumb, and honestly, none of it makes sense, but seeing Jim Carrey play in this sandbox makes it all worth it.
8.Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
A movie that didn't make the box office money it should've but gave us another brilliant performance from Carrey, who played the villainous Count Olaf better than any other antagonist we have seen him portray. This kids movie is probably one of the best to watch with the family and will have you cheering for the first time against Carrey, although laughing throughout as he delivers with his over-the-top comedic performance.
7.Man on the Moon (1999)
This biopic about Andy Kaufman is tragic and funny. Carrey delivered one of his best performances to date that earned him his second Golden Globe. His method acting might've been difficult for some onset, but the method to his madness came across onscreen as you boo and then empathize with the late, great actor who some would say was ahead of his time. Jim Carrey did Andy service by his portrayal, and this is one of the best dramatic roles he's done.
6.Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
The movie that launched Jim's career into the stratosphere, Ace Ventura is a movie that had it all when it came to the trinity of comedic movies Carrey released during '94. The plot was absolutely insane, his limber performance as Ace was in almost every scene, and by the end of it, you're wondering why you can't wipe the smile off your face. "Laces out" and "Aaalrighty then" were echoed ad nauseam, and for good reason, as this film will forever be remembered by anybody who has watched this comedy classic.
5.Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Part three of the trinity of comedy films Jim was a part of in 1994, Dumb and Dumber gave us comedy gold with the duo of Carrey and Daniels. Yet again, the premise makes zero sense. Still, the fact we got to see a comedic genius like Carrey and a great dramatic actor in Daniels play these two ridiculous characters still makes for one of the best duos in comedy film history. They play off each other in a way that I'm sure studios weren't expecting, but seeing the audience rave on their chemistry and ability to make every scene hilarious just goes to show that sometimes a plot can be second fiddle to a great actor's performance.
4.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This romantic science fiction drama does a deep dive into relationships, and to be honest, I never thought that Jim Carrey would be at the center of a film like this, let alone with the likes of Kate Winslet as his love interest. He was delivering another masterful performance and showing his vulnerability we had only seen in Man on the Moon. The visual effects depicting Carrey's character Joel, having his memories erased, combined with performances from both the leads, make this his best romantic film and a must-watch for newcomers.
3.The Mask (1994)
The last of the trifecta in Carrey's 1994 hits, The Mask gave us great comedy, Cameron Diaz, and his first comedic superhero film. Most people didn't know that this movie was based on Dark Horse's The Mask franchise, a comic book from the late '80s known for being dark, gritty, and violent. Although this movie might not have been as dark as the comics, it still played that line very well and gave us one of the best Jim Carrey films of the '90s that showed off not only his limber form of physical comedy but his ability to come off as a badass superhero when donning the mask.
2.Liar Liar (1997)
One of my favorite Jim Carrey family films, Liar Liar tackles telling the truth in a way I had never seen done before; its the blend of comedy and touching family moments that makes this film one of Carrey's best. Countless moments will make you laugh out loud and keep you smiling throughout the film. If you've never seen this film, you'll need to do so. It's a classic for a good reason.
1.The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show is my favorite Jim Carrey movie; it blends excellent comedy and drama, and displays Jim's charm and warmth throughout the film. Although it doesn't have the over-the-top physical comedy that Carrey is known for, its plot and dialogue allow Jim to still be funny as a man raised on a reality TV show. Realizing that his whole life has been controlled and tailored for other people's entertainment is heartbreaking. However, his eventual escape, along with his trademark greeting, was a *chef's kiss* ending. This movie showcases Jim Carrey at his best and makes for my numero uno on this ranking.
