The Top 10 Comedies of the 1990s
The comedies we admire most from the 90s say something about ourselves. They also make us wonder; are they still just as funny to us now? What sets them apart from today’s comedies? Let’s take a look at the best comedies from the 1990s, as ranked by the users of Flickchart.
10. Men in Black (1997)
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black.
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents Jay and Kay, Men in Black is a film that uses the contrast between its main characters, its ridiculous aliens, and its gadgets to keep us entertained. It was a major hit in 1997 and received two sequels in the years to come. Charismatic leads who can be simultaneously both comedic and serious are the main reason we love Jones and Smith.
- currently ranked #433 of all-time
- ranked 619829 times by 79998 users
- wins 49% of matchups
- 9328 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 429 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
9. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Jake Abraham and Victor McGuire in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Now thought of as one of the trademark films of director Guy Ritchie, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels features a mix of British culture, slang, a criminal underworld, and odd characters who get in each others way. It’s also famous for introducing Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones to the world of cinema. This directorial debut is an intelligent, fun-to-watch flick that takes a look at the humor within serious topics like crime and violence. Not everyone could make a movie like this. Guy Ritchie certainly could, and did.
- currently ranked #412 of all-time
- ranked 337867 times by 40609 users
- wins 54% of matchups
- 3560 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 172 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
8. Being John Malkovich (1999)
John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich.
Released in 1999, Being John Malkovich has a crazy premise; a puppeteer finds a portal that allows him to enter the mind of American actor named John Malkovich. Starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener and Malkovich as a fictional version of himself, the film was a critical success receiving three Academy Award nominations. Its humor comes mainly from its characters using the portal for their own purposes and the exploration of obsession.
- currently ranked #367 of all-time
- ranked 449720 times by 51598 users
- wins 52% of matchups
- 6497 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 333 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
7. Army of Darkness (1992)
Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness.
Only a few directors are bold enough to make a movie like this one. Army of Darkness was a labor of love for the director with seemingly little concern for what anyone would think about it. Considering that, it still performed quite well and has since received a massive cult following. The main character – Ash’s – attitude also reflects this, and his quotes make the film. Not everyone will like Army of Darkness, and some may not find a way into its humor, but if you’re looking for an “I do what I want, how I want” type of film, this is just the ticket.
- currently ranked #307 of all-time
- ranked 280788 times by 28783 users
- wins 54% of matchups
- 2141 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 100 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
6. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Characters Al and Woody in Toy Story 2.
Although it has many touching scenes, Toy Story 2 also features many hilarious moments. When our heroes cross the street under bollards or their visit at the toy store are great, memorable sequences. New characters, Woody’s temptations, and the overarching theme of friendship remind us that Toy Story 2 is not just another sequel.
- currently ranked #303 of all-time
- ranked 594111 times by 70525 users
- wins 53% of matchups
- 9919 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 522 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
5. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Johnny Depp and Dianne Wiest in Edward Scissorhands.
Tim Burton is known for his wicked ideas. Edward Scissorhands is one of the examples of why those ideas are so memorable. Starring Burton’s favorite muse Johnny Depp, and Winona Ryder, among others, the film follows the unusual story of a guy who has scissors instead of hands but still falls in love. Charming and amusing, it’s a fine example of Tim Burton’s style.
- currently ranked #274 of all-time
- ranked 539825 times by 67848 users
- wins 51% of matchups
- 8772 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 493 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
4. Clerks. (1994)
Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson in Clerks..
When a modern movie is made in black and white and consists mostly of spoken dialogue, you would think it’s going to be a psychological drama. Well, that is not the case of Clerks., the Kevin Smith-directed workplace comedy. Another cult film, the one that introduced the characters of Dante Hicks, Randal Graves and Jay with his companion Silent Bob, shows its brilliance by featuring odd customers that visit the convenience store and the clerks talking about movies, relationships, and of course – complaining about work. A must-see for any fan of intelligent humor.
- currently ranked #267 of all-time
- ranked 477430 times by 55675 users
- wins 53% of matchups
- 7449 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 390 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
3. Groundhog Day (1993)
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell in Groundhog Day.
This story about a TV meteorologist that gets trapped in a time loop while reporting on the Groundhog Day has become a pop culture gem since its premiere in 1993. Starring Bill Murray, an actor that knows how to entertain, Groundhog Day is a heart-warming experience.
- currently ranked #119 of all-time
- ranked 627126 times by 68504 users
- wins 58% of matchups
- 10135 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 540 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
2. Toy Story (1995)
Characters Slinky Dog and Woody in Toy Story.
The original, ground-breaking film for Pixar and computer animation, Toy Story, featuring the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen has almost everything; adventure, hilarity, a story of friendship and jealousy, and full-blooded heroes even though they are simply toys. Add its wonderful songs from Randy Newman and you get a modern animated classic. It was undoubtedly a hard task to put together in 1995, but it showed the world that it can be done.
- currently ranked #75 of all-time
- ranked 787932 times by 81979 users
- wins 63% of matchups
- 15427 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 910 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
1. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Jeff Bridges, Steve Buscemi and John Goodman in The Big Lebowski.
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, The Big Lebowski is a one of a kind. Not many films can say they’ve originated a philosophy, or a festival. What first seemsed to be a typical crime comedy film set in 1991 has turned into a pop culture phenomenon since its release in 1998. Despite its humorous nature, the real brilliance hides in its performances (especially Jeff Bridges and John Goodman) with unforgettable quotes and its wacky characters. A Latin American bowler, female avant-garde artist, unemployed protagonist, nervous Vietnam vet, German nihilists, porn filmmakers and the cowboy narrator all bring out the greatness from themselves to create one of the best 90s films.
- currently ranked #71 of all-time
- ranked 650789 times by 61511 users
- wins 66% of matchups
- 12848 users have it ranked in their personal Top 20
- 1080 users have it ranked as their #1 movie of all-time
Have you seen all of these? Do they have what it takes to be considered one of the best comedies of the 90s? What other films should be on the list? Please let us know in the comments!
I’m surprised something like Dumb & Dumber isn’t on this list; no Jim Carrey at all.
My favorite was Liar Liar, though I do dig several of the movies on this list.
Hated Clerks, though.
No Dumb and Dumber or Tommy Boy. Yet, two Toy Story movies? WTF?
For real! Blasphemy.
Looks like I only have 2 of those in my Top 20 nineties comedies.
I’ll admit I liked While You Were Sleeping.
Remember that this list was created by checking the ranks of all users of Flickchart; for example Dumb and Dumber would be placed as 25th and Tommy Boy as 41th.
Toy Story, Groundhog Day, The Full Monty, The Player, Pretty Woman, Wag the Dog, In & Out, Heart & Souls, Being John Malkovich, There’s Something About Mary are my top 10. Pleasantville, My Cousin Vinny, and The Birdcage are also in my top 500 of all-time.
My top 2 are on this list.
My first interesting, idiosyncratic pick comes at #3, French Kiss, the romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.
Excellent list.Amaizig choise.
Keep doing…