When you think about it,Bill Murrayis practically synonymous with comedy. He’s been in so many iconic films that it’s impossible to go more than a few degrees of separation before you hit another one of his classic roles. Whether he’s the quick-witted, paranormal-investigating Ghostbuster, or the cynical weatherman forced to live the same day over and over, Murray has a unique ability to make us laugh, even when (or especially when) his characters are at their most miserable.
Nowhere was Bill Murray’s talent more on display than during the1990s, when the actor seemed toappear in at least one new movie every year. From the decade-definingRushmoreto the underrated gem that isMad Dog and Glory, the ‘90s was truly a golden age for Bill Murray because it showcased some of his most impressive skills as a versatile performer. This list is the definitive guide to all the ‘90s movies starring Bill Murray.
13‘Larger Than Life’ (1996)
Larger Than Life
Larger Than Lifefollows Jack Corcoran, a motivational speaker whose life gets a lot more complicated when he discovers that his estranged circus-performing father has passed away and left an unusual inheritance behind – a trained elephant named Vera. With nowhere to keep Vera and a dwindling bank account, Jack decides to travel across the country to sell Vera to a circus.
Surprisingly Funny Buddy Film
Though it may not be one of Bill Murray’s most well-known films,Larger Than Lifeisa delightful buddy comedythat highlights his skill for infusing grounded humor into the most outlandish of circumstances. Directed by Howard Franklin, it perfectly casts Murray as the uptight and disgruntled main character who encounters a series of colorful characters and learns lessons about friendship.
12‘Space Jam’ (1996)
A unique combination of live-action and animation,Space Jamis a ‘90s movie that brings together two pop culture icons: Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes. Apparently, when the mischievous Looney Tunes characters find their existence threatened by alien theme park owners, they decide to recruit the help of a human to save them by winning a basketball game against the Nerdlucks led by Mr. Swackhammer.
A Zany Sports Comedy
Packed to the brim with over-the-top spectacle and classic cartoon slapstick,Space Jamis notable not only for itsinnovative fusion of animation and live-actionbut also for Bill Murray’s cameo as himself, as he’s seen golfing with Larry Bird and Stan Podolak, Jordan’s assistant, and later, during the climactic match with the Monstars. The movie, as a whole, is an energetic, if occasionally uneven, family-friendly adventure with a healthy dose of ‘90s nostalgia.
11‘With Friends Like These…’ (1998)
With Friends Like These…
Directed by Philip Frank Messina,With Friends Like These…is an independent dark comedy that follows four struggling actors and best friends in Los Angeles as they navigate the competitive industry. Johnny DiMartino receives news from his agent that a major director is looking for a lead for an upcoming film, but the news travels to Johnny’s friends and they all vie for the part.
Hidden Gem Worth Watching
The film tries to explore what it’s like to chase Hollywood dreams. It’s a satirical take on the entertainment industry and the lengths to which actors will go to land a role. There’s a lot of backstabbing, betrayal, and darkly comedic antics. The main cast includes Robert Costanzo, Jon Tenney, David Strathairn and Adam Arkin, and Bill Murray makes a cameo as Maurice Melnick to enhance the movie’s self-referential humor.
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10‘Wild Things’ (1998)
Wild Things
Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked, upscale Miami suburb of Blue Bay,Wild Thingsis a neo-noir thriller that revolves around high school guidance counselor Sam Lombardo who is accused of sexual assault by two students: the wealthy and popular Kelly Van Ryan, and the social outcast Suzie Toller. A world-weary detective named Detective Ray Duquette is called in to investigate, and what he uncovers is both shocking and complex.
Murray as a Jaded and Scheming Lawyer
The movie stands out for its audacious plot twists, where the characters are navigating a minefield of shifting alliances and a web of deceit, greed, and cold-blooded murder. John McNaughton’s direction combines thevery best elements of crime, drama, and erotic thrillerand tightens the noose on suspense. As for Murray, he plays Ken Bowden, a sly and opportunistic lawyer representing Matt Dillon’s Sam Lombardo.
9‘Kingpin’ (1996)
Another sports comedy starring Bill Murray,Kingpinfollows Roy Munson, a promising young bowler who grew up to be a down-and-out alcoholic after a career-ending accident. Roy stumbles upon an Amish bowling prodigy, Ishmael Boorg, recognizes his potential, and sees him as an opportunity to make a comeback. He mentors him to win a national bowling tournament.
Murray Elevates the Outrageous Material
Kingpinmay not have been Bill Murray’s leading role, but his supporting performance as Ernie McCracken, a vengeful and established pro, is important to kick-starting the plot, as he’s responsible for causing Roy’s accident. He returns to the film in the latter half as a national bowling superstar who challenges Ishmael and stops at nothing to defeat him. Murray shares an incredible chemistry with Woody Harrelson and Randy Quaid.
8‘The Man Who Knew Too Little’ (1997)
InThe Man Who Knew Too Little, Bill Murray stars as Wallace Ritchie, an oblivious American who decides to spend his birthday with his brother in London but instead, he unwittingly gets embroiled in the world of international espionage. Mistaken for a spy, Wallace thinks he’s a part of an elaborate role-playing game as he bumbles through various situations, misunderstandings, and accidental acts of heroism.
An Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Situations
Directed by Jon Amiel,The Man Who Knew Too Littleis based on Robert Farrar’s novel, who also penned the screenplay of the movie along with Howard Franklin. The movie leverages Murray’s comedic timing and his trademark sensibilities by allowing him to play a genuinely innocent andlovable character. He carries the entire narrative with his warmth and wit, and even though the film wasn’t a success at the box office, Murray’s role makes it a must-watch.
Mad Dog and Glory
Co-written and directed by John McNaughton,Mad Dog and Glorytakes viewers to the gritty, neon-soaked underworld of 1990s Chicago. The plot revolves around a socially awkward crime scene photographer named Wayne Dobie, who accidentally saves the life of a tough-talking gangster named Frank Milo. Frank shows his gratitude by gifting Wayne a week with Glory, a beautiful waitress, but Wayne ends up developing true feelings for her.
Nuanced and Captivating Character Study
Mad Dog and Gloryis not Murray’s best-known movie. It’s not even among his more commercially successful films of the 1990s. But the crime comedy is a unique addition to his filmography because it casts him against type as a darker, more sinister character. His performance as Milo is so unsettling that it’s a stark contrast to his usual comedic roles. Paired with Robert De Niro and Uma Thurman’s engaging turns, the movie is quite intriguing.
6‘Quick Change’ (1990)
Quick Change
Quick Changeis a crime comedy that follows the misadventures of Grimm, a quick-witted man disguised as a clown trying to execute a near-flawless heist in the heart of Manhattan along with his accomplices, Phyllis and Loomis. They successfully rob the bank, but their getaway plan goes awry and the trio faces one obstacle after another on the chaotic streets of New York while they’re on their way to the airport with the stolen money.
Combines Suspense and Slapstick
Co-directed by Murray and Howard Franklin in their directorial debuts and adapted from a novel of the same name by Jay Cronley, the movie uses Murray’s talents to its complete benefit. As the sharp and unflappable Grimm, his performance, deadpan delivery, and physical comedy is both charming and frantic. Butit’s ideal for a heist-gone-wrong plot. Geena Davis and Randy Quaid also make this cult classic endlessly rewatchable.
5‘Cradle Will Rock’ (1999)
Cradle Will Rock
Written and directed by Tim Robbins,Cradle Will Rocktransports you to theturbulent and politically charged landscape of the 1930sNew York City and chronicles the development of the musical, The Cradle Will Rock. Led by playwright Marc Blitzstein, it faces opposition because of the social, artistic, and economic upheaval, and we follow several characters like director Orson Welles, producer John Houseman, and Nelson Rockefeller, as the fight against the ideologies of the time.
Explores the Bridge Between Art and Life
Cradle Will Rockis a masterful blend of historical drama and dark comedy. A modest commercial hit, it was hailed by critics as “witty and provocative.” Robbins’ direction paired with the richly drawn exploration of power, privilege, and the role of an artist in a society grappling with the changing tide of politics makes it narratively strong as well. As for Bill Murray, he brought life to the dual roles of ventriloquist Tommy Crickshaw and his puppet.
4‘What About Bob?’ (1991)
What About Bob?
Starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss,What About Bob?is the quintessential ‘90s comedy. It follows Bob Wiley, a neurotic and obsessive-compulsive man who develops an overbearing attachment to his new therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin. Always in a state of distress and desperate for help, Bob follows Dr. Marvin to his family’s idyllic summer home and worms his way into the family despite the psychiatrist’s growing frustration.
Murray’s Hilarious Neurotic Performance
Directed by Frank Oz,What About Bob?stands as one of Bill Murray’s most iconic and enduring ‘90s performances. He plays Bob in the most endearing and riotously funny ways, blending his genuine childlike innocence and curiosity with an undercurrent of manic energy that constantly infuriates Dreyfuss’ Dr. Marvin. The chemistry between the two is electric, and the movie itself is a winning combination of humor and heart.
The 20 Funniest Movies of the 1990s
Some of these are among the funniest films ever made, and they’re all essential viewings re: the 1990s.
