Described as having one of the most unique and unconventional takes on comedy in Hollywood, Bill Murray’s films have always straddled the lines of dry, deadpan humor and strong emotional performances. This is also one of the reasons why every single time you rewatch his movies, you learn something new.
To celebrate the work of the thespian, here is a list of 10 of the best, funniest films of Murray, which you will not get enough of even after multiple rewatches. From Zombieland to Ghostbusters and many more, this industry legend has something for everyone.
10. Zombieland
While his role in the film may have been a short one, it was just as good. In the film, the star plays a version of himself who is constantly making self-deprecatory jokes as a meta commentary on the film’s ridiculous plot. On a wider scale, Zombieland in itself is a total package, with comedy and gore in spades.
Almost always picked in the list of the greatest zombie films ever made, Zombieland manages to take a grim and tension-building premise of the undead and flip it on its head. With constant comedy, mixed in with body horror elements and amazing performances by stars like Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, and Emma Stone, every second of the film never feels old.
9. Stripes
Yet again, taking a grim and gritty topic like war and infusing his signature deadpan comedy into it, Murray’s performance as John Winger in Stripes was filled to the brim with quotable and memorable moments. It might also be considered one of the best ‘Dude’ films to watch, as its underdog undertones and buddy humor will prove to be a fun time with the boys.
Along with capturing Murray’s sarcastic charm, Stripes tells the tale of a down-on-his-luck cab driver who, after losing everything, enlists in the US military along with his friend. But they soon find out that they weren’t built for this life, which leads to some amazing comedy scenes that will crack you up every single time.
8. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
With his dry comedy tactics on full display, this wacky comedy film by filmmaker Wes Anderson makes Murray play the role of an eccentric oceanographer who wishes to take revenge on a shark. With a whimsical plot and visuals, mixed with classic Murray humor, the film is surreal in a way you wouldn’t expect.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou acts as a sort of grounded mockumentary on all the marine adventure and survival films that people are familiar with, while also showcasing their core beauty. The supporting cast is also responsible for bringing the best out of Murray’s comedic genius through their own dialogues and physical performances.
7. Rushmore
Another one of Wes Anderson’s all-time great films, Rushmore, yet again brings Murray, along with Jason Schwartzman, to the center of a love triangle. A rivalry brews between the two characters for the affection of an elementary teacher (played by Olivia Williams). This leads to some really awkward yet equally funny scenes that are both emotionally gripping and goofy.
But unlike his dry comedy style, Murray uses a more melancholic approach with his character, which adds a layer of depth to the story on top of the comedy. This not only helps him connect to the audience but also reflects their lives in his character.
6. Scrooged
Despite being a dark interpretation of the film A Christmas Carol, the character work and the comedy that went into Scrooged make the story oddly touching. The film follows the tale of Frank Cross, a cruel TV executive who’s being haunted by ghosts of Christmas.
Cruelly, these ghosts of Christmas try to show Cross the error of his ways, which has made him see nothing more than TV ratings and profits in front of his eyes. And through many funny shenanigans, he eventually comes to the realization of how empty his life has truly become.
With emotional undertones and a truly somber way of comedy delivery, Scrooged is a unique experience, with more to uncover with every watch.
5. Lost in Translation
Unlike emotional undertones and backdrops in the previously mentioned films, Lost in Translation brings emotional gravity and psychological subjects into the forefront of the movie. Starring alongside Scarlett Johansson, Murray plays the role of an emotionally disconnected superstar who finds a friend in an unlikely individual.
While it still consists of the dry, deadpan humor that Murray is known for, the more grounded, emotionally visceral performance capabilities of his shine brighter in the film. The story is a commentary on loneliness, connections, and finding a friend who truly sees you for who you are, even if it may be fleeting.
4. Caddyshack
Along the lines of amazing comedies like Happy Gilmore, Murray’s sports comedy film, Caddyshack, is sure to make you keep coming back for more. Credited for Murray’s rise to stardom, the film follows the tale of a young caddy at a golf course, who has been roped into a quest to save the property from a miscreant who’s trying to destroy it.
The movie is a commentary on the bourgeois nature of the elites, which is mixed in with slapstick satire to keep feeding you more and more of the insane comedy that the writers cooked up.
3. What About Bob?
Considered one of Murray’s most beloved comedies, What About Bob? is a film about a man named Bob, who is terrified of many things, ranging from germs to elevators, which makes his daily life a living nightmare. But when he finds a psychiatrist that he believes is the answer to his problems, he latches on to him for dear life.
What follows is a string of events that are so funny and endearing in nature that the movie becomes a feel-good treasure trove for the viewers. And towards the end, the man who was seen as someone who needed to be thrown out became treasured by everyone.
2. Groundhog Day
One of Murray’s more enduring and deep-sighted films, Groundhog Day is a sci-fi movie that tells the tale of a TV weatherman with a dry, almost unlikable personality being stuck in a time loop. And due to his nature, he’s annoyed and miserable at first. But with every single day that he relives, he starts to change.
Eventually, he manages to improve to the point that he’s almost a completely changed man, which finally ends the loop. This film conveys a social message about the necessity of change for a better life, which requires time and effort to accomplish. The implementation of the time loop was so good that even MCU’s Doctor Strange took cues from it.
1. Ghostbusters
As expected, Ghostbusters was the film that topped the list of Murray’s most rewatchable films of them all, and for very good reason. One simple reason why the film still holds its value is the timeless nature of the film, combined with a vintage sci-fi charm that few manage to deliver today.
But the showstopper was none other than Murray’s performance as Dr. Peter Venkman, which brought to life iconic dialogues and quotes that were both comedy gold and evergreen in many senses than one. Therefore, the timelessness of such a film makes it an infinitely rewatchable masterpiece.
Here’s more information about all the aforementioned films above.
Which is your favorite Bill Murray film? Tell us in the comments below.
