Ahhh, the ‘90s, how sweet this name rolls around on the tongue, evoking many happy memories for many people who've lived their childhoods, teenage years, or spent their young adult lives throughout the decade. And though this post isn't necessarily meant as praise for the ‘90s, it will definitely take you on a merry walk down memory lane once you discover the movies we've listed here. After all, who doesn't love a good ‘90s comedy movie, especially the one that you originally watched on a videotape in horrible quality? So, if you're actively nodding right now, let us present you a thorough compendium of cool and funny ‘90s movies!
But before you go along and scroll down to our top ‘90s comedies, let's talk about why exactly the flicks from this decade were so good and made such an impact on the evolvement of the industry. For one, this era saw a significant improvement in the technologies used for watching movies at home. Though DVDs came later in the decade, the VHS tapes grew better and better in quality, renting them was easy (Blockbuster, anyone?), and some Hollywood movies went straight to tapes or disks for your watch-at-home pleasure. In addition, a more accessible form of entertainment meant growing income for those who made it, thus perpetuating faster movie-making.
The ‘90s movies also saw vastly improved special effects, the rise of Hollywood superstar actors, indie filmmakers gaining the audience's respect, and loads of fresh ideas from seasoned directors. Mix all that with the innocence and simplicity of the ‘90s, and there you have it - a string of blockbusters, classic, and iconic movies, that have outlived the era.
But let's go back to the main topic here - comedy movies. Just a few scrolls down below, and you'll have the pleasure to be reminded of such classic comedies as The Groundhog Day, Dumb and Dumber, Mrs. Doubtfire, and many, many more. We're sure that this list will make you run to your attic, scramble for the dusty VHS player and shuffle around the videotape collection. Or finding the best movie streaming service with a comprehensive ‘90s movies library, that is. Tell us which flicks are the funniest or the most nostalgic to you, don't forget to vote for the best movies, and share this article with your friends!
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#1 Home Alone
If there ever was a Christmas staple movie, Home Alone is it. Call it distasteful for adult bashing or stretched-thin; Home Alone is a truly iconic film of the ‘90s. To us die-hard fans, the gags are hilarious, the premise is unexpected (how is it possible to forget your own child?), and Macaulay Culkin is adorable beyond words.
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66points
#2 Mrs. Doubtfire
There are very few actors as widely beloved as the late Robin Williams. Every movie he starred in warmed audiences' hearts and made them laugh, creating a wholesome movie-watching experience. Such is the case with Mrs. Doubtfire too, a goofy, lighthearted movie that, in the end, touches you profoundly. And, you might not know this, but a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire was under work. Sadly, the idea was dropped right after the untimely death of everyone's favorite Williams.
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65points
#3 My Cousin Vinny
Name at least one movie starring Marisa Tomei that's not funny or iconic. Or both. Anyway, we always love ourselves a sharp courtroom comedy, and besides being genuinely amusing, My Cousin Vinny was also lauded for being quite accurate on court procedures. A movie you can snort at and learn something valuable? Sign us up!
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63points
#4 A League Of Their Own
What's a sports comedy without broken bones, noses, and bruises during filming? Well, even though you couldn't tell that by watching the glorious all-girls baseball team (including a performance from Madonna!) on screen, but the making of A League Of Their Own did involve plenty of physical sacrifices from the cast. However, it isn't the thing that made this movie an iconic one. Instead, a thoroughly charming cast, non-soppy sentimentality, and lightheartedness are why this movie is still beloved even decades after its release.
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63points
#5 Groundhog Day
Now, this is an iconic movie one might actually call time-defying (get it?). This movie is so impactful that even its name, Groundhog Day, became a widely-used phrase to reference a repetitive and monotonous situation. Groundhog Day's innovative use of the time loop made it popular with general audiences and was since repeated in several movies, TV shows, and video games. And though a direct sequel was quickly ruled out upon the original film's release, you can always relive Groundhog Day by watching a musical by the same name.
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61points
#6 Men In Black
Men In Black, an adaptation of a comic book of the same name by Lowell Cunningham and Sandy Carruthers, was a bonafide blockbuster hit. Thanks to its original story, charismatic performances, and tasteful jokes, Men In Black secured itself three sequels, animated series adaptation, and spawned six video games.
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61points
#7 Friday
As stated by the Friday director F. Gary Gray, working with Ice Cube in a comedy "scared the sh*t out of me." Yet we say it was funny as hell! Throw the "toughest man in America" into comedic situations on a buddy stoner film, and it is instantaneously hilarious. So if you're a fan of hood comedies, give this 1995 movie a look-see.
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60points
#8 Liar Liar
A simple premise doesn't always mean a simplistic movie. And though the main idea of a lawyer that's forced to tell nothing but the truth might seem like an incomplex one, the movie Liar Liar comes out as nothing but. With another stellar Carrey performance, this comedy gained favorable acclaim from audiences and cemented Carrey's comedian career.
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60points
#9 The Big Lebowski
Though a more 'serious' movie than others on our list, Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers has gained a cult-like following and even inspired a whole new philosophy called Dudeism. Peppered with hilarious and memorable performances from supporting actors (Turturro's Jesus is by far one of the greatest supporting characters ever), The Big Lebowski is a real adventure to watch. And if you haven't already, we strongly recommend it!
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60points
#10 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
I won't even start counting the memes existing purely because of this hilarious 1994 movie. Yet, the most crucial point is proven once again - everything Jim Carrey stars in turns right into comedy gold. And who else, if not mister Carrey, would've made a bottlenose dolphin rescue such an uproarious affair.
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57points
#11 The Sandlot
A coming-of-age sports comedy that's so nostalgic it'll make you cry-laugh? Yes, it's The Sandlot in its full glory. As with most movies on our list, this comedy film found itself out of favor with the critics, but who are they to judge a comedy, right? And if one Sandlot just doesn't cut it for you - there are two sequels to this 1993 gem.
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57points
#12 There's Something About Mary
Starring Cameron Diaz, a legitimate It Girl of the era, There's Something About Mary was a wildly successful film. Listed in the American Film Institute's roster of 100 best comedies of all time, There's Something About Mary will always be funny due to its universal sense of humor, enjoyable performances, and lighthearted tone.
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57points
#13 Happy Gilmore
The aniseed of the movie industry, Adam Sandler is one of those guys whose movies and performances you love or loathe. But, no matter which side you are supporting on the aniseed debate, Happy Gilmore was a huge commercial success, gaining nominations for such sought-after awards as the Golden Raspberry Awards and Stinkers Bad Movie Awards! Not many movies in our list can beat that, for sure.
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56points
#14 Clueless
There are many cases when a book-based movie turns sour, but Clueless is a stellar example of how such a movie should look and feel, I daresay. Loosely based on Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma, Clueless is considered to be one of the greatest teen movies ever made. The film's success propelled young Alicia Silverstone's career, had us all swooning for Paul Rudd, adopting the "As if!" and wishing for the dazzling outfits from Cher's and Dionne's closets.
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56points
#15 Dumb And Dumber
Relentlessly stupid yet highly entertaining, Dumb and Dumber is truly an iconic comedy of the era. If not for the glorious partnership of everyone's beloved actors - Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels - we're sure this buddy comedy film wouldn't have been as successful in the box office as it was upon its release.
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55points
#16 Wayne's World
Born out of a Saturday Night Live sketch, Wayne's World was the highest-grossing of 11 movies spawned from SNL. With a feature film debut performance from Mike Myers and such supporting cast as Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, and Lara Flynn Boyle, Wayne's World was acclaimed critically and enjoyed great success among audiences. Filled with memorable catchphrases and original jokes, Wayne's World cemented itself as one of the best comedy movies of the ‘90s.
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52points
#17 Tommy Boy
Though met with very lukewarm reviews, Tommy Boy has gained itself a spot on the cult movies list. Definitely not because of its predictability or jokes you've probably heard too many times, but because of the superb and loveable performances of Saturday Night Live colleagues David Spade and Chris Farley. So, if you're looking for a movie that'll surely induce a real-life ROFL, try Tommy Boy.
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51points
#18 Office Space
A commercial flop upon its release, Office Space later did so well with selling on home video and DVDs that it gained a cult-like following just a couple of years later. Several elements of the film are still reused as memes to this day - remember the one about working on Saturday? Curiously enough, a red Swingline stapler became a staple of the movie, and the manufacturers started offering such a non-existent-before stapler for purchase.
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51points
#19 Toy Story
Though it might seem like an unlikely contender, we think Toy Story is absolutely worthy of being on our list of the best ‘90s comedies. Not only is it one of the most impactful animated movies, but it's also probably the only film with a cast member that went on a real space mission. Well, okay, not really a cast member, but a figurine of Buzz Lightyear taken on a Space Shuttle mission STS-124 in 2008 that was used for experiments in zero-g. Still quite an impressive achievement, I might say!
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48points
#20 Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery
There's nothing better than a light-hearted, psychedelic parody of something as serious as the James Bond franchise. And Austin Power's frontman Mike Myers delivered it! A goofy spy, Bondesque gags, flocks of beautiful ladies clad in skimpy ‘60s attire, and iconic one-liners - everything you could've wished for in a comedy is here!
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46points