Few comedic actors have oeuvres as expansive, diverse, and consistently positively-reviewed asBill Murray. After rising to prominence in the 1970s through stints onThe National Lampoon Radio HourandSaturday Night Live, Murray soon broke into movies and blossomed into one of the most exciting (and hilarious) leading men of the ‘80s.
Part of what makes Murray such a living legend is that he has proven time and time again that he is more thanjusta comedic actor. He’s had many successful turns as the lead and in supporting roles in a number of critically-acclaimed romances and dramas. Although Murray has acted in his fair share of duds, his prolific filmography includes more classics than it does snafus. In the list below, we’ve collected the versatile actor’s top 25 highest-rated films, ranked in order of their “freshness” according to Rotten Tomatoes!
25Caddyshack (1980) – 72%
One ofthe funniest comedies of the 1980s,Caddyshacktells the story of a down-on-his-luck teenager who lands a summer job as a caddy at a pretentious country club. While there, he becomes ensnared in a web of eclectic characters with conflicting personalities, and all sorts of wacky hijinks ensue. One such eclectic character is groundskeeper Carl Spackler, played by Murray, who seems to be more than a little unstable, and takes his job of keeping the gophers out of the green a littletooseriously.
Directed by the late, great Harold Ramis,Caddyshackmay be crass, but it’s got more than enough iconic quotes, ingenious slapstick, and wild moments to justify its respectable score of 72% on the Tomatometer.
Related:10 Quintessential Comedy Movies from the 80s You Have to Watch at Least Once
24Meatballs (1979) – 73%
Meatballsis one of comedy craftsmanIvan Reitman’s greatest films, as well as the first film to feature Murray in the starring role. Murray plays a camp counselor at a rundown summer camp, and is faced with rallying his unruly campers to win victory over a rival camp in the annual summer games.
Although the film is reminiscent of other entries into the summer camp comedy subgenre and seems a little cliché as a result, it has plenty of clever tomfoolery and charisma (courtesy of Murray) to set itself apart.
23Ghostbusters (2016) – 73%
Loved by some, maligned by others, the 2016Ghostbustersreboot nevertheless ranks as one of Murray’s best-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows a team of paranormal researchers who are tasked with putting a stop to a ghostly invasion of New York City, getting into a smorgasbord of silly situations along the way.
Directed with an energetic flair by Paul Feig and loaded down with zany characters, the movie may not be able to touch the classic original, but it’s plenty of fun when taken on its own merits. Featuring anensemble cast of distinguished women actors,Ghostbusters2016 limits Murray’s role to a small cameo appearance.
Mad Dog and Gloryis a comedic crime drama about a reserved police officer who winds up saving a crime lord’s life. In return, the crook offers the cop a week with a beautiful young waitress. The cop and the waitress soon fall in love, which makes things tough when the crime boss asks her to come back to him. With a cast of incredible performers, including Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and, of course, Murray,Mad Dog and Gloryis a delightful romantic dramedy that should be more well-known.
The film received a score of 3.5 stars out of 4 from Roger Ebert,who praised the understated script, noting that “Some of the best moments come quietly and subtly, in a nuance of dialogue or a choice of timing. The movie is very funny, but it’s not broad humor, it’s humor born of personality quirks and the style of the performances.”
Related:Why Quentin Tarantino Hates Bill Murray Movies, Explained
21St. Vincent (2014) – 78%
One ofMurray’s finest forays into a non-comedic role,St. Vincentis a drama about a busy single mother who is forced to entrust the care of her young son to their grumpy, self-indulgent neighbor. An unexpected bond is formed between the two, and soon the young boy begins to see the strange man as a sort of hero. Murray plays the oddball neighbor to perfection, and makes this a sentimental flick well-worth checking out.
20The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) – 81%
The Royal Tenenbaumsis a brilliant comedy-drama about a separated and highly-dysfunctional family coming back together and reconciling their differences. Considered by many to bedirector Wes Anderson’s masterpiece, the movie combines a variety of cinematic influences with Anderson’s signature absurdist approach, making for an unforgettable experience.
Murray’s supporting role in the film is one of his best, and the movie is bolstered by other great performances by Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ben Stiller.
19What About Bob? (1991) – 82%
What About Bob?is a wacky dark comedy about an unstable mental patient, Murray’s titular Bob, who follows his egotistical psychiatrist to a vacation home, where he wins the affection of the doctor’s family. Soon, Richard Dreyfuss’ Dr. Marvin begins to lose grip of his own sanity. Director Frank Oz lends his usual comedic genius and keen eye for the absurd to this nutty movie, and the chemistry between the two leads is absolute perfection.
18Quick Change (1990) – 84%
Quick Changeis a crime comedy movie about a trio of bank robbers who, after pulling off a perfect heist, encounter heaps of trouble as they attempt to make their getaway. The directorial debuts of co-directors Howard Franklin and Murray, the film boasts high-stakes and hilarious hijinks courtesy of the three amazing leads: Geena Davis, Randy Quaid, and, of course, Murray. Unfortunately,Quick Changewas a colossal box-office bomb, but received high praise from all who saw it.
17Get Low (2009) – 85%
Get Lowis a drama about a mysterious Tennessee hermit who comes out of hiding to announce to the people of his town that he intends to throw a funeral party for himself. As the film builds to the climactic event, the eclectic cast of characters – played by an all-star ensemble that includes Robert Duvall, Murray, and Sissy Spacek – work to make the party go off without a hitch, and uncover a slew of strange secrets along the way. Heartfelt, weird, darkly humorous, and loaded with marvelous performances,Get Lowhas all the makings of a modern classic.
16On the Rocks (2020) – 87%
On the Rocksis a dramatic comedy about a woman who suspects her busybody husband of cheating, and goes to her aloof playboy father for advice. Despite lots of ill-advisement from her father, the two reconnect and form a bond stronger than they ever had before. Directed with style by Sofia Coppola,On the Rocksis a deceptively simple drama bolstered by complex relationships and carefully crafted characters.
