Bill Murray is one of the most beloved and iconic actors of his generation. With a career spanning over four decades, he has starred in some of the most memorable and critically acclaimed films of all time. From his early days on Saturday Night Live to his more dramatic roles in recent years, Murray has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor with a unique comedic style.
In this blog post, we’ll be counting down the 20 best Bill Murray movies of all time. These films showcase Murray at his best, highlighting his comedic timing, dramatic range, and ability to elevate any project he’s involved with. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his work for the first time, these are the essential Bill Murray movies that you need to see.
20. The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)
Kicking off our list is the 1997 spy comedy The Man Who Knew Too Little. In this film, Murray plays Wallace Ritchie, an American tourist visiting his brother in London who gets mistaken for a spy and becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy.
The movie is a lighthearted spoof of spy thrillers, with Murray’s character blissfully unaware that he’s in any real danger. He thinks he’s just participating in an elaborate interactive theater experience. Murray’s comedic timing is on full display as he bumbles his way through various misadventures and close calls.
While not as well-known as some of Murray’s other films, The Man Who Knew Too Little is a fun and entertaining romp that showcases his talent for physical comedy and deadpan delivery. It’s a must-see for any fan of the actor or anyone looking for a good laugh.
19. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Next up is Wes Anderson’s quirky family drama The Royal Tenenbaums. Murray has a supporting role in this ensemble piece as Raleigh St. Clair, the neurologist husband of Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Margot.
The film follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, with Murray’s character serving as a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos. He brings a quiet dignity to the role, playing Raleigh as a man who is deeply in love with his wife despite her many flaws and indiscretions.
While Murray’s screen time is limited compared to some of the other actors, he makes the most of every scene he’s in. His understated performance is a perfect fit for Anderson’s unique style and helps ground the film’s more eccentric elements. The Royal Tenenbaums is a must-see for fans of the director or anyone who appreciates a well-crafted family drama with a twist.
18. Larger Than Life (1996)
In the 1996 comedy Larger Than Life, Murray stars as Jack Corcoran, a motivational speaker who inherits an elephant from his deceased father. Tasked with transporting the elephant across the country, Jack embarks on a wacky road trip filled with misadventures and life lessons.
Murray brings his trademark wit and charm to the role, playing Jack as a man who is initially resistant to the idea of bonding with his pachyderm companion but gradually comes to appreciate the animal’s unique personality. The film is a lighthearted family comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, relying on Murray’s comedic chops to carry the story.
While Larger Than Life may not be Murray’s most memorable or critically acclaimed film, it’s a fun and entertaining diversion that showcases his ability to elevate even the most ridiculous premises with his presence. It’s worth checking out for fans of the actor or anyone in the mood for a silly and heartwarming comedy.
17. The Razor’s Edge (1984)
In a dramatic departure from his usual comedic roles, Murray starred in the 1984 film adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s novel The Razor’s Edge. He plays Larry Darrell, a World War I veteran who embarks on a spiritual journey to find meaning in his life.
Murray’s performance is a revelation, showcasing his dramatic range and ability to tackle more serious subject matter. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying Larry’s inner turmoil and quest for enlightenment with subtlety and nuance. The film itself is a thoughtful and introspective drama that grapples with weighty themes of faith, morality, and the human condition.
While The Razor’s Edge was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is considered by many to be one of Murray’s finest performances. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in seeing a different side of the actor’s talent and a powerful meditation on the search for meaning in life.
16. Meatballs (1979)
Murray’s first starring role was in the 1979 summer camp comedy Meatballs. He plays Tripper Harrison, a wisecracking camp counselor who takes a misfit group of kids under his wing and helps them come out of their shells.
The film is a classic of the summer camp genre, with Murray’s irreverent humor and natural charisma shining through in every scene. He brings a manic energy to the role, delivering rapid-fire jokes and physical gags with ease. The movie also has a surprising amount of heart, with Murray’s character serving as a mentor and father figure to the kids in his care.
Meatballs was a breakout hit for Murray and helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood. It remains a beloved comedy classic and a must-see for fans of the actor or anyone who has fond memories of summer camp.
15. Rushmore (1998)
Murray reunited with Wes Anderson for the 1998 coming-of-age comedy Rushmore. He plays Herman Blume, a wealthy industrialist who becomes a mentor and father figure to the precocious teenager Max Fischer (played by Jason Schwartzman).
Murray’s performance is a masterclass in understated comedy, with his deadpan delivery and world-weary demeanor perfectly suited to the character of Herman. He brings a sense of melancholy and regret to the role, playing a man who has achieved great success but feels unfulfilled in his personal life. His scenes with Schwartzman are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Rushmore is a quirky and offbeat comedy that showcases Anderson’s distinctive visual style and Murray’s talent for dramatic comedy. It’s a must-see for fans of either the director or the actor, and a charming and heartfelt coming-of-age story in its own right.
14. Caddyshack (1980)
One of Murray’s most iconic roles is as Carl Spackler, the deranged groundskeeper in the 1980 golf comedy Caddyshack. While Murray only appears in a handful of scenes, he steals the show with his manic energy and improvised one-liners.
Murray’s performance is a tour de force of physical comedy and absurdist humor. He brings a wild-eyed intensity to the role of Carl, a man who is equal parts philosopher and madman. His scenes are some of the most memorable in the film, from his battle with a pesky gopher to his rambling monologues about the Dalai Lama.
Caddyshack is a classic of the sports comedy genre, with an all-star cast that includes Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to cult status, cementing his place as one of the most talented and unpredictable comedic actors of his generation.
13. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Murray reunited with Wes Anderson once again for the 2004 adventure comedy The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He plays the titular character, a washed-up oceanographer who sets out on a mission to hunt down the mythical “jaguar shark” that killed his partner.
Murray’s performance is a masterful blend of comedy and pathos, capturing the essence of a man who has lost his way in life. He brings a world-weary charm to the role of Steve Zissou, playing him as a once-great adventurer who has become disillusioned and bitter in his old age. His scenes with the rest of the ensemble cast, including Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, and Willem Dafoe, are a joy to watch.
The Life Aquatic is a whimsical and visually stunning film that showcases Anderson’s unique style and Murray’s talent for dramatic comedy. It’s a must-see for fans of either the director or the actor, and a poignant meditation on the search for meaning and purpose in life.
12. Scrooged (1988)
In the 1988 modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Murray stars as Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The film is a darkly comedic take on the classic story, with Murray’s character embodying the greed and selfishness of the modern age.
Murray’s performance is a tour de force of comedic timing and dramatic range. He brings a manic energy to the role of Frank, playing him as a man who is consumed by his own ego and ambition. But as the film progresses, Murray also reveals the vulnerability and humanity beneath Frank’s hard exterior, making his eventual redemption all the more powerful.
Scrooged is a holiday classic that has stood the test of time, thanks in large part to Murray’s iconic performance. It’s a must-see for fans of the actor or anyone looking for a fresh take on a timeless story.
11. Stripes (1981)
In the 1981 military comedy Stripes, Murray stars as John Winger, a down-on-his-luck cab driver who enlists in the army with his best friend Russell Ziskey (played by Harold Ramis). The film follows their misadventures as they navigate basic training and a top-secret mission behind enemy lines.
Murray’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical comedy. He brings a manic energy to the role of John, playing him as a wise-cracking slacker who is always one step ahead of his superiors. His scenes with Ramis are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Stripes is a classic of the military comedy genre, with an all-star cast that includes John Candy, Warren Oates, and John Larroquette. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to cult status, cementing his place as one of the most talented and unpredictable comedic actors of his generation.
10. Kingpin (1996)
In the 1996 sports comedy Kingpin, Murray plays Ernie McCracken, a sleazy and washed-up professional bowler who takes on a protégé named Roy Munson (played by Woody Harrelson). The film follows their misadventures as they travel across the country, hustling unsuspecting bowlers and competing in a high-stakes tournament.
Murray’s performance is a scene-stealing turn that showcases his talent for playing unlikable characters with a hint of charm. He brings a slimy charisma to the role of Ernie, playing him as a man who is equal parts con artist and has-been. His scenes with Harrelson are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Kingpin is a cult classic that has gained a following in the years since its release, thanks in large part to Murray’s iconic performance. It’s a must-see for fans of the actor or anyone looking for a raunchy and irreverent sports comedy.
9. Ed Wood (1994)
In the 1994 biopic Ed Wood, Murray plays Bunny Breckinridge, a flamboyant actor and drag queen who becomes a regular in the films of the titular director (played by Johnny Depp). The film follows Wood’s misadventures as he tries to make a name for himself in Hollywood, despite his lack of talent and resources.
Murray’s performance is a small but memorable turn that showcases his talent for playing eccentric characters with a hint of pathos. He brings a campy charm to the role of Bunny, playing him as a man who is both larger than life and deeply insecure. His scenes with Depp are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Ed Wood is a critically acclaimed film that has become a cult classic in the years since its release, thanks in large part to its stellar cast and Tim Burton’s distinctive visual style. While Murray’s role is small, it’s a must-see for fans of the actor or anyone interested in the strange and wonderful world of Hollywood’s most notorious director.
8. What About Bob? (1991)
In the 1991 comedy What About Bob?, Murray plays Bob Wiley, a neurotic and obsessive-compulsive patient who becomes fixated on his psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfuss). The film follows their misadventures as Bob follows Dr. Marvin on vacation, much to the chagrin of the doctor and his family.
Murray’s performance is a tour de force of physical comedy and manic energy. He brings a childlike innocence to the role of Bob, playing him as a man who is both deeply troubled and utterly endearing. His scenes with Dreyfuss are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
What About Bob? is a classic of the odd couple comedy genre, with Murray and Dreyfuss’s chemistry elevating the film to cult status. It’s a must-see for fans of either actor or anyone looking for a heartwarming and hilarious comedy about the power of friendship and the human spirit.
7. Rushmore (1998)
Murray reunited with Wes Anderson for the 1998 coming-of-age comedy Rushmore. He plays Herman Blume, a wealthy industrialist who becomes a mentor and father figure to the precocious teenager Max Fischer (played by Jason Schwartzman).
Murray’s performance is a masterclass in understated comedy, with his deadpan delivery and world-weary demeanor perfectly suited to the character of Herman. He brings a sense of melancholy and regret to the role, playing a man who has achieved great success but feels unfulfilled in his personal life. His scenes with Schwartzman are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Rushmore is a quirky and offbeat comedy that showcases Anderson’s distinctive visual style and Murray’s talent for dramatic comedy. It’s a must-see for fans of either the director or the actor, and a charming and heartfelt coming-of-age story in its own right.
6. Ghostbusters (1984)
One of Murray’s most iconic roles is as Dr. Peter Venkman in the 1984 supernatural comedy Ghostbusters. He plays a wisecracking parapsychologist who teams up with his colleagues to start a ghost-catching business in New York City.
Murray’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and deadpan delivery. He brings a sardonic charm to the role of Venkman, playing him as a man who is equal parts skeptic and true believer. His scenes with his co-stars, including Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, are a highlight of the film, with the three actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Ghostbusters is a classic of the supernatural comedy genre, with an all-star cast and groundbreaking special effects. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to iconic status, cementing his place as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actors of his generation.
5. Groundhog Day (1993)
In the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day, Murray plays Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. The film follows his misadventures as he tries to break free from the loop and find meaning in his life.
Murray’s performance is a tour de force of comedic timing and dramatic range. He brings a world-weary charm to the role of Phil, playing him as a man who is both deeply flawed and utterly relatable. His scenes with his co-star Andie MacDowell are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Groundhog Day is a classic of the time loop genre, with a clever script and a heartwarming message about the power of personal growth and redemption. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to iconic status, cementing his place as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actors of his generation.
4. Lost in Translation (2003)
In the 2003 drama Lost in Translation, Murray plays Bob Harris, a washed-up movie star who travels to Tokyo to film a whiskey commercial. There, he meets Charlotte (played by Scarlett Johansson), a young woman who is struggling to find her place in life. The two form an unlikely friendship as they navigate the strange and wonderful world of Tokyo.
Murray’s performance is a revelation, showcasing his talent for understated drama and quiet introspection. He brings a sense of melancholy and regret to the role of Bob, playing him as a man who has achieved great success but feels unfulfilled in his personal life. His scenes with Johansson are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique chemistry to great effect.
Lost in Translation is a beautifully crafted film that explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning in life. It’s a must-see for fans of Murray or anyone looking for a poignant and thought-provoking drama about the human condition.
3. Rushmore (1998)
Murray’s performance in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore is a masterclass in understated comedy and dramatic range. He plays Herman Blume, a wealthy industrialist who becomes a mentor and father figure to the precocious teenager Max Fischer (played by Jason Schwartzman).
Murray brings a sense of melancholy and regret to the role of Herman, playing him as a man who has achieved great success but feels unfulfilled in his personal life. His scenes with Schwartzman are a highlight of the film, with the two actors playing off each other’s unique comedic styles to great effect.
Rushmore is a quirky and offbeat comedy that showcases Anderson’s distinctive visual style and Murray’s talent for dramatic comedy. It’s a must-see for fans of either the director or the actor, and a charming and heartfelt coming-of-age story in its own right.
2. Ghostbusters (1984)
Murray’s performance as Dr. Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters is one of his most iconic and beloved roles. He brings a sardonic charm to the character, playing him as a wisecracking skeptic who becomes a true believer in the supernatural.
Murray’s comedic timing and deadpan delivery are on full display in Ghostbusters, with his scenes alongside Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis ranking among the funniest in the film. But he also brings a sense of heart and humanity to the role, making Venkman a fully realized character rather than just a comedic archetype.
Ghostbusters is a classic of the supernatural comedy genre, with groundbreaking special effects and an all-star cast. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to iconic status, cementing his place as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actors of his generation.
1. Groundhog Day (1993)
Murray’s performance in Groundhog Day is a tour de force of comedic timing, dramatic range, and existential contemplation. He plays Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
Murray brings a world-weary charm to the role of Phil, playing him as a man who is both deeply flawed and utterly relatable. His journey from selfish jerk to enlightened hero is a masterclass in character development, with Murray’s performance anchoring the film’s themes of personal growth and redemption.
Groundhog Day is a classic of the time loop genre, with a clever script and a heartwarming message about the power of kindness and empathy. But it’s Murray’s performance that elevates the film to masterpiece status, showcasing his talent for both comedy and drama in equal measure.
It’s a fitting choice for the top spot on our list of the best Bill Murray movies, as it encapsulates everything that makes him such a unique and beloved actor. From his deadpan delivery to his ability to find the humanity in even the most unlikable characters, Murray’s performance in Groundhog Day is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedic actors of all time.
Conclusion
Bill Murray is a true icon of American cinema, with a career that spans over four decades and includes some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed films of all time. From his early days on Saturday Night Live to his more dramatic roles in recent years, Murray has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor with a unique comedic style.
The 20 films on this list showcase Murray at his best, highlighting his comedic timing, dramatic range, and ability to elevate any project he’s involved with. Whether he’s playing a wisecracking ghostbuster, a world-weary movie star, or a cynical weatherman trapped in a time loop, Murray brings a sense of humanity and relatability to every role he takes on.
