The ’90s are remembered for many things. The end of the Cold War, the rise of the internet, and the tidal wave of Beanie Babies that infiltrated homes the world over. When it comes to movies, it also seems that the ’90s boasts some of the best comedies out there. Who knew?
With the careers of multiple comedy superstars kicking into action, it should hardly be surprising that there were so many laughs to be had in the years between 1989 and 2000. For many, the ’90s will forever be remembered as the decade of Jim Carrey – a man responsible for not just making the best comedies, but also for splitting so many sides it’s shocking he wasn’t sued for it. The likes of Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and Ben Stiller also hit it big during the ’90s. (Spoiler alert: you can expect to see them all feature on this list.)
Naturally, “best” is hardly an objective term, so a more accurate title might be OUR best comedies of the ’90s. Even so, we’ve compiled a list of the decade’s silliest, funniest, smartest, and most outrageous films. No arthouse flicks in this one – just good old fashioned comedic fun.
10. The Cable Guy (1996)
Getting the controversy out of the way early, we’re asserting that The Cable Guy is one of the best comedies of the ’90s. It’s far from the most popular, and was even fairly divisive among critics, but we maintain that it’s nothing less than a Hall of Fame movie. That’s a hill (or satellite tower) that we’re willing to die on.
Not only does The Cable Guy cast an unhinged Jim Carrey in the role of the deranged villain, but he spends the entire film bouncing off of Matthew Broderick’s reserved straight man. It was also directed by Ben Stiller and featured a bizarre (but oddly brilliant) cameo from the man himself. There’s a unique quality to The Cable Guy that’s obviously not for everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
Carrey is magnetically chaotic throughout, and on multiple occasions Broderick can be seen just barely holding it together as he does what he does best. He’s a little less rubber-faced than usual, instead tapping into a slightly darker (but no less funny) side of himself. We consider The Cable Guy Carrey at his best, making it one of the best comedies of the decade.