1990 Comedy Movies

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is an animated adventure directed by John Lasseter, and is the first fully computer-animated feature film. Set in a world where toys come to life when humans are not around, the film follows the adventures of a group of toys led by the pull-string cowboy doll Woody and the space ranger action figure Buzz Lightyear. When Andy, the boy who owns the toys, receives a new toy for his birthday, the jealous Woody fears that he may be replaced as Andy's favorite. Meanwhile, Buzz and the other toys must rescue Woody and prevent him from being replaced. Along the way, the toys learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of staying together.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy-comedy film directed by Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman who, during a hated assignment covering the Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself repeating the same day over and over again. Over the course of reliving the same day, Phil gradually realizes that he can use his second chance to better himself and the lives of those around him. Eventually, he learns to appreciate and enjoy his situation, and he is eventually freed from the time loop.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Fargo is a 1996 crime drama directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in the cold and snowy Minnesota winter, the film follows a pregnant policewoman, Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), as she investigates a series of murders connected to a scheme hatched by a car salesman, Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), and two criminals, Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare). The film follows Marge as she follows a trail of evidence to unravel the mystery of the murders and the motivation behind the plan. Along the way, she is helped by her husband, Norm (John Carroll Lynch), and learns the lengths to which people will go to get what they want. In the end, the story's resolution is marked with a unique blend of dark comedy, crime and violence.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 crime comedy film directed by the Coen brothers. It follows the story of "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges), an aging slacker, and his bowling buddies, Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi). After being mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, "The Dude" is embroiled in a kidnapping plot involving a millionaire's trophy wife, with his friends tagging along for the ride. Along the way, they come into contact with a wide array of characters including Maude (Julianne Moore), a feminist artist; The Big Lebowski (David Huddleston), the millionaire; and two nihilists (Tara Reid and Philip Seymour Hoffman). In the end, "The Dude" finds himself in a case of mistaken identity, mistaken motives, and a whole lot of bowling.

From Directors: John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer
Rated G

Toy Story 2 is a 1999 American computer-animated comedy film directed by John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich. The film is a sequel to the 1995 film Toy Story, and the second installment in the Toy Story franchise. The plot follows the original film with Woody being stolen by a toy collector, prompting Buzz Lightyear and his friends to rescue him, while also preparing for a new owner. The film features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, and Don Rickles. The film received positive reviews, praised for its animation, voice performances, musical score, and humor. The film grossed over $497 million worldwide and is widely considered one of the greatest sequels of all time. It was followed by Toy Story 3 in 2010.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, Patricia Arquette
Rated R

Ed Wood is a 1994 biographical comedy-drama film directed by Tim Burton about the life of Edward D. Wood Jr., an American independent filmmaker. The film stars Johnny Depp in the title role, as well as Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bill Murray. The story follows the rise and fall of Wood's career, from his early days as a cross-dressing, low-budget filmmaker in the 1950s, to his later days as a has-been. The film follows his struggles to make movies despite his lack of talent and resources, as well as his relationships with his cast and crew. Despite the numerous obstacles he faced, Wood is ultimately remembered as one of the most influential and beloved filmmakers of his time.

From Spike Jonze, starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich
Rated R

Being John Malkovich is a surreal and darkly comedic film about a dissatisfied puppeteer named Craig Schwartz. After losing his job, Craig takes a job as a file clerk on the 7 1/2th floor of an office building, where he discovers a portal that leads directly into the mind of actor John Malkovich. Craig and his pet-obsessed co-worker Maxine begin to charge people to take a 15-minute trip to inhabit Malkovich's body. As Craig's obsession grows, a triangle forms between him, Maxine, and Malkovich's estranged wife, Lotte. Ultimately, Craig and Lotte must confront the consequences of entering Malkovich's mind and their own feelings for each other.

From Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
Rated PG

Home Alone is a classic family comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and released in 1990. It stars Macaulay Culkin as the 8-year-old Kevin McCallister who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for vacation in France. Despite being on his own, Kevin manages to outwit two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, who are trying to rob his house. With the help of a friendly neighbor, Kevin eventually defeats the burglars and reunites with his family. The film is a beloved holiday favorite and is often seen as a Christmas classic.

From Kevin Smith, starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonauer
Rated R

Clerks is an American independent black-and-white comedy film written, directed, and co-produced by Kevin Smith. The film follows Dante Hicks and Randal Graves, two store clerks and best friends, who manage the Quick Stop convenience store and RST Video rental in a small New Jersey town. Throughout the day, they manage all sorts of bizarre customer requests, discuss life and relationships, and deal with their own relationship issues. Their conversations range from the humorous to the philosophical, as they face the trials of life and approach the quarter-life crisis. Dante eventually realizes that he is in a dead-end job and begins to contemplate his future. The film also stars Jeff Anderson and Brian O'Halloran as Dante and Randal, respectively. Along with the two main characters, Jason Mewes, Scott Mosier, and Marilyn Ghigliotti appear in supporting roles. Clerks was made on a budget of just $27,575 and became a cult classic. The movie was lauded by critics and praised for its realistic dialogue and unique visual style.

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 black comedy film directed by Mike Judge. It follows the story of Peter Gibbons, a disillusioned programmer at a large software company, Initech. Peter is dissatisfied with his monotonous job, having to put up with an oppressive boss and annoying co-workers. After consulting with a hypnotherapist, Peter becomes more relaxed and begins to develop a different outlook on his job and life in general. Along with two of his friends, he eventually hatches a plan to embezzle money from the company and use it to start a consulting business on their own. The film follows the three as they attempt to go through with their plan while also dealing with the consequences of their actions. In the end Peter is able to find financial success and personal happiness, something he couldn't achieve while working at Initech.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel
Rated R

In Wes Anderson's 1998 film Rushmore, Max Fischer is an eccentric and extracurricular-loving 15-year-old at Rushmore Academy, a prestigious prep school. When Max develops a crush on a first-grade teacher, Miss Cross, he attempts to woo her with grand gestures. Meanwhile, Max also finds himself in a rivalry with a self-made millionaire, Herman Blume, as they both vie for the affections of Miss Cross. The film follows Max's adventures at Rushmore, as well as his attempts to win Miss Cross' heart. Along the way, Max discovers his own ambitions and learns the importance of balancing his dreams and his reality. With the help of his friends, Max learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and making the most of life. Ultimately, Rushmore is a story about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Michael Lee Gogin
Rated R

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a 1998 film directed by Terry Gilliam. It stars Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro and tells the story of two friends, Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, on a drug-filled, surreal road trip through Las Vegas in 1971. On their journey, they take a variety of drugs, get in trouble with the police, and encounter numerous unusual characters. The film is a darkly comic and absurd look at the dark side of the 1960s counterculture movement and its excesses.

From Christopher Guest, starring Christopher Guest, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Jerry Adler, Lynn Cohen
Rated PG

From Directors: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly, starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Mike Starr
Rated PG-13

From George Armitage, starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack
Rated R

From Albert Brooks, starring Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Michael Durrell
Rated PG

From F. Gary Gray, starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tom Lister Jr.
Rated R

From Doug Liman, starring Vince Vaughn, Heather Graham, Jon Favreau, Ron Livingston
Rated R

From Kevin Smith, starring Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Ethan Suplee, Scott Mosier
Rated R

From Doug Liman, starring Sarah Polley, Jay Mohr, Scott Wolf, Taye Diggs
Rated R

From Peter Segal, starring Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy, Bo Derek
Rated PG-13

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

From Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, starring Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller, Lee Evans
Rated R

From David O. Russell, starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze
Rated R