90s Comedy

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

Toy Story is an animated film directed by John Lasseter and released by Pixar in 1995. It tells the story of a group of toys, led by Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, that come to life when their owner, Andy, is not around. The toys embark on a wild adventure when Andy’s birthday presents threaten their existence. They must work together to find their way home and save the day. Along the way, Woody and Buzz battle for Andy’s affections and discover the true meaning of friendship. With its bright colors, charming characters, and classic storyline, Toy Story has become a classic that has been loved by children and adults for over two decades.

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

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy film directed by Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. It follows the story of Phil Connors, a cynical and selfish TV weatherman who finds himself in an endlessly repeating day, reliving the same day over and over again. Phil starts to use this gift to better himself, eventually learning to appreciate and enjoy life and his newfound sense of purpose. In the end, he is able to break the cycle of the day and move on.

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

Fargo is a 1996 crime thriller film written, produced, and directed by the Coen brothers. Set in Minnesota, the story follows a pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), as she investigates a series of homicides connected to a car salesman and his kidnapping scheme. Along with her helpful husband, Norm (John Carroll Lynch), Marge discovers a dark plot involving a local crime syndicate, a suitcase full of money, and unsavory characters from both sides of the law. As the investigation deepens, the consequences of their actions become increasingly dire. The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy, and Peter Stormare. With its unique mix of humor and suspense, Fargo is a classic of modern cinema that has earned a place in movie history.

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

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 comedy film written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro. Set in the Los Angeles beach area in the early 1990s, the film follows "The Dude", a slacker played by Bridges, who is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and subsequently entwined in a kidnapping scheme. The Dude and his close friends, known as the "Dude's League", set out to solve the case and restore justice. Along the way, the Dude is involved in a series of misadventures including a run-in with a violent nihilist gang. The film is a cult classic and is regarded as one of the Coen Brothers' best films, praised for its comedic dialogue and its soundtracks, which includes songs by Bob Dylan and Kenny Rogers. The Big Lebowski is also noted for its colorful cast of characters, its surreal dream sequences, and its nonlinear structure.

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

Toy Story 2 is the sequel to the beloved 1995 Pixar classic Toy Story. The film follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their friends as they come to terms with Woody’s impending sale to a toy collector. As they attempt to retrieve Woody before he is sold, they encounter a host of new characters including Jessie the yodeling cowgirl and Stinky Pete the Prospector. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the true meaning of being a toy. In the end, their friendships are stronger than ever and they come together to rescue Woody.

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

Ed Wood is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Tim Burton about the life of the eponymous filmmaker, considered by some to be the worst director of all time. The film follows the story of Ed Wood (played by Johnny Depp) from his early days working in the B-movie industry to his brief stint as a Hollywood director. Along the way, he must overcome his self-doubts and the ridicule of his peers to make his dreams a reality. The film also stars Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi and Patricia Arquette as his wife, Dolores Fuller. The movie paints a sympathetic and ultimately uplifting portrait of a filmmaker whose passion and enthusiasm for cinema was unmatched. Despite the fact that his films were considered box office failures, Wood was able to inspire a generation of filmmakers and continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

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

Being John Malkovich is a surreal comedy film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. It follows the story of Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) a struggling puppeteer who discovers a portal that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. Craig takes advantage of this portal and begins charging people $200 for fifteen minutes of being inside Malkovich's brain. As Craig's scheme takes off, his co-worker, Maxine (Catherine Keener) takes an interest in it and soon the two are embroiled in a bizarre love triangle with the real Malkovich. Meanwhile, Craig's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), discovers the portal and begins taking trips into Malkovich's mind in search of her own identity. The film is a comedic exploration of identity, relationships, and the power of the human mind.

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

Home Alone is an iconic and beloved Christmas comedy from 1990 directed by Chris Columbus. The film follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) as he is mistakenly left home alone while his chaotic family takes a Christmas vacation to Paris. Kevin must defend his home against two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) trying to rob his house. With his resourcefulness, Kevin is able to outwit the burglars and keep his home safe. Home Alone is a classic holiday movie for all ages, filled with hijinks, hilarity, and a heartfelt family reunion in the end.

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

Clerks is a black-and-white comedy about two store clerks Dante and Randal who, over the course of a day, experience all the ups and downs of life. The film centers around Dante and Randal’s conversations at the Quick Stop convenience store where they work, and their interactions with the other people in their lives. Through their conversations, the audience gets a glimpse at Dante and Randal’s lives, their opinions on the world, and their dreams and aspirations. Despite the mundane and often uncomfortable situations they find themselves in, Dante and Randal remain loyal friends through it all. The film is a portrait of the lives of young adults in the 1990s, and it is full of comedy and drama.

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

Office Space is a 1999 American comedy film written and directed by Mike Judge. It stars Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston and Gary Cole. The film follows the story of a frustrated computer programmer who, after being threatened by his boss, joins forces with two of his colleagues to embezzle money from his employer and start their own business. The film also features witty dialogue and satire about office life, technology and the mundane lifestyle of cubical workers. The movie was a financial and critical success and has since become a cult classic.

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

Rushmore is a 1998 American comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson about an eccentric and ambitious high school student named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman). Max is a scholarship student at Rushmore, a private school in Houston, Texas. His over-involvement in school activities leads to his expulsion and puts his friendship with a wealthy industrialist named Herman Blume (Bill Murray) at risk. Along the way, Max discovers his true talents and learns to prioritize his relationships. The film also stars Olivia Williams and Seymour Cassel.

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 black comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam, based on Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 novel of the same name. It stars Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke and Benicio del Toro as Dr. Gonzo, two friends on a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas. As they descend into the city, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, drug-induced misadventures, and a whole lot of chaos. The film is a surreal exploration of the psychedelic counterculture of the late 1960s, with a strong focus on the effects of recreational drugs. It is a wild ride that is both humorous and disturbing, and a unique window into the counterculture of the time.

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