Jim Carrey is one of the most beloved comedy stars of all time. He is best known for his wildly over-the-top physical humor, facial expressions, and outrageous catchphrases that are endlessly quotable. For more than three decades, Carrey has been making us laugh with his countless hit movies. Here we take a look at his 10 funniest movies, ranked from best to worst.
1. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective tops the list as Jim Carrey’s best movie. The movie set the template for Carrey’s brand of outrageous humor, featuring his trademark physicality and exuberance. It’s a madcap romp with silly one-liners, memorable scenes, and a truly outrageous performance from Carrey.
2. The Mask (1994)
The Mask is Carrey’s second-best movie. This action-comedy stars him as Stanley Ipkiss, a timid bank clerk who finds a mysterious mask that transforms him into a sassy, manic superhero. The Mask contains some of Carrey’s funniest set pieces, and it’s a visually creative movie that makes great use of its cartoonish premise.
3. Buddy (1994)
This is one of Carrey’s earliest hits, and it’s still one of his funniest movies. He plays Buddy, a kind-hearted loserman who gets mistaken for an orphan and adopted by an elf voiced by Ed Asner. Buddy is silly and sweet, with plenty of slapstick hilarity.
4. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Dumb and Dumber is the movie that further cemented Carrey’s reputation as a comedy superstar. He plays Lloyd Christmas, a dim-witted but lovable slacker who embarks on an epic quest to return a briefcase full of money. The movie is packed with absurdity, physical comedy, and gross-out gags.
5. The Cable Guy (1996)
The Cable Guy is Carrey’s darker comedy. He plays a lonely, disturbed cabler technician who befriends a hapless customer (Matthew Broderick). It contains some of the most absurd and twisted humor of Carrey’s career, and he takes the character to wonderfully dark and creepy heights.
6. Batman Forever (1995)
Batman Forever was Carrey’s first big-budget blockbuster. He plays the Riddler, a maniacal information broker who seeks to unleash a program that will crack all of Gotham City’s security codes. Carrey is delightfully nutty and devious, and his performance is a highlight of the movie.
7. Liar Liar (1997)
Liar Liar is a zany farce about a lawyer (Carrey) whose son accidentally casts a wish that his dad will be “honest for 24 hours,” forcing him to tell only the truth. It’s an endlessly rewatchable movie filled with Carrey’s patented brand of comic chaos.
8. Yes Man (2008)
Yes Man is a crowd-pleasing comedy about a jaded, bitter man (Carrey) who decides to turn his life around by saying “Yes” to every opportunity that comes his way. It’s a charming, uplifting movie with plenty of warmth and Carrey’s trademark manic energy.
9. Bruce Almighty (2003)
Bruce Almighty stars Carrey as Bruce Nolan, a discontented man who gets to experience life as God when he is temporarily granted divine powers. It’s an amusing comedy-drama with lots of outrageous set pieces, silly gags, and heartfelt moments.
10. Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
Fun with Dick and Jane is an enjoyable heist comedy starring Carrey and Tea Leoni as a married couple who take to robbing banks to make ends meet. It contains some of the smartest and sharpest humor of Carrey’s career, and it’s one of his better lesser-seen comedies.
Bonus: The Grinch (2018)
The Grinch is a delightful animated remake of the classic Dr. Seuss book, and Carrey lends his voice to the titular character. The movie is a bright, funny, and endearingly sweet movie that captures the original book’s spirit and delightfully incorporates Carrey’s trademarkly manic shtick.
Jim Carrey’s output of hilarious movies spans over three decades and includes many memorable contributions to popular culture. From the water-skiing escapades of Ace Ventura to the heartfelt heist capers of Fun with Dick and Jane, Carrey has always brought an infectious and joyous energy to all of his comedy roles. His 10 funniest movies are all essential viewing for any serious fan of comedic cinema.
