The 1990s introducedseveral comedy films that have become classics within the genre, but there are a few releases from the decade that deserve just as much respect. Respected comedic actors like Jim Carrey and Ben Stiller are known for their work in the ’90s and though there were many successes for the two, they are not exempt from having a few unappreciated comedies. Most of the overlooked comedies from the time have gone on to acquire cult followings, but remain largely disrespected by average moviegoers.
One thing that makes these films worthy of respect istheir ambition to create something original in the comedy genre.Films likeMystery Men,BASEketball, andIdle Handsmake noteworthy attempts to elevate their basic comedic premise, including elements of other genres like horror. With every decade that’s passed since these films' original releases, there’s a better chance audiences are now more willing to give them another chance.
10Half Baked (1998)
Directed by Tamra Davis
Stoner films are often a hit-or-miss, as the specific humor doesn’t land for everyone. Starring and co-written by Dave Chappelle,Half Bakedhas gone without respect for many years.Half Bakedfollows a group of three who steal medical marijuana, sell it, and raise money to get one of their friends out of prison.
Half Bakeddoesn’t quite have the cult status of other underrated ’90s comedies, but it’s highly quotable and gets more than enough laughsfrom its audience.
The humor inHalf Bakedisn’t as strong as other comedy films, butthe dynamics between the on-screen friend group is positively comparable to some ofthe best stoner friendships in film.Half Bakeddoesn’t quite have the cult status of other underrated ’90s comedies, but it’s highly quotable and gets more than enough laughsfrom its audience.
Half Baked
Cast
Half Baked is a comedy film directed by Tamra Davis, featuring Dave Chappelle, Jim Breuer, and Harland Williams. The plot centers around three friends who devise a plan to sell marijuana and raise bail money for their friend Kenny, who is arrested for accidentally killing a diabetic police horse. The film humorously explores their misadventures in the drug trade, balancing comedic elements with the overarching theme of loyalty and friendship.
As made clear by the audience reception on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb,Half Bakedhas found its target demographic. The response from fans of the stoner subgenre and of the comedians in the film shows there is a lot more toHalf Bakedthan is expected.
9BASEketball (1998)
Directed by David Zucker
The year after the premiere ofSouth Park, the creators of the animated sitcom, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, led the sports comedyBASEketball. The name of the comedy film comes from the invented sport it’s centered on: the combination of baseball and basketball. InBASEketball, the new sport quickly rises in popularity and the characters played by Parker and Stone must find a way to navigate their newfound success.
BASEketball
BASEketball is a comedy film directed by David Zucker, featuring Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Combining basketball and baseball, the movie follows two friends who invent a new sport to combat the commercialism of professional sports. As they navigate the challenges of their newfound fame, they struggle to maintain their friendship and the integrity of their creation.
Of course, everything plays out humorously and while the jokes inBASEketballaren’t always as sharp or consistent withthe humor found inSouth Park, there is still plenty to enjoy in the film. The dynamic between Parker and Stone is highly entertaining, and the film has several quotable lines. Additionally,a similar invented sport was featured in aSouth Parkepisode years laterin season 16, titled “Sarcastaball.”
8Idle Hands (1999)
Directed by Rodman Flender
Mixing elements of both stoner and horror films,Idle Handstells a unique story that is ultimately a lot of fun.Idle Handsfollows the killing spree of a possessed, detached hand originally belonging to the film’s teenage character, Anton (Devon Sawa).The film is as absurd as its premise sounds, and it’s a bit too much for some audiences.
Idle Hands
Idle Hands is a horror-comedy directed by Rodman Flender. Released in 1999, the film follows 17-year-old stoner Anton, whose lack of ambition leads to unexpected chaos when his hand becomes possessed. Amid humorous and supernatural events, Anton must confront this demonic force threatening his way of life.
Negative reviews have faultedIdle Handsfor its tendency to be too cheesy at times, taking away from any of its horror elements. However, enough viewers at home disagree asIdle Handshas obtained a cult following in recent years, the way manyhorror comedy flopsof the decade often do.
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The intentional humor complements the film’s gory scenes and makes for an entertaining viewing. Additionally, nostalgia informs many retrospective reviews ofIdle Handsas its main cast and punk rock soundtrack are fitting for its late ’90s release.
7Dirty Work (1998)
Directed by Bob Saget
Dirty Workfeatures a star-studded cast of comedic actors including Norm Macdonald, Don Rickles, and Chris Farley. The film centers around two friends, Macdonald’s Mitch and Artie Lange’s Sam, asthey run a revenge-for-hire business to earn money for a loved one’s heart surgery.Unfortunately,the combined talent of the cast wasn’t enough to save the film from doing poorly financially and with critics.
Dirty Work
Dirty Work is a 1998 comedy directed by Bob Saget and starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange. The film follows friends Mitch and Sam, who open a revenge-for-hire business to fund an expensive heart surgery for Sam’s father. Featuring performances by Jack Warden and Christopher McDonald, the movie blends slapstick humor with witty banter, delivering a comedic narrative centered on unconventional entrepreneurialism.
To many, the film was too full of crude and unfunny jokes that didn’t match up to the potential of its seasoned cast. Similarly, for some audiences, there wasn’t enough inDirty Workto elevate it beyond a standard buddy comedy. Still, even in its conventionality,Dirty Workdeserves respect as it includes one ofthe best performances by Macdonaldand is undoubtedly his most memorable role.
6Airheads (1994)
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Adam Sandler, Brendan Fraser, and Steve Buscemi leadAirheadsas members of a rock band that holds radio station employees hostage in hopes of getting their music heard. When it was first released in the mid-’90s,Airheadsfailed to impress at the box office or with critics.The main criticism ofAirheadswas its indecisive tone, as it appears the film is trying to be satirical,but any attempt is overshadowed by its comedic performances.
Airheads
Three members of a rock band are waiting for a big break. They decide to go to a radio station to play their demo tape and end up holding everyone hostage with plastic guns when the main DJ refuses to play it.
Still, with the eventual rise to fame of its leads, aside from Buscemi who had already built up a weighty filmography by 1994, it’s no wonderAirheadshas become a cult comedy film.The cast went on to deliver stronger, critically acclaimed performances, but their work inAirheadsis nevertheless entertaining and earns some well-deserved laughs from the audience.
5Mallrats (1995)
Directed by Kevin Smith
Often overshadowed byClerks, the first film inKevin Smith’sView Askewniverse,Mallratsis just as deserving of praise. The film takes place over the course of a day and follows characters T.S. (Jeremy London) and Brodie (Jason Lee) as they spend their day at the mall, distracting themselves from recent breakups.UnlikeClerks,Mallratsdid not receive as positive a critical response and did poorly at the box office.
Mallrats
Mallrats is the second film in Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse and a prequel to Clerks, focusing on two friends who bond at a mall after being dumped by their girlfriends. The film didn’t perform well at the box office but has since become a cult classic and one of the most notable films in Smith’s portfolio.
WhileMallratshas since been considered by many a cult classic, it still isn’t as appreciated as it should be. The humor inMallratsleans heavily into the slapstick style and the bold characters aren’t for everyone. Still, the brand of humor is not entirely a bad thing. ConsideringMallratsis only Smith’s second film, the missteps are to be expected, and at the time of its release, the differing tones betweenClerksandMallratswere a promising look at the different types of films to be expected inSmith’s fictional universe.
4The Cable Guy (1996)
Directed by Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller has directeda range of comedy films throughout his career, with the second beingThe Cable Guystarring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. The titular installer is played by Carrey and what starts as a harmless invitation to be friends with Broderick’s Steven turns into a dark obsession.
Still, as an actor, Carrey was able to prove he could do more than the goofy roles he was known for beforeThe Cable Guy.
The Cable Guydoesn’t have the most cohesive story as its underlying messageabout the dangers of intemperate media consumption frequently gets lost among the dark humor in the film. Because of this, and Carrey’s unexpected role as a sinister character,The Cable Guyisn’t often brought up when discussing the best comedies of the decade, or of Carrey’s career.
The Cable Guy
The Cable Guy is a dark comedy film that follows the story of Steven Kovacs, a lonely and socially awkward cable TV installer, played by Jim Carrey, who becomes obsessed with a customer, Chip Douglas, played by Matthew Broderick, and inserts himself into Chip’s life.
Still, as an actor,Carrey was able to prove he could do more than the goofy roleshe was known for beforeThe Cable Guy. As a result, he was given the chance to lead films likeThe Truman ShowandEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
3Tommy Boy (1995)
Directed by Peter Segal
Saturday Night Livealumni Chris Farley and David Spade leadTommy Boy, a buddy comedy about a cross-country road trip with the goal of making sales and saving a family business. The film wasn’t a big success, and it hasn’t been given proper respect outside its cult following. However,fans of Spade and Farley have spent the years sinceTommy Boy’s release showcasing their love for the film,made apparent by theway higher audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Tommy Boy
Tommy Boy is a comedy film starring Chris Farley as Tommy Callahan, a clumsy but well-meaning underachiever, and David Spade as Richard Hayden, a straight-laced sales representative. Released in 1995, the film follows the unlikely duo as they embark on a cross-country road trip to save the Callahan Brake Pads company from bankruptcy.
Similar to Jim Carrey inThe Cable Guy,Farley was able to show another side of himself as a performerinTommy Boy. The heartfelt moments inTommy Boynot only ground the film, which could’ve merely been an over-the-top display of humor, but also show what Farley was capable of beyond his beloved physical comedy style.
2Mystery Men (1999)
Directed by Kinka Usher
Made up of an impressive comedic cast,Mystery Men’s premise has only gotten better over the years and, with that, hopefully earning the respect it deserves. Following the heroic adventures of unorthodox superheroes,Mystery Menparodies the popular superhero genre that has taken over pop culture. Upon its initial release,reviews from critics were decent, but audiences weren’t as interested,as evident in the film’s box office numbers.
Mystery Men
Mystery Men is a 1999 superhero comedy film that features an ensemble cast including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and Janeane Garofalo. Directed by Kinka Usher, the plot follows a group of underdog superheroes with unimpressive powers who must save their city from a formidable villain after the town’s real champion is captured. The film blends humor and action as the quirky team learns to work together.
The charactersMystery Menpokes fun at, namely those in theBatmanfilms of the late ’80s to late ’90s, made the parody film feel relevant at the time. However,the influx of more dramatic superhero films within recent decades showsMystery Menwas ahead of its timeand is worthy of praise beyond its cult following.Mystery Mendoesn’t take itself too seriously and manages to weave in clever jokes about the genre that both superfans and detractors of genuine superhero films can enjoy.
1Kingpin (1996)
Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly
The Farrelly brothers, known for films likeDumb and DumberandFever Pitch, saw mediocre success with their sophomore filmKingpin.The film stars Woody Harrelson as an ex-professional bowlerwho finds his way back into the game when training a promising young bowler, Ishmael (Randy Quaid).
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WhileKingpinwasn’t a total critical or commercial failure, there were still many reviews that discredited the film for its harsh humor. Still, there is plenty to love aboutKingpin. Harrelson and Quaid have a comically charged and compelling on-screen relationship as mentor and protégé and, withBill Murray thrown into the mix as the enemy of Harrelson’s character, there is rarely a dull moment in the film.
Kingpin
Kingpin is a 1996 sports comedy film directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly. The movie stars Woody Harrelson as Roy Munson, a former bowling prodigy who teams up with an Amish bowler, portrayed by Randy Quaid, to compete in a high-stakes tournament. Bill Murray plays Ernie McCracken, a rival bowler with a colorful past. The film chronicles their comical journey as they navigate challenges within the bowling circuit.
What’s more is thatKingpinis quickly paced, sure to never lose the audience’s attention, and is often unpredictable, which isn’t something that can be said about every comedy film.
