Ben Stiller has become a regular cast member in movies that have made it big at the box office, remaining as a favorite actor for many fans over the years.
Not only has he appeared on the big screen in well-known films, such as Meet The Fockers, but he has also taken cameo roles in the likes of Friends, and even playing a less-than flattering version of himself in Ricky Gervais' Extras. Stiller's vast catalog of work has encouraged the readers of Ranker to vote for which they believe to be the best of his movies.
Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (2014)
Available To Stream In Disney+
As the last of 3 Night At The Museum movies, Secret Of The Tomb rounded off the story with Larry having to work out why his waxwork friends were behaving oddly and how he could stop the magic from being lost forever.
The films are as unique as they are imaginative, with Stiller playing the contradictory character, who was a little more serious and down to earth when compared to his statue friends. Surrounded by a supremely talented cast, including Robin Williams who took up a role that proved his diversity as an actor, Ben Stiller steals the show with exquisite performances.
Madagascar (2005)
Available To Buy On Amazon
Ben Stiller has been able to turn his hand to a variety of different projects and Madagascar proved his competency at voice over work for an animated movie.
There are plenty of best kids' movies for adults and Madagascar fits the category. The film appealed to a wide scale of ages, with the cast being an integral element to making the film become a hit with as many people as possible. Stiller was expressive and engaging when voicing Alex, bringing the character to life for viewers.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Available To Stream On DIRECTV
Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller are one and the same, often getting compared to each other because of their similar talents and consistent stream of intriguing work in comedy. Having the pair perform together was every fans' dream.
Happy Gilmore sees Stiller with a smaller role as a cruel nursing home manager, which contrasts Sandler's dimwitted titular character. The movie is typical of Sandler's signature humor and Ben Stiller fitted in just as he would with any other part he plays.
Night At The Museum (2006)
Available To Stream On Disney+
As the first in the trilogy, Night At The Museum gave a great introduction to the world of a museum where inanimate, historical figures came to life. Larry (Stiller) is given a fright at what he sees, only to become drawn into saving the museum and all that live there.
As with any fantasy film, the first in the series opens audience's eyes to the wonders that the films artists have created. Being introduced to the magic of waxworks coming to life is captivating in itself and as the lead actor, Stiller helps to keep that magic alive.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Available To Buy On Amazon
Comedy can literally take a plot line anywhere and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story is a perfect example of how the genre knows no bounds.
There's plenty of sports that have had inspirational stories centered around them, but dodgeball proved to be a great sport to have a side-splittingly funny film. Once again, Stiller created a completely different persona to all of his other work, allowing audiences to separate all of his characters. On this occasion, his role of White was self-obsessed and Stiller added the humorous layer required.
Zoolander (2001)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Zoolander is arguably one of the most eccentric characters Ben Stiller has played in his career. Although the plot revolves around a foolish model becoming brainwashed into killing Malaysia's prime minister, the outlandishness isn't so over the top that the character loses all credibility.
As an extravagant comedy, Zoolander incorporated a cast of greats, including Will Ferrell and Christine Taylor, all under the direction of Ben Stiller himself. Whilst there are films that have only included his talents as an actor, Zoolander displays Stiller's artistic flair in more than one field.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Available To Buy On Amazon
Although Tropic Thunder is laced with comedy, (the genre that Ben Stiller is best known for,) it also adds action to the plot line, venturing out of what Stiller is usually seen in.
The star-studded cast, which included Jack Black, portrayed a group of actors that are filming a war movie. It sounds simple enough, but they soon realize that they are in over their heads when they get caught up in a major conflict. While the movie did receive positive reviews because it seemed to critique Hollywood and the filming industry (as reported by The Washington Post), it also received a lot of criticism as well due to several controversial moments.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
Available To Buy On Amazon
Compared to the likes of Zoolander, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is nowhere near as flamboyant, but it's the monotony of Walter's life and his regular daydreams (that eventually leads to an actual adventure) that makes the film watchable.
In many of his other works, Stiller has played an energetic or emotional character, but playing Walter Mitty enabled him to demonstrate a more subdued ability, which was just as effective as any other part he had played.
There's Something About Mary (1998)
Available To Stream On Starz
Whilst There's Something About Mary may have scenes that aged horribly, it still ranks high among fans as one of Ben Stiller's best movies.
A love struck teenager (Ted) loses contact with his dream girl, only to try and track her down years later. His hope to rekindle what once was, leads him to encounter a string of hilarious events, which eventually make Ted realize that Mary should be with someone else. The onscreen partnership between Stiller and Cameron Diaz makes for a perfect pairing in the romcom.
Meet The Parents (2002)
Available To Stream On DIRECTV
Most people have experienced the agonizing nerves of meeting in-laws, but not many have had to face the interrogation of Jack Byrnes upon their first family meeting.
Meet The Parents is the first of three films, following Greg's (Ben Stiller) journey in finding common ground with his partner's family. Stiller plays the part with comedic brilliance and a warmth that allows viewers to feel empathy for the son-in-law who just wants an easy relationship. With plenty of awkward moments and some of Ben Stiller's funniest movie quotes, it's no wonder this film ranks highest with fans.