The 1990s are thought of by many as a Golden Age for comedy films, featuring the rise of several supremely popular comedic stars that have cultivated long-lasting careers in the movie industry that continue until this very day.
Though several are approaching their 30-year landmark anniversary, many '90s comedies continue to be just as popular today as they were upon their release. As such, users on the website Ranker have spoken up concerning what they believe to be the best comedies of the well-loved decade.
The Waterboy
Released in 1998, The Waterboy is a sports comedy featuring a waterboy for a college football team who winds up playing on a rival team, much to the chagrin of his former employers. The comedy features several iconic stars, including Adam Sandler in the main role, Kathy Bates, and Henry Winkler.
The Waterboy has long been considered to be one of Adam Sandler's best comedies, combining some of the comedian's best attributes to make for a fun, and at times emotionally resonant, journey. Fans of Sandler's can find this classic comedy on Amazon Prime Video or on IMDB TV for free streaming.
Friday
Friday is a 1995 comedy taking place over the course of a single Friday in the life of Craig Jones (Ice Cube). Over the course of one bizarrely eventful day, Jones deals with a litany of strange characters and insane antics, with his best friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) along for the ride.
For fans of the glory days of both Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, this film is a fun exploration of the pair's comedic talents in a way that audiences don't see much of in the present day. The comedy has resonated both with critics and audiences throughout the years, making it an all-around enjoyable watch, which audiences can find with a subscription to either HBO Max or Peacock.
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is one of comedian Bill Murray's many iconic films to come out of the 1990s. The 1993 film revolves around Murray's character as he finds himself caught in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again, unable to escape the titular Groundhog Day.
In the years since its release, Groundhog Day has spawned a number of imitation films, which continue to see their own success to this day, proving that Bill Murray's original time loop film is perhaps one of the most impactful films of its decade. Fans of Murray's with an Epix subscription can enjoy this comedy over and over again.
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is the first in a trilogy starring the titular spy, who serves as a parody of the classic 1960s film heroes, primarily James Bond. This 1997 film stars Mike Myers as both Austin Powers and his nemesis Dr. Evil, both of whom have become iconic characters over the decades.
This film has become iconic for its numerous quotable lines, brilliant cameos from major stars, and Mike Myers's hilarious characterizations, including his spot-on parody of famous Bond villain Dr. No. Many fans have been lobbying for a fourth film in this franchise for decades but can enjoy the first installment of this series on Amazon Prime Video while they wait.
The Sandlot
The Sandlot is a sports comedy coupled with a children's coming-of-age story, featuring a host of neighborhood children and their antics revolving around the nearby baseball diamond, which becomes their designated base of operations. The film, released in 1993, remains one of the most beloved films of all time.
This classic film redefined its genre, making for a surprisingly rewatchable (and endlessly quotable) film that holds up even almost three decades after its initial release. Those wishing to relive the hilarity of The Sandlot can do so by renting or buying the film on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video.
Tommy Boy
Featuring the iconic pair of Saturday Night Live alumni Chris Farley and David Spade, Tommy Boy is a 1995 film that tells the story of a dumb but lovable heir to a failing business and his intellectually superior assistant attempting to save their business by any means necessary, while outside forces work to push them out and cash in on what's left of the family company.
Tommyboy is a film that may be unfamiliar to younger generations but is certainly one that parents who grew up in Farley and Spade's golden age have quoted to their children on countless occasions. Audiences wishing to revisit this hilarious comedy can do so with a Paramount+ subscription.
My Cousin Vinny
My Cousin Vinny is a 1992 legal comedy starring Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, and Ralph Maccio. The film tells the tale of two friends who have been accused of murder that must rely on the underqualified lawyer Vinnie (Pesci) to win their court case.
This comedy, which is available to stream with an HBO Max subscription, is notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that it guided Marisa Tomei to her first Oscar win for Supporting Actress in one of the Academy Awards' biggest upsets of all time.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective proved to be a launching point for the career of Jim Carrey, who has since become a staple of the comedic genre. The 1994 film, which also features Sean Young and Courteney Cox, revolves around a mystery involving a missing dolphin and one (pet) detective's quest to find the missing aquatic animal.
Ace Ventura is absolutely a must-watch for any fans of Jim Carey's monumental movie career. Carey's performance in this film would go on to influence the phycial humor in many of his future characters and is thereby a major turning point in his filmography. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Dumb And Dumber
The 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber kicked off a franchise based on Jeff Daniels and Jim Carey's iconic characters. The film tells the story of two idiotic friends that are somehow caught up in a ransom situation after a misunderstanding regarding a missing briefcase.
Dumb and Dumber is notable for introducing audiences to one of Jim Carey's best characters, Lloyd Christmas, a role which Carey would surprise in the much-maligned 2014 sequel. The comedic pairing of Carey and Daniels proves to be a memorable one, which audiences can relive with a subscription to HBO Max.
Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore is one of the most beloved and iconic entries in Adam Sandler's long and successful movie career. Sandler plays the titular Gilmore, whose passion for the sport of hockey is only superseded by his talent at golf. This 1996 classic also stars Richard Kiel, Carl Weathers, and Frances Bay.
Out of Adam Sandler's many movie roles, that of Happy Gilmore is perhaps the most iconic. His work in this comedy would go on to influence many of his future characters, though few would live up to the good name generated by Happy Gilmore himself. Those who wish to revisit Sandler's iconic performance in Happy Gilmore can do so on Netflix, where the film is available to stream for free.