The 90s was an amazing decade for comedic films, introducing the world to movies like Groundhog Day, Grumpy Old Men, Happy Gilmore, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Full Monty, Mrs. Doubtfire, Wayne's World, Loaded Weapon and much, much more. And while comedy in this decade is often defined by just a handful of films, there were hundreds of them released from 1991 through to 1999.
Granted, they weren't all great. But some of them were indeed fantastic comedy films that don't get the recognition they deserve and are worth watching again.
Death Becomes Her
One of many films from the decade that did well at the box office but only true fans will remember, Death Becomes Her wasn't well-reviewed by critics, but it has since developed a cult following, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
The black comedy is about two women who drink a magic potion in an effort to experience eternal youth. Instead, they die and become walking and talking corpses. Heading up the cast was Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis.
What About Bob?
Ranking 44th on Bravo's list of the 100 Funniest Movies Of All Time, What About Bob? is a black comedy that stars Hollywood icons, Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. Murray plays Bob, a patient who follows his psychiatrist, Dr. Marin (Dreyfuss), on vacation and proceeds to annoy him incessantly, particularly by befriending members of his family.
It was both well-reviewed and made money at the box office, reportedly earning the title of the highest-grossing live-action film that year for Buena Vista.
Private Parts
Many forget that the "shock jock" himself Howard Stern actually starred in his own movie back in 1997. It was an autobiographical comedy, adapted from the 1993 book of the same name that Stern wrote about his life.
It tells the story of Stern's meteoric rise from a young boy to a successful radio disc jockey. It actually did quite well in theaters and was even praised by critics, yet so many people forget it even existed.
Father Of The Bride
Back in 1991, this little film starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams, Martin Short, B.D. Wong, and Kieran Culkin, was released. A remake of the 1950 film of the same name, Martin is a businessman who must reluctantly deal with the reality that his little girl is all grown up and getting married.
It was sweet, funny, and touching, all rolled into one, but mostly funny, thanks to the hilarious cast that included Steve Martin and Martin Short's over-the-top wedding planner character.
Billy Madison
A lot of Happy Madison films from this decade get attention, but it's easy to forget one of the two films that started it all. The "Happy" in Adam Sandler's production company is taken from Happy Gilmore, one of his first tremendously successful films. The "Madison" comes from Billy Madison, the other film that marked Sandler's breakout success as a bona fide film star.
In the ridiculous film, Sandler is the spoiled, lazy son of a wealthy businessman. Effectively a man child, as an adult, he decides to fast-track through grade and high school to prove to his father that he's worthy of taking over the company. Naturally, expected hilarity ensues, as a grown Billy goes to class with innocent and mischievous grade-schoolers and rebellious and awkward teens in high school.
Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead
During the height of her career in the 90s, while she was starring in the sitcom Married…With Children as Kelly Bundy, and in what is arguably her best role to date, Christina Applegate took some time out of her busy schedule to do this cute and fun black comedy about a 17-year-old who finds herself caring for her siblings after the babysitter drops dead.
While the 1991 film wasn't exactly praised upon release, it has since developed a cult following. Despite not being recognized among the top comedic films of the decade, it's one of those movies that perfectly defines the time.
Can't Hardly Wait
Amidst the influx of teen comedies that were released in the 90s was this gem from 1998 that many people have forgotten about. The film had a pretty impressive ensemble cast that includes Ethan Embry, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, Seth Green, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, many of whom were not known names at the time.
It dealt with the typical storylines you'd expect from a teen rom-com. Viewers follow a group of high schoolers with the focus on their big graduation party. While Can't Hardly Wait is a decent film, it's the soundtrack that's really impressive.
Hot Shots!
This was Charlie Sheen at his best, during the best decade of his life in film. From the co-writer and co-director of Airplane!, Hot Shots! is a parody film that pokes fun at Top Gun, though several movies are spoofed in different scenes of the 1991 flick, from Dances with Wolves to Gone with the Wind.
Hot Shots! Part Deux released two years later in 1993, is just as funny. It's a perfect back-to-back binge if you need a good, hearty laugh, but the original film is easily the funniest of 1991.
Sister Act
Before she was heading up the panel on daytime talk show The View, Whoopi Goldberg was one of the most sought-after comedic actors, appearing in several comedy films through the 90s. One such film was 1992's Sister Act, which is a movie that everyone has heard of but many totally forget about when trying to recall the best comedy films of the decade.
Goldberg stars as a former lounge singer who is placed in witness protection, part of which requires her to join a convent. The film led to a second in 1993, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, as well as a musical. While fans might have forgotten about the film, they'll remember soon enough, as a third flick is said to be in the works, with plans to be released on Disney+.
So I Married An Axe Murderer
It's one of the most quotable films of the decade, yet this totally underrated Mike Myers gem from 1993 rarely makes it on any list of the best comedy films of the 90s or even the best of Myers' films. In fact, the movie was panned by critics, but it falls into the category of one of those movies that fans find funnier and funnier each time it is watched.
Myers stars as a single spoken word poet who meets the woman of his dreams, until he gets paranoid that she might be a serial killer. Keep an eye out for his dual role as his elderly father with a very thick and heavy Scottish accent.