Once known for being a lovably goofy comedian in films throughout the '80s and '90s, Rick Moranis hasn't been featured in the media much these days. Having largely retired from acting in favor of raising his children after the tragic loss of his wife, he's only done a smattering of voice work during his 23-year hiatus.
Moranis got his start on the SNL-like Second City Television, a Chicago-based variety show that featured many up-and-coming comedians such as Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Catherine O'Hara. Moranis and these performers would go on to star in many of the same films, including Little Shop of Horrors, Ghostbusters, and Spaceballs. In early 2020, it was announced Moranis would be returning to the film industry in a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids reboot, so let's take a look at some of his best work, ranked according to their IMDb ratings.
LITTLE GIANTS (6.3/10)
Sibling rivalry is at the heart of Little Giants, as two brothers coach opposing PeeWee football teams in a city that can support only one. One team is compromised of youngsters who may one day make it to varsity status, while the other is full of co-ed misfits.
Nerdy Danny O'Shea (Rick Moranis) has always been envious of his brother Kevin (Ed O'Neill), who became a college football star while Danny worked at a gas station. That all changes when Kevin won't let his daughter play on his youth football team, inspiring Danny to start his own team of little giants.
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS (6.3/10)
A classic '80s family movie, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids spawned several sequels based on the wacky premise of an eccentric inventor who accidentally miniaturizes his children. The humor and impressive visual effects elevate it beyond the usual Disney films of the era.
Rick Moranis plays Wayne Szalinski, the zany inventor who thinks his shrink ray is a bust. However, Wayne realizes he couldn't have been more wrong when his children become 1/4 inch tall after accidentally stepping in front of the beam, and are forced to navigate the world they knew from an ant's perspective.
BREWSTER'S MILLIONS (6.5/10)
When Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor) inherits $300 million from his departed uncle, he thinks his days of struggling as a minor-league pitcher are over. However, his uncle has laid out certain rules in order for Montogomery to receive the money, stipulating that he must spend $30 million in 30 days without giving too much away and without having excess assets by the end.
Though he has a small part, Rick Moranis makes a huge impression as an eccentric hanger-on of Brewster while he completes the will's stipulations. He follows Brewster around in a ridiculous tuxedo repeating everything he says.
STRANGE BREW (6.7/10)
Straight from SCTV (aka "Second City" TV), Strange Brew was created based on one of its most popular sketches. Featuring two brew-loving brothers who work at the Elsinore Brewery, they encounter a sinister plot by the Brewmaster to take over the world.
Rick Moranis plays Bob opposite fellow SCTV alumnus Dave Thomas's Doug, and together they get wind of a mind-control device being developed by Uncle Claude, a member of the Elsinore family, as well as Brewmeister Smith (Max von Sydow).
STREETS OF FIRE (6.7/10)
A true "rock opera" on a grand scale, Streets of Fire tells the classic story of a dashing soldier-for-hire sent to rescue a damsel in distress. Only the damsel is the lead singer in a rock band, and he'll need to fight through dangerous street gangs to get to her (while a classic '80s soundtrack of power ballads wails on).
Rick Moranis plays Billy, the manager of Ellen Aim (Diane Lane) and her band, who is forced to hire Ellen's former flame turned mercenary Tom Cody to get her back once Raven Shaddock (Willem Dafoe) kidnaps her. Billy isn't your typical manager, however, and joins the rescue mission to provide Cody with backup.
BROTHER BEAR (6.8/10)
While Brother Bear may not be one of Disney's most memorable animated films, it features a heartwarming story about the bonds of family and showcases the beauty of 2D animation before the company switched to CG. It focuses on what happens with an Inuit hunter shoots a bear and is transformed into one himself as punishment.
As Rutt the moose, Rick Moranis vocally mimics his role from Strange Brew along with fellow comedian David Thomas, who voices Tuke. Their repartee is the highlight of the film, as well as another source of brotherly bond besides Kenai and the cub Koda.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (7.0/10)
An eclectic mix of horror, music, and comedy, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of a lowly flower shop assistant who happens upon Audrey II, a strangely carnivorous plant with a taste for human flesh. As it grows, it becomes an unusual source of renown for the tiny shop that could use the attention.
As the flower shopkeep Seymour, Rick Moranis is at his timid and befuddled best, especially as he pines for his fellow assistant Audrey. Only her priggish boyfriend Orin stands between Seymour and the love of his life, at least, until Orin accidentally dies and Seymour is able to feed him to Audrey II. The perfect solution becomes a perfect nightmare when Audrey II demands more food.
PARENTHOOD (7.0/10)
Parenthood is a minefield, as showcased by Ron Howard in one of his earliest films, Parenthood, which focuses on Steve Martin's Gil Buckman, his children, his siblings, and their children. Through the examination of a variety of parenting styles and their repercussions, the film proves there's no right or wrong way to be a parent - your kids will hate you anyway.
Gil's siblings and their broods descend upon his household, which includes his brother-in-law Nathan (Rick Moranis), who is a typical "modern parent" who wants his child to be the best at everything. In one of Moranis's few dramatic roles, he's surprisingly effective and has one of the best arcs in the whole film as he learns to get go of achieving perfection with his children.
SPACEBALLS (7.1/10)
One of Mel Brooks's most popular comedies, Spaceballs was a spoof of the popular Star Wars, made ten years after George Lucas's space opera premiered. Brooks's high regard for the original Star Wars trilogy is evident even when he pokes fun at its beloved characters and canon.
The main villain Dark Helmet (played by Rick Moranis) may be even more memorable than the Dark Lord of the Sith whom he spoofs. Dark Helmet is responsible for the kidnapping of Princess Vespa and trying to kill her rescuers, renegade pilot Lone Starr (Bill Paxton) and his co-pilot Barf (John Candy).
GHOSTBUSTERS (7.8/10)
When a group of scientists teams up to become paranormal investigators, it's not a moment too soon when strange things start happening around New York City. Armed with ghost traps, containment tanks, and their knowledge of the supernatural, the Ghostbusters answer the call.
When a gateway is opened that leads to another dimension, human vessels are selected for ancient entities to inhabit while they usher evil into the city. Rick Moranis plays Tully, a meek accountant who gets possessed and turned into the Key Master. Moranis reprised his role for Ghostbusters II, which has a 6.6 on IMDb.