Top 10 Over The Top Comedy Movie Performances
#10: Tom Cruise
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“Tropic Thunder” (2008) Les Grossman remains one of Tom Cruise's most radical departures from his usual action hero roles. In this Ben Stiller satirical action flick, the actor completely changes his appearance and runs wild as a Hollywood firestarter. He isn't afraid of picking a fight with anybody, from agents to hostage takers. You’ve likely never seen the man with this much aggression, and you might never see him like this again. “Tropic Thunder” is a rare part that lets him shed his star status to play an entertainingly bad person. To top it all off, Cruise ends the movie with some pretty sick dance moves.
#9: Melissa McCarthy
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“Bridesmaids” (2011) Melissa McCarthy's role in "Bridesmaids" is one of the standout performances of the modern comedy classic. McCarthy makes her presence known throughout with broad comedic lines and memorable scenes. For instance, she adds a genuine flair to an already topnotch moment involving food poisoning. Next to that iconic sequence, the talented actress isn't worried about anything other than making the audience laugh. As both an entertaining character and a good friend, McCarthy grounds Megan Price in the real world so that she can still fly off the handle in a believable way. This role also helped create a brand that would continue with other starring vehicles for the performer.
#8: Kevin Kline
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“A Fish Called Wanda” (1988) Kevin Kline won an Oscar for this comically-insane character in "A Fish Called Wanda." His crazy behavior brings surprises to every one of his scenes, giving audiences reasons to laugh and wince in equal measure. Otto is the peak of brash personalities with his quick temper and trigger finger. He’s especially engaging when he’s telling someone off for calling him dumb, which only leads to a search for vengeance. His chemistry with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Cleese is off the charts too! Kline ultimately ensures that viewers won’t forget him, whether he’s eating fish or chasing people around an airport.
#7: Will Ferrell
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“Elf” (2003) Throughout the Christmas classic “Elf,” Will Ferrell generates the ultimate embodiment of holiday cheer. He even finds time to do his own singing, for further emphasis of such! Ferrell plays the fish-out-of-water better than anybody, with a constant smile and happy disposition that’s highly contagious. The character’s quest to find his father is extremely heartwarming, if for nothing other than his ever-present need to spread joy along the way. Tapping into the star’s likability and, probably in part, due to his recognizable work on “Saturday Night Live,” this movie has become a staple of December viewing ever since its release.
#6: Robin Williams
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“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) To many fans and fellow performers alike, Robin Williams was the epitome of risk-taking comedy. His role in "Mrs. Doubtfire" was one such gamble that paid off huge because of Williams' sheer dedication. Infusing the character with a personal touch that stemmed from his wild stage persona, Williams seemed to oh-so effortlessly disappear into the part of the British housekeeper. It’s difficult to deny how impressively he pulled off the switcheroo all while bringing the funny. Proving that he could do anything, this icon used every trick in the book to trick his on screen family.
#5: Eddie Murphy
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“The Nutty Professor” (1996) “The Nutty Professor” allows Eddie Murphy to play multiple roles with total commitment. The comedian brings a whole new personality to each and every one of his characters, regardless of prosthetics and makeup. It's hard enough to be funny in one part, let alone six! Seriously, the dinner scenes are pretty much just him talking to himself! Murphy definitely gives comedy legend Jerry Lewis a run for his money in this remake of the 60s original. Some might call him an overachiever, but there’s no doubt Murphy is one of the kings of scene-stealing comic performances.
#4: Sacha Baron Cohen
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“Borat” (2006) Known for his groundbreaking roles, Sacha Baron Cohen lays it all on the line as the title character in "Borat." His chaotic journey through America involves confronting countless citizens with blunt questions. Fearless in every scene, Baron Cohen interacts with everyday people by pretending to be a Kazakhstani journalist. His entire acting style is deliberately overblown in order to capitalize on every possible moment of comedy gold. In one of the most infamous scenes of the film, the actor even wrestles naked with his co-star. The performance might be as over-the-top as it is fearless.
#3: Tim Curry
Top 10 Tim Curry Performances
“Clue” (1985) Tim Curry's performance in "Clue" is one of several reasons that the board game adaptation defies expectations. Not only is his role as the butler perfect casting, it might be the most underrated humorous part of the decade. He spends a portion of the film having to explain the plot, lead the cast, and deliver precise dialogue. Curry manages to do it all in a glorious bit of slapstick. For the final sequence, the performer races around the house in an attempt to solve the whole mystery. His ranting and raving makes this one of the funniest parodies of the genre.
#2: Gene Wilder
Top 10 Gene Wilder Performances
“Young Frankenstein” (1974) "Young Frankenstein" is a Mel Brooks film, but it wouldn't be what it is without the influence of Gene Wilder. The actor gives the role of Dr. Frankenstein an unhinged quality that explores the true madness of the man. Serving as the movie's co-writer, Wilder isn't afraid to let this manic energy out with lines that are often shouted. This also spills out into comical scenes such as the hilarious rendition of "Puttin' On the Ritz." Next to impressive comic set pieces, the main star examines the compelling drama behind his character. He finds a way to make the audience love him even when he's lost his mind. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Chevy Chase, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
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Peter Capaldi, “In the Loop” (2009)
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The Actor Fires off Brilliant Insults Every Time He Bursts Onto a Scene
John Goodman, “The Big Lebowski” (1998)
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Goodman Channels a Veteran That Takes Everything Way Too Seriously, Including Bowling
Mike Myers, “Austin Powers” franchise (1997-2002)
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Amy Adams, “Enchanted” (2007)
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Adams Plays the Eternally Optimistic Heroine With an Added Dose of Musical Talent
#1: Jim Carrey
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“Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994) Jim Carrey practically took over the comedy scene with the release of "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." His performance crosses the line, turns around, and then completely erases it in the same breath. Investigating the kidnapping of the Miami Dolphins’ mascot, Ventura and his methods are unorthodox, to say the least, and the actor makes that known in every single scene. This leads to bits where he even ventures undercover to solve the case. Carrey has staked his claim as one of the masters of absurdity through body language, diction, and pure talent. It’s hard to deny that “Ace Ventura” is among his defining statements.
