ROTTEN TOMATOES: Total Recall: Bill Murray's Best Movies Comments

Total Recall: Bill Murray's Best Movies

by Jeff Giles | October 08, 2008

Summary

Get ready to laugh, cry, and pretend Garfield never existed! Back to Article

(1-48 of 48 posts) | Reply

Confounded writes:
on Oct 08 2008 05:19 PM

Swap #1 and #3 and I'm fine with the list. Although Caddyshack should be a bit higher in my view, but oh well.

But there is NO WAY Groundhog Day should beat Lost in Translation OR Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters #1 all the way.

I don't care what the Tomatometer says!

"What did you do Ray...?"

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 05:45 PM

CADDYSHACK-NO.1
LOST IN TRANSLATION-NO.2
GROUNDHOG DAY-NO.3
GHOSTBUSTERS-NO.4
BROKEN FLOWERS-NO.5 (REALLY UNDERRATED)

I think City of Ember will suck, they aren't screening it for critics until tomorrow, only 2000 screens, and no much advertisements. Ember will be a rental.

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the_clouds_are_bleeding writes:
on Oct 08 2008 06:39 PM

I think this list is pretty accurate, except I think his role as a pre-op transvestite in "Ed Wood" was his best role (although, maybe not his best movie).

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blattman writes:
on Oct 08 2008 06:39 PM

That is a great list. I loved quick change. It didn't get much attention, but what a fun ride.

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smartmoviekid writes:
on Oct 08 2008 06:54 PM

Wheres his lauded performance in "Osomsis Jones"? just kidding. Murray was always an actor i enjoyed seeing on screen, from his hilarious turns on Stripes and Ghostbusters, to His Edgy Performances in Ed Wood and, my favorite, Lost in Translation. I remember CaddyShack more for Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase, but of couse Murray had his moments. Too Bad City of Ember will stink financially..it was also probably rushed into the screen...not enough of the book's touch i guess. we'll see.

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knowingtoast85 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 07:12 PM

We're forgetting Murray's towering triumvirate of masterpieces: Garfield, Ghostbusters 2 and Larger Than Life.

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thobie1 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 08:15 PM

How about The Life Aquatic? I loved that movie, and Murray was awesome in it.

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 08:25 PM

In reply to this comment (#2069528)
Oh Damn I forgot to mention Life Aquatic, that was great and so under rated. Bill Murray was amazing in it! Oh and Rushmore and Royal Tenembaums those are also amazing, man I wasn't thinking. Also I know people who have met him and they all say he is really nice.

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omelette writes:
on Oct 08 2008 08:27 PM

I think The Life Aquatic should be on this list - but there's no way it could possibly be, I love it but far too many people hate it.

I like Groundhog Day quite a bit, but think that it's really really overrated. Bill Murray's best movie? One of the best comedies ever made? Not in my book. Lost in Translation and Ghostbusters totally deserve their high spots, though!

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utkipp1 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 08:29 PM

It may not have been the best movie he was in (yeah it was) but by far his best performance was in Ghostbusters. And it is a movie that will be remembered long after the others, besides Groundhog Day and Caddyshack, are forgotten.

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Mr. Freeman writes:
on Oct 08 2008 08:41 PM

How could you have not listed Life Aquatic? Bill gets more face-time in that film, in which he does an amazing job, than in either of the other two Anderson films. Although the film as a whole was not as amazing as Anderson's two previous efforts, the film is still amazing in its creativity and Murray's performance is really what keeps it from sinking.

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sarcasmo writes:
on Oct 08 2008 09:32 PM

The fact that The Life Aquatic isn't on this list is a travesty. That's all I have to say.

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screwhead100 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 10:07 PM

"There are probably more eminently quotable movies from the early '80s" --- what comedy is more quotable than caddy shack from the early 80s?!!?!

& im not even apart of that generation, im 23........and i kno its the best of the best!!!

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kodie131 writes:
on Oct 08 2008 11:55 PM

These lists shouldn't just rely on the tomatoemeter, it should rely on its cult status, appreciation, etc. WHERE IS LIFE AQUATIC?!? I honestly think it should be in the top five, he is incredible in it. Who honestly doesn't get teary eyed when he does near the end? It's brilliant film making, and it's all about Murray.... and the covers of David Bowie.

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infernaldude writes:
on Oct 09 2008 01:40 AM

The Life Aquatic.... I don't know. Just didn't work for me. Too many dull moments I didn't find humor or even story progression in. Though I loved Royal Tenenbaums and of course Rushmore. (OR scrubs is one of the best movie lines ever). I wish Kingpin was on the list. He was hilarious in that flick. No one can work a comb over like Murray.

Ghostbusters may be Murrays best. He carried that titanic blockbuster. In the 80s, Murray was God. I appreciate what he does now, though. Sophisticated, little comedy/dramas that make you think a bit and appreciate the small things about life.

He's had his clunkers, but who hasn't.

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rucknrun writes:
on Oct 09 2008 04:45 AM

The list should be:

1-Caddyshack
2-Stripes
3-Ghostbusters
4-Groundhog Day
5-Rushmore

The rest in any order. Where is what about Bob? That has to be better the the awful Maddog and Glory.

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Confounded writes:
on Oct 09 2008 05:07 AM

In reply to this comment (#2069709)
Airplane! is probably the biggest. Princess Bride, Breakfast Club/Sixteen Candles, Blues Brothers, even Ghostbusters could be argued to have "more" quotable one-liners (but that would just be an argument).

And of course, "Say hello to my little friend!"

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Gimy writes:
on Oct 09 2008 06:06 AM

caddyshack is #1, end of story. kingpin is another funny one thats not on here though. the "sh3tcloud" line still cracks me up. gotta say, tenenbaums sucked, so did life aquatic. but to have caddyshack at 13 is pretty much saying the list means nothing. it's a classic thats qouted by both young and old. it's one of the best sports movies of all time, but on a murray list according to critics...only 13? shameful...

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ThinPhantom writes:
on Oct 09 2008 08:18 AM

king pin and life aquatic should have made this list. groundhog day #1? the way i see it murray had 2 brilliant parts to his career. the first 10 years and the last 10 years. groundhog day falls into that awkward late 80's early 90's phase where he was probably sober and trying way too hard to be as lovable as steve martin and john candy.

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screwhead100 writes:
on Oct 09 2008 08:36 AM

ya, whata bout bob deserves to be on this list just bc he was terrorizing richard dreyfus........lol.........

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Oz_79 writes:
on Oct 09 2008 08:40 AM

I never knew about the rift between Dreyfuss and Murray, so that makes What About Bob even funnier in my book. I also heard there was a bit of a rift between Chevy and Murray during Caddyshack, but that rift maybe more about Bill's craziness when he was a younger man.

Back to the list, I don't know if I would put Groundhog Day at #1 but its still a funny and sentimental story...and I think Andie McDowell is hot! I can't believe Kingpin isn't on the list, I mean the scene where he and woody are in the cafe, and McKracken is trying to pick up the ladies is hilarious.

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Bigbrother writes:
on Oct 09 2008 09:55 AM

Groundhog Day and Caddyshack have been forgotten? By who? Everyone I know loves Caddyshack and Groundhog day changed the lexicon of society. How many people reference Groundhog Day when experiencing de ja vu or something repeating itself over and over again? They didn't do that before that movie. My list:

1. Caddyshack
2. Ghostbusters
3. Stripes
4. Groundhog Day
5. Kingpin
If there was a 6th: Meatballs

What can I say I like the guy better as the loveable crazy screwup than as the older sophisticated dry humor guy.

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def_mike writes:
on Oct 09 2008 10:18 AM

Ok so the top 15 is great dont get me wrong.

But i feel as it is Top 15 of Bill Murray's i think that i should mention one movie that is kinda always over looked.

Where the Buffalo Roam

Great flick, Murray plays Hunter S. Thompson. Peter Boyle play Dr. Gonzo.

Great Great Flick.

Best scene is where he is posing as a reporter and is interviewing Nixon in the bathroom.

Check it out.

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dahluzz writes:
on Oct 09 2008 10:40 AM

"I'm sailing! I sail!"

favorite actor of all time.

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willpower writes:
on Oct 09 2008 11:18 AM

Ghostbusters is #1. Gimme a break here. And Quick Change is about the most underrated film of all time. It freaking rocks!

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scottydont264 writes:
on Oct 09 2008 11:54 AM

You idiots! Where is The Man Who Knew Too Little? That is an awesome movie and in my opinion its Bill Murrays best.

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asilentmovie writes:
on Oct 09 2008 12:08 PM

I feel like Broken Flowers is an incredibly overrated movie. Other than that, I like the list, though I'm not huge on Groundhog Day, either. My top five:

1. Rushmore
2. Lost in Translation
3. Ghostbusters
4. The Royal Tenenbaums
5. Tootsie

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chrisfrenzy writes:
on Oct 09 2008 12:10 PM

In reply to this comment (#2069548)
I dig Life Aquatic, too. I think you have to watch it more than once to appreciate it. Also, it helps if you think of it as a film by Max Fischer. And the David Bowie sung in Portuguese was amazing.

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PornAgainChristian writes:
on Oct 09 2008 12:24 PM

I'm sorry, but "Lost in Translation" is an awful film. Its humor relies on racial stereotype, the romantic storyline relies upon romantic storyline formula (the by-the-books "woman comes to her loved one's door and sees another woman scantily clad" moment was cringeworthy alone). Scarlett Johanssen's character was entirely unsympathetic as she BEGGED to be brought along on a trip she was told would be all work, and then did nothing but whine. Bill Murray, although I love him, was just doing the same character as Rushmore. And that ridiculous last scene with the whispered words - cop out.

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bobbimac writes:
on Oct 09 2008 12:30 PM

1. CADDYSHACK
2. GHOSTBUSTERS
3. WHAT ABOUT BOB?
4. GROUNDHOG'S DAY
5. MEATBALLS
He is one of my favorite comedians. I grew up watching this guy.
I love him. :)
Bobbi

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FURY.UK writes:
on Oct 09 2008 01:41 PM

The Life Aquatic was one of the worst films I've ever seen...and that other rubbish film by the same directors, "The Royal Tenenbaums". Fell asleep through both.

Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day were excellent though. I also liked the The Man Who Knew Too Little, it had its moments.

Hes been too quiet laterly, shame, Good comedy actor.

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Cop.P writes:
on Oct 09 2008 04:48 PM

Great Actor Bill Murray....

I really think they could put LIFE AQUATIC on that countdown, he has a very good performance there. By far LOST IN TRANSLATION IS THE BEST MOVIE THERE.

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ledawg1138 writes:
on Oct 09 2008 04:58 PM

Stripes is not funny, AT ALL! Meatballs is even less funny. Caddyshack has a few laughs but is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo overated! But Groundhog Day is great as is What About Bob?!

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cjmovieman writes:
on Oct 09 2008 05:55 PM

great list. glad to see a perfect film like groundhog day be #1

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vanselo writes:
on Oct 09 2008 06:04 PM

Farelly brothers plus Bill Murray is a great combo. I think Osmosis Jones or Kinpin should be up near the top of the list.

And c'mon ledawg, Caddyshack is probably one of the funniest movies of all time.

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AudioSuede writes:
on Oct 09 2008 06:44 PM

Wait a minute, did you just take a swipe at Jim Carrey's dramatic career? Eternal Sunshine and The Truman Show are absolute classics, and don't you dare try to diminish some of the best performances of his career!

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P-Worm writes:
on Oct 09 2008 08:45 PM

In reply to this comment (#2070633)
I agree. I absolutely love Groundhog Day and it currently sits very comfortably as number 4 on my top films of all time.

P-Worm

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SpaceCat85 writes:
on Oct 09 2008 08:45 PM

No Scrooged?!

It's nice and dark, if you want a Christmas movie like that. And, of course, there's the whole "The Night the Reindeer Died" bit. Looking at the critics' reviews for it on here & elsewhere, I'm surprised that so many critics sound like they went in *expecting* a happy feel-good movie.

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Capote writes:
on Oct 09 2008 11:08 PM

Jim Carrey is an awesome actor.

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Ed Wood writes:
on Oct 10 2008 12:00 AM

Ghostbusters is #1. Period. End of list.

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condorman writes:
on Oct 10 2008 04:41 AM

In reply to this comment (#2069551)
To the guy who said that Groundhog day was forgotten. In Austria it is played (together with Scrooged) every Christmas, and I watch both every time. I would guess it is the same everywhere else :D

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fifisdead writes:
on Oct 10 2008 08:23 AM

the clip from Mad Dog and Glory doesn't even have Bill Murray in it, sure that was a good scene, but isn't this Bill Murray's countdown?

And Life Aquatic should definitely be on here, but the critics didn't like it

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moviebrothers writes:
on Oct 10 2008 10:10 AM

"The ***** hit me with a toaster!" nuff said.

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GaryWilliamRallJr writes:
on Oct 10 2008 11:37 AM

I tried to gain something from "the life aquatic" but unfortunately I couldn't obtain anything of worth..I hated the movie and found it even harder to be slightly entertained by "the royal tenenbaums", which I would add is a sickening excuse of a film.

1. "What about Bob"
2. "Ghostbusters"
3. "Groundhog Day"
4. "Kingpin"
5. "Broken Flowers" - I was surprised at the weight of this little drama, it was very good.

"Lost in Translation" was terrible too. Tried to do so much and accomplished very little in my eyes, it was extremely disappointing.

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sdelliott59 writes:
on Oct 10 2008 04:53 PM

You are all pin heads. The Razor's Edge should be in the top five.

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bigboy47 writes:
on Oct 12 2008 08:47 AM

The top three should be

1) Ghostbusters

2) Groundhogs Day

3) CaddyShack

(Reply to this)

Adam B. writes:
on Sep 25 2009 12:00 PM

Another great is Where the Buffalo Roam the prequel to fear and loathing, i even think its better tahn fear and loathing

(Reply to this)

Adam B. writes:
on Sep 25 2009 12:02 PM

Another great is Where the Buffalo Roam the prequel to fear and loathing, i even think its better tahn fear and loathing

(Reply to this)

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