Typically we reserve our Top 10 for humorous anecdotes and passive-aggressive digs. But this week, during an initial attempt to poke some fun at Groundhog Day and how no one in the Keys gives a $h!t about winter, our team of humorists embraced their ADHD and digressed into an intense debate on which Bill Murray movies are the actor’s best. Now, for those struggling to follow our derailed train of thought, Bill Murray was the star of the cult classic movie, “Groundhog Day,” which sparked our debate. Then we ran out of time to write anything funny about the silly “holiday,” so we decided, what the hell, let’s just do our Top 10 Bill Murray movies. Think this sounds easy? We dare you to check out the body of Murray’s work over the past six (yes, six) decades and try to rank your top 10. Here are ours…
The Top 10 Best Bill Murray Movies of All Time
10. “Meatballs” (1979, R): It was a coming-of-age film for Murray. And for many others who grew up in the ‘80s.
9. “What About Bob?” (1991, PG): Who knew the chemistry between Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss could be so good? “What About Bob?” is one of the most unexpected masterpieces of the 90’s.
8. “Stripes” (1981, R): With all due respect to contemporary comedies, “Stripes” has never been replicated. And never will be.
7. “Groundhog Day” (1993, PG): This could arguably be Murray’s best work and is most likely a film we all stop to watch anytime it is on.
6. “Rushmore” (1998, R): Another Wes Anderson classic that redefined the genius and range of Bill Murray.
5. “Kingpin” (1996, PG-13): You either get it or you don’t. But if you do, you’re probably cooler than your co-workers.
4. “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004, R): We love all of Murray’s Wes Anderson movies, but nothing compares to the cast and genius of this one.
3. “Ghostbusters” (1984, PG): When going to the movies was an event, this was the type of film that lived up to the hype. With all due respect to reboots and remakes, nothing compares to the original classic.
2. “Caddyshack” (1980, R): Several generations can quote every line from this movie, particularly the musings of Carl Spackler. And it’s the type of film, 42 years later, that still stands the test of time.
1. “Lost in Translation” (2003, R): Simply put, it’s one of the greatest films ever made. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, it was the moment we all became cognizant of Murray’s undeniable range and immortality.
Honorable Mentions: “Scrooged,” “The Jungle Book,” “Where the Buffalo Roam,” “Ed Wood,” “St. Vincent,” “Zombieland” and every other Wes Anderson film not listed here — “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Isle of Dogs” and “The Darjeeling Limited” are all cinematic gold.
