After becoming a household name in the 1990s, thanks to a string of hit movies, Jim Carrey is arguably one of the most famous actors on the planet. Known for his outlandish performances, as well as his ever expressive ‘rubber face’, Carrey has entertained audiences the world over with his superbly timed comedy.
Outside of comedy, Carrey has delivered drama too, and this has made him quite the versatile performer. Sure, laughter is what most audiences expect from Jim Carrey, but he can do serious when the opportunity arises, leading to an interesting portfolio of projects.
If you’re not familiar with Jim Carrey’s work, you may have missed out on some great movies. Likewise, if you only associate the actor with some of his biggest hits, you may have also overlooked one or two gems.
Well, whatever category you fall into, hopefully this post can catch you. Below you will find a run-through of 13 of the best Jim Carrey movies to delight and entertain.
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The Mask (1994)
First up is zany superhero comedy, The Mask. The film – based on the comic book of the same name – sees Jim Carrey take on the title role, playing a strait-laced bank employee turned whacky hero.
In the film, Carrey plays the part of Stanley Ipkiss, a well-meaning but ultimately put-upon guy who one day stumbles upon a mysterious wooden mask. After feeling compelled to put the mask to his face, Ipkiss is transformed into a larger-than-life being with reality altering abilities.
Directed by Chuck Russell, The Mask was a huge hit upon release and one of Carrey’s pivotal roles in the ‘90s. Along with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber, The Mask helped Carrey to become a household name and one of the biggest movie stars of the decade.
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Batman Forever (1995)
Up next is another comic book movie, but this time Carrey is playing a villain. The movie is Batman Forever – a big budget adventure film based on characters from the pages of DC Comics.
In the movie, Carrey plays the role of the brilliant but twisted inventor, Edward Nygma, creator of a visionary new device titled ‘The Box’. But when Nygma’s creation is rejected by billionaire Bruce Wayne, Nygma develops an obsession with Wayne and transforms himself into the villainous, Riddler.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, Batman Forever was one of the highest grossing movies of 1995 and another big hit for Carrey. His performance as Nygma/Riddler proved to be a highlight of the picture, with Carrey delivering an unhinged and equally hilarious take on a classic Bat-villain.
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The Majestic (2001)
A complete change of pace for this next movie, the 2001 romantic drama, The Majestic. Directed by Frank Darabont, the film tells the story of a Hollywood screenwriter who is mistaken for someone else after he suffers amnesia in an accident.
Carrey takes on the role of screenwriter, Peter Appleton in The Majestic, playing against type in a film which is far removed from his usual comedies.
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The Truman Show (1998)
Continuing the theme of a more serious Carrey brings this list onto the 1998 psychological comedy-drama, The Truman Show. Directed by Peter Weir, the film sees Carrey take on the part of Truman Burbank – an ordinary guy unwittingly thrust into an extraordinary life.
In the movie, Truman has spent his life as the lead star of a reality television show without realising it. Unbeknown to him, everyone in his life is an actor, including his friends, neighbours, and parents, and millions of viewers watch him through their TV sets on a daily basis.
Released a year before the debut of television show Big Brother, and just a short while before the huge rise in popularity of reality TV, The Truman Show is a mind-bending picture which wowed and intrigued audiences upon release. The film was a big hit with critics and audiences alike, with many praising Carrey’s excellent performance.
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The Cable Guy (1996)
Onto ‘dark Carrey’ for this next film, which sees the actor taking on the role of Chip Douglas, a cable television installer looking for a new best friend. In The Cable Guy, Douglas befriends one of his customers, before integrating himself into his new pal’s life, with worrying efficiency.
Directed by Ben Stiller, The Cable Guy received a mixed response from critics upon release, but is now regarded as a bona fide cult classic. Fans understand the tone of the film, and appreciate the black humour, while Carrey’s turn as Chip Douglas is marvellous to watch.
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Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Back to whacky comedy for this next entry, the raucous laugh-fest that is Dumb and Dumber. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the movie follows the story of best friends Lloyd and Harry, as they embark on a road trip to return a supposedly abandoned briefcase.
The briefcase isn’t abandoned and is instead part of a plot involving kidnapping and a ransom. However, Lloyd and Harry are oblivious to all this and travel from Rhode Island to Colorado to get the briefcase back to its owner, who Lloyd also believes is the love of his life.
Carrey takes on the role of Lloyd Christmas in Dumb and Dumber, while Jeff Daniels plays the part of Harry Dunne. The film is a gag-filled romp, which is daft yet highly enjoyable and easily one of the best comedies of the 1990s.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
For this next movie, Carrey dons makeup and prosthetics, as well as a heck of a lot of green fur, to play the role of the eponymous Grinch – a mean spirited creature who hates Christmas. In the movie, the Grinch attempts to sabotage the festive holiday, to ensure all those who celebrate are left upset and disappointed.
Directed by Ron Howard, and based on Dr. Seuss’ children’s story of the same name, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a family fantasy comedy with Carrey at his scene-stealing best. The actor throws himself into the role with gusto, delivering one of his most memorable performances.
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Another change of pace for this next movie, the sci-fi romance film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Directed by Michel Gondry, the film tells the story of two former lovers who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories following a break-up.
Carrey takes on the role of Joel Barish in the film, opposite Kate Winslet as former girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski. The Carrey/Winslet combination is a real winner, in what is a superb picture.
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A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Adapted from three books by children’s author, Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler), A Series of Unfortunate Events is a fantasy comedy about three orphans who find themselves in a precarious situation when they are sent to live with a nefarious actor. The actor – Count Olaf – has no interest in the children, but is keen to get his hands on their family fortune.
Carrey plays the role of Count Olaf in the movie, alongside a cast which includes Emily Browning, Timothy Spall, Billy Connolly, Meryl Streep, Catherine O’Hara, Luis Guzmán, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jude Law. Brad Siberling directs
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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
In this sequel to 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, Carrey has a ball hamming it up to the max as computer game villain, Dr. Robotnik. Going full on as the moustache twirling foe of Sonic and Tails, Carrey might play it by the numbers in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but he manages to bring the fun in this enjoyable adventure comedy.
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Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
Back to a zany movie now, and it’s the turn of the outrageous slapstick comedy, Me, Myself & Irene. The movie – from directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly – sees Carrey take on the role of Rhode Island state trooper, Charlie Baileygates.
As a general rule of thumb, Charlie is a mild-mannered guy, who sadly gets taken advantage of by those around him. However, over time, Charlie develops a split personality named Hank Evans, who steps in to take care of Charlie’s problems when he is unable to.
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Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Onto the penultimate movie on this list, which comes from 1994 and is one of Carrey’s most iconic films. The picture is the crime comedy, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
In this movie, Carrey plays the title role in a mystery movie about a missing dolphin. Ace Ventura is called in to crack the case, and locate the missing animal, with hilarious consequences.
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Man on the Moon (1999)
And finally, the last space on this list is reserved for the biographical comedy-drama, Man on the Moon. Directed by Miloš Forman, the film tells the real-life story of the late US entertainer, Andy Kaufman.
Carrey takes on the role of Kaufman for this picture, alongside a cast which includes Danny Devito, Courtney Love, Paul Giamatti, and Vincent Schiavelli. For the film, Carrey fully immerses himself into Kaufman’s world, giving a top-notch performance which stands out as one of his all-time greats.
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Recap
So, those are the thirteen best Jim Carrey movies. Now, to save you from having to scroll back up, here are the titles of all the movies in one handy list:
- The Mask (1994)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- The Majestic (2001)
- The Truman Show (1998)
- The Cable Guy (1996)
- Dumb and Dumber (1994)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
- A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
- Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
- Man on the Moon (1999)
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Thank you for taking the time to read this post about the best Jim Carrey movies on It’s A Stampede!. For more posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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