5 Best Jim Carrey Comedy Movies That Prove He’s the King of Comedy
Here are the 5 best Jim Carrey comedy movies that cemented his status as the King of Comedy, along with their plots, iconic performances, and why they became massive hits.
Jim Carrey’s rubber-faced antics, slapstick genius, and unparalleled energy have made him a comedy legend. From goofy detectives to lovable idiots, his roles are unforgettable.
1. Dumb and Dumber (1994): IMDb rating ⭐ 7.3/10
Role: Lloyd Christmas, a clueless limo driver.
Lloyd and his equally dimwitted friend Harry (Jeff Daniels) embark on a cross-country trip to return a suitcase full of money to its owner, unaware it’s ransom money linked to a kidnapping.
Their journey is packed with absurd mishaps, like accidentally poisoning a villain and selling a dead bird to a blind kid.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Peter Farrelly |
| Written by | Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly, Bennett Yellin |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Karen Duffy, Mike Starr, Charles Rocket, Teri Garr |
| Genre | Comedy/Screwball Comedy/Slapstick |
| Running time | 1h 47m |
| Language | English |
| Release date | December 16, 1994 |
| Budget | $17 million |
| Box office | $247.3 million |
Why It’s a Hit: This Farrelly brothers’ film became a cultural phenomenon for its relentless stupidity and heartwarming bromance. It grossed $127 million worldwide, proving that Carrey’s brand of humor could turn even the dumbest premise into gold.
2. The Mask (1994): IMDb rating ⭐ 7.0/10
Role: Stanley Ipkiss, a timid banker who transforms into a green-faced superhero.
When Stanley wears an ancient mask, he gains cartoonish superpowers and the confidence to fight off bullies and win over nightclub singer Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz). But the mask’s chaos threatens to engulf him.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Chuck Russell |
| Written by | Mike Werb, Mark Verheiden, Michael Fallon |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Cameron Diaz |
| Genre | Comedy/Crime |
| Running time | 1h 41m |
| Language | English |
| Release date | July 29, 1994 |
| Budget | $18 to 23 million |
| Box office | $351.6 million |
Why It’s a Hit: Blending CGI and Carrey’s elastic expressions, The Mask grossed $120 million and turned Cameron Diaz into a star. It showcased Carrey’s ability to merge heart with hilarity.
3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994): IMDb rating ⭐ 6.9/10
Role: Ace Ventura, a quirky animal detective.
Ace is hired to find Snowflake, the Miami Dolphins’ kidnapped mascot. His investigation involves interrogating a shark, disguising himself as a delivery woman, and solving a conspiracy tied to a vengeful ex-athlete.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Tom Shadyac |
| Written by | Tom Shadyac, Jim Carrey, Jack Bernstein |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Sean Young, Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, Dan Marino |
| Genre | Comedy/Mystery |
| Running time | 1h 26m |
| Language | English |
| Release date | 4 February 1994 |
| Budget | $15 million |
| Box office | $107.2 million |
Why It’s a Hit: Carrey’s first leading role in a feature film was a sleeper hit, earning $72 million against a $12 million budget. His over-the-top physical comedy, like talking through his butt, made Ace Ventura an instant icon.
4. Liar Liar (1997): IMDb rating ⭐ 6.9/10
Role: Fletcher Reede, a dishonest lawyer cursed to tell the truth.
After his son makes a birthday wish, Fletcher can’t lie for 24 hours. This forces him to sabotage his career, confess to cheating, and reconcile with his family in a courtroom meltdown.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Tom Shadyac |
| Written by | Paul Guay, Stephen Mazur |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Donohoe, Anne Haney, Justin Cooper |
| Genre | Comedy/Drama |
| Running time | 1h 26m |
| Language | English |
| Release date | 18 March 1997 |
| Budget | $45 million |
| Box office | $302.7 million |
Why It’s a Hit: Carrey’s physical comedy—like fighting a pen or screaming “I’m kicking my own ass!”, drove the film to $302 million globally. It revived his career after The Cable Guy flopped.
5. Bruce Almighty (2003): IMDb rating ⭐ 6.8/10
Role: Bruce Nolan, a selfish TV reporter granted divine powers.
After blaming God for his failures, Bruce (Carrey) is given God’s powers to prove he can do better. He uses them for petty revenge and winning back his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston), but chaos ensues.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Tom Shadyac |
| Written by | Steve Koren, Mark O’Keefe, Steve Oedekerk |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall |
| Genre | Comedy/Fantasy |
| Running time | 1h 41m |
| Language | English |
| Release date | 23 May 2003 |
| Budget | $81 million |
| Box office | $484.6 million |
Why It’s a Hit: This theological comedy grossed $484 million, becoming Carrey’s highest-earning film until Sonic the Hedgehog. Its mix of slapstick and moral lessons appealed to families and comedy fans alike.
Jim Carrey’s 5 Highest-Rated IMDb Movies
While Carrey shines in comedies, his dramatic roles also earned critical acclaim. Here are his top-rated films on IMDb:
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – (8.3/10) A heartbroken man erases memories of his ex, only to rediscover their love.
- The Truman Show (1998) – (8.2/10) A man discovers his life is a 24/7 reality TV show.
- Man on the Moon (1999) – (7.4/10) Carrey transforms into eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman.
- Dumb and Dumber (1994) – 7.3/10
- Liar Liar (1997) – 6.9/10
Jim Carrey’s comedies are a masterclass in physical humor and timing. Whether he’s playing a pet detective or a truth-cursed lawyer, his performances are unforgettable in these movies.
While dramas like The Truman Show showcase his depth, it’s his comedies that remind us why he’s the undisputed King of Laughter.
