Fast Links
In the early ’90s, Jim Carrey skyrocketed to superstardom. The Canadian-born actor has made audiences laugh, cry, and cheer for decades. Carrey has announced his plans for retirement and will leave behind an enduring legacy of film that few other actors can pull off. From those who grew up with him to those just discovering him, the legacy of Carrey will last for generations. Today, we celebrate him by looking at ten of the best Jim Carrey movies.
10. Me, Myself, & Irene (2000)
One of the reasons Jim Carrey became as successful as he did is thanks to his physical acting. While there are many examples of this, perhaps the best is in Me, Myself, & Irene. The romantic comedy features Carrey as Charlie, a Rhode Island police officer who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. Charlie is roped into an assassination plot with the beautiful Irene, and it takes both Charlie, and his alter ego Hank to get the job done. It is one thing for an actor to play more than one character, such as Mike Myers, but it is something else entirely to play two different characters in one body, often simultaneously.
9. Bruce Almighty (2003)
Bruce Almighty features Jim as Bruce Nolan, a TV anchor who can’t seem to get a leg up in life. When Bruce sends his grievances to the man upstairs, God (Morgan Freeman) decides to show him what it is like. Now, Burce is endowed with the powers of God. He soon learns things aren’t as easy as he believed, and he must use his newfound powers to help those around him rather than just himself. This heartfelt comedy is one of the most popular Jim Carrey movies of the 2000s and still holds up in the eyes of many today. The film received a sequel/spin-off in 2007 starring Steve Carell, reprising his role as Evan from this film. This is one of several Carrey sequels that do not feature Carrey himself.
8. A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Lemony Snicket’s classic book series hit the big screen in 2004. Who better to play the theatrical and insane Count Olaf than Jim Carrey? The movie contains plot points from the first three books in the series, and fans seemed to love it. Carrey was able to go all out and have fun in the roll, and it shows. Olaf plays different characters throughout, allowing Carrey to show just how versatile he is. The film follows three orphans placed under a bizarre Count’s care. They soon learn he has nefarious intent, and escaping him is anything but easy. The books also received a Netflix adaption, but Carrey’s influence is still present in Neil Patrick Harris’ take on Olaf.
7. Liar Liar (1997)
In the late ’90s, Carrey began to lean away from the screwball characters he was known for and gravitated toward family man roles. One of the best examples of this is Liar Liar. Carrey plays Fletcher, a lawyer who excels in lying. His lies extend past the courtroom and affect his young son’s and estranged ex-wife’s lives. His son makes a wish that his father can’t lie, and to Fletcher’s horror, it comes true. Fletcher must now face the trail that could make or break his career, all while being unable to lie. This is one of the more heartwarming Jim Carrey movies that show what a father will do for his child with all the odds stacked against him.
6. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
1994 was the biggest year in Jim Carrey’s career. He had three movies released that year, all of which were colossal hits that made him a household name. One of these films was Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Carrey stars as the titular Ace Ventura, a bizarre private investigator specializing in animal cases. When the mascot dolphin for the Miami Dolphins goes missing, Ace is reluctantly hired. While searching for the missing dolphin, he discovers a murder plot and a sinister cover-up. This is hands down one of the funniest performances Carrey has ever given. When mentioning Carrey, it is nearly impossible not to think of Ace Ventura.
5. The Mask (1994)
Another film released in 1994 was The Mask. The movie was based on a series of Dark Horse comics and starred Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss. Stanley is a cartoon-obsessed nobody who is stuck in the rut of life. Everything changes when he discovers an ancient mask. He transforms into a living cartoon character with supernatural powers when he wears it. The original comics were incredibly dark and violent, while this movie is more lighthearted to suit Carrey’s style. This role seems to cater to Jim, as he is a living cartoon. Watching him switch from a mild-mannered banker to a zany wild man is a testament to the range of the legendary comedian.
4. Dumb & Dumber (1994)
While the massive success of The Mask and Ace Ventura helped make Jim Carrey a star, Dumb & Dumber cemented him as comedy royalty. Carrey stars as Lloyd Christmas, a simple-minded goofball who, alongside his friend Harry played by Jeff Daniels, must travel across the country to find the girl of his dreams. This is one of the most iconic road trip comedies of all time, and it practically wrote the book on the genre. The film’s strength comes from the flawless chemistry of the two leads. Audiences can’t help but root for them, even when they are as dimwitted as they come. The two get into all sorts of trouble, often without realizing it. As with every great Jim Carrey movie, Dumb & Dumber is filled with plenty of heart and even more laughs.
3. Man On The Moon (1999)
Andy Kaufman was one of the most unique and bizarre entertainers ever. It is more than fitting that one of the other most extraordinary and bizarre entertainers plays him in a biopic. Carrey does an excellent job playing Kaufman. He shows the pain, heart, and humor of the man. The film takes a few liberties, as does every biopic, but the bulk of this Jim Carrey movie indeed did happen. Everything from wrestling Jerry Lawler to moonlighting as a lounge singer truly happened. While the film is excellent for any comedy fans, many may know it more for the behind-the-scenes shenanigans. As told in the documentary Andy and Jim, Jim Carrey took method acting to a new level. Carrey genuinely believed the spirit of Andy Kaufman took him over, and he was determined to make his coworkers believe him.
2. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show takes a widespread fear and makes it a reality. Nearly everybody has felt they were being watched at one time or another, and Truman Burbank is right. For his entire life, Truman’s life has been a facade created by studio executives. Everyone in Truman’s life was an actor from birth until adulthood. Everywhere he knows has been a set, and he is the unknowing star of a successful television series. The movie used humor and drama to show what happens when a man finds out his entire life has been a lie. Carrey is at his best here. Not only is he hilarious, but he also showcases his dramatic acting chops. This is one Jim Carey movie that everyone should see at least once.
1. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Usually, love stories are tales of what one goes through to obtain true love. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind shows what one will go through to forget it. Jim Carrey plays Joel Barish, a man who lost the girl of his dreams in a brutal breakup. Joel and his ex Clementine (Kate Winslet) have each other erased from their memories. This film shows that love can hurt just as much as it heals, if not more so. Carrey is at his most human here. While he does have some funny scenes, he plays Joel straight and dramatic. This film is one of the most tear-jerking movies of all time, and Carrey is at his absolute best.