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The Best Serious Movies Starring Comedians

Originally by Ranker Community

Updated December 18, 2019 8.7k votes 1.4k voters 68.1k views59 items

List RulesDramatic or serious films with a traditionally comic actor in a lead role

Dramatic movies starring comedians, ranked by comedy and film fans. Often, after making a name for themselves appearing in wacky or silly movies, comics will purposefully take on a more serious role, often in an attempt to show off their range. Comics like Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and Robin Williams are all noted for their tendency to alternate between funny and more serious roles (with Williams at some points in his career altogether abandoning comedies in favor of dramas.)

Often, fans are initially resistant to attempts by comedians to change around their style or appeal to new audiences. Sometimes, the experiments blatantly don't work out, with viewers unable to see their favorite funny performers in a new light. But other times, the decision to switch gears in favor of working in a drama pays off for a comedian, sometimes even resulting in award nominations or greater appreciation from acting peers. (As when Eddie Murphy was nominated for an Oscar - and won a Golden Globe - for his role in the musical "Dreamgirls" after years of being written off as the star of goofy features like "Nutty Professor" and "Norbit.")

What are the best serious movies starring comedians? Vote for your favorite serious dramatic films starring comedians. And if your favorite comic-starring drama isn't featured, make your own list and add it as a suggestion!

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Good Will Hunting
Robin Williams
Released: 1997
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Dead Poets Society
Robin Williams
Released: 1989
Directed by: Peter Weir
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The Truman Show
Jim Carrey
Released: 1998
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Jim Carrey
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Little Miss Sunshine
Steve Carrell
Released: 2006
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Awakenings
Robin Williams
Released: 1990
Directed by: Penny Marshall
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The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith
Released: 2006
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Did you love this Will Smith movie?

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One Hour Photo
Robin Williams
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Lost in Translation
Bill Murray
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Ray
Jamie Foxx
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Stranger than Fiction
Will Ferrell
Released: 2006
Directed by: Marc Forster
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Man on the Moon
Jim Carrey
Released: 1999
Directed by: Miloš Forman
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Patch Adams
Robin Williams
Released: 1998
Directed by: Tom Shadyac
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Rushmore
Bill Murray
Released: 1998
Directed by: Wes Anderson
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The Fisher King
Robin Williams
Released: 1991
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
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Insomnia
Robin Williams
Released: 2002
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
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Enemy of the State
Will Smith
Released: 1998
Directed by: Tony Scott
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Big Fan
Patton Oswalt
Released: 2009
Directed by: Robert D. Siegel
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Seven Pounds
Will Smith
Released: 2008
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
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Leap of Faith
Steve Martin
Released: 1992
Directed by: Richard Pearce
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Arthur
Dudley Moore
Released: 1981
Directed by: Steve Gordon
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Punch-Drunk Love
Adam Sandler
Released: 2002
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
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Dreamgirls
Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy
Released: 2006
Directed by: Bill Condon
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King Kong
Jack Black
Released: 2005
Directed by: Peter Jackson
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The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Bill Murray
Released: 2004
Directed by: Wes Anderson
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