The Best Bill Murray Movies Of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated September 15, 2023 17.2K votes 2.3K voters 78.3K views
Over 2.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Bill Murray Movies Of All Time
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Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.

Over 2,300 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best Bill Murray movies. With an impressive selection of films in his repertoire, it can be hard to pick out which ones stand head and shoulders above the rest. From classics like Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters, through to more recent releases like Lost in Translation and The Grand Budapest Hotel, this list collates the very best that Bill Murray has given us onscreen.

The zany wit of his characters is a big part of why so many people love him - not just as an actor but also as a real-life personality. His performances often give us insight into our own lives or even show us how we might live if we weren't afraid to take a few risks. He's had some great comedic moments over the years too; who could forget his role as Peter Venkman in the Ghostbusters movies.

It'll be interesting to see where these beloved films rank amongst other fans - make sure you vote up your favorites and maybe even add one or two that didn't make it onto this list.

Most divisive: Where the Buffalo Roam
Ranked by
  • Groundhog Day
    1

    Groundhog Day

    Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
    1,320 votes
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: Harold Ramis
    In the iconic comedy Groundhog Day, Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical weatherman, finds himself in a time loop, living the same day over and over. Trapped in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day festivities, Phil's initial disdain turns to desperation as he tries to break free from this endless cycle. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film cleverly explores themes of self-improvement and redemption. Co-starring Andie MacDowell as Rita Hanson, Phil's producer and eventual love interest, Groundhog Day deftly blends humor with a thought-provoking narrative. This film is a staple of American cinema and a testament to Bill Murray's comedic prowess.

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  • Ghostbusters
    2

    Ghostbusters

    Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
    1,154 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Ivan Reitman
    In the 1984 classic, Ghostbusters, three quirky parapsychologists - Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) - find themselves out of work. Unfazed, they establish a ghost removal service in New York City. When Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) reports a supernatural entity in her apartment, the Ghostbusters are thrust into a paranormal storm, battling an ancient Sumerian god, Gozer. The film is a delightful blend of comedy and supernatural thriller, with remarkable special effects for its time. It bagged two Oscar nominations for Original Song and Visual Effects.

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  • Caddyshack
    3

    Caddyshack

    Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
    1,024 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Harold Ramis
    In the comedy classic, Caddyshack, we are immersed in the chaotic world of Bushwood Country Club. The plot orbits around Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to earn a college scholarship. In his pursuit, he finds himself tangled with a host of eccentric characters. The movie features a wealthy club patron Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the brash real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) and an unhinged greenskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray). Amid their antics and mishaps, Caddyshack delivers a comedic examination of social class and golfing culture. The film has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of America's funniest movies.

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  • Stripes
    4

    Stripes

    Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates
    932 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: Ivan Reitman
    In the 1981 comedy film Stripes, John Winger (Bill Murray) is a man who loses everything - his car, apartment, and girlfriend. To escape his misfortune, he convinces his best friend Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) to join the Army with him. Their unconventional attitudes often collide with their superiors, particularly hard-nosed Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). The pair's hijinks lead them from basic training to an unexpected mission in Europe. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie weaves humor and adventure into a memorable tale of friendship and resilience.

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  • What About Bob?
    5

    What About Bob?

    Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty
    1,002 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Frank Oz
    In the comedic roller-coaster What About Bob?, Bob Wiley (Bill Murray), an endearingly neurotic patient, desperately seeks help from renowned psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss). Their relationship spirals into chaos when Bob, unable to detach himself from his new doctor, follows him on a family vacation. Set against the serene backdrop of Lake Winnipesaukee, this film blends comedy and drama in equal measure. As Dr. Marvin's professional composure crumbles under Bob's relentless intrusions, the movie serves up laughs and surprises at every corner, painting an entertaining portrait of two men locked in a hilarious battle of wills.

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  • Scrooged
    6

    Scrooged

    Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe
    858 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Richard Donner
    In the darkly comic film Scrooged, Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a cynical television executive who has lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas. In a modern twist on Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol', Cross is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Each spirit exposes him to a different aspect of his life - past, present and future - forcing him to confront his ruthless behavior. As he embarks on this supernatural journey, Cross grapples with regret, fear and hope. Directed by Richard Donner, this festive satire cleverly blends humor and fantasy, resulting in an unforgettable holiday movie experience.

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