Bill Murray's Best Movies, Ranked

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Updated March 21, 2024 78.8K views 52 items
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21 reranks
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Vote for your favorite movies, regardless of critic reviews or how big the role was.
Latest additions: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Most divisive: Where the Buffalo Roam
Over 2.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Bill Murray's Best Movies, Ranked

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.

  • Groundhog Day
    1

    Groundhog Day

    Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
    1,334 votes
    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
    1,166 votes
    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.
  • Caddyshack
    3

    Caddyshack

    Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
    1,031 votes
    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
    944 votes
    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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  • Scrooged
    5

    Scrooged

    Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe
    864 votes
    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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  • What About Bob?
    6

    What About Bob?

    Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty
    1,011 votes
    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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  • Kingpin
    7

    Kingpin

    Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel
    639 votes
    In the offbeat comedy Kingpin, former bowling prodigy Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson) finds his promising career cut short by a vengeful rival, Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray). Years later, living in obscurity and with a prosthetic hand, Munson chances upon Ishmael (Randy Quaid), an Amish man with a striking talent for bowling. Seeing an opportunity to redeem himself, Munson takes Ishmael under his wing. The pair sets off on a cross-country journey filled with bizarre escapades and unexpected encounters, aiming for a showdown with McCracken at a million-dollar tournament. This Farrelly Brothers' film offers a laugh-out-loud exploration of the unlikely heroes in the world of professional bowling.
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  • Zombieland
    8

    Zombieland

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    671 votes
    In a world overrun by zombies, Zombieland offers a thrilling comedic ride. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy college student, pairs up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an unapologetic cowboy. They're joined by Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), sisters with their own survival tactics. Together, they navigate their way across the zombie-infested United States in search of a safe haven. This 2009 horror-comedy is known for its unique blend of apocalyptic dread and humor, earning it critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
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  • Lost in Translation
    9

    Lost in Translation

    Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi
    871 votes
    In Lost in Translation, a film that swept up an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), an aging movie star, finds himself marooned in Tokyo. Concurrently, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young woman grappling with her own existential crisis, is also navigating the same foreign cityscape. Both characters, adrift and alienated, form an unlikely bond in this subtly humorous drama. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo's vibrant nightlife and serene temples, this Sofia Coppola-directed masterpiece explores themes of loneliness, inscrutability of love, and the fleeting nature of human connection.
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  • St. Vincent
    10

    St. Vincent

    Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts
    492 votes
    Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a struggling single woman, moves to Brooklyn with her 12-year-old son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Having to work very long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of Vincent (Bill Murray), a bawdy misanthrope next door. Vincent takes Oliver along on his trips to the race track, strip club and dive bar, and an unlikely friendship is born. The man is a mentor to the boy in his hedonistic way, and Oliver sees the good in Vincent that no one else can.
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  • Meatballs
    11

    Meatballs

    Bill Murray, Chris Makepeace, Kate Lynch
    596 votes
    Tripper (Bill Murray) is the head counselor at a budget summer camp called Camp Northstar. In truth, he's young at heart and only marginally more mature than the campers themselves. Tripper befriends Rudy (Chris Makepeace), a loner camper who has trouble fitting in. As Tripper inspires his young charges to defeat rival Camp Mohawk in the annual Olympiad competition, Rudy plays matchmaker between Tripper and Roxanne (Kate Lynch), a female counselor at Northstar.
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  • Ghostbusters II
    12

    Ghostbusters II

    Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
    634 votes
    In Ghostbusters II, the once renowned ghost-fighting team, led by Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), is disbanded and disgraced. However, when a new threat emerges in the form of an ancient tyrant Vigo (Wilhelm von Homburg) planning to conquer the world using slime that amplifies negative emotions, they are forced to reunite. Along with their fellow Ghostbusters; Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson)‚ they set out to save New York City once again from supernatural forces. This comedic action-adventure film blends humor with elements of horror for an exciting cinematic experience.
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  • The Grand Budapest Hotel
    13

    The Grand Budapest Hotel

    Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric
    229 votes
    In the visually stunning and quirky The Grand Budapest Hotel, we follow the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel. His trusted friend, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), a lobby boy turned millionaire, recounts their escapades during the tumultuous times between two World Wars. Their journey involves stolen Renaissance art, an escalating family dispute over an immense fortune, and a dramatic prison escape. This Wes Anderson movie won four Academy Awards and is known for its distinctive comedic style and intricate storytelling.
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  • Rushmore
    14

    Rushmore

    Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams
    607 votes
    In the quirky comedy-drama Rushmore, Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious yet underachieving 15-year-old student at Rushmore Academy, finds his world turned upside down when he falls for elementary school teacher Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams). Meanwhile, his unique friendship with wealthy industrialist Herman Blume (Bill Murray) takes a complicated turn when Herman also develops feelings for Rosemary. Directed by Wes Anderson, this film explores love triangles, teenage ambition, and adult disillusionment in a distinctive style. The movie has garnered critical acclaim, with Bill Murray winning Best Supporting Actor from the New York Film Critics Circle.
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  • The Royal Tenenbaums
    15

    The Royal Tenenbaums

    Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
    633 votes
    The Royal Tenenbaums is a quirky comedy-drama, directed by the distinctive Wes Anderson. It tells an eccentric tale of a peculiar family, headed by patriarch Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). His estranged wife, Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and their prodigious but troubled offspring - business savant Chas (Ben Stiller), playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and tennis star Richie (Luke Wilson) - form the core of this unusual clan. A narrative spun around familial discord, reconciliation attempts, and personal growth, it's a film that's as unpredictable as the Tenenbaums themselves. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, it stands testament to Anderson's unique storytelling prowess.
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  • The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
    16

    The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

    Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett
    661 votes
    In the offbeat adventure-comedy, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, we follow oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) on an eccentric quest. After his partner Esteban is eaten by a mysterious shark, Zissou assembles a motley crew, including a journalist (Cate Blanchett) and a man who may be his son (Owen Wilson), to hunt down the creature. Directed by Wes Anderson, this film won acclaim for its unique blend of humor, drama, and stylized visuals. It's a quirky exploration of ambition, fatherhood, and the allure of the deep sea.
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  • The Man Who Knew Too Little
    17

    The Man Who Knew Too Little

    Bill Murray, Peter Gallagher, Joanne Whalley
    420 votes
    In London to celebrate his birthday with James (Peter Gallagher), his rich younger brother, hapless American Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) gets signed up to participate in an elaborate role-playing theater performance. However, when Wallace accidentally receives a call intended for an actual hit man, he gets caught in a web of intrigue, completely unaware that the action unfolding around him is real. Luckily, the lovely Lori (Joanne Whalley) is around to help the clueless guy out of tight spots.
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  • Tootsie
    18

    Tootsie

    Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr
    482 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy-drama Tootsie, struggling actor Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) adopts a female persona, Dorothy Michaels, to land work. As Dorothy, he secures a role in a popular soap opera, turning heads and winning hearts. Meanwhile, his affection for co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) complicates matters. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film cleverly explores gender roles and identity. Jessica Lange won an Academy Award for her performance as Julie Nichols, cementing the film's legacy in Hollywood history.
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  • Little Shop of Horrors
    19

    Little Shop of Horrors

    Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin
    423 votes
    In the quirky musical horror-comedy Little Shop of Horrors, Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) is a meek florist who discovers an unusual plant with a ravenous appetite. This peculiar specimen, which he dubs Audrey II (voice of Levi Stubbs), has a taste for human blood. As Seymour tries to satisfy the increasingly demanding plant, his life spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, he navigates his feelings for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). Directed by Frank Oz, this film offers a darkly humorous spin on the 'mad scientist' trope, blending catchy tunes with macabre themes - all set within an eccentric flower shop.
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  • The Monuments Men
    20

    The Monuments Men

    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray
    266 votes
    During World War II, the Nazis steal countless pieces of art and hide them away. Some over-the-hill art scholars, historians, architects and other experts form a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The mission becomes even more urgent when the team learns about Hitler's "Nero Decree," which orders destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. Caught in a race against time, the men risk their lives to protect some of mankind's greatest achievements.
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  • Moonrise Kingdom
    21

    Moonrise Kingdom

    Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray
    441 votes
    In Moonrise Kingdom, a whimsical tale set on an idyllic New England island in 1965, two young lovers, Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), decide to run away together. Their disappearance sparks a local search party led by the island's quirky inhabitants including Police Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis) and Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton). The film, directed by Wes Anderson, is a charming exploration of adolescent love and rebellion against societal norms. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 85th Academy Awards.
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  • Ed Wood
    22

    Ed Wood

    Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker
    379 votes
    Ed Wood (Johnny Depp) is a passionate but troubled filmmaker, struggling in Hollywood's golden age. This biographical comedy-drama, directed by Tim Burton, chronicles Wood's life and his unconventional friendship with horror film legend Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), whose career was in decline. The movie explores the production of Wood's infamous B-movie classics like Plan 9 from Outer Space and Glen or Glenda. Landau's exceptional portrayal of Lugosi earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Despite its humorous tone, Ed Wood remains a poignant tribute to one of cinema's most eccentric figures.
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  • Quick Change
    23

    Quick Change

    Bill Murray, Geena Davis, Randy Quaid
    312 votes
    With the aid of his girlfriend, Phyllis Potter (Geena Davis), and best friend, Loomis (Randy Quaid), Grimm (Bill Murray) enters a Manhattan bank dressed as a clown, creates a hostage situation and executes a flawless robbery. The only thing left for the trio to do is make their getaway out of the city and to the airport. It sounds simple enough, but it seems that fate deserts them immediately after the bank heist. One mishap after another conspires to keep these robbers from reaching freedom.
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  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
    24

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman
    307 votes
    In the animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) lives an idyllic home life with Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep) and their son, Ash (Jason Schwartzman). However, when Mr. Fox's sly nature drives him to raid the farms of three wealthy farmers, he jeopardizes not only his family but the entire animal community as well. Directed by Wes Anderson, this stop-motion comedy-drama is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel. It was nominated for two Oscars including Best Animated Feature. The movie, known for its witty dialogues and rich visuals, is a delightful mix of humor and adventure.
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  • Space Jam
    25

    Space Jam

    Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito
    432 votes
    In Space Jam, basketball legend Michael Jordan (as himself) gets sucked into a world beneath the golf course. Here, he finds himself in Looney Tune Land, where Bugs Bunny and friends are in desperate need of his skills. The Tune Squad, led by Bugs (Billy West), faces an existential threat from the Monstars, a formidable basketball team from outer space. With slapstick humor and lively animation, this family comedy intertwines the worlds of sports and cartoons in a unique fashion. The film is known for its memorable soundtrack, featuring the hit song I Believe I Can Fly by R.Kelly.
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  • Broken Flowers
    26

    Broken Flowers

    Bill Murray, Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone
    331 votes
    When his latest girlfriend (Julie Delpy) leaves him, retired computer magnate Don Johnston (Bill Murray) has no greater ambition than to sit around the house. When he receives an anonymous letter from a former girlfriend claiming he has a 19-year-old son he's never met, Don doesn't even think to follow up. It's not until his neighbor, a mystery fan, encourages him that Don resolves to visit the exes who seem the most likely candidates and find out the truth.
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  • Wild Things
    27

    Wild Things

    Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell
    234 votes
    In the steamy thriller Wild Things, Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon), a well-liked high school counselor, finds his life turned upside down when students Kelly Van Ryan (Denise Richards) and Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell) accuse him of rape. As the scandal unfolds, Detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) starts digging deeper into the case, unearthing a web of deceit, greed, and revenge. The movie is replete with plot twists that keep viewers on their toes. Amidst the sultry backdrop of Florida's Blue Bay, Wild Things weaves an intricate narrative that challenges perceptions of innocence and guilt.
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  • Where the Buffalo Roam
    28

    Where the Buffalo Roam

    Bill Murray, Peter Boyle, Rene Auberjonois
    307 votes
    In 1968, drug-addled journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Bill Murray) covers the drug possession trial of a group of young people defended by Thompson's old friend Carl Lazlo (Peter Boyle). After Lazlo loses the case, the idealistic lawyer and the cynical writer go their separate ways, but meet again five years later while Thompson is covering the Super Bowl. Now a revolutionary who has abandoned the legal system, Lazlo attempts to get Thompson to join his cause.
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  • Zombieland: Double Tap
    29

    Zombieland: Double Tap

    Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
    73 votes
    In the comedic horror sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, we once more join the resilient foursome - Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) - as they continue to navigate a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies. Their journey is further complicated by evolved, harder-to-kill zombies, internal tensions, and unexpected new companions. The film, directed by Ruben Fleischer, delivers a potent blend of laughter and terror while exploring the dynamics of an unconventional family in a world gone mad. The writing duo Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick return to deliver another hit filled with wit and action.
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  • The Jungle Book
    30

    The Jungle Book

    Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley
    133 votes
    The Jungle Book, an adventure-packed movie, features Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a young boy raised by wolves. Guided by the stern panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray), he embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery. The journey is not without peril, as Shere Khan (Idris Elba), a fearsome tiger, holds a deadly grudge against him. This film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, thanks to its stunning portrayal of the Indian jungle and its anthropomorphic inhabitants. Despite being set in a wild world, it tells a human story about identity and belonging.
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