There are ALOT of blurbs here about Jim Carrey that say something like, “typically a comedic actor, Carrey really brings the dramatic chops here. If you’ve only thought of Carrey as a comedian, you’ll be surprised by watching some of his serious films on this list. The man has been working now for multiple decades and has a wealth of movies you can entertain yourself with.
While Jim Carrey is known for his physical comedy, he also does some dramatic work from time to time. In Yes Man we see Jim Carrey’s Carl Allen, a person who is closed off from society, blocking people’s numbers, falling asleep to movies, working a job that bores him, not dating anyone or even hanging out with his friends. Then, once he meets an old friend of his (John Michael Higgins), you see Carey’s mannerisms start to change. He starts playing Dance Dance Revolution (and is shockingly good at it), buying shots for his friends , going to his boss’s inane parties (Rhys Darby) and he even gets a girlfriend (Zooey Deschanel). Besides all of the stellar acting, I think the best part of the film is that it takes the time to explore the sidelines of the philosophy of saying yes through a random comment made by a friend or something that happens as a result of saying no to something. Not unlike one of my favorite shows, The Good Place, it tells you something without telling you directly and I’ve got to give massive props to Peyton Reed (he’s also directed the Ant-Man movies) for planting those seeds throughout without making it overly obvious. (Austin Belzer)
During the early to mid 90’s Jim Carrey was a force to be reckoned with. One of the films that catapulted him to high status in Hollywood was The Mask (1994). Based off of the comic book of the same name, the film takes liberties that really work to Jim Carrey’s strengths as a performer. His brand of comedy melds terrifically in this film and his rubber faced mannerisms fit the character perfectly. Jim Carrey himself is like a cartoon character who comes to life and he is built to play the dual roles of Stanley Ipkiss and The Mask. Another portion of this film that I found incredibly memorable was one of the first big roles for Cameron Diaz as Tina Carlyle. She works really well with Carrey and they have an undeniable chemistry on screen together. This film has great comedy, excellent visuals (For the time), cinematography and solid performances all around. Carrey seemed to be tailor maid to play this character and you can tell he is having an amazing time. It was unfortunate that they couldn’t snag him for a sequel because he added so much vibrancy to The Mask. The Mask is a “Smokin!” good time for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. (Joseph Vargas)
Dumber and Dumber is a 1994 comedy from Academy Award Winner Director Peter Farrelly and his Uncredited brother Bobby. This movie came out in a time when America needed it the most. A social commentary of the struggle of the lower class and the upper echelon. As down on their luck, business owners-to-be hopefuls get mixed up in a deadly game of human chess game we haven’t seen the likes of since the Hatfields and the McCoys. Harry and Lloyd set out on an adventure of a lifetime. Jim Carry and Jeff Daniels are iconic in their roles of Lloyd & Harry. This is the GOAT of “dumb” comedies with the two leads playing it straight making the comedy around them shine. There is a child like innocence in their portrayal of the characters that no other comedy can come close to copying. I’ve been watching this film for 26 years now (Holy shit, how old am I?) and to this day there are just many layers of jokes hidden in the film that I am STILL discovering to this day. If you haven’t seen it you really should, it’s a mistake you will not regret. (Frank Kemp)
Conspiracy…Dan Marino…dolphins, oh my! The year was 1994 and a rubber man became one of the biggest names in comedy overnight by starring in three breakout films. Jim Carrey was his name and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective was one such film. Carrey plays a man whose love for animals is unstoppable as he takes on the case of his life. The Miami Dolphins’ mascot has been taken and who could have done it? That is for Pet Detective, Ace Ventura, to find out! Carrey fills this short ride to the brim with a barrage of physical comedy with such classic gags as a talking butt, a slow-motion football play, and strategically screaming. The pure energy that is brought by his performance is a fever pitch as this somewhat by the numbers cop comedy is delivered to the next level. This film launched an even more crazy sequence that doubles down on the laugh and absurd situations. Is this film dumb? Most people would probably answer yes. Does that mean this film is not worth your time? That would be a definite no. This one is worth the laughs and the wonderfully zany performance by Jim Carrey. (Shane Conto)
What is more fun than one actor playing another actor? If you ask most people in Hollywood, they would probably answer “Nothing”. But what kind of actor do you need to transform into one of the most unique and controversial comedians of all time? You need one who can bring the laughs and truly escape into another person’s skin. When it comes down to it, Jim Carrey is one such actor who can bring the goods. Carrey brings to life Andy Kaufman in the most organic and frighteningly accurate way. Carrey turns into Kaufman. That is plain and simple. In all honesty, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jim Carrey thought he actually became a different person. Where much of the film is a by-the-numbers biopic, this performance is a sight to see and hear. Carrey is able to recreate the energy and passion of this legendary comedian along with every quirk and personality trait. The laughs are there, the emotions are felt, and the energy is electric. Jim Carrey shows that he is a great comedic actor (which audiences already knew) and then upped his game to show the dramatic chops that many didn’t know he had. (Shane Conto)
Though a bit dark for most Jim Carrey fans at the time of its release, Cable Guy has only grown in estimation since then. Much of this has to do with the very sharp eye of director Ben Stiller, who has gone on to show a real talent for telling stories. Carrey gets a chance to be his usual silly puddy self, but it’s grounded by a movie that delivers a solid message about pop culture and false friendship. Oh and it’s about 90 minutes of pure hilarity, so there’s that as well. (SiftFather)
People want me to do everything for them. But what they don’t realize is *they* have the power. You want to see a miracle, son? Be the miracle. Jim Carrey has three modes: funny and wacky, serious, or political. So far, the latter seems to only exist on Twitter, so his movies are only one of the two. Usually you get one or the other and sometimes a bit mixed in. For every Dumb and Dumber there seems to be an Eternal Sunshine. But there are also movies like Liar Liarthat are mostly wacky, but sometimes have real heart. Bruce Almighty has a great balance of both. For every scene that Jim Carrey is being silly and using God powers to clear traffic, there is a scene of him lamenting the loss of his relationship. This movie is very well balanced with wacky and depth and has some very interesting philosophical moments about how we relate to God and what we expect from Him. I really don’t think that this movie works with any other actor in it, but I think you could say that about several of the roles, Morgan Freeman and Steve Carrel included. There is a lot of emotional weight here as well as some really big laughs and at the end of the day, you’ll laugh, feel, and learn something. What more can you ask for? (Aaron Schweitzer)
I’m going to make the case that Liar, Liar is the best Jim Carrey film of all time. When you think of a good Carrey film, it typically revolves around his character being an over-the-top goofball that, usually underneath whatever whacky events he is engaging in, the viewer can tell that he is a good person deep down. Unfortunately, a slight drawback to some Carrey films is his characters are extremely goofy almost to the point where empathising with them can be difficult. As much as I found them hilarious, I had a hard time sympathizing with The Mask (not Stanley Ipkiss), Lloyd Christmas, and Ace Ventura. The films those characters represent are genuinely funny comedies that I will still watch whenever I see an opportunity but the characters themselves become too dumb (no pun intended) to be empathetic. Fletcher Reede in Liar, Liar doesn’t require Jim Carrey to be in a green mask, chip his tooth, or have a pompadour and Hawaiian shirt. In fact, the argument could be made that the film requires Jim Carrey to rely on his chameleon-like facial muscles, witty dialogue that flows beautifully, and his interactions with other characters that make this film so great. This performance is incredible because it is a fusion of both grounded in reality and over-the-top. The interaction between Fletcher and his son Max is where Liar, Liar shines brightest. We get to see their chemistry that could be easily mistaken for real-life father and son. The plot, while hilarious and original, serves as a vehicle for Carrey to be his maniacal self but also a morally-fueled tale that allows his character to illustrate growth while recognizing failure. Liar, Liar is a brilliant commentary on honesty, justice, and the effect and influence that parents have on children. Watch the final court scene and tell me that Jim Carrey’s remorse doesn’t break your heart. (Dylon Turner)
When people think Jim Carrey, they usually think about his incredible run of comedies in the mid-to-late 90’s. Films like Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar Liar, and of course The Cable Guy. One film I find that often falls between the cracks is his first foray into drama with The Truman Show. A film about a man whose entire life has been a reality TV Show and he is blissfully unaware. This movie proved that Jim Carrey wasn’t just a funny guy, but one heck of a talented actor who could tackle difficult roles and be an everyman. I love this movie and the themes it wrestles with. Themes of free will, making your own life choices and embracing the good and the bad that come with it. The Truman Show is highly re-watchable and might very well be Jim Carrey’ best all-around film. (Ben Davis)
Have you ever wished that you could take something back? Have you done something you regret and wish you could forget? Joel Barish has, and he has a way to erase those bad memories from his mind forever. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Jim Carrey is as great as he’s ever been. It’s a unique and touching dramatic performance that makes you deeply empathize with not only him, but Clementine as well. In a concept fit for a Christopher Nolan movie, the two of them absolutely own the movie and make you feel more than you ever thought you might be able to in a science fiction movie starring Jim Carrey. (Robert Bouffard)
Honorable Mentions
A Series of Unfortunate Events
It seems interesting that almost anyone who love’s Jim Carrey almost forget’s the original big screen adaptation of Lemony Snickets, A Series of unfortunate events. Jim Carrey has almost no trouble playing roles that he can disappear into, including his underrated performance as Count Olaf. (ASOUE) is a film adaptation of the beloved children’s book series from author Lemony Snicket. After three children of a wealthy family are orphaned as their parents are killed in a fire, they are sent to live with their distant relative Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), but he keeps plotting to get rid of the three to get their fortune so he can keep it for himself. After the pair catch on quickly, they must keep avoiding Olaf and expose him before he can kill them, and take the fortune for himself. One of the challenges it has is pulling together multiple novels into one story, and of course because of it’s runtime means you have to cut out a lot of storylines. For the most part it generally works, and if you wish for a more serialized version then you always have the Netflix series as an option. Something I noticed on my re-watch is how many cameos from great actors are in here, these consist of Jude Law, Merly Streep, Luis Guzman, and even Cedric The Entertainer. This is truly a forgotten gem of the early 2000’s you have to see to believe. (Alex Henderson)
The Grinch
Nine years after Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” was published, we were given an animated television film that became a staple of holiday specials. Thus, you can imagine the pushback that some people might have expressed towards director Ron Howard’s 2000 live-action adaptation of the classic book. Although the movie can be brought down by some crude humor, you have to give credit to Jim Carrey, who pours all of his comedic energy into the title role. Between his physical movements, facial expressions, and vocal cadences, he delivers an interpretation of the character that made this movie much funnier than it could have been. Yes, it’s not as good as its animated counterpart, but it’s nevertheless an entertaining movie that is sure to make you laugh. Even if you don’t care for it, at least we can all agree that it’s better than the abominable live-action treatment that was given to “The Cat in the Hat.” (Vincent Abbatecola)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
A fun family flick for all to enjoy, it is nearly impossible not to like Mr. Popper’s Penguins. The movie is heavily aided by a fully committed Jim Carrey. His performance is outrageous, hilarious, and touching all at the same time, much like the film. People watching this movie will be surprised by how invested they become in the plot. This is all a testament to the enthusiasm and energy that Carrey adds. Very few actors have spread as much happiness through their careers than Jim Carrey, and this one is no different. This is not the most groundbreaking film, but it helps show another facet of Carrey’s talent and heart. This movie, just like the actor this piece is about, is easy to root for and easy to love. (Kaleb Wolters)
Also See:
The Majestic, Batman Forever, I Love You Phillip Morris, Me, Myself, and Irene