02 Nov 14 of the Most Hilarious Comedians from ‘90s Movies
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the ‘90s.
The 1990s were a decade that saw the rise of high-rise jeans and bell-bottoms, alternative rock classics, bleached-tipped hair, and the introduction of the internet. Of course, there are some parts of the ’90s that we’d like to forget.
Remember when we had to wait for dial-up to load so we could get online, only to be kicked offline when Grandma called? Or when we got lost for hours trying to read the directions your friend printed off MapQuest before GPS was in everyone’s lives?
Aside from getting lost and slow internet speeds, the ‘90s era was an epic decade for laughs and comedy. There was humorous music, movies, TV sitcoms, sketch shows like “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and “Kids in the Hall,” as well as improv shows like “Whose Line is it Anyway?” There was also a wave of many famous and up-and-coming stand-up comedians hitting the scene.
If you’re an event planner, consider the nostalgia and laughter that a ’90s-themed comedy event could bring to your audience. The Comedy Company can help get you the comedian to make it happen!
We’re going to look at some of the best comedy shows, movies, and stand-up of the ’90s and the amazing comedians who made them unforgettable.
So, grab some “member berries” (South Park shout-out) and let’s check out the best comedy movies of the ‘90s.
Top ‘90s Comedy on TV
Television in the ‘90s was filled with hilarious shows that brought laughter into the living rooms all across America. The ‘90s were a huge golden era for sitcoms. “Friends” was a legendary sitcom from the ’90s that first aired in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons. A whole generation can remember sitting in front of the TV, waiting to hear “I’ll be there for you.” If you think of funny TV shows from the ’90s, you automatically think of “Friends”.
“The Simpsons” set the bar for cartoon sitcoms and is still going strong today, over 35 years later. On that same note, “South Park” debuted on Comedy Central in 1997. Following that was “Family Guy” in 1999. You also had many more hilarious sitcoms in the ’90s, including:
- “Married…with Children”
- “Seinfeld”
- “Frasier”
- “Home Improvement”
- “Everybody Loves Raymond”
- “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
- “Full House”
- “Daria”
- “Beavis and Butt-head”
- “Animaniacs”
- “Dinosaurs”
- “Saved by the Bell”
- “Boy Meets World”
- “That ’70s Show”
There were many more funny TV shows that weren’t exactly sitcoms but would still crack you up. “Saturday Night Live,” of course, was still going strong in the ’90s. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” was a popular improv-style variety comedy show that was hugely successful in the ‘90s.
Top ’90s Comedy in Films
Who can forget going to Blockbuster and renting their favorite romantic comedy, or when Netflix would send them the DVD in the mail, and you and your friends would sit and watch the best comedies of the ‘90s?
The ’90s were an epic era for comedy films. From romantic comedies to slapstick humor, this decade had so many great comedy movies. There were many funny ’90s teen comedy films, and some cool satire even hit the scene.
The comedy movies of the ‘90s were so funny because they starred such good comedians. There were many great Adam Sandler, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey films that you probably even watched as a kid and enjoyed. I’m sure one of your longer field trips included an Adam Sandler movie on the way back home.
“Dumb & Dumber” is a classic ’90s film featuring two legends: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Some other movies that made the ’90s so great include:
- “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”
- “Happy Gilmore”
- “The Mask”
- “Mrs. Doubtfire”
- “Tommy Boy”
- “Black Sheep”
- “Rush Hour”
- “Clueless”
- “American Pie”
- “Friday”
- “The Water Boy”
- “The Mask”
- “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery”
- “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”
- “South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut”
- “10 Things I Hate About You”
- “There’s Something About Mary”
- “What About Bob?”
- “Wayne’s World”
- “Half Baked”
- “The Birdcage”
There were many more great and funny movies, and some that weren’t explicitly “comedy” films still had some hilarious bits or cameos. “Scary Movie” actually debuted in 2000, but it was such a witty parody of slasher movies that it was just too funny not to mention.
Top ‘90s Comedy Stand-up
In the early ’90s, Comedy Central was just getting started, so most of the great stand-up specials were aired on HBO, with some also appearing on Fox or regular programming channels.
However, many went straight to VHS or later to DVD, until Comedy Central started offering 24/7 comedy programming, including stand-up specials. “Comedy Central Presents” aired in 1998 and showcased stand-up comedians. You could also check out BET’s “Comic View” or HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” for stand-up. Many stand-up comedians had humorous comedy specials that aired on HBO and other channels, including:
- Dave Chappelle
- George Carlin
- Jerry Seinfeld
- Robin Williams
- Chris Rock
- D.L. Hughley
- Margaret Cho
- Bob Saget
- Roseanne Barr
- Ray Romano
- Louis C.K.
- Dana Carvey
- Kathy Griffin
- Steve Harvey
There were many more great stand-up comedians as well. The ’90s were an explosive decade for comedy. Stand-up comedians were getting booked for various TV shows because they were funny and less expensive than most actors. Television gave many stand-up comedians their big breaks and the opportunity to shine in the spotlight.
Hilarious Iconic Stars From the ‘90s
Now that you know more about the various types of comedy that defined the ’90s, let’s look at some of the funny people who made it the Golden Age of comedy.
Adam Sandler
You can’t really talk about funny comedy movies from the ’90s without mentioning Adam Sandler. From his anger issues in “Happy Gilmore” to his outstanding linebacker performance as Bobby Boucher Jr. in “Waterboy”, Adam Sandler has made some unforgettable comedy movies.
He also co-starred with other ’90s comedian actress Drew Barrymore in the iconic “The Wedding Singer.” Drew and Adam had such great on-screen chemistry and humor that they later went on to co-star in two other romantic comedy films, “50 First Dates” and “Blended.”
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is another legendary comedian from the ‘90s who starred in some ridiculously funny movies. “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” had scenes that we can still quote and vividly recall, like when he says, “I have exorcised the demons. This house is clear.”
“The Mask” was another hilarious movie from the 1990s, starring Jim Carrey, that effortlessly encapsulated his comedic style. You can’t forget his obsessive, work-driven father role in “Liar, Liar,” where he couldn’t tell a lie.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock has been performing since the ’80s after he was discovered by comedian Eddie Murphy. He has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, including “The Chris Rock Show”.
He got his big break in the ’90s when he was cast on SNL. He isn’t one to shy away from any topic and has a tell-it-like-it-is approach that may make those who observe political correctness blush. His comedy is definitely rated R and may not be a good fit for those who dislike profanity.
Larry the Cable Guy
Who remembers the iconic line “Git-R-Done”? Even people who never watched Larry the Cable Guy knew his signature catchphrase. Larry the Cable Guy is an American stand-up comedian who got his start in the ‘90s on radio shows like “The Bob & Tom Show” and “The Ron and Ron Show.” He developed his persona as Larry the Cable Guy and began performing stereotypical redneck humor with a southern twang.
Following his fantastic ’90s stand-up hits, he joined the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with other “redneck” comedians, including Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White. Larry the Cable Guy also voices “Mater” in the Disney series “Cars.”
Bill Murray
Bill Murray was an SNL star during the late ‘70s to 1980. However, his film career took off in the ‘90s. He did an outstanding performance in the time-loop comedy film “Groundhog Day.” You can still see memes about this iconic movie quoting “Well, it’s Groundhog Day…again.”
Don’t forget the ‘90s movie where he played a renowned bowling star: “Kingpin.” Another top-performing ’90s comedy movie starring Bill Murray was “What About Bob?”, where he played Bob, who becomes a little too clingy with his therapist.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz’s first big movie role was “The Mask” in 1994 alongside Jim Carrey. She played many comedic roles in ‘90s romantic comedy films. She later starred in one of the most popular romantic comedies of the ‘90s, “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
She also co-starred with Ben Stiller in “There’s Something About Mary”, a rom-com where a long-lost high school lover tracks down his dream girl. Cameron Diaz goes on to star in many other great films and voices Fiona in Shrek.
Chris Kattan
Chris Kattan is best known for his SNL performances. He also starred in “A Night at the Roxbury” with Will Ferrell, which was a comedy that rose from their sketch on SNL called “The Roxbury Guys.” Anytime you hear “What is Love?” by Haddaway, you automatically see them bobbing their heads on their way to clubs.
Victoria Jackson
Victoria Jackson joined the cast of SNL in the late 1980s. She gained fame through her “Weekend Update” sketch appearances in the early ’90s. She also performed many funny impressions, including Roseanne Barr.
Victoria Jackson has been in many TV shows and films. In recent years, she has released an album, “When I Get to Nashville,” in which she sings, plays ukulele, and performs stand-up comedy.
Jerry Seinfeld
Who could forget this iconic comedian from his hit series “Seinfeld” to his unforgettable stand-up? His witty, observational comedy has been making people laugh since his debut in the ‘80s.
His stand-up special, “I’m Telling You for the Last Time,” aired in 1998, and the following year, it was nominated for a 1999 Grammy Award.
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle gained his fame in the early ‘90s as a stand-up comedian who often took a stance on political issues. In later years, his brilliant sketch comedy show, “Chappelle’s Show,” tackled many controversial topics.
He co-wrote and starred in the stoner movie “Half Baked” with Jim Breuer. Dave Chappelle also starred in “The Nutty Professor” with Eddie Murphy. He played Kevin in “You’ve Got Mail,” which debuted at number one at the box office in its first week in the US.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy started working as a stand-up comedian in the ‘80s, starting with SNL. He was also a big hit in the ‘90s movies playing in “The Nutty Professor” and “Dr. Dolittle.”
You’ll also recognize Eddie Murphy’s voice in a few animated movies for kids, such as Mushu in “Mulan” and later as the beloved Donkey in “Shrek”. The cool thing about Eddie Murphy was that he could take on multiple roles in movies.
Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is one of the top female comedians to come out of the ‘90s. Her stand-up tackled issues such as race and sexuality. She had her own show in the ‘90s, called “All-American Girl,” which was a sitcom based on some of her own life experiences.
In 1999, “I’m the One That I Want” was her very first one-woman comedy show, where she dives deep into her real-world struggles with drugs and alcohol and Asian-American stereotypes.
Chris Farley
The late Chris Farley was a ’90s comedy sensation. Chris Farley co-starred in “Tommy Boy” and “Black Sheep” with David Spade in two slapstick, ridiculously funny movies from the ‘90s.
Chris Farley was most famous for his work on SNL. Who can forget the classic “Saturday Night Live” sketch where Chris Farley played Matt Foley, a motivational speaker, and his catchphrase, “You’ll be living in a van down by the river!”
Robin Williams
Robin Williams was a legendary comedian in the ’90s. You really can’t discuss the ‘90s movies without mentioning Robin Williams. He voiced the genie in the beloved Disney film “Aladdin” and delivered a showstopping performance as “Mrs. Doubtfire”, the hilarious nanny who was secretly the father of the children in a custody battle.
“The Birdcage” was another major comedy film from the ’90s, starring Robin Williams alongside Nathan Lane in a romantic comedy. He was most known for his improv skills and voice changes, as well as his raunchy, rapid-fire stand-up comedy.
The Comedian Company Can Help You Relive the Glory Days of Comedy
Now that you’ve had a chance to travel back to the best comedy movies of the ’90s, you may want to hire yourself a comedian for your next event. The Comedian Company can help you find a hilarious stand-up comedian.
Whether you’re throwing a private party, a worship center gathering, a corporate party, or any other kind of event, we can hook you up with the funniest comedians.
We work with a wide range of comedians, and our agents can connect you with a comedian who fits your unique needs, event type, ideal comedy style, and price range. You can contact us today, and we can even arrange for a celebrity comedian from the ’90s to bring the nostalgia to your next event.
