Buzz
Jim Carrey’s meteoric rise in the mid-’90s came after years of struggles, including three unsuccessful attempts to join SNL, before he secured a lasting spot on Fox’s In Living Color. His breakthrough in movies marked the beginning of an extraordinary decade of success in a career filled with twists and turns.
From high-energy slapstick comedies to thought-provoking dramedies exploring themes of isolation, stardom, and sorrow, Carrey has delivered a wide range of emotions, humor, and poignant moments. Here are 12 of his finest films.
Once Bitten (1985)
Once Bitten might have been Carrey’s breakthrough on the big screen, but critics were unimpressed by the tale of a teenage virgin driving an ice cream truck, caught between a vampire countess and her quest for everlasting youth. Despite this, the risqué comedy has its admirers who see Carrey’s budding talent. Among them is Ariana Grande, a devoted Carrey fan, who is thought to have hidden subtle references to Once Bitten in her “Boy Is Mine” music video, a track from her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine (another homage to one of Carrey’s films). Grande also appeared in a cameo on Carrey’s series, Kidding.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Ace Ventura became the ideal platform for Carrey as his time on In Living Color neared its end, though it required tweaks to transform Ace into the hyperactive, self-assured manchild that captivated audiences. David Alan Grier, Carrey’s co-star from In Living Color, had the unique experience of being considered for the role (alongside SNL alum Rob Schneider) before Carrey and later attending the premiere with him. Grier openly admits he doubted the film’s success, sharing on Neal Brennan’s Blocks podcast, “I thought this was too wild for America!” before chuckling at how mistaken he was.
The Mask (1994)
In adapting The Mask from its original, gory comic book form, the creators shifted the tone from horror to comedy. The casting wishlist featured names like Rick Moranis and Nicolas Cage, but director Chuck Russell envisioned Carrey for the role “even before knowing if I could secure him.” The final product feels like a hyperactive blend of Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Carrey’s third major hit of 1994 paired him with The Farrelly Brothers for a road trip comedy centered on two hilariously clueless friends. Behind the scenes, Carrey flexed his newfound influence: he insisted on not sharing the spotlight with another comedian in Dumb And Dumber. Instead, he championed Jeff Daniels, known more for dramatic roles. “I really fought to have him in the film with me,” Carrey told Bobbie Wyngant during production. “I wanted an actor who could teach me something, challenge me, and maybe even intimidate me at times.”
Daniels faced resistance from his own team. In a 2021 interview with Vanity Fair, he shared how he reassured his agents he wouldn’t be overshadowed by Carrey, arguing that diversifying his roles would open more opportunities. Three decades later, it’s evident both Carrey and Daniels made the right call.
Batman Forever (1995)
Carrey’s portrayal of The Riddler perfectly aligned with the flamboyant tone director Joel Schumacher aimed for in Batman Forever. However, pairing him with Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face proved problematic. Jones openly disliked Carrey, telling Norm Macdonald about a heated off-camera moment where he bluntly stated, “I hate you,” and delivered the iconic line, “I cannot sanction your buffoonery.”
The Cable Guy (1996)
Promoted as a major summer comedy, The Cable Guy surprised both critics and viewers with its darker, satirical take on media culture. The film remains relevant, blending a toxic friendship thriller with standout comedic scenes—most notably the Medieval Times segment, which Carrey revealed in the DVD commentary was inspired by his own awkward experience at a Renaissance Faire.
The movie also ties back to Carrey’s In Living Color roots: his character was partly inspired by Dickie Peterson, a humorously intense vigilante persona from the show.
Liar Liar (1997)
Liar Liar follows a lawyer compelled to speak nothing but the truth for an entire day after his son’s birthday wish magically takes effect. This film marked Carrey’s debut as a parent, paving the way for more family-oriented roles. Relying heavily on Carrey’s unmatched physical comedy skills, it’s hard to picture the movie with Hugh Grant in the lead role. Could Grant have pulled off the iconic bathroom self-kicking scene?
The Truman Show (1998)
Carrey’s debut as a dramatic lead and one of his finest roles (earning him a Golden Globe), The Truman Show eerily predicts a society obsessed with reality TV and constant surveillance. Carrey revealed that director Peter Weir cast him based on the energy he saw in the Ace Ventura poster, describing him as “energetic and unpredictable.” The film’s themes of fame and paranoia mirrored Carrey’s own experiences during his meteoric rise in the mid-’90s. “I felt all the paranoia and everything that comes with it,” Carrey shared in a later interview with Charlie Rose.
Man On The Moon (1999)
Carrey earned his second Golden Globe for portraying Andy Kaufman in Man On The Moon, but the role took a toll on him. As shown in the documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, Carrey claimed Kaufman’s spirit overtook him during filming, leaving him unsure of his own identity afterward. Whether you view this as method acting or an extreme performance, Carrey immersed himself fully, even engaging with Kaufman’s family and daughter as if he were the late comedian himself.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This Dr. Seuss adaptation marked Carrey’s first full dive into family-friendly films, but it came with challenges, including enduring nearly four hours of makeup daily. While the movie has become a holiday favorite, was the effort worth it? Reports suggest Carrey’s behavior strained relationships with the crew, and Mask creator Mike Richardson believes the grueling makeup process contributed to Carrey’s refusal to do a Mask sequel.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Carrey plays a weatherman gifted with divine powers alongside Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman in what became his highest-grossing film ($485 million worldwide) and a potential franchise starter—had he not declined to participate in Evan Almighty, which flopped and derailed plans for a third film, Brucifer, where Carrey would wield Satan’s abilities. While Fun With Dick And Jane (2005) and Yes Man (2008) followed, Bruce Almighty signaled the decline of Carrey’s comedy blockbuster era.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Carrey’s greatest film showcases his evolution as an actor. Known for his over-the-top antics in earlier roles, this Michel Gondry-directed masterpiece required him to embrace vulnerability, portraying a man clinging to memories of a love he tried to erase.
Was it harsh of Gondry to encourage Carrey to channel the heartbreak of his recent split with Renee Zellweger, even hiring a Zellweger lookalike for a deleted scene? Maybe, but as the film demonstrates, the ache of lost love is indelible. Thankfully. While other movies on this list resonate for nostalgia or sheer quality, Eternal Sunshine stands apart for the lasting emotional impact it leaves on its audience.
