Summary

• Carrey's versatile comedy and dramatic performances in iconic roles have solidified his place among the greatest actors of all time.
• From Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Carrey's talent shines in both comedy and deep, emotional films.
• Carrey's return to form in Sonic the Hedgehog proves he is still a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, delivering memorable performances.

Jim Carrey was one of the greatest comedy stars the world has ever seen, and he had plenty of career-defining roles across his acclaimed career. From his early roles as over-the-top eccentric maniacs to more nuanced dramatic parts in deeply philosophical movies, Carrey had the skill in comedy and drama to deliver compelling performances that led to box office smashes and underappreciated cult classics. While Carrey’s bombastic style initially brought him fame, many of his defining roles were so memorable due to the heartbreaking vulnerability with which he imbued his characters.

From Ace Ventura to The Mask, Carrey’s best characters showcased his passion for physical comedy, which was central to the success he found during the 1990s and beyond. Later roles in The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind revealed a hidden depth to Carrey and a willingness to explore the deepest trenches of human experience to reveal the psychological complexities of modern existence. Carrey has had an incredibly acclaimed career, and his defining movies rank among the best comedies and dramas of all time.

8 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura

After honing his craft on the comedy club circuit and with small film and television roles, Jim Carrey catapulted to mainstream recognition with his first major movie, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Carrey’s distinct comedy stylings, already fully formed, were a breath of fresh air as he effortlessly embodied the outrageously eccentric private detective, infusing the film with his unique charm. Carrey's natural fit for roles like this was evident, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective became a surprise hit, grossing over $107 million against its $12 million budget.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Carrey possessed a special talent, and the success of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective was a testament to his committed performance. The character's hyper-physical slapstick style and Carrey’s incredible vocal inflections and silly facial distortions were a winning formula that would set the stage for many of his future comedy characters. While some critics may have dismissed Ace Ventura: Pet Detective as low-brow, the audience was captivated by this new star named Carrey.

7 The Mask (1994)

Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask

It appeared that 1994 was just Jim Carrey’s year. It not only marked the release of his breakout role in Ace Ventura and the hilariously stupid buddy comedy Dumb and Dumber, but was also the same year that The Mask was released. Taking in a whopping $351 million at the box office, The Mask was an extraordinary success that showcased Carrey’s cartoonish style and willingness to go above and beyond for a good joke. As an ordinary man transformed into a green-faced troublemaker, there was nobody better suited to this movie than Carrey.

With bombastic energy and a memorable supporting performance from a glamorous Cameron Diaz, The Mask was the perfect vehicle for Carrey’s talents, and it appeared Hollywood finally discovered how to utilize his unique skillset. Based on a comic book series of the same name, The Mask cemented Carrey as one of the iconic actors of the 1990s. Stanley Ipkiss's physical transformation into the green-faced caricature that was The Mask also hinted at Carrey’s later physical metamorphosis in movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

6 The Cable Guy (1996)

Jim Carrey as Chip Douglas