The 19 Best Jim Carrey Movies That Prove He's A True Ace
Vote up the Jim Carrey movies that prove he's got the range.
There are plenty of talented actors out there, but there's no one quite like Jim Carrey. Everyone knows the Ace Ventura star is a master of physical comedy and hilarious vocal inflections, but he's also got a wide range that can extend from chilling films like The Cable Guy to more off-beat, philosophical dramas like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. From the hilarious to the disturbing, he can do it all, and has proven his credentials over and over again. But which are the best Jim Carrey movies that truly show off his repertoire as a performer?
In this list, we will take a look at the best Jim Carrey movies, what they're about, and why the actor is quintessentially himself in each project. Take a look at the options below and vote up your favorite Carrey classics.
- 11,134 VOTES
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The Story: Everyday man Truman Banks (Jim Carrey) discovers his entire life is a scripted television show. Everything around him is carefully coordinated - from scenarios to people - in order to elicit genuine emotion from him and to entertain the viewers. However, it all takes a left turn when Truman decides to escape this constructed life.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: The Truman Show is a more serious affair that deals with issues such as celebrity culture and breaking free of societal pressures and norms. It's an ambitious movie that sees Carrey run the gamut of emotions in his attempt to find out who is the true Truman. In the end, he proves himself capable of telling thought-provoking stories with complex characters.
More The Truman Show
- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'The Truman Show'
- #386 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #52 of 90 onThe 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time
- 21,162 VOTES
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The Story: Private detective Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) specializes in finding animals. His next big case comes when he's hired to find the missing Miami Dolphins mascot, Snowflake. He isn't prepared for the wacky and intricate web of conspiracy and lies he's sucked into, but he rises to the occasion all the same.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective remains a highly quotable movie, with lines that have now become highly associated with Carrey as a performer, like his distinctive delivery of “Alrighty then!” Ventura also possesses a number of quirks and idiosyncrasies that endear him to the viewers long after the credits roll. Plus, who can ever forget someone who speaks to other people by using his butt?
- #111 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #205 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #66 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 31,238 VOTES
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The Story: Two bumbling best friends, Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), attempt to return a briefcase filled with money back to Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), who left it at the airport as ransom money for her kidnapped husband. Both men end up falling for Mary and unwittingly blocking the kidnappers and police at every turn.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: While he's a good friend and lovable goof at heart, Lloyd possesses a vengeful streak. He's obsessed with Mary and when he sees Harry wants her too, he takes revenge in, um, explosive fashion. Lloyd pours laxatives in Harry's coffee… bad news for the toilet.
More Dumb and Dumber- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Dumb And Dumber'
- And Deeper...'Dumb And Dumber' Is Far Darker And Creepier Than You Remember
- #198 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 41,142 VOTES
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The Story: The meek and mild Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) transforms into a superpowered trickster after he discovers a mysterious mask that's believed to belong to Loki, the god of mischief. Unfortunately, his wild escapades catch the attention of local mobsters who put a bounty on his head.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: When someone says Carrey transforms into the Mask, they aren't joking. His entire demeanor shifts as the actor puts in a physical comedy performance that will be studied by generations from now. Plus, his rendition of "Cuban Pete" deserves a Nobel Peace Prize because there's no way anyone can carry hatred in their hearts after witnessing this glorious song and dance.
- 51,139 VOTES
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The Story: As a successful but dishonest lawyer, Fletcher Reede (Jim Carrey) builds his entire career out of being an accomplished liar. After one too many disappointments, Fletcher's son makes a wish that his father won't be able to lie for a single day. It comes true, and Fletcher's stuck with a bout of radical honesty that leads to countless mishaps.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: This is an unrestrained Carrey performance where he ups the ante and delivers the harsh and unfiltered truth to everyone he encounters. Undoubtedly, one of the most hilarious scenes occurs in the court bathroom where he decides to beat himself up rather than risk going into the courtroom and telling the truth. He fails, of course, but it's a riot to watch.
More Liar Liar- #34 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #177 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #62 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 6991 VOTES
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The Story: TV reporter Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) bemoans how his life is heading, questioning God (Morgan Freeman). Out of nowhere, God offers Bruce the chance to have godly powers to change the world. There are only two conditions: he can't tell anyone he's God, and there's no messing with free will.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Bruce Almighty proves to be the ultimate escapism movie as it answers the questions of what someone would do if they were God for a day. It's also funny because Bruce enacts the kind of pettiness and revenge that most people would in that situation. Ultimately, though, it's a sweet and charming movie that shows Carrey's ability to elicit sympathy from viewers.
More Bruce Almighty- #99 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #45 of 89 onThe Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies
- #110 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
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The Story: After how the town of Whoville mistreated him in the past, the Grinch (Jim Carrey) sits alone and seethes, hating everything about them and their sparkly Christmas spirit. Though he plots to get the last laugh by stealing away their joy, he experiences a change of heart after meeting the young Cindy (Taylor Momsen), who lights a spark of hope in the grouchy green fellow.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Even under heavy makeup, Carrey brings a Machiavellian spirit to the Grinch. He utilizes his whole body for the performance, making every moment the character is on screen that much better. Most importantly, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas contains a lot of heart and plenty of feel-good moments.
- #105 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #134 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #13 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
- 8798 VOTES
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The Story: Good-natured state trooper Charlie Baileygates (Jim Carrey) has a rough and rude split personality named Hank Evans, who appears when the going gets tough. Charlie needs to escort Irene P. Waters (Renée Zellweger) to New York, but matters become complicated when Hank wants to come out and play.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Frenetic and manic, Carrey shows off his skills in playing two polar opposite characters battling for control. The ease in which the actor jumps from Charlie to Hank then back again is beyond impressive. In fact, it makes a person wonder what a film where Carrey plays everyone would look like.
More Me, Myself & Irene- #470 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #193 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #31 of 32 onGreat Movies Set Along the Coast
- 9842 VOTES
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The Story: After Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) finds out his ex-girlfriend Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) underwent a procedure to forget she ever met him, he does the same in retaliation. Once they've both forgotten their time together, they can't seem to leave each other behind, proving that the memories never fade away.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind hits right in the feels. It tugs at the heart strings and makes one consider how love has the potential to make people feel both happy and sad. It also asks some significant philosophical questions, such as whether people can change and grow for the sake of someone they love, or if couples are doomed to repeat negative patterns over and over. Carrey delivers a heart-wrenching and poignant performance as Joel, which earned him significant praise and some awards attention.
- #98 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #713 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #82 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
- 10732 VOTES
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The Story: Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick) befriends Chip Douglas (Jim Carrey), the workman who comes to install his cable. Before long, Chip begins to act strangely and cross boundaries in Steven's life. When Steven cuts the cord of their friendship, a sinister side of Chip comes out.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: While Carrey's over-the-top characters have always made for likable protagonists, The Cable Guy marks a darker side for his goofy portrayals. Chip is nefarious and obsessive, to the point in which he ruins Steven's life. With a friend like Chip, who needs an enemy?
More The Cable Guy- #568 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #325 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #37 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
- 11692 VOTES
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The Story: Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) has low self-esteem and a negative attitude toward life. This all changes when he attends a seminar that encourages him to say yes to every opportunity that comes his way. Carl takes this advice very literally, and his “yes” habit quickly lands him in some sticky situations.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Much like Liar Liar, Yes Man sees Carrey's character controlled by other forces. It's entertaining to see him step out of his regular shell and say yes to the most outrageous scenarios. At the same time, there's a good message here to embrace all that life throws at you.
More Yes Man- #559 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #74 of 89 onThe Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies
- #312 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- 12537 VOTES
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The Story: A biographical look at the life of entertainer Andy Kaufman, played by Jim Carrey. The film takes a look at the highs and lows of the comedian's life, shining a light on why he became one of the most talked-about figures of his generation.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Carrey disappears into the role of Kaufman. He captures the trickery and magic of the man, while also convincing the audience in his portrayal. It's no surprise he won a Golden Globe for this performance.
More Man on the Moon- #50 of 99 onThe Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
- #12 of 76 onThe Best Serious Movies Starring Comedians
- #73 of 107 onThe 100+ Best Cult Comedies, Ranked
- 13616 VOTES
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The Story: Batman (Val Kilmer) faces off against two new nemeses in the form of the Riddler (Jim Carrey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones). The Dark Knight can't do it alone, though, so he gains a new partner in the form of Robin (Chris O'Donnell) to take on the latest threat to Gotham City.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Carrey has a ball in this role. He gesticulates and thrusts, making his Riddler more manic than a Monday. There's a playfulness to his version of the character that evokes memories of the Batman TV series of the '60s.
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The Story: The Baudelaire children - Violet, Klaus, and Sunny - are orphaned after the death of their parents. They are moved in with stage actor Count Olaf, a distant relative who wants their fortune for himself and isn't afraid to jeopardize the children's safety to get it.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Carrey disappears into the character of Count Olaf through prosthetics and personality. Olaf is a fiend, but the actor plays him with such devilish delight that it's impossible to hate him. In fact, one could argue Carrey's Olaf is the best part of this movie.
- #197 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #57 of 113 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- #540 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 15373 VOTES
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The Story: Screenwriter Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) suffers memory loss after a car accident and is mistaken for a soldier who was thought to be missing after World War II. Peter adjusts to his new life and all the people he meets, but when he regains his memory, he grapples with how to reveal the truth to others.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Moving and poignant, this story is a more serious outing that Carrey excels at just as much as he does with comedy. The star delivers an emotional performance that questions what it means to be a patriot and finding courage. His character is extremely likable and well-developed, keeping everyone rooting for him - even if the truth might destroy his utopia.
More The Majestic- #82 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #51 of 76 onThe Best Serious Movies Starring Comedians
- #23 of 55 onThe Best Mistaken Identity Movies
- 16366 VOTES
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The Story: Horton the Elephant (Jim Carrey) discovers a speck harbors the city of Whoville and all its people. The elephant tries to find a better place for the speck to reside and protect it from all the wild conditions (and other animals in the Jungle of Nool).
Why It's A Carrey Classic: This is not Carrey's first time playing a Dr. Seuss character, and he brings the same quirky and eccentric energy to his portrayal of Horton as he does to the Grinch. There's a lot of wit and hilarity to Horton, but the beloved elephant also possesses a huge heart.
More Horton Hears a Who!- #134 of 452 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #176 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #528 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 17110 VOTES
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
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The Story: Eight months after the events of the first Sonic film, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns, tricking Knuckles (Idris Elba) into allying with him as they search for the powerful Master Emerald. Sonic (Ben Schwartz) zips into action with his new sidekick, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), as they put a stop to Robotnik's dastardly plan.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: While the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie introduces Robotnik, the sequel allows the character to shed his skin and go totally bonkers - complete with the bald head and fabulous mustache. Carrey doesn't disappoint, channeling the Eggman energy to deliver an exciting and all-time villainous performance. Perfection.
More Sonic the Hedgehog 2- #11 of 83 onThe Best New Kids' Movies Of The Last Few Years
- #14 of 75 onThe 70+ Best New & Recent Adventure Movies, Ranked
- #82 of 107 onThe 100+ Best PG Movies For the Entire Family
- 18344 VOTES
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The Story: Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) receives a book titled The Number 23. He becomes consumed by it, believing he sees the parallels in his everyday life. Quickly, he becomes obsessed with the number 23, and his life spirals out of control as he uncovers repressed memories of his past.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Carrey in a horror/thriller is quite the treat for all those who believe he's a one-trick pony. He proves everyone wrong, showing not every role of his is a laughing matter. Plus, the big twist in this flick comes out of nowhere.
More The Number 23- #110 of 139 onThe Best Movies Of 2007
- #34 of 69 onThe Most Confusing Movies Ever Made
- #28 of 52 onThe Best Memory Loss Movies
- 19270 VOTES
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The Story: Steven Jay Russell (Jim Carrey) finally decides to come out and live as a gay man, but he also becomes a con man to fund his lavish lifestyle. It catches up with him and he's arrested. In prison, he falls in love with inmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor), who inspires him to turn his life around. However, Steven can't stay away from the life of crime for too long.
Why It's A Carrey Classic: Complex but hilarious, Carrey creates a crafty character no one can get enough of here. Steven is a con man through and through, so it's tough to decipher when he's telling the truth or playing a game. Carrey injects Steven with a level of sensitivity, while still capturing his trickster's heart.
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- #108 of 157 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Gay Themes
