10 1990s Comedies Barely Anyone Remembers

Summary

• Forgotten 90s comedies like “Quick Change” deserve to be rediscovered for their unique humor and clever storytelling.
• Gems like “Serial Mom” and “Multiplicity” were underrated, blending dark humor and satire with lighthearted comedy.
• Cult favorites like “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and “BASEketball” may have been forgotten but still offer plenty of heart and laughs.

The 1990s were a great time for comedy movies, although plenty of releases have been forgotten entirely by modern viewers. While this was the heyday for stars like Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, and Robin Williams, who led massive box office hits that people know and love to this day, many more comedy movies were produced that have been doomed to obscurity. While Mike Myers may have hit big with the Austin Powers and Wayne’s World films during the 1990s, he also starred in movies that aren’t as well remembered.

The best comedies of the 1990s have become true household names, as many movie lovers still rank Ace Ventura and Mrs. Doubtfire as among their favorite films of all time. But for every box office comedy smash, there were even more underappreciated cinematic flops just waiting to be rediscovered by new audiences. While some movies were forgotten because of their poor quality, other 1990s comedies just had bad luck and deserved to be reappraised by a new generation.

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10 Quick Change (1990)

Directed by Howard Franklin and Bill Murray

Quick Change (1990) RComedyCrime

Quick Change (1990) is a crime comedy film directed by Bill Murray and Howard Franklin. Starring Bill Murray, Geena Davis, and Randy Quaid, the film follows three friends who successfully rob a bank in New York City, only to face a series of comedic misadventures as they attempt to make their escape from the city. The film blends humor with a satirical take on urban life and crime.

Director Howard Franklin , Bill Murray Release Date July 13, 1990 Writers Jay Cronley , Howard Franklin Cast Bill Murray , Geena Davis , Randy Quaid , Dale Grand , Bob Elliott , Kimberleigh Aarn , Ron Ryan , Brian McConnachie Character(s) Grimm , Phyllis , Loomis , Street Barker , Bank Guard , Bank Teller , Bank Customer , Bank Manager Runtime 89 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

Along with Howard Franklin, comedy legend Bill Murray tried his hand at directing with Quick Change, a forgotten comedy he also starred in. As the story of three criminals struggling to make their escape after an elaborate bank robbery, Quick Change was an enjoyable showcase of Murray’s comedic talents. However, despite good reviews and a unique sense of humor, it did not gain the same type of longstanding legacy as Murray’s most acclaimed work during the 1990s.

While Quick Change doesn’t have the same enduring power as a film like Groundhog Day, it was still highly enjoyable, full of plenty of laughs throughout. Quick Change has mostly festered in obscurity in the decades since its release, as it was quickly forgotten by viewers after it bombed at the box office. However, in 2022, interest in the film was ignited for all the wrong reasons as co-star Geena Davis claimed she had been terrorized by Murray on the set of Quick Change.

9 Soapdish (1991)

Directed by Michael Hoffman

Soapdish PG-13ComedyRomance Where to Watch

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*Availability in US Director Michael Hoffman Release Date May 31, 1991 Writers Robert Harling , Andrew Bergman Cast Sally Field , Kevin Kline , Robert Downey Jr. , Cathy Moriarty , Elisabeth Shue , Whoopi Goldberg Runtime 97 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

Soapdish was one of Sally Field’s best movies, although it has been mostly forgotten by modern viewers. Despite boasting a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr. and Carrie Fisher, Soapdish’s behind-the-scenes exploration of the drama behind a daytime soap opera has not endured in the way other 1990s comedies have. Unfortunately, this satirical look at jealousy, double-crossing, and ruthless showbusiness tactics hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves.

With a clever script and zany performances, Soapdish was a hilarious spoof of the sheer ridiculousness of soap operas. By soaking up the melodramatic nature of the genre it’s making fun of while imbuing it with hilarious 1990s humor, Soapdish was a fine balancing act that achieved its goal perfectly. While many may have forgotten this movie, a Soapdish TV series was announced in 2022 (via Deadline), which may reignite interest in this underappreciated gem.

8 So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)

Directed by Thomas Schlamme

So I Married an Axe Murderer PG-13ComedyCrimeRomanceThriller Where to Watch

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So I Married an Axe Murderer is a 1993 dark comedy film directed by Thomas Schlamme. Mike Myers stars as Charlie, a commitment-phobic poet who starts to suspect his new girlfriend Harriet, played by Nancy Travis, might be an axe murderer. The film features a blend of romantic and macabre humor, with Myers also portraying the role of his character’s eccentric Scottish father.

Director Thomas Schlamme Release Date July 30, 1993 Writers Robbie Fox Cast Mike Myers , Nancy Travis , Anthony LaPaglia , Amanda Plummer , Brenda Fricker , Matt Doherty Runtime 93 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

Mike Myers was a central figure in comedy movies during the 1990s as he led hit series like Austin Powers and Wayne’s World. However, Myers had several underrated movies, and one that stood out was the forgotten comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer. Sadly, this release did not fare well at the box office and received a mixed reception, yet for those in the know, it stood as a terrifically unique rom-com packed with heart, humor, and horror.

Myers brought his distinctive comedic talent to So I Married an Axe Murderer, and the movie has built up a cult following in the more than three decades since it was released. Myers played Charlie MacKenzie, a local San Francisco beat poet who suspects that his wife may have a talent for killing off her significant others. As a film packed with great ideas and endless laugh-out-loud moments, viewers would be wise to go back and revisit So I Married an Axe Murderer.

7 Serial Mom (1994)

Directed by John Waters

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Serial Mom Where to Watch

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Serial Mom, directed by John Waters and released in 1994, stars Kathleen Turner as Beverly Sutphin, a seemingly perfect suburban housewife who harbors a dark secret. As she navigates her everyday life, her underlying violent tendencies surface in response to societal irritants. The film blends dark comedy and satire, examining the facade of American domestic bliss while commenting on societal norms and obsessions.

Director John Waters Release Date April 13, 1994 Cast Kathleen Turner , Sam Waterston , Ricki Lake , Suzanne Somers , Walt MacPherson , Patricia Dunnock , Mink Stole Runtime 93 Minutes

The cult director and queer icon John Waters has been responsible for some of the transgressive films of all time, although some of his films, such as Serial Mom, have been forgotten by viewers. With a fantastic performance from Kathleen Turner, this dark comedy and satirical slasher played into the campy style Waters was known for but maintained a sinister subtext of realism. A razor-sharp look at the social burdens put on overachieving mothers, Serial Mom was a subversive treat for lovers of horror comedies.

Featuring several incredible performances, including Matthew Lillard’s acting debut, Serial Mom was a clever film that peeled back the sinister layers behind supposedly polite American society. As an uproariously witty unpacking of bourgeois American values, Waters never got the credit he deserved for how ahead of his time a serial killer truly was. Serial Mom predated American Psycho by several years, but it felt like it captured the same satirical spirit as that Bret Easton Ellis adaptation, but this time through a darkly feminist lens.

6 The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

Directed by the Coen Brothers

The Hudsucker Proxy PGComedyDramaFantasy Where to Watch

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Norville Barnes, a fresh-faced graduate with big dreams, starts his career in the mailroom of Hudsucker Industries. The company’s president’s shocking suicide prompts the board to install Norville as a figurehead president, expecting him to drive the company into the ground and depress stock prices for their gain. Contrary to their plans, Norville invents the hula hoop, leading to an unprecedented boom in sales and a surge in the company’s success.

Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen Release Date March 11, 1994 Writers Ethan Coen , Joel Coen , Sam Raimi Cast Tim Robbins , Paul Newman , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Charles Durning , John Mahoney , Bruce Campbell , Bill Cobbs Runtime 111 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

Despite being directed by the Coen Brothers and squashed in between Barton Fink and Fargo amid their acclaimed filmography, The Hudsucker Proxy has been mostly forgotten by comedy lovers. As a screwball comedy about a naive business graduate (Tim Robbins) being installed as president of a stock company as part of a stock scam, this tongue-in-cheek satire fell flat on its feet despite having all the makings of 1990s comedy classics. A box office bomb, this lackluster satire failed to reach the enjoyable highs of the Coens’ best comedic work, such as The Big Lebowski.

While The Hudsucker Proxy’s impressive style has gained more acclaim in the decades since its release, some smart visuals and inspired production design weren’t enough to revive this forgotten dud’s reputation. Although Coen Brothers completionists may enjoy this lesser-known entry in the filmmaker’s body of work, The Hudsucker Proxy holds no relevance in overall popular culture and should only be sought out by the most enthusiastic viewers. As yet another example of a comedy barely anyone remembers, The Hudsucker Proxy has not stood the test of time.

5 Mighty Aphrodite (1995)

Directed by Woody Allen

Mighty Aphrodite (1995) RComedyFantasyRomance

Mighty Aphrodite, directed by Woody Allen, follows the story of a sportswriter named Lenny Weinrib, who adopts a son with his wife and subsequently becomes obsessed with finding the boy’s biological mother. Mira Sorvino stars as Linda Ash, the biological mother, whose surprising life choices intrigue Lenny. The film combines elements of comedy and drama, with a unique narrative structure incorporating a Greek chorus to comment on the characters’ actions and decisions.

Director Woody Allen Release Date November 10, 1995 Writers Woody Allen Cast Woody Allen , Mira Sorvino , Pamela Blair , Rene Ceballos , Elie Chaib , George De La Pena , Joanne DiMauro , Denise Faye Runtime 95 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Character(s) Lenny , Linda Ash , Greek Chorus #1 , Greek Chorus #2 , Greek Chorus #3 , Greek Chorus #4 , Greek Chorus #5 , Greek Chorus #6 Expand

The 1990s were not the greatest decade for director Woody Allen, as this was a time mired in controversy due to the disintegration of his relationship with Mia Farrow and associations of sexual abuse. However, this did not stop him from working, and although he released some notable films like Bullets Over Broadway, this era was full of forgotten comedies like Mighty Aphrodite. Although it boasted an Oscar-winning performance from Mira Sorvino, this comedy inspired by the story of Pygmalion rarely gets discussed outside of anything except conversations relating to Allen’s work.

With a strong script and the effective use of a Greek chorus narrating the story, Mighty Aphrodite perfectly balanced Allen’s tendency for intellectualizing with lighthearted comedy. While it certainly can’t reach the highs of the director’s best work, such as Annie Hall or Manhattan, Mighty Aphrodite deserves to be more widely remembered by general audiences today. As a touching tale about damaged people where an adoptive father who sought out his son’s birth mother, Mighty Aphrodite was an enjoyable blend of humor and heart.

4 Multiplicity (1996)

Directed by Harold Ramis

Multiplicity (1996) PG-13ComedyRomanceSci-Fi

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Multiplicity is a comedy film directed by Harold Ramis, starring Michael Keaton as Doug Kinney, a man overwhelmed by the demands of his career and family life. To cope, Doug undergoes an experimental cloning procedure, creating multiple versions of himself, each with distinct traits. Andie MacDowell co-stars as Laura, Doug’s unsuspecting wife, as complications ensue from the presence of the clones.

Director Harold Ramis Release Date July 17, 1996 Writers Chris Miller , Mary Hale , Lowell Ganz , Babaloo Mandel Cast Michael Keaton , Andie MacDowell , Zack Duhame , Katie Schlossberg , Harris Yulin , Richard Masur , Eugene Levy , Ann Cusack Runtime 117 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Character(s) Doug Kinney , Laura Kinney , Zack Kinney , Jennifer Kinney , Dr. Leeds , Del King , Vic , Noreen Expand

Although director Harold Ramis’ filmography is packed with classics like Caddyshack and Groundhog Day, other movies by the acclaimed filmmaker have been forgotten entirely. One prime example of this was Multiplicity, a Michael Keaton movie about a man who multiples himself and deserves to be reappraised. As a box office bomb when it was first released, Multiplicity featured a hilarious performance from Keaton, who played the many different versions of himself, all working together to make the original version’s life run smoothly.

Multiplicity was a breath of fresh air when it came to clones in movies. It was one of the few examples where the clones didn’t turn on the original for having to play second fiddle to his whims. As a light comedy that did not take itself too seriously, this film had plenty of hilarious moments and was harshly judged by critics during the 1990s. While it’s not a perfect movie by any stretch of the imagination, Multiplicity didn’t deserve to be so utterly forgotten by modern viewers.

3 Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)

Directed by David Mirkin

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion RComedy

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion is a 1997 comedy film directed by David Mirkin. Starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, it follows two quirky best friends who reinvent their lives in a bid to impress former classmates at their high school reunion. The film explores themes of friendship and societal expectations with a humorous and light-hearted tone.

Director David Mirkin Release Date April 25, 1997 Writers Robin Schiff Cast Mira Sorvino , Lisa Kudrow , Janeane Garofalo , Alan Cumming , Julia Campbell , Mia Cottet , Kristin Bauer , Elaine Hendrix Runtime 92 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand

Despite being busy playing Phoebe Buffay for most of the 1990s, Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow still found time to star in the woefully underrated comedy Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion in 1997. With Mira Sorvino as Romy White and Kudrow as Michele Weinberger, the plot resolved around two 28-year-olds deciding to make up successful lives for themselves as they attend their high school reunion. With a lot of heart and a playful sense of fun, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion never gained a huge audience but has become a cult favorite among those 1990s comedy lovers.

The appeal of Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion was that it was not afraid to embrace its goofier side, as all hell broke loose during the best friend’s ten-year reunion. With a plan to claim they have become successful by inventing Post-It notes, an absurdly unique sense of humor was apparent throughout this 92-minute comedy. Most of all, the performances of Kudrow and Sorvino made this film so enjoyable, as they committed totally to their outrageous characters.

2 BASEketball (1998)

Directed by David Zucker

BASEketball (1998) RComedySports

BASEketball is a comedy film directed by David Zucker, featuring Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Combining basketball and baseball, the movie follows two friends who invent a new sport to combat the commercialism of professional sports. As they navigate the challenges of their newfound fame, they struggle to maintain their friendship and the integrity of their creation.

Director David Zucker Release Date July 31, 1998 Writers David Zucker , Robert LoCash , Lewis Friedman , Jeff Wright Cast Trey Parker , Matt Stone , Dian Bachar , Yasmine Bleeth , Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg , Ernest Borgnine , Robert Vaughn , Trevor Einhorn Runtime 103 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Character(s) Joe Cooper , Doug Remer , Squeak Scolari , Jenna Reed , Yvette Denslow , Baxter Cain , Joey Thomas Expand

As a starring vehicle for the South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the duo showcased their skills in live-action with the forgotten 1990s comedy BASEketball. With a unique premise about two friends who great their own hybrid sport, which becomes an overnight sensation, BASEketball was a funny film that lacked the razor-sharp satirical bite of South Park’s best episodes. This was due to the fact that although Parker and Stone were the stars of the film, they did not write BASEketball themselves.

Yet BASEketball was still a film filled with heart and non-stop gags as the duo proved that in another universe, they could have carved out a career as live-action stars. While some of the jokes in BASEketball were hit and miss, it was also a highly original film packed with great ideas. While BASEketball has been mostly forgotten, one claim to fame was that it originated the slang term “derp” (via New York Magazine) that would gain widespread use among internet users in the decades since.

1 Idle Hands (1999)

Directed by Rodman Flender

Idle Hands RFantasyComedyHorror Where to Watch

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A teenage slacker’s right hand becomes possessed with murderous intent.

Director Rodman Flender Release Date April 30, 1999 Writers Ron Milbauer , Terri Hughes Burton Cast Seth Green , Devon Sawa , Jack Noseworthy , Elden Henson , Vivica A. Fox , Jessica Alba Runtime 92 minutes Budget $25 million Main Genre Comedy Expand

The 1990s had some great zombie movies, and one horror comedy that’s been mostly forgotten by modern audiences was Idle Hands. Starring Devon Sawa as a stoner teenager whose hand became possessed and went on a killing spree, this unique comedy was based on the phrase “the Devil quick work of idle hands.” With an idiosyncratic sense of humor, this cult comedy feels like an off-the-wall genre-melding movie that no longer gets made.

Idle Hands was firmly rooted in its 1990s setting, boasting an incredible punk rock soundtrack featuring The Offspring, Blink 182, and The Vandals. Devon gave a great performance as the wayward teenager Anton Tobias, while Jessica Alba excelled in a supporting role. While later satirical series like the Scary Movie franchise stole Idle Hands’ thunder when it came to horror comedies, this underrated release was well worth checking out for its perfect blend of scares and spoofs.

Sources: Deadline, New York Magazine

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