Every Will Ferrell Movie, Ranked

This article was initially released back in 2015. Since then, we’ve incorporated Ferrell’s more recent works like “You’re Cordially Invited” into the updated version of this post.

Currently, Will Ferrell is 57 years old. He’s been honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and his post-SNL film career has made significant strides, often recognized as one of the most impactful in the show’s history. For many decades, he’s been a leading figure in studio comedies. He’s become an institution in comedy, but he’s now at a point where he’s not the youthful, zany character from Old School anymore, yet he hasn’t fully transitioned into more dramatic roles aimed at winning Oscars. Although humor continues to be his forte, recent years haven’t been as fruitful for him in this regard. His body of work is still impressive, but his future prospects are uncertain.

This implies that we have a wealth of Will Ferrell films to explore and rate systematically. To ensure a fair ranking for these movies, we established some guidelines: We won’t consider any movies that were released directly on video – I’m sorry, but that includes 1997’s ‘Men Seeking Women’, where Ferrell had a supporting role alongside Grant Shaud. Additionally, we exclude films where Ferrell appeared in a brief or guest capacity – this rules out titles like ‘Wedding Crashers’, ‘Starsky & Hutch’, and the unfortunate ‘Boat Trip’.

This list isn’t just about rating the top movies starring Ferrell, as there’s an element of that; instead, it’s about ranking the films based on how well they showcase the core of Will Ferrell. So, which film offers the quintessential Will Ferrell experience? As always, this list is purely based on scientific analysis and indisputable.

40. The House (2017)

Has Ferrell ever appeared so dejected and lethargic? The idea for a film – a pair trying to fund their daughter’s college by establishing a casino in their suburban neighborhood – sounds intriguing, but it fails miserably here, arguably the poorest performance of everyone involved. The poor direction by Andrew Jay Cohen – the movie lacks both setup for jokes and follow-through – results in a humorless, panicked comedy where every actor seems adrift. Ferrell barely manages to stir from his sleep; he appears drained and melancholic, and it’s somewhat understandable why he feels that way. It’s as if you organized an improv comedy show but no one bothered to attend – this is the result.

39. Holmes and Watson (2018)

As a film enthusiast, I must confess, it seems we’ve reached a point of concern. You might recall the SNL book where Ferrell embodied the fresh wave of comedy, poking fun at the smug boomer act of Chevy Chase? Well, in this movie, Ferrell appears more… aged, donning a ridiculous Sherlock Holmes accent, overacting excessively, and essentially vacuuming up all the entertainment from every scene he’s in. John C. Reilly returns in an attempt to rekindle the Step Brothers spark, yet it only highlights how rigid and unyielding Ferrell seems to be these days. The character of Sherlock lacks depth: is he a genius or a buffoon? There’s insufficient thought given to this, reducing the whole thing to “let Will and John be silly,” which frankly isn’t enough. Reilly, along with co-stars Rebecca Hall and Ralph Fiennes, appears somewhat bewildered about the plot’s direction. And so will you.

38. The Suburbans (1999)

To remind you, the film from the mid-to-late ’90s showcases a group of shaggy-haired, dimwitted white geeks producing and acting in self-promoting, amateurish, endearing “indie comedies” that depict the struggles of these naive, bumbling white geeks in finding love. Eric Schaeffer, best known for If Lucy Fell, is one of its notable figures, and Donal Lardner Ward, his partner in My Life’s in Turnaround, wrote and directed this flop “comedy” about an ’80s band (with Ward himself and Ferrell as the bassist) re-uniting when a persuasive record executive (portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt) places them on a reality show. This ’90s grunge extravagance is undoubtedly at its worst, although it’s amusing to see Ben Stiller and J.J. Abrams in minor roles. Ferrell’s performance here seems like a trial run for his Old School character (a suburbanite who gets into trouble after being exposed to the seedy side of life). Watching this movie makes one wish everyone involved would get a haircut and start working in a more productive setting.

37. A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

Remarkably minimal adaptation of an SNL skit to a movie, and that’s quite the understatement – Ferrell frequently bobbed his head, typically taking a backseat to Chris Kattan, which is an unlikely scenario in today’s context. This role isn’t even akin to Ferrell’s usual dim-witted characters; not even the most simple-minded Ferrell personas harbor the self-awareness that they’re awkward misfits yearning for understanding. This character merely jumps around excessively. It’s advisable to erase from memory that Ferrell was part of this production.

36. Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)

The original “Daddy’s Home” (2015) was a modestly successful comedy that explored the complexities of blended families and masculine roles, with a touch of humor and insight into the challenges of fatherhood. However, the 2017 sequel, “Daddy’s Home 2,” loses much of the original’s charm and depth, focusing instead on over-the-top characters that are exaggerated versions of Brad (Ferrell) and Dusty (Mark Wahlberg)’s fathers. A word of caution: Spoilers ahead! The two new fathers are caricatures of their offspring, to say the least. In contrast to the endearing wimp portrayed by Ferrell in “Daddy’s Home,” Brad in this sequel is a weak and unremarkable character. Here’s hoping we don’t see a third installment.

35. Land of the Lost (2009)

In a notable misstep for his resume, this heavy-handed revival/parody of the 1970s television show is filled with flaws: poor visual effects, an ill-advised tribute to “A Chorus Line,” crude humor involving breasts, Jorma Taccone portraying a monkey, and Matt Lauer. Ferrell, known for playing rowdy characters, lacks charm in this film, even when paired with Danny McBride’s eccentric survivalist. The dull-scientist character fails to develop any chemistry, possibly due to excessive green-screen usage or the film’s failed attempt at blending stale “Jurassic Park”-like suspense and worn-out buddy comedy jokes.

34. Get Hard (2015)

In certain circles, the film “Get Hard” has been criticized as being insensitive towards homosexuality and racism. However, at its core, it’s primarily a silly movie. On the bright side, it showcases Will Ferrell’s effort to move away from his well-known loud and dimwitted character from his early successes. Unfortunately, what Ferrell and director/co-writer Etan Cohen create isn’t particularly original. The story revolves around James King, a powerful businessman who is unjustly sent to maximum security prison for insider trading. In a bid to learn how to endure his imprisonment, King seeks help from a man (Kevin Hart) who pretends to be an ex-convict so he can earn $30,000 by teaching James survival skills in prison. The more engaging and daring version of “Get Hard” would have challenged political correctness, stereotypes about homosexuality, and outdated notions of masculinity. Instead, we are served with awkward sexual humor and a middle-aged white man struggling to portray blackness. Despite its intentions to spark discussions on class and race, the movie is more likely to inspire numerous articles questioning Will Ferrell’s career choices.

33. Bewitched (2005)

A classic illustration of misusing Ferrell, as he’s reduced to a dull, dismal imitation in this instance, resembling more like a prepackaged double-take device responding to Nicole Kidman’s theoretical comedic acts. Ferrell exaggerates his eyes and emits a series of escalating, anxious spit-takes, but it seems that the project was destined for failure from the beginning.

32. The Campaign (2012)

One example of a comedic concept that often fails to live up to its potential is ‘The Campaign’, which starred Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, and Jay Roach, director of ‘Recount’. This political comedy, released during an election year, lacked bite and produced only a few laughs. With comedic giants like Ferrell relying too heavily on their previous roles (Ron Burgundy and Ricky Bobby), this film feels repetitive. In contrast to today’s engaging political series such as ‘Veep’ and ‘House of Cards’, ‘The Campaign’ appears surprisingly tame. Moreover, its attempts to satirize the Koch brothers are so off-base that it almost seems unfair to them, making one feel a sense of pity for these wealthy individuals.

31. Superstar (1999)

In a slightly better condition than one might remember, yet still quite slender, Superstar marked Molly Shannon’s moment to shine on the SNL film stage. Her character Mary Katherine Gallagher eventually overstays her welcome, but this film is cheerfully directed by Bruce McCulloch from Kids in the Hall and boasts a remarkably generous supporting role from Ferrell. He graciously steps back and allows Shannon to take center stage, some might say setting her up for potential self-sabotage, yet it’s hard to argue with Ferrell’s inherent generosity. Even while he’s hamming it up, he’s mindful, unlike many comedians, that there are others in the spotlight as well.

30. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1997, 1999)

As Mike Myers moved on from Saturday Night Live to focus on a film career, Will Ferrell joined the cast. Later, in 1997, when Myers hosted Sprockets, Ferrell played Dieter’s lover. Meanwhile, Myers aided Ferrell’s rise in Hollywood by offering him one of his initial movie roles. In the first two Austin Powers films, Ferrell portrayed Mustafa, an enigmatic henchman to Dr. Evil with two unique traits: he only disclosed sensitive information after being asked three times, and he endured comedic near-death injuries. If, like many viewers, you find the Austin Powers series more miss than hit, you might not recall that Ferrell was part of it, but Mustafa’s extreme agony is a fleeting joy in this franchise.

29. Zoolander 2 (2016)

The decision by Ben Stiller to revisit the eccentric fashion/spy realm of Derek Zoolander, 15 years after the initial film, resulted in a critical and commercial flop. Evidently, Zoolander 2 serves as a prime example of what can go wrong with a comedy sequel: It’s larger, more chaotic, bloated, and significantly less humorous. Despite this, Will Ferrell is one of the few in the cast who manages to preserve his dignity. Jacobim Mugatu, much like he was in the first movie, remains as vain and absurd as ever. Although it’s apparent that Ferrell has more important projects than comedic cameos at this point in his career, he delivers the mediocre lines with energetic enthusiasm. It’s almost fortunate that Ferrell doesn’t appear too often in Zoolander 2, as it helps to forget that Ferrell was ever associated with this failure.

28. Barbie (2023)

In “Saturday Night Live”, Ferrell often portrayed corporate or office characters. His comedic strength lies in his appearance, which gives the impression of a white-collar, middle-management drone concealing a lunatic within. This is why Greta Gerwig chose him to play the uptight CEO of Mattel, who claims to love women despite embodying the patriarchy. However, the humor from this setup is diminished due to the fact that Ferrell doesn’t seem particularly funny in this role. While some of “Barbie” may be weak, a significant part of the issue is that Ferrell seems forced in playing this dimwitted character, which is unusual because such characters are actually his forte. Unfortunately, this detracts from an otherwise enjoyable movie.

27. Kicking and Screaming (2005)

Elf demonstrated that Ferrell shines in children’s comedy, but it requires the right script under the right director – Jesse Dylan, of How High, falls short compared to Jon Favreau. Despite being formulaic, these kid sports comedies often lack substance, and this one is particularly hollow and predictable. One might anticipate that Ferrell yelling “LIAR!” for two hours at children playing soccer would be more amusing, but it’s not as funny as expected. In summary: This collaboration between Ferrell and Robert Duvall is likely to be their last one.

26. The Producers (2005)

The issue with this film adaptation of the Tony-winning play isn’t solely due to Ferrell’s performance, as he is merely reflecting a broader problem. Unfortunately, the movie fails to expand upon the play’s foundation and primarily leans on casting well-known actors, resulting in uneven results, such as Uma Thurman’s performance. The role is more suited for an actor with a theatrical background, and Ferrell’s fast-paced, contemporary comedy style doesn’t mesh well with the classic Borscht Belt humor of Mel Brooks. It seems that Ferrell himself may have recognized this mismatch, as his performance appears to be a project that, on paper, seemed promising but didn’t live up to expectations in reality.

25. Strays (2023)

This R-rated comedy, titled something like “Adorable Pets Swear“, struggles to maintain its concept throughout the film, but occasionally it’s quite funny. Ferrell voices Reggie, a sweet-natured dog dealing with his abusive owner (Will Forte) who abandoned him, later meeting Bug (Jamie Foxx), a tough-talking canine and friends. As Ferrell ages, he tends to play innocent, out-of-touch, ordinary characters, so Reggie suits him well. However, the issue – as with recent productions – is that the movie lacks the unique, brilliantly strange charm that defined Ferrell’s earlier roles. Despite being a star, his performance in “Strays” feels more like an accepted role rather than one he was passionate about. This sentiment seems to recur frequently in his recent work.

24. Everything Must Go (2010)

During Ferrell’s more somber phase, this movie portrays a deeply serious tale. It’s so heavy that it drags like a lullaby. Ferrell plays an alcoholic whose life has spiraled out of control, resorting to selling his belongings on his front lawn. Ferrell strives to imbue his character with a genuinely damaged and troubled psyche, leaving you on edge anticipating an eruption. However, the film eventually compromises and presents a more compassionate portrayal of the character in the conclusion. This is essentially Ferrell suppressing what makes Ferrell unique and labeling it as “acting.

23. Megamind (2010)

In a somewhat ordinary portrayal, an animated family comedy titled “Megamind” – a semi-satirical spin on supervillains – finds itself. Initially, Robert Downey Jr. was slated to voice Megamind, but Will Ferrell’s performance proved more fitting for the role. Ferrell excels at portraying villainy that is less sinister and more likable, a trait he carries off with ease. His best moments are shared with Brad Pitt, although Pitt appears sparingly in the movie. Overall, both the acting and the film are setup-heavy rather than fully executed.

22. Downhill (2020)

In certain aspects, the remake of “Force Majeure,” titled “Downhill,” presents a challenging dramatic role for Will Ferrell. He portrays Pete, an ordinary American husband and father whose simmering frustration with his life erupts when, in a panic, he abandons his family during an avalanche to safeguard himself. If you’ve watched Ruben Östlund’s original film, you’re familiar with “Downhill.” However, Ferrell infuses Pete with a potent sense of self-centered white male angst that serves as a satire, making Pete the very embodiment of the self-absorbed father that Laura Dern’s character in “Marriage Story” was criticizing. Kudos to Ferrell for effectively portraying Pete as a heel once his true nature is revealed. The issue lies in the fact that “Downhill” largely mirrors Östlund’s superior version, and there are only so many ways Ferrell can add fresh perspectives to the profound narrative of marital conflict and threatened masculinity it presents.

21. Daddy’s Home (2015)

Ferrell collaborated once more with his “Other Guys” partner Mark Wahlberg in this family comedy, which, although diluted and not entirely impressive, managed to avoid being a complete dud. The storyline – a feud between a stepfather and father over their children’s admiration and affection – is as conventional and worn-out as they come, making Ferrell and Wahlberg’s performance all the more commendable for seeing it through. Interestingly, in this film, it’s Ferrell who takes on a more reserved role, portraying an awkward, unpopular dad, while Wahlberg shoulders most of the comedic burden. Remarkably, despite its lackluster and low-key nature, this comedy surprisingly turned out to be a box office success, leaving even the stars bewildered.

20. Dick (1999)

Just about a year after sharing the screen in “A Night at the Roxbury,” I found myself in this rather absurd take on the Watergate scandal titled “Dick.” Starring alongside Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst as two intellectually challenged teenagers who develop an unexpected friendship with President Nixon (Dan Hedaya), this film, which garnered positive reviews but saw limited commercial success, feels a tad overpraised to me. However, the supporting cast, featuring Bruce McCulloch, Ana Gasteyer, and Harry Shearer, was truly impressive. In this movie, I played a foolish Bob Woodward, though the part didn’t offer much room for me to showcase my comedic skills. But fear not, as I would soon become renowned for unleashing my overactive humor!

19. Winter Passing (2005)

Every few years, we see a film about a family of writers or intellectuals in America, often portraying them as alcoholics, jerks, suicidal, or deeply troubled. These movies typically feature soft, sorrowful acoustic guitar music. In 2006, one such movie featured Will Ferrell. The film “Winter Passing” follows Reese (played by Zooey Deschanel), a struggling actress in New York who returns to Michigan to reconnect with her distant, brilliant, almost catatonic author father (Ed Harris). Ferrell plays a shy, religious, guitar-loving friend of Reese’s father. He delivers his character through minimal smiling and slow, deliberate speech. Although it’s not a weak performance, it reflects the director Adam Rapp’s style, which leans heavily on a subdued, melancholic atmosphere to the point where the characters seem lifeless.

18. Melinda and Melinda (2004)

In a surprising twist, it wasn’t as unexpected to see Will Ferrell in a Woody Allen movie as one might think, given that Robert Downey Jr., originally cast for the role, was unable to participate due to insurance issues stemming from his past drug problems. This allowed Ferrell to take on the part, and while the serious side of the film was praised more, Ferrell managed to convincingly portray a comically awkward character typical of Woody Allen’s work, without attempting an imitation of Allen’s distinctive whiny voice as Kenneth Branagh did in “Celebrity.

17. Curious George (2006)

Released mere months prior to “Talladega Nights,” the movie adaptation of “Curious George” underperformed at the box office despite its roots in cherished children’s literature. As the character of the Man with the Yellow Hat, Ferrell showcased his potential as a voice actor, infusing the role with an earnest sweetness that contrasted with the ironic tone he was known for in live-action roles at the time. Despite the appeal of the “Curious George” tales being centered around the adorable monkey character, it seems that because George doesn’t speak and Ferrell was a rising star, the film shifted focus towards the human character. Regardless, this lighthearted production aimed at younger audiences is enjoyable, with Ferrell delivering a charming performance. Overall, it might have been beneficial for the film to flop, sparing Ferrell from being saddled with numerous sequels.

16. You’re Cordially Invited (2025)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=fWSNV4GiaYs

As Ferrell nears his sixties, he’s stepping into the role of a character reminiscent of the kind-hearted but troubled dad that Steve Martin often portrayed in the ’90s. Unlike Martin, who softened his edges, Ferrell leans more towards wildness and incorporates elements of surrealism. However, he’s managed to tone it down enough for the current Big Tech Streaming Era. In this Amazon Prime original, he teams up with Reese Witherspoon in a story where their children’s weddings are accidentally scheduled on the same day, leading to chaos (and love, naturally!). The romantic aspect of the plot isn’t deeply explored by either Ferrell or Witherspoon, which actually strengthens the film. They’re both hilarious enough to compensate for the occasional groans that might arise when they feign affection for each other. This movie presents a softer, safer version of Ferrell’s typical persona, and while it may not leave a lasting impression, it goes down easy and generally succeeds in its aim.

15. Blades of Glory (2007)

An amusingly ordinary, uncontroversial Ferrell film, one that carries a sense of familiarity and security yet maintains its humor. Jon Heder plays an apathetic character whom Ferrell continually attempts to energize, while the rest of the ensemble cast, particularly Will Arnett and Amy Poehler as a competing skating pair, are delightful. Although the plot may be slim, even for a typical Ferrell film, it has its amusing instances, often showcasing Ferrell’s antics without much embellishment. Whenever Ferrell is near a treadmill, positive events ensue.

14. Casa de Mi Padre (2012)

If you manage to sync with the peculiar vibe of this film, you’re in for a great time… although it’s understandable if you struggle, given that the entire movie is in Spanish. As the story progresses, Will Ferrell‘s struggles with the language become increasingly amusing. The film is shot like an old Mexican melodrama, with close-ups and direct addresses to the camera, which adds to its quirky charm. The film is primarily praised for its extraordinary commitment to its unique idea – it’s astonishing that such a movie exists! Lastly, Gael García Bernal, playing the villain, delivers a lively performance and seems to be enjoying himself immensely while working with Ferrell.

13. Semi-Pro (2008)

A charming, lighter-than-usual comedy featuring Will Ferrell, offering both humor and warmth. Ferrell showcases his passion for sports in this tribute to the defunct ’70s American Basketball Association, donning an extravagant Afro wig and feigning basketball skills. Interestingly, the subplots outshine Ferrell’s central storyline, primarily due to Woody Harrelson’s dedicated and heartfelt performance. Despite its sports-movie foundation, it occasionally strays into familiar ‘Win the Big Game’ patterns. Nevertheless, it surpasses expectations slightly.

12. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

Sequels can be challenging undertakings, and comedies in particular pose a significant hurdle because recapturing the unique charm of the initial film can be quite elusive. Whether you’ll enjoy “Anchorman 2” or not largely depends on your tolerance for the overly lengthy and unfunny climactic fight scene – we’re trying to forget that part ourselves. However, for better or worse, this movie shares the same humoristic essence as its predecessor. And the reason it works is none other than Ron Burgundy himself. His transition to New York and cable TV doesn’t diminish his rampant sexism or self-assuredness. Although less polished and more inflated, “Anchorman 2” may not be as hilarious as the original, but it undeniably ranks as the second funniest “Anchorman” movie ever produced.

11. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

As a cinephile, I recall the moment when Will Ferrell earned one of his two Golden Globe nominations, with the other surprisingly for “The Producers.” In this film, he portrayed Harold Crick, a monotonous IRS agent whose proficiency lay in figures rather than feelings. This delightful blend of comedy and drama was unique as it revolved around an ordinary man hearing the voice of an unseen author (Emma Thompson), who seemed to be narrating his life. In “Stranger Than Fiction,” Ferrell showcased a more heartfelt, romantic side as he pursued a defiant baker (Maggie Gyllenhaal) he was auditing. At the time of its premiere, audiences anticipated this movie to be Ferrell’s “The Truman Show,” but director Marc Forster lacked the vision, and Ferrell didn’t possess the depth to fully explore screenwriter Zach Helm’s concept of life and artistic creation intertwining. Nonetheless, it was refreshing to see an actor delve into serious roles while maintaining his humor.

10. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

In a different take, Ferrell appears to be nearly two decades older than the character Lars Erickssong, an Icelandic daydreamer who partners with his likely-not-sibling Sigrit (portrayed by Rachel McAdams) to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest, known for its quirky and delightful nature. Age brings him wisdom and a dose of kindness, making this role one of Ferrell’s most sincere in comedy since his part in Elf. The character Lars is somewhat dimwitted, similar to many of Ferrell’s characters, but he also exudes sweetness; you can see why Sigrit might find him appealing. This could be because Ferrell intelligently steps back and lets McAdams shine, who delivers a fantastic performance throughout the movie. It’s evident that Ferrell (who co-wrote the film) has a deep affection for Eurovision, and his excitement is palpable. Additionally, this might just be Dan Stevens’ best performance yet. The film does have its rough patches and could be shorter, but the songs are captivating, McAdams is radiant, and Ferrell seems happier than he has in a long while.

9. Zoolander (2001)

Prior to “Old School,” and marking the last occasion you’d see Ferrell in a minor yet pivotal comedic role like this, Ferrell’s character Mugatu was an entirely unique invention – a fashion guru with a penchant for plotting the assassination of Malaysia’s prime minister. The entire performance is particularly noteworthy due to the brainwashing scene, where he commands his dog to “Obey!” This scene alone makes it worth watching.

8. The Other Guys (2010)

When Ferrell adopts a dramatic role, he often suppresses his unique personality, which inadvertently portrays a bland mediocrity and hidden sorrows that are characteristic of an average American white male. Interestingly, this is not the typical role we see from Ferrell in “The Other Guys,” where his character, Allen Gamble, deviates from the stereotypical dumb, boisterous, overconfident character he often plays. This might be why “The Other Guys” stands out as one of Ferrell’s most underappreciated comedies. The film offers a more subtle and nuanced performance from Ferrell, who serves as the straight man to Mark Wahlberg’s tough-talking, exasperated detective. Notably, this is one of the few McKay-Ferrell collaborations where Ferrell didn’t contribute to the scriptwriting. “The Other Guys” also boasts a memorable running gag: Allen’s constant criticism of his stunningly beautiful and devoted wife (Eva Mendes) never becomes any clearer or less hilarious as it progresses throughout the film.

7. The Lego Movie (2014)

Remarkably, it’s possible that “The Lego Movie” showcases one of Ferrell’s finest dramatic performances. Throughout most of the film, he lends his voice to the malevolent Lord Business, a humorous take on the typical all-powerful antagonist. However, in the movie’s clever and emotional third-act twist, we learn that Lord Business is merely a manifestation of a young boy’s imagination, effectively turning his overbearing father into a villain. In the live-action finale, Ferrell avoids excessive sentimentality or melodrama, allowing him to portray an ordinary character on screen perhaps for the first time. “The Lego Movie” houses some of his most subtle and impactful work, with Ferrell playing a crucial role in the ending: This may be the only Will Ferrell movie that leaves you feeling teary-eyed.

6. Spirited (2022)

As Ferrell matures, he’s found it challenging to adapt from his youthful chaotic comedy persona to a more grounded, even wise sensibility as he moves into middle age. We humbly propose that the movie Spirited could be a stepping stone for him. In this less recognized Apple TV+ adaptation of A Christmas Carol, co-starring Ryan Reynolds, Ferrell remains funny, but what truly shines is his ability to blend the sincerity of his beloved character from Elf with the weight and remorse of growing older: a kind-hearted individual who has earned his way to this stage of sheltered innocence. Not every musical sequence hits the mark, but Ferrell’s dedication to them more than compensates for any technical shortcomings: This is the Ferrell you cherish, as well as an actor who acknowledges he’s reached middle age and is trying to find his place in Hollywood. This seems to be the right path for Ferrell. Here’s to seeing more of this, please.

5. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

In a pairing with director and co-writer Adam McKay, the second movie of five produced by Will Ferrell so far, “Talladega Nights,” highlights an unsung aspect of their collaboration: Their films possess a high visual quality. A mockery of sports films and the NASCAR culture’s influence on America, “Talladega Nights” doesn’t compromise on the gloss and thrill of the genres it’s mimicking, thereby transforming into a nearly perfect replica of “Days of Thunder.” Of course, the humor is paramount, and the film delivers in spades — with countless laughs, many courtesy of Ferrell’s character Ricky Bobby, who could easily be seen as George W. Bush dressed as a racer.

“Talladega Nights” solidified John C. Reilly’s reputation as comedy’s best-kept secret and propelled Sacha Baron Cohen further into stardom. However, you might have overlooked just how exceptional Amy Adams is in her role as Ricky’s timid, unexpected love interest. This is another underrated aspect of Ferrell’s comedies: He’s intelligent and gracious enough to distribute the limelight among his co-stars.

4. Old School (2003)

The film that propelled Ferrell to fame and enabled him to produce films like “Anchorman” and all his long-awaited Dada comedies was “Old School.” Even today, it remains amusing, primarily due to Vince Vaughn and Ferrell themselves. In this movie, everything Ferrell does is hilarious, but as is often the case with Ferrell, his character strives to be a regular family man, yet his inner self frequently surfaces at highly inconvenient moments. Admittedly, there are instances when, after our third or fourth drink, we find ourselves flailing our arms and releasing our inner Frank the Tank.

3. Elf (2003)

Though known for his wild characters on SNL and outrageous comedies, it’s quite plausible that more people worldwide have watched this Christmas movie from him – Elf – than any other. This isn’t necessarily a negative aspect: Even after 12 years since its release, Elf continues to be an exceptional comedy suitable for all ages, not diminishing Ferrell’s chaotic humor but rather focusing it on its most appealing and endearing aspects. Whether captivating Zooey Deschanel or going completely berserk at the prospect of Santa appearing, Ferrell’s Buddy is essentially a sweet, sincere portrayal of every eccentric character he has ever played. Typically, laughter comes from Ferrell’s characters’ innocence, but in Elf, he presents an unadulterated force of goodness and enthusiasm, the undeniable joy that shines through all his performances reaching a triumphant peak here. One factor contributing to Elf’s popularity: Wisely, no sequel was made.

2. Step Brothers (2008)

In its purest form, the Ferrell style: Not the highest earning Ferrell film, but undeniably the quirkiest and most unhinged. This movie is a product of madness, crafted by madmen, and every scene exudes a distinct, outrageous creativity. It’s as if Will Ferrell and Adam McKay thought, “If people continue to fund our film projects, we’re going to create the wildest, most unorthodox comedy possible.” While Anchorman is the most well-known and adored Ferrell production, this insane, full-throttle absurdity will leave you in stitches from start to finish.

1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The blueprint, in essence, wasn’t just for Ferrell, but for a fresh wave of comedy that dominated the following decade: relentless absurdity, where a (sometimes intentionally) weak narrative served as a canvas for an endless string of outrageous jokes and scenes. It was evident with the sequel how much perfect timing, or what I’d call ‘special kismet’, is needed to get this right, but boy, did it ever succeed! We usually avoid judging comedy by the number of memorable lines it produces… but I must admit that you could apply an Anchorman quote to almost every aspect of life.

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2025-02-04 20:58