Ben Stiller is a highly versatile artist known for his success in various roles within the film industry, including as a comedian, writer, director, and actor.
Over the past three decades, Stiller has earned a reputation for delivering entertaining and emotional movies that have catapulted him to the status of one of the most popular and admired actors in Hollywood.
This article will take an in-depth look at the top ten movies that best highlight Stiller's immense talent across both comedy and drama genres. By providing this overview, we aim to clarify and inform our readers about some of Stiller's best works, which have earned both critical and commercial acclaim over the years.
In summary, the paraphrased text expands on the original by providing more descriptive language about how successful Stiller has been in different aspects of the film industry.
The tone is neutral and the style is explanatory, aiming to provide readers with a clear picture of Stiller's career and reputation.
The level of depth is intermediate, as the article delves into specific movies that showcase Stiller's talent, while the purpose is to clarify information for readers who are interested in learning
There's Something About Mary (1998)
The Farrelly brothers directed the romantic comedy There's Something About Mary. Cameron Diaz plays Mary, the subject of Ted Stroehmann's high school crush in the movie, played by Ben Stiller.
In the film, Matt Dillon's ex-boyfriend is one of the many challenges Ted faces as he tries to regain Mary's affection.
The movie was a financial success and solidified Stiller's position as a top comedy actor. The film There's Something About Mary is renowned for its iconic scenes, especially the notorious hair gel scene that has come to represent the film.
In the early 2000s, more bawdy comedies were made possible by the film's success.
Zoolander (2001)
Ben Stiller himself directed the comedic movie Zoolander. In the film, Stiller plays Derek Zoolander, a brainwashed male model with poor judgment who kills Malaysia's prime minister. Will Ferrell and Owen Wilson are among the A-list actors in the movie.
In 2016, Zoolander 2, a follow-up to the cult hit Zoolander, was released. The movie is well renowned for its ridiculous humor and memorable quotes, such as the "Blue Steel" posture.
Over $60 million was made at the box office thanks to the critical and financial success of Zoolander.
Meet the Parents (2000)
Jay Roach is the director of the comedy film Meet the Parents. In the film, Blythe Danner and Robert De Niro play the parents of Stiller's character Greg Focker, a nurse who is attempting to win over his girlfriend's parents.
In the movie, Greg makes a mess of trying to win over his prospective in-laws, even going so far as to unintentionally set their cat on fire.
With over $330 million in global box office receipts, Meet the Parents was a huge box office hit.
The movie established Stiller as a top comedy actor and gave birth to two sequels, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Ben Stiller is the director of the satirical action comedy Tropic Thunder. Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Ben Stiller are among the ensemble cast members in the film.
The performers portray a group of spoiled Hollywood stars who wind up filming a war movie in a real-life conflict zone.
Tropic Thunder earned more than $180 million worldwide and was a critical and financial triumph.
The comedy and performances in the movie are renowned for their outrageousness, particularly Robert Downey Jr.'s contentious interpretation of a black character. Ben Stiller received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Tropic Thunder.
Night at the Museum (2006)
Shawn Levy directed the family-friendly adventure movie Night at the Museum. Ben Stiller plays Larry Daley in the film, a father who is struggling financially and decides to work as a night watchman at the Museum of Natural History.
Larry must work with historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt (Robin Williams) and Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher) to save the museum from ruin when the displays come to life at night.
Due to the box office success of Night at the Museum, two follow-up films, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, were produced.
The comedy throughout the film and Stiller's portrayal of Larry Daley received high appreciation.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Sports comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story was helmed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. In the film, Stiller plays White Goodman, the conceited proprietor of a fitness center who fields a dodgeball squad to take on Average Joe's Gym's underdogs.
The movie did well at the box office and was praised for its humorous performances, particularly Stiller's outrageous portrayal of White Goodman.
"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball" and other famous statements can be found in this cult classic film.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Ben Stiller is the director of the drama-comedy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Stiller portrays Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who works for Life magazine, in the film.
When the magazine faces closing, Walter sets out on a trip to locate a lost photo negative that brings him to various parts of the globe.
While The Secret Life of Walter Mitty earned a mixed bag of reviews, critics appreciated Ben Stiller's acting and the film's breathtaking graphics.
The movie garnered a moderate amount of box office revenue and received two Academy Award nominations.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Anderson is the director of the comedy-drama The Royal Tenenbaums. Chas Tenenbaum, one of three talented siblings who reconcile with their estranged father (Gene Hackman), is played by Stiller in the film.
The dysfunctional family's attempts to mend fences and get through their individual obstacles are followed in the movie.
One of Wes Anderson's best films, The Royal Tenenbaums was a critical and financial success.
The ensemble cast, which includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Luke Wilson, received accolades for the film's eccentric characters and chic directing.
Reality Bites (1994)
Ben Stiller is the director of the romantic comedy-drama Reality Bites. In the film, Winona Ryder plays Lelaina Pierce, a recent college graduate, and Stiller plays Michael Grates, a television producer who falls in love with her.
The struggle and quest for identity of Generation X are examined in the movie. Although Reality Bites received conflicting reviews from reviewers, it has subsequently gained cult status.
Ethan Hawke and Janeane Garofalo are among the teenage actors in the movie, which won accolades for how accurately it captured 90s adolescent culture.
Madagascar (2005)
The directors of the animated comedy Madagascar are Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. Alex, a lion who escapes from a New York zoo and ends up on the island of Madagascar with his buddies, a zebra, a giraffe, and a hippopotamus, is voiced by Stiller in the film.
As a result of Madagascar's box office success, three follow-up films, including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, and Madagascar 4, as well as a spin-off television series, have been produced. The animation in the film and Ben Stiller's portrayal of Alex received high accolades.
Dylan Jobe
FAQ's
What is Ben Stiller's net worth?
Ben Stiller's net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.
What is Ben Stiller's most successful movie?
Ben Stiller's most successful movie is Megamind (2010), which grossed over $321.8 Million.
Has Ben Stiller won any awards?
Yes, Ben Stiller has won multiple awards throughout his career, including an Emmy, an MTV Movie Award, and a Teen Choice Award.
Is Ben Stiller related to Jerry Stiller?
Born on November 30, 1965, Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller is an American actor, comedian, and director. He is the actor and comedian Jerry Stiller's and Anne Meara's son.
Has Ben Stiller directed any movies?
Yes, Ben Stiller has directed several movies, including Tropic Thunder (2008) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013).
