Top five Bill Murray films
It should be of no great surprise that Bill Murray is one of my favourite actors and anyone who reads this blog with any frequency will already know the number one film in this list. Murray is intriguing also for the fact that he refuses to have an agent, reportedly he has a phone number with message bank that he infrequently checks.
- Ghostbusters (1984) - Don’t even bother debating the subject, one of those perfect films, had an extraordinary impact on my life and even holds up today despite some less than brilliant special effects (by today’s standard that is). So many fantastic lines, so many awesome scenes, it’s just Ghostbusters. The sequel sadly enough illustrates the point that even bad Ghostbusters is ok. Bring on CGI Ghostbusters 3.
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) - I find his portrayal of Steve Zissou a funny, tragic and moving performance as is the case in all of his Wes Anderson characters. A lot of critics really disliked this film but quite frankly I’m not too concerned about a lot of critics. My life feels richer for experiencing this film.
- Ed Wood (1994) - Another film that seems to get its fair share of bad reviews and similarly another film I feel richer for experiencing. Murray camps it up as Bunny and Tim Burton delivers a wonderful tribute to an often misunderstood director (as accurate as the film may or may not be).
- Stripes (1981) - Funniest half a film I’ve seen him in, the first half of this film makes up easily for the confused and plodding second half.
- Coffee and Cigarettes (2003) - This is an odd choice for the fifth spot and many will complain about no Groundhog Day or Scrooged, both of which were serious contenders for this spot. The film Coffee and Cigarettes itself gets the movie across the line as I love the collection of short movies one of which features Bill Murray. If you haven’t seen it then I greatly recommend it for a series of short personal reflections that feature coffee and of course cigarettes.
There is a very long list of films that easily could be on this list, but there are only five spots and I’m not bumping one of these films for Charlie’s Angels so don’t even bother suggesting it :).
Next week: It’s the end of the world…
Update: I’ve finished the first novel so I’m right on track, just have to choose the next one, probably stick with the Star Trek theme.
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Gosh that is hard to whittle down. I like your list except for Coffee and Cigarettes, but only because I haven’t seen Coffe and Cigarettes! I’d keep my own the same way, but for the fifth movie I’d probably add in Groundhog Day. You almost don’t expect it to, but it still holds up tremendously well.
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I would have gone with Groundhog day myself. I have seen the life aquatic and still can’t work out if I enjoyed it or not.
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I’m disappointed that Groundhog Day isn’t on your list. I would have put it at #2 behind GhostBusters.
I totally agree with GhostBusters being #1. It was the first movie I can remember getting excited about and it never gets old: I’ve seen it at least 30 time now and I’ll still gladly watch it again.
My only gripe: I thought The Life Aquatic was a terrible film, I would have swapped it out for Lost in Translation, possibly Murray’s best work, and for memory he was nominated for an Oscar for it as well
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Movies that would appear on my top 5:
Ghostbusters
Quick Change
Groundhog’s Day
Caddyshack
The Man Who Knew Too Little
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I loved Ghostbusters and The Life Aquatic, haven’t seen the other three.
Small note is that I also dÃslike a bunch of films with Bill Murray in it..sometimes I can’t stand the characters he plays.
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SamuraiFrog - LOL OK no Groundhog Day, I’m sensing a recurring theme coming up in the comments!
I highly recommend Coffee and Cigarettes though keeping in mind Bill Murray certainly isn’t the frontrunner but it features some great personal little pieces.
I will go on record right now to state that I dig Groundhog Day I just didn’t include it on this list because I like them just a little bit more. I’m sure that’s the last I’ll hear of it.
Dan - Groundhog Day, you don’t say? People usually really dislike or really love Life Aquatic so you’re special Dan
Ian - Again with the Groundhog Day!
Ghostbusters is one of those perfect timeless films that I can literally watch 100s of times.
Duncan - yeah I thought hard about Lost in Translation because I really loved that film too, actually I thought that this film would be the one that everyone was outraged that wasn’t in there, but Groundhog Day is apparently the outcast movie of choice.
Like I say about Life Aquatic you either love it or hate it!
MC - thanks for sharing your list! Caddyshack was another classic that was turned over a couple of times whilst thinking about my list. I thought for some reason I was the only one who saw Quick Change or at least remembered it.
I think the only universal entry so far from everyone has to be Ghostbusters.
Arjan - Is this a generational thing not liking ALL the characters that Bill Murray does!? Actually there are a couple of movies that I can take or leave the role (the mentioned Charlies Angels comes to mind).
A fine list. I’d have to have Rushmore on there though. Probably at the top!
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Rol - once again a movie I’m surprised more people haven’t brought up as it was a wonderful film. But I’ve only seen it once and don’t have a clear enough memory apart from it being very good. I’ll check out some day again.
As a sidenote, I really enjoyed Kingpin. Not really a Bill Murray movie, but several really good quotes/one-liners. Could be a good #7-8.
Totally agree with #1. I think it’s one of those movies even your kids will enjoy (even with the outdated special effects). Timeless.
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Thomas - I’ve actually never watched Kingpin but always intrigued by it. I know people are going to roll their eyes that I haven’t seen it LOL.
Oh, Oh…!
“what about Bob”. One of my all time favorite films (I can’t believe I forgot it)
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Baby steps Dan, baby steps