Bill Murray isn’t just an actor—he’s a genre. From his Saturday Night Live roots to unforgettable roles in cult classics and indie dramas, Murray has done it all. His humor is dry, his timing flawless, and his face always tells a better joke than the script. This list of must-watch Bill Murray movies ranks his fan favorites, cult hits, and dramatic standouts. Whether you love his ghost-busting days or his Wes Anderson era, these are the best Bill Murray movies you’ll want to revisit—or discover for the first time.
#1 Ghostbusters (1984)
If you’re talking Bill Murray comedy classics, it starts here. In Ghostbusters, Murray plays Dr. Peter Venkman, a sarcastic parapsychologist who hunts ghosts with a smirk. This role launched him from “funny guy” to global superstar. His dry wit cuts through every scene, from battling Slimer to sweet-talking Sigourney Weaver. The film’s spooky-fun tone wouldn’t work without Murray anchoring the chaos. Ghostbusters is iconic, endlessly quotable, and still makes us laugh 40 years later.
#2 The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
In The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou movie, Murray takes on a role that’s both ridiculous and profound. He plays Steve Zissou, an egotistical ocean explorer out to avenge his partner’s death by jaguar shark. It’s one of his most eccentric characters—wearing a red beanie, delivering deadpan lines, and diving into midlife crisis territory with full Wes Anderson flair. The performance is as strange as it is heartfelt, and Murray nails the emotional undercurrent hiding beneath the quirky surface.
#3 Groundhog Day (1993)
In the ultimate time-loop comedy, Murray is Phil Connors, a grumpy weatherman cursed to relive the same day forever. The Groundhog Day film ranking is always high because of Murray’s transformation from selfish cynic to thoughtful romantic. Watching him try (and fail) to break the cycle is funny, frustrating, and oddly profound. Every little moment counts, and Murray gives each one its own charm. It’s a must-watch Bill Murray film that manages to be hilarious and philosophical at once.
#4 Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation marked a shift in Murray’s career. Here, he plays Bob Harris, a faded movie star drifting through Tokyo in a fog of jet lag and midlife uncertainty. His performance is subtle, emotional, and deeply human. His chemistry with Scarlett Johansson is quiet but electric, and the film captures loneliness in a way that’s oddly comforting. Murray brings soul to every sigh and side glance. It’s a role that proves he’s more than just the funny guy.
#5 Rushmore (1998)
In Rushmore, Murray plays Herman Blume, a wealthy industrialist battling depression—and a high school student—for the same woman’s heart. This dark, offbeat comedy helped redefine Murray’s career, marking the start of his indie film era. He’s funny, yes, but also sad and strangely relatable. Rushmore is where we began to see the layers beneath his sarcasm. As a top Bill Murray performance, this one blends humor and heartbreak with surprising ease.
#6 The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Murray’s role in The Royal Tenenbaums is smaller but no less memorable. As Raleigh St. Clair, a mild-mannered neurologist married to Gwyneth Paltrow’s secretive Margot, he’s the calm in the middle of a very chaotic family storm. His straight-faced delivery of absurd lines adds quiet hilarity to the film’s already eccentric vibe. The entire The Royal Tenenbaums cast is fantastic, but Murray brings his signature melancholy-meets-weird energy to every scene he’s in.
#7 The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Though his role is brief, in Grand Budapest Hotel his role makes an impact. He plays M. Ivan, a key member of the secretive Society of the Crossed Keys. It’s a tiny part in a large, elaborate story, but Murray’s presence adds weight. Wes Anderson clearly knows how to use him well—Murray appears, delivers dry wisdom, and disappears, leaving you wanting more. Even in small roles, he’s unforgettable.
#8 What About Bob? (1991)
Murray’s Bob Wiley is a lovable disaster in the What About Bob? movie. He plays a neurotic patient who follows his uptight therapist (Richard Dreyfuss) on vacation, wreaking havoc and winning hearts. Murray fully commits to Bob’s childlike innocence and chaotic energy. He’s annoying in the best possible way, toeing the line between hilarious and exasperating. It’s one of those Bill Murray comedy classics where his unpredictability is the whole point—and it totally works.
#9 Stripes (1981)
In Stripes, Murray plays John Winger, a down-on-his-luck guy who joins the Army just for something to do. The Stripes film is full of classic early-‘80s chaos, and Murray leads the charge with peak slacker charm. He’s smart-mouthed, rebellious, and somehow always two steps ahead of authority. It’s a wild ride with plenty of laughs—and a reminder of just how charismatic young Murray could be. This movie helped shape the Bill Murray best movies list from the start.
#10 Scrooged (1988)
Scrooged is a dark and hilarious spin on A Christmas Carol, and Murray is perfectly cast as cynical TV exec Frank Cross. He’s mean, selfish, and totally over-the-top—and somehow, still likable. The Scrooged Christmas movie goes big with ghosts, gore, and gags, but Murray keeps it grounded with his usual wit. By the end, his emotional transformation feels earned and surprisingly sweet. It’s a holiday classic for anyone who likes their Christmas with a little chaos.
Final Thoughts
Bill Murray’s career is a masterclass in balancing funny and heartfelt. He’s been a ghostbuster, a sad poet, a neurotic sailor, and a selfish weatherman—and somehow, all of them feel like Murray at his best. These Bill Murray fan favorites remind us why we keep coming back for more. Whether he’s making us laugh, cry, or both at once, he’s truly one of a kind.
Agree with our Bill Murray best movies list? Think we missed a hidden gem? Rank your own top Bill Murray performances in the comments!
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