The Ten Best Rick Moranis Movies
Okay, fellow movie lovers! Let's talk about a legend. A guy who could make you laugh until your sides hurt and maybe even shed a tear or two. We're talking, of course, about the one and only Rick Moranis! He’s the king of the quirky, the master of the deadpan, and the reason so many of us have fond childhood memories. Get ready, because we're diving into the ten best Rick Moranis movies that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Ghostbusters (1984)
First up, a true classic that needs no introduction. In Ghostbusters, Rick Moranis plays the hilariously uptight Louis Tully. He's the guy who gets possessed by a demon and turns into a giant, slobbering dog-like creature. Yes, you read that right!
His transformation and subsequent attempts to woo Dana Barrett are pure comedic gold. He's the perfect foil to the ghostbusting heroes, adding a delightful layer of chaos to their already wild adventures. You can't help but chuckle every time he appears on screen.
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Spaceballs (1987)
Prepare for a galaxy of laughs with Spaceballs! This is Mel Brooks at his finest, and Rick Moranis absolutely shines as the villainous Dark Helmet. Seriously, this character is iconic.
He’s a bumbling, space-faring baddie with a helmet so big it’s a constant running gag. His ego is as massive as his headgear, and his frustration with his incompetent minions is a joy to watch. Moranis’s commitment to this over-the-top role is what makes it unforgettable.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Who else remembers this one? Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is pure, unadulterated family fun, and Rick Moranis is at the heart of it as the eccentric inventor, Wayne Szalinski. He’s the dad who accidentally shrinks his kids (and the neighbor's kid, oops!).
The movie is a whimsical adventure about a group of tiny kids navigating their own backyard, which suddenly becomes a giant, dangerous world. Moranis’s portrayal of the well-meaning but slightly scatterbrained inventor is absolutely charming. He’s the kind of dad you’d secretly want to have, even if he might zap you with a shrink ray.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Get ready for a musical masterpiece with a dark, funny twist! In Little Shop of Horrors, Rick Moranis plays Seymour Krelborn, a timid flower shop assistant who discovers a man-eating plant. This plant, Audrey II, has a mind of its own (and a very deep voice).
Moranis’s performance is so earnest and endearing. You really root for poor Seymour as he tries to keep his increasingly demanding, carnivorous plant a secret. It’s a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and catchy tunes, and Moranis is the perfect innocent heart at its center.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
They’re back! And so is Rick Moranis as the lovable, slightly neurotic Louis Tully. In Ghostbusters II, he’s still the same awkward charm we know and love, even if he’s now the accountant for the Ghostbusters.
He brings back that signature Moranis wit and perfectly timed reactions. While the movie might not reach the heights of the original for some, Louis Tully’s presence is always a welcome sight. He’s part of what makes the Ghostbusters universe feel so complete and hilariously familiar.
The Flintstones (1994)
Let’s go back, way back, to prehistoric times! In The Flintstones, Rick Moranis steps into the stylish shoes (or foot-flints) of Barney Rubble. He’s Fred’s best friend and neighbor, and he’s just as good-natured and slightly bewildered as you’d expect.
Moranis brings a gentle comedic presence to Barney. He’s the perfect sidekick, always there with a simple observation or a loyal gesture. It’s a live-action version of a beloved cartoon, and Moranis fits right in, bringing his unique brand of humor to Bedrock.
My Blue Heaven (1990)
Get ready for some mobster hijinks! In My Blue Heaven, Rick Moranis plays the FBI agent, Robert Dickinson, tasked with relocating a former mobster into the witness protection program. The mobster is played by the incomparable Steve Martin, and their chemistry is fantastic.
Moranis’s character is the straight man to Martin’s flamboyant performance, but he holds his own with subtle humor and dry wit. It’s a fun peek into the challenges of keeping a reformed gangster under wraps. He’s the calm in the storm of chaos that Steve Martin brings.
Brewster's Millions (1985)
What would you do if you inherited a fortune, but had to spend it all in a month? That’s the wild premise of Brewster’s Millions, starring Richard Pryor and Rick Moranis as his accountant, Spike. Spike has the unenviable task of making sure Brewster doesn’t save a single penny.
Moranis is brilliant as the pragmatic, increasingly stressed-out accountant. He has to find creative ways to help Brewster spend absurd amounts of money, and his reactions are priceless. It’s a hilarious look at the absurdity of extreme wealth and the people who manage it.
Strange Brew (1983)
This one is a cult classic for a reason! Strange Brew features Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas as Bob and Doug McKenzie, two famously clueless Canadian brothers. They’re on a quest to find a new beer. Yes, that’s the plot.
Their laid-back, often nonsensical commentary and their unwavering dedication to finding the perfect brew make this movie endlessly rewatchable. Moranis’s deadpan delivery is perfect for the role of the slightly less enthusiastic but equally dim Bob. It’s pure, unadulterated silliness.
Clue (1985)
Based on the classic board game, Clue is a murder mystery with an all-star cast and a delightfully twisted sense of humor. Rick Moranis plays the awkward, FBI-like character, Lord Reginald M. L. Lord Pemberton III (though he goes by the name "Tim"). He's a bit of a wild card.
His character is perpetually in over his head, trying to make sense of the escalating chaos. Moranis injects his signature awkwardness and comedic timing into the role, making him a standout amongst a cast of comedic giants. He’s the perfect audience surrogate, trying to solve the mystery alongside us.
There you have it! Ten incredible movies that showcase the undeniable talent of Rick Moranis. He’s a comedic genius who brought so much joy to the screen. Whether he was fighting ghosts, shrinking kids, or battling alien warlords, he always made us laugh. We miss seeing him on screen, but these films are a fantastic reminder of his incredible legacy!
