Movies with Ben Stiller: A List of His Best Films

If you’re a fan of Hollywood comedies, you’ve probably seen a few movies with Ben Stiller. Ben Stiller is a well-known comedian, actor, director, and producer who has been in the industry for over three decades. He has appeared in over 50 movies, including some of the most popular comedies of the last 20 years.

Some of Ben Stiller’s most popular movies include “There’s Something About Mary,” “Meet the Parents,” and “Zoolander.” In “There’s Something About Mary,” Ben Stiller plays a man who is trying to win over his high school crush. In “Meet the Parents,” he plays a man who is trying to impress his girlfriend’s parents. And in “Zoolander,” he plays a male model who is trying to save the world from evil fashion designers. These movies are all hilarious and showcase Ben Stiller’s comedic talent.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Ben Stiller is an American actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1987. He started his career as a writer and performer on the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live.” However, it was not until the late 1980s and early 1990s that he gained widespread recognition.

The Ben Stiller Show and Initial Success

In 1989, Stiller created and starred in “The Ben Stiller Show,” a sketch comedy series that aired on MTV. The show won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1993. The show also featured several other comedians who would go on to have successful careers, including Janeane Garofalo and Bob Odenkirk.

After “The Ben Stiller Show” ended, Stiller continued to work in television and film. He appeared in a number of movies, including “Reality Bites” (1994), directed by his friend and collaborator Winona Ryder. In the film, Stiller played Michael Grates, a TV executive who hires Ryder’s character, Lelaina Pierce, to work on a documentary about her friends.

Rise to Fame with Reality Bites and The Cable Guy

In 1996, Stiller directed and starred in “The Cable Guy,” a dark comedy about a lonely cable TV installer played by Jim Carrey. The film was not a commercial success, but it has since gained a cult following.

Stiller’s breakthrough role came in 1998 with “There’s Something About Mary,” a romantic comedy directed by the Farrelly brothers. In the film, Stiller played Ted, a man who hires a private detective to find his high school crush, Mary, played by Cameron Diaz. The film was a box office success and helped to establish Stiller as a leading man in Hollywood.

Overall, Ben Stiller’s early career was marked by his work on “The Ben Stiller Show” and his collaborations with other up-and-coming comedians. It was not until the late 1990s that he became a household name, thanks to his roles in “There’s Something About Mary” and other hit films.

Iconic Comedic Movies with Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller has been a staple of the comedy world for decades, and his filmography is filled with memorable and iconic roles. Here are just a few of his most notable comedic performances.

Zoolander and Satirical Success

Perhaps his most famous role, Ben Stiller’s portrayal of the dim-witted fashion model Derek Zoolander in the 2001 film “Zoolander” has become a cultural touchstone. The film, which satirizes the fashion industry and the modeling world, has become a cult classic and spawned a sequel in 2016. Stiller’s performance as Zoolander is simultaneously hilarious and endearing, and his chemistry with co-stars Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell is undeniable.

Meet the Parents Trilogy

In the early 2000s, Stiller starred in the “Meet the Parents” trilogy, playing the hapless Greg Focker as he navigates the minefield of his girlfriend’s disapproving father, Jack Byrnes (played by Robert De Niro). The films were a huge success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, and Stiller’s performance as the bumbling but well-meaning Focker was a major reason for their popularity. The chemistry between Stiller and De Niro is a highlight of the films, and the franchise has become a beloved part of Stiller’s filmography.

Tropic Thunder and Hollywood Satire

In 2008, Stiller wrote, directed, produced, and starred in “Tropic Thunder,” a satirical look at the Hollywood film industry. The film, which also stars Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr., features Stiller as Tugg Speedman, a fading action movie star who is trying to revive his career with a serious war movie. Stiller’s performance is both hilarious and nuanced, and his direction of the film is deft and assured. The film’s controversial use of blackface has been criticized, but Stiller has defended the decision as a commentary on Hollywood’s history of racial insensitivity.

Overall, Ben Stiller’s comedic roles have made him one of the most beloved and recognizable actors in Hollywood. From fashion model to hapless son-in-law to fading action star, Stiller has proven his versatility and comedic timing time and time again.

Diverse Acting Portfolio

Ben Stiller is known for his comedic roles in films such as “Zoolander” and “Meet the Parents.” However, Stiller’s acting portfolio is much more diverse than just comedy. He has taken on a variety of roles in different genres, showcasing his range as an actor.

Dramatic Turns and Action Films

Stiller has shown his dramatic acting chops in films such as “Permanent Midnight” and “Greenberg.” In “Permanent Midnight,” Stiller plays Jerry Stahl, a heroin-addicted TV writer. He delivers a powerful performance, capturing the struggles of addiction and the impact it has on one’s life. In “Greenberg,” Stiller plays Roger Greenberg, a man struggling with a midlife crisis. Stiller’s performance is nuanced and authentic, making the character feel relatable and human.

Stiller has also starred in action films such as “Tower Heist.” In the film, Stiller plays Josh Kovacs, a building manager who leads a team of misfits in a heist to reclaim stolen money. Stiller’s comedic timing and physicality add levity to the action-packed film.

Family Entertainment and Adventure Movies

Stiller has also made a name for himself in family entertainment and adventure films. He starred in the “Night at the Museum” franchise, playing Larry Daley, a security guard at the American Museum of Natural History. Stiller’s comedic timing and chemistry with the cast, including Robin Williams and Owen Wilson, made the films a hit with audiences of all ages.

Early in his career, Stiller appeared in the family comedy “Heavyweights.” The film, directed by Steven Brill and written by Brill and Tom McGowan, follows a group of kids at a summer camp for overweight children. Stiller plays Tony Perkis, the fitness-obsessed camp owner. Stiller’s over-the-top performance is a highlight of the film and has become a fan favorite.

Overall, Stiller’s diverse acting portfolio showcases his range as an actor. From dramatic turns to action films to family entertainment, Stiller has proven that he can excel in any genre.

Ben Stiller’s Legacy

Ben Stiller is a Hollywood legend who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He is a multi-talented actor, director, and producer who has worked on some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of our time. He is known for his exceptional talent in comedy, drama, family, and adventure genres.

Ben Stiller comes from a family of entertainers. His father, Jerry Stiller, was a renowned comedian and actor, and his mother, Anne Meara, was an accomplished actress. His sister, Amy Stiller, is also an actress. Ben Stiller’s legacy is built on a foundation of talent and hard work, and he has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Ben Stiller’s career began in the 1980s when he worked as a writer and performer on the MTV show, “The Ben Stiller Show.” He quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, and he went on to star in and direct some of the most successful movies of all time. Some of his most notable movies include “Zoolander,” “Meet the Parents,” and “Tropic Thunder.”

Ben Stiller has also worked with some of the most talented directors and producers in the industry. He worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie “Empire of the Sun,” and he has worked with Judd Apatow on several movies, including “The Cable Guy” and “Anchorman.” He has also produced several movies and TV shows, including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Escape at Dannemora.”

In conclusion, Ben Stiller’s legacy is one of talent, hard work, and dedication to the craft of entertainment. He has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come. Whether he is acting, directing, or producing, Ben Stiller always brings his A-game, and his work is a testament to his exceptional talent and his love for the art of entertainment.