7 Great 1990s Comedy Movies Nobody Talks About

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The 1990s were a fantastic decade for comedy, giving us iconic movies like American Pie, Austin Powers, Home Alone, Clueless, and many more. However, a lot of funny movies from that era have been completely forgotten. It’s a shame, because these films often had a unique and daring sense of humor that still holds up today. Hopefully, a new audience will rediscover and appreciate them, though most people probably haven’t even heard of them.

I’m a huge fan of ’90s comedies, and it’s a shame some really great ones just didn’t get the recognition they deserved. They could have become classics! So, I put together a list of 7 seriously funny movies from that decade that I think everyone should check out – they’re amazing but somehow flew under the radar.

7) Mystery Men

Mystery Men feels ahead of its time, and while it didn’t get much attention when it was first released, it’s gained a strong following over the years. It’s a funny send-up of superhero movies, focusing on a group of ordinary people who try to save the day after the city’s real hero is taken captive. They aren’t exactly powerful, and that’s part of the charm. Plus, the movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Hank Azaria, and William H. Macy, all playing hilariously flawed versions of familiar superhero tropes.

Okay, so Mystery Men isn’t perfect – not every gag hits. But when it does land, it’s hilarious. What I really appreciate is how it takes aim at the whole concept of superheroes, and digs into things like needing approval and our obsession with celebrities. Honestly, those themes feel even more spot-on today than they did when the movie first came out. I think that’s a big reason why it’s gained such a dedicated following over the years. It’s just a really unique comedy – wonderfully weird, with a ton of personality – and it seriously deserves way more love than it ever received.

6) Welcome to the Dollhouse

This isn’t your typical lighthearted comedy. However, that’s precisely what makes Welcome to the Dollhouse so special for those who watch it. The film centers on Dawn, a teenage girl who feels like an outsider, as she navigates the challenges of school, family, and her own self-doubt. It’s a series of relatable, often embarrassing, and ultimately honest moments, all delivered with a darkly funny edge.

This film is remarkable for its raw and unflinching honesty, and it still won’t appeal to all viewers. Released decades ago, it fearlessly addresses difficult themes like bullying, rejection, and loneliness with very little sentimentality. Despite its harshness, Welcome to the Dollhouse is a surprisingly human comedy – it aims to evoke emotion rather than provide easy entertainment. As an independent film, it didn’t conform to the typical style of ’90s comedies, which likely explains why it wasn’t widely seen.

5) Party Girl

The movie Party Girl is a bit of a hidden gem, deeply connected to underground culture, so it never really broke into the mainstream. Most people who know it probably recognize Parker Posey as the lead. She plays Mary, a young woman drifting through life and known for partying, who unexpectedly lands a job at a library after a run-in with the law. The film follows her somewhat clumsy journey toward adulthood. It’s a straightforward story, but its unique vibe and depiction of a bygone New York City give it a special appeal.

The best thing about Party Girl is its main character, Mary. She’s a lovable mess – chaotic, fun, and easy to cheer on. The movie also gets that growing up isn’t about changing yourself, but about learning to navigate life while still being you. It’s a really funny movie with a heartwarming message that makes for a satisfying watch.

4) Living in Oblivion

We’ve noticed some films on this list didn’t reach a wide audience, and this one is even more niche. To truly appreciate it, you’ll likely need to be fascinated by how movies are made, the people behind them, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. Living in Oblivion centers around an indie director (Steve Buscemi) struggling to complete his film, facing demanding actors, technical problems, and unusual creative choices. The film itself cleverly uses different versions of the same scene to demonstrate how even minor changes can lead to major, even disastrous, results.

Living in Oblivion is a funny and insightful film about the challenges of the creative process. It really captures the frustrations, ego clashes, and feeling of losing control that come with trying to make something new. The humor feels authentic because it’s clearly written by someone who understands those struggles. While it focuses on filmmaking, the relatable dynamics will appeal to anyone who’s pursued a creative project. It’s a clever, unconventional comedy that’s especially enjoyable for movie lovers.

3) The Ref

This movie is seriously underrated and deserves a wider audience. It’s a shame more people don’t talk about The Ref, especially if you’re looking for a funny and unique film, particularly around the holidays. The story centers on a burglar named Gus (Denis Leary) who gets stuck in the house of a bickering couple and inadvertently becomes a mediator in their failing marriage. It’s not over-the-top physical comedy, but it’s also not a fluffy, feel-good movie; most of the humor comes from the characters’ sharp and often cutting conversations with each other – and that’s what makes it so great.

I think what really makes The Ref work is that it doesn’t bother trying to make anyone a ‘good’ person. The humor is really biting and sarcastic, and honestly, the writing is the best thing about the movie. Because it doesn’t follow a typical comedy formula, it never really caught on with a wide audience, which is a shame. Everyone in the film is kind of awful, tired, and full of bitterness, but that’s what makes it feel so real! It’s surprisingly relatable, and it just pulls you into the story in a way I didn’t expect.

2) Safe Men

I always feel like Safe Men gets overlooked when people talk about great comedies, and that’s a shame. It’s just… offbeat in a way that isn’t always instantly appealing, but it’s hilarious. The story centers on Sam and Eddie, two guys who are seriously failing at music, and they somehow get mixed up with the mob after being confused for professional safecrackers. The best part is they haven’t a clue what they’re doing, and all the funny moments come from their total incompetence. Plus, the cast is incredible – Mark Ruffalo, Paul Giamatti, and Peter Dinklage are all in it! That alone should make any comedy fan want to check it out.

This isn’t your typical comedy, and that’s okay. It’s quirky, with characters who feel a bit lost and a rhythm that sometimes falters, but the acting is consistently strong. Watching Safe Men today is like discovering a hidden gem – you might just end up enjoying it a lot more than you thought you would. It’s flawed, and won’t appeal to all viewers, and it suffered from poor marketing and distribution when it was first released. However, it’s definitely worth checking out now.

1) The Wrong Guy

It’s hard to think of a more ‘forgotten’ comedy than The Wrong Guy, and for good reason. The film centers on Nelson Hibbert (Dave Foley), an anxious office worker who mistakenly believes he’s wanted for murder. He immediately flees, despite the fact that no one is actually pursuing him. This central misunderstanding drives the entire humor of the movie, as Nelson’s panic escalates while everyone around him acts as if nothing is amiss. A major strength of the film is Dave Foley’s incredibly committed performance in the lead role.

The Wrong Guy is a hilarious movie that mixes silly and clever humor, delivered through a character constantly on edge. You’ll likely find yourself laughing a lot, and even on repeat viewings. It’s a shame more people haven’t seen it, as it never had a proper theatrical release – it mostly circulated through home video and television. This resulted in it becoming a bit of a hidden gem, known and loved by a dedicated group of fans. It truly is a comedic treasure.

I’m always curious to hear what others think! If you’ve checked out any of these films, please share your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about them over at the ComicBook Forum – I’d love to hear your opinions!

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2026-02-08 18:46