Let’s set the scene. The year is 1993, and the airwaves are filled with the melodies of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” We tuned into our television sets to catch the latest episodes of “The X-Files,” while arcades were blasting the sound of “Finish Him” from Mortal Kombat. Amidst this cultural renaissance, comedy movies were of course making their own mark with worldwide box office success.
So, without further ado, let’s dive headfirst into this entertaining escapade and answer the question: what was the best comedy movie of 1993?
The Runners Up For Best Comedy Movie Of 1993
We have developed a unique algorithm to rate movies based on a combination of online review ratings and box office success to create our So Binge Score.
Before we reveal the top spot, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hilarious gems that kept us laughing all through the year.
Cool Runnings
So Binge Score: 6.3
Tells the story of the first Jamaican bobsled team trying to make it to the Winter Olympics. When sprinter Derice Bannock (Leon) is disqualified from the Summer Olympics, he recruits a dishonoured coach (John Candy) to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. Despite their initial failures and constant mockery, the team’s determination and camaraderie make them unlikely heroes.
The movie uses the comedic formula of a fish out of water, as these tropical men encounter freezing temperatures and a sport they know nothing about.
Groundhog Day
So Binge Score: 6.1
Is there anyone who hasn’t seen Groundhog Day?
In this comedic masterpiece, weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) finds himself living the same day over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where he is covering the annual Groundhog Day festivities. As Phil becomes trapped in a time loop, he evolves from cynic to hopeless romantic, and ultimately to a man who appreciates life. The movie’s comedic genius lies in the repetitive but creative circumstances Phil finds himself in, as well as in Murray’s fantastic delivery of dry humour.
Sleepless In Seattle
So Binge Score: 5.7
Romantic comedy classic Sleepless in Seattle merges humour with heart in its narrative. After the widowed Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) pours his heart out on a national radio show, his son Jonah sets up a meeting with a reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) who was touched by Sam’s story. The movie’s strength lies in its witty dialogues, comedic misunderstandings, and quirky character traits — providing the perfect match of love and laughter.
Grumpy Old Men
So Binge Score: 5.5
When two long-time adversaries, John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau), find their petty squabbles escalated by the arrival of an attractive new neighbour, hilarity ensues. This light-hearted comedy shines in its characterisation of the grumpy duo, proving that the comedy genre has no age limit.
Best Comedy Movie of 1993: Mrs. Doubtfire
The comedy film that was the face of 1993 was none other than the unforgettable Mrs. Doubtfire. But why does this film deserve the top spot?
Mrs. Doubtfire managed to perfectly blend humour with family dynamics, giving us a movie that was not only hilarious but also deeply engaging.
Plot
The story revolves around Robin Williams playing Daniel Hillard, a voice-over artist and a free-spirited man whose life turns upside down after a messy divorce with his exasperated wife, Miranda (Sally Field). Losing custody of his three children, Daniel takes desperate measures to stay in their lives. He does so by disguising himself as an elderly British nanny, Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire of course.
Robin Williams, a master of improvisation and character acting, delivers an astonishing performance, perfectly balancing the hilarity of his ruse with the undercurrent of a man striving to maintain a relationship with his children. There are countless memorable comedic scenes, from the riotous job interview montage, where Williams flawlessly switches between an array of quirky characters, to the “run-by fruiting” incident that exhibits his expert slapstick timing.
One of the most iconic comedic sequences, undoubtedly, is when Mrs. Doubtfire’s disguise begins to fall apart during a dinner with Miranda and her new boyfriend Stu (Pierce Brosnan). As he desperately tries to maintain his double life, Williams provides a rapid-fire comedy routine that showcases his unparalleled comedic skills and range.
Cast
The cast was a pivotal part of the film’s success. Robin Williams shone in his role, bringing to life the endearing and hilarious Mrs. Doubtfire. The supporting cast, including Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan, further enriched the film, contributing to the movie’s harmonious blend of humour and emotional depth.
Awards
Mrs. Doubtfire wasn’t just a hit among audiences; it charmed critics as well. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Makeup, and Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. This recognition further stamped its authority as the best comedy movie of 1993.
Trailer
How to watch Mrs. Doubtfire
Need more 90’s check out the Best 100 Movies of the 90s.