Steve Martin is back on the small screen with the brand new season of Only Murders in the Buildingwhich just premiered on June 28th on Hulu. In the comedy series, Martin plays a much-beloved actor, which is definitely not a stretch considering the prolific career he has amassed over the decades.
Metacritic has compiled his illustrious filmography into a list ranked by critical opinion and Martin’s top 10 might be surprising. Whether playing a beloved dad in Father of the Bride or a zany villain in Looney Tunes: Back in ActionSteve Martin remains to be one of the funniest and most versatile actors working today.
10 Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982) – 67
Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid is a parody film paying homage to the classic detective and thriller movies of the 1940s. Martin plays private investigator Rigby Reardon who is hired to investigate the mysterious death of a scientist only to uncover a more sinister plot.
This movie is notable for using actual scenes from classic movies of the 1940s, intercutting the footage to create a new, hilarious narrative. Martin’s performance as Reardon was unanimously praised by critics, and with stars like Ava Gardner, Cary Grant, and Burt Lancaster all making “appearances” alongside Martin, this is a truly unique and comical viewing experience.
9 All Of Me (1984) – 68
In 1984, Martin co-starred with fellow comedy legend Lily Tomlin in the supernatural rom-com. All of Me. Martin portrays a lawyer whose client’s (Tomlin) soul is accidentally transferred into his body after a series of mishaps.
This movie showcases Martin’s talent for physical comedy, including many funny slapstick scenes that surely make viewers roll on the floor with laughter. The chemistry between Martin and Tomlin is also endearing to watch, making the pairing of the two comedians a match made in heaven.
8 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) – 68
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Martin pairs with acting legend Michael Caine as two swindling con artists competing for the fortune of a young woman. Conflict ensues when each tries to scam this supposed heiress out of $ 50,000, placing a bet as to who will be successful first.
Both Martin and Caine are exceptional both individually and onscreen together in this film. Their wonderful chemistry creates a dynamic and hilarious repartee that imbues the movie with so much charm and laughs, making this a film very much worth a watch.
7 The Spanish Prisoner (1998) – 70
Similar to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Martin portrays another conman in this 1998 suspense film. However, similarities with the aforementioned movie stop there, as The Spanish Prisoner replaces slapstick comedy with high-stakes suspense and intrigue.
One of the only movies in which Martin portrays a villain, The Spanish Prisoner gave audiences a look at a different side of the actor, allowing Steve Martin’s versatility as a dramatic actor to be showcased as one of the best dramatic performances from a comedy actor. Although the movie was not a box office hit, critics enjoyed the change of pace for the actor.
6 Bowfinger (1999) – 71
Set in the world of moviemaking, Bowfinger finds Martin as a failed director trying to make a movie starring one of Hollywood’s biggest stars (superbly played by Eddie Murphy in one of his best movies), the only problem being that the actor has no idea he’s in the movie.
Martin does a tremendous job leading a ridiculously stacked ensemble cast including Murphy, Christine Baranski, Robert Downey Jr., and Heather Graham. Wonderful camp performances all around and the clever commentary on the absurdity of the film business were a hit with critics and a moderate box office success.
5 Planes, Trains, And Automobiles (1987) – 72
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles stars Steve Martin as an uptight advertising executive who gets stuck with an irritating but good-natured salesman (played by the incomparable John Candy) as they work together to get Martin home to his family in time for Thanksgiving.
This has been widely referred to as John Hughes’ best comedy film and rightfully so. The touching script, fantastic performances, and undeniable chemistry between Martin and Candy garnered this movie much critical acclaim. Martin also delivers one of his most iconic monologues ever (involving a choice expletive and a less-than-helpful car rental employee), making Planes, Trains, & Automobiles a standout in the comedian’s oeuvre.
4 Roxanne (1987) – 73
Based on Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac, Roxanne is a modern-day retelling of the famous tale with Martin playing the Cyrano character, CD Bales, and Daryl Hannah as the titular Roxanne.
This earnest and sweet take on the well-known piece of literature delighted critics, who found Martin’s performance as Bales to be one of his funniest. The modern adaptation of Cyrano from page to screen was a success, and Martin received his third Golden Globe nomination for his work on the film.
3 Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018) – 74
The passing of one of the world’s most beloved and talented comedians, Robin Williams, shook the world immensely. This 2018 documentary directed by Marina Zenovich strived to bring insight into the personal life of the iconic entertainer.
Although Steve Martin is not acting in this, it remains an important part of his filmography. Martin was able to offer viewers an understanding of the mind of the late Williams, with his perspective being an invaluable addition to the documentary.
2 Little Shop Of Horrors (1986) – 81
This cult classic musical film was adapted from the off-Broadway musical of the same name and follows a despondent florist who becomes a pawn for an extra-terrestrial man-eating plant. In this movie, Martin plays a sadistic dentist with a penchant for causing his patients pain.
Although not a major box office hit, Little Shop of Horrors was a critical success. The blend of horror, music, and camp was well received and Martin’s over-the-top performance as the villainous Dr. Scrivello definitely added to the fervor. His rendition of the song “Dentist!” is both catchy and darkly funny, and although irrelevant to the plot, his scene with patient Bill Murray is one of the movie’s funniest moments.
1 Parenthood (1989) – 82
Parenthood centers on the large Buckman family, led by Gil (Martin) as they deal with the highs and lows of parenthood. Gil, in particular, struggles with coming to terms with the needs of his eldest son who struggles with his emotional development. The impressive ensemble includes Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, and Dianne Wiest.
The movie received acclaim from critics, lauding it for its unapologetically honest and funny portrayal of family. Martin’s endearing performance as Gil remains to be the heart of the movie. His ability to capture both the hardships and joys of parenting while remaining personable is what undoubtedly earned him his fourth Golden Globe nomination.
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