Will Ferrell has some exciting upcoming projects in the pipeline. He co-stars with Ryan Reynolds in a musical version of A Christmas Caroland he also plays a supporting role in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie film, rumored to be the CEO of Mattel. In the meantime, there are plenty of existing Ferrell performances to review.
Many of Ferrell’s films have stood the test of time to become comedy classics. There is no limit to the number of times a movie like Presenter Where Old school Where Half brothers can be appreciated.
ten Blades of Glory (2007)
Ferrell ridiculed the world of figure skating by Blade of Glory. He shares great chemistry with Jon Heder as rival partners turned reluctant. After being banned from competing in the sport individually, their mutually angered characters find a loophole in the system that would allow them to compete as a duo.
Blade of Glory sets up its premise nicely and succinctly so it can dive into the slippery slapstick and biting feuds between Ferrell and Heder.
9 Megamind (2010)
The Animated Jewel Megamind is a sharp superhero satire that asks an interesting question: what if Lex Luthor managed to kill Superman? It’s a surprisingly dark premise for a family movie, but Megamind has a great answer to that question: Without a nemesis to foil their evil plans, the supervillain would quickly become bored.
The side stories of Megamind and Metro Man explore what would happen if Kal-El and Brightburn arrived on Earth at the same time. The movie has a lot of fun with superhero mythology, but Megamind’s character arc carries the message that everyone should strive for good.
8 The Other Guys (2010)
the other guys is one of many hilarious Ferrell vehicles directed and co-written by his former Saturday Night Live collaborator Adam McKay. It’s a delightfully ridiculous take on the familiar “buddy cop” formula with over-the-top action sequences and a laugh-per-minute rate.
The role of mild-mannered police accountant Allen Gamble made excellent use of Ferrell’s talents as a deadpan “straight man” opposite Mark Wahlberg as the hyper-competent but disgraced cop who accidentally shot Derek Jeter.
seven Zoolander (2001)
Ferrell gives an unforgettable turn as the villainous Mugatu in Zoolander, a perfect satire of the tasteless fashion industry. Ben Stiller, who also directed and co-wrote the film, plays the titular male model, who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Zoolander is full of classic gags that never get old on rewatches: “It’s that fucking Hansel…he’s so hot right now”, “What the hell is that?” A center for ants!?”
6 The Lego Movie (2014)
When a feature film based on the Lego toy line was announced, most moviegoers thought it was an unnecessary business move to cash in on the toys’ popularity. But in the hands of director duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, The Lego Movie turned out to be one of the most inspired, entertaining, and surprisingly deep animated films ever made.
It’s a fast-paced adventure with witty dialogue and lovable characters, and its unexpected middle twist offers a thought-provoking meditation on existentialism.
5 Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Ferrell and McKay’s follow-up to Presenter mark their first collaboration with John C. Reilly. The chemistry between the two actors is infinitely observable in Talladega Nightsa wonderfully absurd game about the rise, fall and rise of a legendary NASCAR driver.
Ricky Bobby is threatened by the arrival of a French F1 driver who could be even better than him, played by the great Sacha Baron Cohen. McKay and Ferrell follow the familiar structure of a sports movie and take every traditional plot line to the Nth most ridiculous degree.
4 Elf (2003)
On paper, Elf shouldn’t work. It’s a fish out of water comedy about a grown man who believes he’s one of Santa’s elves who travels to New York to meet his long-lost father. But it works like a charm thanks to Ferrell’s unwavering commitment to the bit.
Not only ElfThe bizarre premise does wonders; it’s also a really touching story. In the years since its release, Elf has become a staple of Christmas movie nights.
3 Stepbrothers (2008)
Few years later Talladega Nights became a hit, Ferrell, Reilly and McKay reunited for another brilliantly absurd buddy comedy. Half brothers received more mixed reviews than Talladega Nights, but it has since earned cult classic status. This is a film whose sole purpose from beginning to end is to make the audience laugh.
There are plenty of hilarious moments that get funnier with each viewing, from the montage of the job interview to Derek and his family singing an a cappella rendition of Guns ‘n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.”
2 Old School (2003)
Frank “The Tank” is one of the early roles that made Ferrell a top movie star. Luke Wilson directs Old school as everyone unlucky who has to start their own college fraternity to keep the lease on their new home. Wilson gives a hilarious reactionary performance and Vince Vaughn is brilliant as the overconfident friend who encourages his frat-bro antics.
But Ferrell is the standout support player as Frank, the former party boy who backs down when his friend starts a fraternity. With classic gags like the streak sequence and the tranquilizer dart through Frank’s neck, this film holds up countless times.
1 Presenter: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Ferrell and McKay first brought their wacky SNL widescreen sensitivity in Presenter. There are an endless number of hysterical bits in this movie, from Ron collapsing in “a showcase of emotions” to the press crew’s fight followed by the self-awareness “This escalated fast!” Evaluation.
The Legend of Ron Burgundy is frequently included on lists of the greatest comedies ever made. His utter absurdity and relentless laugh rate have been compared to Plane! and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
