Best Comedy Films of 1990
- HaHa Jokester
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 20
1990 was a fascinating transitional year for comedy. The wild, absurdist style of ’80s comedies was giving way to broader family hits, romantic comedies, and clever character-driven humor. Stars from the previous decade reinvented themselves, while new comedic voices emerged. It was a year when comedy found fresh footing heading into the ’90s.
The Comedy Landscape in 1990
End of the ’80s Excess
The big, brash, R-rated style of ’80s comedy started to wane. Studios looked for safer, four-quadrant hits.
The Rise of Family and Fantasy Comedies
Thanks to hits like Home Alone, family-oriented comedies dominated the box office, proving that smart, broad humor could draw massive crowds.
Romantic Comedy Renaissance
Rom-coms saw a resurgence in 1990, blending sharp wit with heart—setting the tone for the decade to come.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1990
Home Alone
Runtime: 1hr 43min
When young Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone during Christmas, he must outwit two bumbling burglars with a series of ingenious traps.
When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind during his family’s Christmas vacation, he relishes the freedom—until two bumbling burglars target his home. Armed with resourcefulness and a mischievous streak, Kevin sets up elaborate traps to defend his house. Blending slapstick hilarity with heartwarming moments, Home Alone became an instant holiday classic and a global box office phenomenon.
Pretty Woman
Runtime: 2hr 5min
A charming prostitute and a wealthy businessman unexpectedly fall in love during a week-long arrangement that transforms both of their lives.
Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a spirited Hollywood prostitute, crosses paths with Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a wealthy businessman who hires her to accompany him for a week of high-society events. As their arrangement turns into something deeper, both are transformed in unexpected ways. A modern Cinderella story with sharp humor and genuine charm, Pretty Woman redefined the romantic comedy and catapulted Roberts to stardom.
Joe Versus the Volcano
Runtime: 1hr 42min
Believing he has a terminal illness, an unfulfilled office worker embarks on a surreal adventure to sacrifice himself to a volcano—only to rediscover the joy of living along the way.
Terminally ill and trapped in a soul-crushing job, Joe Banks (Tom Hanks) agrees to a bizarre proposition: sacrifice himself by jumping into a volcano to appease island gods. On his surreal journey, Joe finds love with Patricia (Meg Ryan) and rediscovers life’s meaning. Whimsical and visually inventive, Joe Versus the Volcano is a quirky cult favorite about courage, fate, and self-worth.
Kindergarten Cop
Runtime: 1hr 51min
A tough undercover cop must pose as a kindergarten teacher to catch a criminal, but the real challenge comes from managing a classroom full of unpredictable kids.
Tough Los Angeles detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a dangerous criminal. Chaos ensues as the gruff cop struggles with his pint-sized charges, only to find his hardened heart softening in the process. Kindergarten Cop cleverly balances action, comedy, and warmth, showcasing Schwarzenegger’s unexpected knack for humor.
Back to the Future Part III
Runtime: 1hr 58min
Marty McFly travels back to 1885 to save Doc Brown from an untimely death, navigating Wild West dangers and racing to return to the future.
Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels to the Old West of 1885 to rescue Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) from certain death. Battling outlaws and racing against time, they must repair the DeLorean and get back to the future. A lighter, more romantic installment, Back to the Future Part III wraps up the beloved trilogy with adventure, nostalgia, and a cowboy twist.
Quick Change
Runtime: 1hr 29min
After pulling off a flawless bank heist, a trio of robbers faces a nightmarish series of mishaps trying to escape New York City.
Grimm (Bill Murray), dressed as a clown, executes a flawless bank heist with his girlfriend and best friend—only to find escaping New York City far more challenging than robbing the bank. Hindered by an eccentric cityscape and oddball encounters, the trio’s night spirals into chaos. Darkly funny and underrated, Quick Change delivers sharp satire on urban life and Murphy’s Law.
My Blue Heaven
Runtime: 1hr 37min
A flamboyant former mobster in witness protection turns a quiet suburban town upside down while forming an unlikely bond with his straight-laced FBI handler.
Vincent Antonelli (Steve Martin), a flamboyant mobster in witness protection, brings his colorful personality to suburban life—much to the chagrin of straitlaced FBI agent Barney Coopersmith (Rick Moranis). As Vincent adjusts to civilian life (with plenty of comedic detours), an unlikely friendship forms. My Blue Heaven is a breezy, charming comedy with memorable performances and offbeat humor.
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
Runtime: 1hr 14min
Scrooge McDuck and his nephews uncover a magical lamp during a treasure hunt, unleashing a mischievous genie and a battle against an evil sorcerer.
Scrooge McDuck and his nephews embark on a thrilling quest for the legendary treasure of Collie Baba, only to unleash a mischievous genie. The gang faces traps, villains, and magical mayhem in a high-stakes adventure. DuckTales the Moviebrings the beloved TV series to the big screen with vibrant animation, humor, and family-friendly excitement.
Taking Care of Business
Runtime: 1hr 52min
A freewheeling convict escapes prison, assumes the identity of a stressed-out executive, and hilariously turns the businessman’s orderly life upside down.
Jimmy Dworski (James Belushi), a carefree convict, escapes prison to attend a World Series game and stumbles upon the misplaced planner of uptight ad executive Spencer Barnes (Charles Grodin). Assuming Spencer’s identity, Jimmy navigates high society while Spencer’s life unravels. Taking Care of Business is a spirited, lighthearted comedy about seizing the day and breaking free from routine.
Green Card
Runtime: 1hr 48min
A Frenchman and an American woman enter a fake marriage for immigration purposes, only to develop an unexpected romantic connection as they navigate their elaborate deception.
To secure a green card, Frenchman Georges (Gérard Depardieu) marries American Brontë (Andie MacDowell)—a relationship they both expect to be purely transactional. As immigration officials scrutinize their sham marriage, the two opposites begin to genuinely connect. Green Card is a witty, romantic exploration of culture clash, love, and unexpected compatibility.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
Cadillac Man
Runtime: 1hr 37min
Robin Williams stars as a fast-talking car salesman trying to juggle debt, romantic troubles, and a hostage crisis—all with manic charm.
Joey O’Brien (Robin Williams), a fast-talking, down-on-his-luck car salesman, faces the worst day of his life as he juggles mounting debts, a mob threat, two ex-wives, a missing daughter—and a hostage situation when an angry husband (Tim Robbins) storms the dealership with a gun. Blending manic energy with darkly comic moments, Cadillac Manshowcases Williams at his improvisational best in this high-stress, high-stakes workplace farce.
Metropolitan
Runtime: 1hr 38min
Whit Stillman’s indie breakout is a sharp, talky satire of Manhattan’s young elite, filled with deadpan wit and clever social commentary.
During Manhattan’s debutante season, an outsider named Tom Townsend is drawn into the world of young Upper East Side socialites, where sharp wit, class anxieties, and romantic entanglements unfold through a series of late-night conversations. With its dry humor and incisive dialogue, Metropolitan is a sly, literate indie comedy that offers a gently satirical look at privilege, manners, and the uncertainties of youth.
The Freshman
Runtime: 1hr 42min
A naive college student gets entangled with a quirky crime boss who bears a striking resemblance to The Godfather, leading to a comically bizarre adventure involving gourmet cuisine and endangered animals.
College student Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) arrives in New York and is quickly swept into the orbit of Carmine Sabatini (Marlon Brando), a powerful man who bears an uncanny resemblance to The Godfather. Drawn into an odd world of gourmet cooking, endangered animals, and shady deals, Clark soon learns the value of trust and savvy. The Freshman is a clever, knowing comedy that delights in playing with mob-movie tropes and Brando’s iconic screen persona.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
New Comedy Icons
Macaulay Culkin became a global star with Home Alone—ushering in a new era of kid-driven comedies.
Genre Hybrids
1990 was a big year for blending comedy with action (Kindergarten Cop) and sci-fi (Back to the Future Part III).
Star Power Shines
Veterans like Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Arnold Schwarzenegger all delivered top-notch comedic performances this year.
Where to Watch These Today
Home Alone — Disney+
Pretty Woman — Hulu, Disney+
Kindergarten Cop — Amazon, Apple TV
Joe Versus the Volcano — Max, Prime Video
Quick Change — Tubi, rental platforms
Closing Thoughts
1990 marked a pivot point for comedy—bridging the wild energy of the ’80s with the crowd-pleasing polish of the ’90s. The year saw the genre diversify: romantic comedies, family adventures, and offbeat character studies all found success. Many of these films remain beloved touchstones today, proving that great comedy can cross generations.
