Funniest Melissa McCarthy Films Ranked

Melissa McCarthy, widely acclaimed for her comedic prowess, has left an indelible mark on the film industry with her unparalleled talent. From her early days on television to her meteoric rise in Hollywood, McCarthy’s career has been a testament to her versatility and comedic genius. Let’s delve into some of her funniest movies, each a testament to her incredible range and knack for bringing laughter to audiences worldwide.

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8. St. Vincent (2014)

Director: Theodore Melfi

In “St. Vincent,” McCarthy portrays Maggie Bronstein, a single working mother who finds an unlikely friend in Vincent MacKenna, played by Bill Murray. Despite Vincent’s unconventional ways, he imparts invaluable life lessons to Maggie’s son, Oliver. McCarthy’s portrayal of Maggie showcases her ability to blend humor with depth, earning accolades for her nuanced performance alongside Murray’s serious turn. The film’s heartwarming story resonated with audiences and critics alike, highlighting McCarthy’s versatility as an actress.

“St. Vincent” offers a refreshing departure from McCarthy’s typical comedic roles, demonstrating her ability to excel in more dramatic fare while still infusing humor into the narrative.

7. Ghostbusters (2016)

Director: Paul Feig

In the 2016 reboot of “Ghostbusters,” McCarthy leads an ensemble cast as Dr. Abby Yates, a paranormal researcher determined to rid New York City of supernatural threats. Alongside Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, McCarthy delivers a memorable performance, blending her trademark humor with action-packed sequences. Despite facing backlash prior to its release, the film defied expectations, showcasing McCarthy’s comedic prowess and solidifying her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.

“Ghostbusters” serves as a testament to McCarthy’s ability to anchor a blockbuster franchise with her charisma and comedic timing, paving the way for more female-led ensemble comedies.

6. The Hangover III (2013)

Director: Todd Phillips

In “The Hangover III,” McCarthy makes a memorable cameo as Cassie, a love interest for Zach Galifianakis’s character, Alan. While the film deviates from its predecessors’ formula, McCarthy’s comedic chops shine in her interactions with Galifianakis, providing some of the movie’s standout moments. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, McCarthy’s scene-stealing performance garnered praise from audiences, solidifying her status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

“The Hangover III” may have strayed from the formula that made the franchise successful, but McCarthy’s presence injected new energy into the series, showcasing her ability to elevate any project with her comedic talent.

5. Tammy (2014)

Director: Ben Falcone

In “Tammy,” McCarthy teams up with her real-life husband, Ben Falcone, who serves as the film’s director. McCarthy stars as the titular character, a down-on-her-luck woman who embarks on a road trip with her grandmother, played by Susan Sarandon. Despite facing numerous setbacks along the way, Tammy’s journey of self-discovery is punctuated by moments of humor and heart, thanks to McCarthy’s endearing performance.

While “Tammy” received mixed reviews from critics, McCarthy’s chemistry with Sarandon and the film’s heartfelt moments resonated with audiences, showcasing McCarthy’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotion.

4. This is 40 (2012)

Director: Judd Apatow

In “This is 40,” McCarthy delivers a scene-stealing performance as Catherine, a fellow parent embroiled in comedic misadventures with the film’s protagonists, played by Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. McCarthy’s portrayal of Catherine is both hilarious and relatable, providing some of the film’s most memorable moments. Despite being overshadowed by the film’s leads, McCarthy’s comedic timing and improvisational skills shine in every scene she appears in.

“This is 40” highlights McCarthy’s ability to elevate even the smallest roles with her comedic talent, showcasing her versatility as an actress in both leading and supporting roles.

3. The Heat (2013)

Director: Paul Feig

In “The Heat,” McCarthy teams up with Sandra Bullock to deliver a hilarious buddy cop comedy that subverts genre conventions. McCarthy portrays Detective Shannon Mullins, a brash and unconventional officer who forms an unlikely partnership with Bullock’s uptight FBI agent. Together, they navigate the male-dominated world of law enforcement while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

McCarthy’s chemistry with Bullock is electric, providing the film with its comedic backbone. “The Heat” solidified McCarthy’s status as a leading lady in comedy, earning her widespread acclaim for her performance.

2. Spy (2015)

Director: Paul Feig

In “Spy,” McCarthy takes on the role of Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst thrust into the field to thwart a global threat. Armed with her wit and resourcefulness, Susan navigates a world of espionage while contending with eccentric adversaries and outlandish situations. McCarthy’s performance is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, showcasing her ability to command the screen in a leading role.

“Spy” further cemented McCarthy’s status as a comedic powerhouse, earning her critical praise and box office success. The film’s blend of action and humor provided the perfect showcase for McCarthy’s talents, solidifying her status as a leading lady in comedy.

1. Bridesmaids (2011)

Director: Paul Feig

In “Bridesmaids,” McCarthy delivers a breakout performance as Megan, the brash and unapologetic sister of the groom. McCarthy steals every scene she’s in, delivering memorable one-liners and physical comedy that have become iconic in the annals of comedy history. Her fearless portrayal of Megan earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

“Bridesmaids” not only catapulted McCarthy to superstardom but also shattered stereotypes about female-led comedies. The film’s success paved the way for more opportunities for McCarthy and other comedic actresses, solidifying its place as one of the funniest and most influential comedies of the decade.

Conclusion

From her early television roles to her blockbuster film successes, Melissa McCarthy has proven herself to be one of the funniest and most talented actresses working today. Whether she’s delivering laugh-out-loud moments or heartfelt performances, McCarthy’s comedic prowess knows no bounds. As she continues to captivate audiences with her charm and wit, one thing is certain: the world can’t get enough of Melissa McCarthy movies.