Bill Murray’s Most Disappointing Movie Roles
Bill Murray is a beloved icon of comedy and cinema, known for his dry wit, quirky charm, and unforgettable performances. From his early days on *Saturday Night Live* to his work with auteurs like Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola, Murray has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's most distinctive talents. But even the most celebrated actors have projects that miss the mark. Whether it’s due to a miscast role, a weak script, or simply a film that didn’t click with audiences, not every movie in Murray’s filmography can be a hit. In this list, we’re diving into the most underwhelming entries in Bill Murray’s otherwise stellar career. Some of these movies had promise but fell flat, while others left fans wondering what went wrong. Take a look through our picks—and don’t forget to rank them yourself at the end! Image Attribution: Sachyn, CC BY-SA 3.0 (https[:^colondslash^:]creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Introduction
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Ghostbusters (2016)
#11.0Despite being a reboot of a beloved classic, *Ghostbusters (2016)* failed to recapture the original’s charm—and Bill Murray’s cameo as a skeptical debunker felt more like an awkward obligation than a meaningful addition. While the film aimed to bring a fresh spin, its uneven tone and forced nostalgia made it a tough watch, even for die-hard Murray fans.
What About Bob?
#22.0Though *What About Bob?* has its fans, Murray’s portrayal of an obsessive, clingy patient can be polarizing. The film’s slapstick-heavy approach and repetitive gags overshadow his usual sharp wit, resulting in a performance that feels more grating than endearing over time.
Lost in Translation
#33.0*Lost in Translation* is widely acclaimed, but some critics argue that its slow pace and vague storytelling make it overrated. While Murray’s performance is subtle and introspective, it’s also far removed from the charisma he’s known for—which may leave some viewers underwhelmed.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
#44.0As the voice of Clive Badger in *Fantastic Mr. Fox*, Murray plays a minor supporting character in an otherwise dazzling film. His performance is fine, but ultimately forgettable—especially compared to the more vibrant roles in his animated filmography.
Stripes
#55.0After losing everything, an indolent sad sack impulsively joins the U.S. Army and cajoles his best friend into enlisting, too.
Broken Flowers
#66.0Broken Flowers is a 2005 French-American comedy-drama film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch and produced by Jon Kilik and Stacey Smith. The film focuses on an aging ""Don Juan"" who embarks on a cross-country journey to track down four of his former lovers after receiving an anonymous letter stating that he has a son. The film stars Bill Murray, Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, Tilda Swinton, Julie Delpy, Mark Webber, Chloë Sevigny, Christopher McDonald, and Alexis Dziena. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and won the Grand Prix. It received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $47.3 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.
Space Jam
#77.0Jokes fly as the Tune Squad takes on the Nerdlucks in a hardcourt game to decide if the Looney Tunes remain here... or become attractions at a far-off galactic off-ramp called Moron Mountain. The Nerdlucks have a monstrous secret weapon: they've stolen the skills of top NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing and become Monstars. But that's not all, folks. The Tune Squad’s secret weapon just happens to be the finest player in this or any other universe. He's outta this world. So's the fun.Jokes fly as the Tune Squad takes on the Nerdlucks in a hardcourt game to decide if the Looney Tunes remain here... or become attractions at a far-off galactic off-ramp called Moron Mountain. The Nerdlucks have a monstrous secret weapon: they've stolen the skills of top NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing and become Monstars. But that's not all, folks. The Tune Squad’s secret weapon just happens to be the finest player in this or any other universe. He's outta this world. So's the fun.
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