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Best Ron Underwood Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Get ready to revisit the charming, imaginative worlds of Ron Underwood! This list celebrates the director's unique blend of humor, heart, and genre-bending storytelling. From quirky creature features to heartwarming family adventures, Underwood's films have consistently entertained audiences with their memorable characters and clever plots. Dive into this curated selection and prepare to rediscover some cinematic gems that have stood the test of time. Now it's your turn! We've assembled a list of Ron Underwood's best films, but the order is up to you. Use the drag-and-drop features to rank these movies according to your personal preferences. Which one tops your list? Where do you place that cult classic you love? Share your definitive ranking of the best Ron Underwood movies and see how your opinions compare with other fans!
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#5.
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
5/8
...
In "Mighty Joe Young (1998)," Jill Young, haunted by her mother's death at the hands of poachers in Africa, dedicates her life to protecting Joe, an orphaned gorilla who has grown to an astonishing 15 feet tall due to a genetic anomaly. When zoologist Gregg O'Hara discovers them, he believes Joe will be safer at his California wildlife refuge. However, their relocation brings unforeseen danger, as Andrei Strasser, the very poacher responsible for Jill's past trauma, resurfaces with the intent of capturing Joe for his own nefarious purposes. Jill and Gregg must then band together to protect Joe from Strasser's sinister plot. "Mighty Joe Young" earns its place among Ron Underwood's best films due to its masterful blend of heartwarming adventure and stunning visual effects. Underwood expertly captures the emotional connection between Jill and Joe, creating a sympathetic portrayal of their unique bond. The film's special effects, nominated for an Academy Award, seamlessly integrate Joe into both the African and Californian landscapes, making him a believable and awe-inspiring character. While the plot may lean toward familiar creature-feature tropes, Underwood's skillful direction elevates the film, resulting in a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience that resonates with audiences of all ages, showcasing his ability to helm large-scale projects while maintaining a strong narrative core, also exhibited in his other notable works.
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Tremors (1990)
#11.0In Perfection, Nevada, handymen Val McKee and Earl Bassett dream of escaping their dead-end existence. Their plans are disrupted by the arrival of Rhonda LeBeck, a seismology student detecting strange underground anomalies. Soon, the trio and the remaining residents of Perfection are battling Graboids, colossal, subterranean worms with a ravenous appetite. As these creatures pick off the townspeople one by one, Val and Earl must use their resourcefulness and knowledge of the desert to outsmart the monsters and save their lives. "Tremors" is a thrilling and suspenseful ride filled with practical effects and a clever script that blends humor and horror to create a truly unique monster movie experience. "Tremors" earns its place on a list of Ron Underwood's best films due to his deft ability to balance the creature feature elements with genuine character development and sharp comedic timing. While Underwood would go on to direct bigger-budget films, "Tremors" showcases his talent for building suspense and delivering scares with limited resources, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone. The film's lasting appeal lies in its well-defined characters, the inventive creature design, and Underwood's skillful direction, solidifying it as a cult classic and a high point in his filmography.
Heart and Souls (1993)
#22.0"Heart and Souls (1993)" tells the whimsical and heartwarming tale of Thomas Reilly, a driven businessman whose life is upended when the four souls who were his invisible companions as a child suddenly reappear. These spirits, each stuck on Earth with unfinished business that impacted Thomas's early years, now need his help to finally move on to the afterlife. Through humorous and often poignant interactions, Thomas learns to reconnect with his own lost innocence and rediscover the importance of human connection, ultimately helping the souls fulfill their destinies while finding his own purpose in the process. "Heart and Souls" rightfully earns its place among the best of Ron Underwood's filmography for its masterful blend of comedy, fantasy, and genuine emotion. Underwood’s direction showcases a light touch, allowing the film's quirky premise to unfold with a natural charm. The performances, particularly Robert Downey Jr. as the grounded Thomas and the ensemble cast portraying the souls, are perfectly pitched. While exploring themes of redemption and acceptance, the film maintains a playful and engaging tone, solidifying Underwood's reputation for crafting feel-good entertainment with a deeper resonance. He is able to wrangle complex special effects and a large cast into a cohesive and enjoyable viewing experience.
City Slickers (1991)
#33.0"City Slickers" (1991) delivers a comedic culture clash as three middle-aged New York friends, led by Mitch (Billy Crystal), grapple with a collective mid-life crisis. Seeking a break from their monotonous routines, they embark on a cattle drive adventure in the American West. However, their idealized vision of a relaxing vacation quickly dissolves into a chaotic and transformative experience. Faced with real challenges, including demanding cattle, unpredictable weather, and the gruff mentorship of a seasoned cowboy named Curly (Jack Palance), the city slickers must find resilience and rediscover their own inner strength as they navigate the unfamiliar terrain, both physical and emotional. "City Slickers" undoubtedly earns its place among the best of Ron Underwood's filmography. While Underwood is often associated with creature features ("Tremors") and family comedies ("The Adventures of Huck Finn"), "City Slickers" showcases his versatility as a director capable of blending broad humor with genuine heart. He masterfully balances the fish-out-of-water scenarios with moments of quiet introspection, allowing the audience to connect with the characters' vulnerabilities and their yearning for something more. Underwood's direction allows for memorable performances from the entire cast, creating a film that is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant, solidifying its status as a classic and a highlight in Underwood's career.
Speechless (1994)
#44.0"Speechless" (1994) is a romantic comedy starring Michael Keaton and Geena Davis as speechwriters who unexpectedly fall in love while working for rival political campaigns. The film offers a witty and often amusing look at the behind-the-scenes machinations of American politics, providing a particular delight for viewers who enjoy political satire. As the two protagonists navigate their burgeoning romance amidst the cutthroat world of campaigning, the film explores themes of compromise, integrity, and the surprising places where common ground can be found. "Speechless" earns its place on a list of Ron Underwood's best films not just for its comedic appeal and the strong chemistry between its leads, but also for showcasing Underwood's ability to balance lightheartedness with insightful social commentary. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of his other works, "Speechless" demonstrates Underwood's knack for crafting engaging stories with memorable characters and a distinct visual style. It's a prime example of his skill in blending different genres, creating a film that's both funny and thought-provoking.
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
#55.0In "Mighty Joe Young (1998)," Jill Young, haunted by her mother's death at the hands of poachers in Africa, dedicates her life to protecting Joe, an orphaned gorilla who has grown to an astonishing 15 feet tall due to a genetic anomaly. When zoologist Gregg O'Hara discovers them, he believes Joe will be safer at his California wildlife refuge. However, their relocation brings unforeseen danger, as Andrei Strasser, the very poacher responsible for Jill's past trauma, resurfaces with the intent of capturing Joe for his own nefarious purposes. Jill and Gregg must then band together to protect Joe from Strasser's sinister plot. "Mighty Joe Young" earns its place among Ron Underwood's best films due to its masterful blend of heartwarming adventure and stunning visual effects. Underwood expertly captures the emotional connection between Jill and Joe, creating a sympathetic portrayal of their unique bond. The film's special effects, nominated for an Academy Award, seamlessly integrate Joe into both the African and Californian landscapes, making him a believable and awe-inspiring character. While the plot may lean toward familiar creature-feature tropes, Underwood's skillful direction elevates the film, resulting in a visually captivating and emotionally resonant experience that resonates with audiences of all ages, showcasing his ability to helm large-scale projects while maintaining a strong narrative core, also exhibited in his other notable works.
Stealing Sinatra (2003)
#66.0"Stealing Sinatra" (2003) might not be Ron Underwood's most commercially successful film, but it's a quintessential example of his directorial talent and, therefore, a worthy inclusion on a "Best Of" list. This comedic crime caper, inspired by the true story of the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr., showcases Underwood's knack for balancing quirky characters with engaging plot twists. The film boasts a fantastic ensemble cast, including David Arquette, William H. Macy, and Ryan Reynolds, all delivering performances that highlight Underwood's ability to elicit both humor and genuine human emotion. While the subject matter is serious, Underwood masterfully avoids overly dark tones, instead opting for a lighthearted and suspenseful approach that keeps the audience entertained from beginning to end. Ultimately, "Stealing Sinatra" exemplifies Underwood's strengths as a director: his skill in crafting compelling narratives from unusual source material, his aptitude for assembling and directing talented casts, and his ability to blend genres seamlessly. The film demonstrates a playful energy and a sharp wit that are hallmarks of his best work. While perhaps overshadowed by more mainstream successes, "Stealing Sinatra" remains a hidden gem in Ron Underwood's filmography, a testament to his versatile directing style and his ability to bring even the most outlandish stories to life with charm and sophistication. It's a film that deserves recognition for its clever script, strong performances, and Underwood's deft hand at the helm.
The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
#77.0In the year 2087, the moon is no longer just a celestial body, but a booming hub of nightlife and opportunity. Pluto Nash, a charismatic and independent entrepreneur, is living the high life as the owner of Luna's hottest club. However, his success attracts unwanted attention when ruthless lunar gangster Mogan, operating under the orders of the enigmatic Rex Crater, attempts to strong-arm him into selling. Refusing to cave to their demands, Pluto finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy to seize control of the entire moon. Armed with his wits, a wisecracking robot bodyguard named Bruno, and a determination to protect his hard-earned success, Pluto embarks on a wild adventure across the lunar landscape to thwart Crater's sinister plot and defend the freedom of the moon. While *The Adventures of Pluto Nash* is far from a critical darling, and widely considered a box-office disaster, its inclusion in a list of "Best Ron Underwood Movies" is a testament to Underwood's consistent dedication to genre filmmaking and ambitious, if occasionally flawed, projects. Though remembered for its shortcomings, the film showcases Underwood's willingness to experiment with science fiction and create a visually distinct world. Given his other works, this movie doesn't necessarily showcase what he is best at as a director, but rather his willingness to use his directorial abilities in different avenues. While it may not be his crowning achievement, it remains a noteworthy entry in his filmography, displaying a commitment to unique concepts and the creation of visually interesting worlds, even if the execution fell short of the ambition.
In the Mix (2005)
#88.0"In the Mix" (2005) is a romantic comedy centered around Darrel (Usher), a successful New York City DJ whose life takes an unexpected turn when he saves a powerful mobster, Frank Pacelli. As a gesture of gratitude, Frank assigns Darrel the seemingly simple task of protecting his daughter, Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui). However, the protective assignment soon blossoms into a complicated romance as Darrel and Dolly find themselves falling for each other, much to the disapproval of Frank and other interested parties. The film explores the clash of two vastly different worlds: the glitz and glamour of the music scene and the dangerous, unpredictable world of organized crime, all while navigating the complexities of a forbidden love. While "In the Mix" might not immediately spring to mind as a quintessential Ron Underwood film, its inclusion in a list of his best works highlights Underwood's versatility as a director. Known for films that blend heartwarming narratives with comedic sensibilities, such as "Tremors" and "City Slickers," Underwood brings a similar touch to "In the Mix." He manages to balance the inherent drama of the mobster storyline with the lightheartedness of the romantic comedy genre, creating a film that, while perhaps not a critical darling, offers an entertaining and engaging watch. Ultimately, "In the Mix" showcases Underwood's skill in navigating different genres and delivering a commercially viable product with a unique perspective.
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