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Best Todd Phillips Movies
13th Nov 2025
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Get ready to revisit the raucous and often controversial filmography of Todd Phillips, a director who has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered memorable cinematic experiences. From his early documentaries to the blockbuster success of the "Hangover" trilogy and beyond, Phillips has proven himself a master of comedy and a keen observer of the absurdities of modern life. This list explores his most acclaimed and beloved works, offering a chance to celebrate the films that have defined his unique voice and left a lasting impact on popular culture. Now it's your turn! We've compiled a selection of Phillips's best, but the definitive ranking is up to you. Use the drag-and-drop functionality below to reorder the titles and create your personal Top Todd Phillips Movies list. Share your preferences with the world, and see how your choices stack up against those of other fans. Let the ranking begin!
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#5.
War Dogs (2016)
5/14
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"War Dogs" plunges audiences into the dizzying world of military contracting, based on the unbelievable true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. These two childhood friends, far from the front lines, managed to secure a staggering $300 million contract from the Pentagon to supply weapons to America's allies in Afghanistan. The film chronicles their meteoric rise, fueled by ambition and a knack for navigating the complex, often morally ambiguous, landscape of international arms dealing. What begins as a seemingly get-rich-quick scheme quickly spirals into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, testing their loyalty, their ethics, and ultimately, their very survival as they become entangled with dangerous players and the realities of war. Todd Phillips, primarily known for his comedic work like "The Hangover" trilogy, demonstrates a remarkable range and a keen eye for character in "War Dogs." While the film retains a darkly comedic edge, it masterfully blends this with gripping tension and a surprisingly insightful commentary on the American military-industrial complex and the allure of easy money. Phillips expertly navigates the characters' descent into the morally gray areas, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives with flawed, yet fascinating, protagonists. The film's success in balancing humor, suspense, and a thought-provoking true story solidifies its place among Phillips' best directorial efforts, proving his versatility beyond pure comedy.
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Joker (2019)
#11.0Todd Phillips's "Joker (2019)" stands as a significant and undeniably compelling addition to any list of his best films, marking a bold departure from his comedic roots. This gritty, character-driven origin story delves into the psychological disintegration of Arthur Fleck, a struggling stand-up comedian in a decaying Gotham City. Phillips crafts a somber and often unsettling portrait, exploring themes of societal neglect, mental illness, and the fragility of the human psyche with an intensity rarely seen in his previous work. The film's visceral atmosphere, coupled with Joaquin Phoenix's transformative and Oscar-winning performance, showcases Phillips's ambition and his ability to shift gears into a more mature and artistically driven cinematic vision, making it a landmark achievement in his directorial career. Beyond its technical and performance-based achievements, "Joker" represents a critical juncture in Todd Phillips's filmography by proving his capacity for profound thematic exploration and impactful storytelling on a grand scale. While Phillips is widely recognized for his contributions to the comedy genre, "Joker" demonstrates a mastery of tone, pacing, and visual storytelling that transcends genre limitations. It's a film that sparks conversation, provokes thought, and lingers long after the credits roll, highlighting Phillips's evolution as a filmmaker and his willingness to tackle challenging subject matter with artistic integrity. This ability to craft a film that is both critically acclaimed and culturally resonant solidifies "Joker (2019)" as a definitive entry in the canon of Todd Phillips's best movies.
The Hangover (2009)
#22.0"The Hangover" is a landmark comedy from director Todd Phillips, renowned for its outrageous premise and unforgettable gags. The film throws audiences headfirst into the chaotic aftermath of a wild Las Vegas bachelor party. When three groomsmen awaken with no memory of the night before, they discover a series of escalating absurdities – a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. Their immediate, and increasingly desperate, mission becomes finding their missing groom, Doug, before his wedding ceremony. This film undeniably earns its place on any "Best Todd Phillips Movies" list due to its massive cultural impact and critical success. Phillips masterfully blends slapstick humor with a surprisingly effective mystery element, creating a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud experience that resonated with audiences worldwide. "The Hangover" solidified Phillips' reputation as a comedy auteur, demonstrating his knack for crafting ensemble comedies with broad appeal and a unique brand of R-rated humor that became a hallmark of his early career.
Bittersweet Motel (2000)
#33.0"Bittersweet Motel" is a captivating 2000 documentary offering an intimate look at the iconic jam band Phish. While the film prioritizes showcasing the band's intricate musical performances and improvisational artistry, it intentionally downplays the often-discussed fervor of their dedicated fanbase. This approach allows viewers to immerse themselves in the sonic landscape Phish crafts, exploring the intricate melodies, rhythmic explorations, and the sheer virtuosity that defines their live sound and studio recordings. It's a film for those who appreciate the craft of musicianship above all else. While "Bittersweet Motel" may seem an unconventional addition to a list of Todd Phillips' directorial efforts, its inclusion hinges on Phillips' early career and his developing eye for capturing subcultures and unique communities. Prior to his blockbuster comedies, Phillips gained recognition for documentaries like "Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies" and "Frat House," which delved into the fringes of American culture with a raw, observational style. "Bittersweet Motel" aligns with this early directorial focus, exploring a passionate and distinct subculture—Phish fans and the band's touring lifestyle—even if it leans more towards the music itself. It demonstrates Phillips' ability to find compelling narratives and distinctive personalities within niche communities, a skill that would later translate, albeit in a very different genre, to his successful comedic ventures.
Hated: GG Allin & the Murder Junkies (1993)
#44.0The 2013 documentary *Hated: GG Allin & the Murder Junkies* offers an unflinching and often disturbing overview of the life of the most shocking, vile, and notorious of punk rock legends. Director Michael Alago, with Todd Phillips as a producer, delves deep into the chaotic and self-destructive world of GG Allin, showcasing his infamous live performances, confrontational behavior, and controversial ideology. The film doesn't shy away from the graphic and extreme aspects of Allin's persona, presenting a raw and visceral portrait of an artist who intentionally courted controversy and societal disgust. While GG Allin's music and lifestyle exist in a realm far removed from the comedic sensibilities of many of Todd Phillips's directorial efforts, *Hated* belongs on a "Best Todd Phillips Movies" list due to Phillips's established talent for exploring the fringes of society and human behavior. Phillips, who also produced films like *The Hangover* and *Joker*, has a recurring interest in characters who push boundaries and operate outside conventional norms. *Hated* represents an early and potent example of this thematic exploration, showcasing Phillips's willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and present them in a compelling, albeit unsettling, manner, demonstrating a consistent thread in his filmmaking that extends beyond genre.
War Dogs (2016)
#55.0"War Dogs" plunges audiences into the dizzying world of military contracting, based on the unbelievable true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. These two childhood friends, far from the front lines, managed to secure a staggering $300 million contract from the Pentagon to supply weapons to America's allies in Afghanistan. The film chronicles their meteoric rise, fueled by ambition and a knack for navigating the complex, often morally ambiguous, landscape of international arms dealing. What begins as a seemingly get-rich-quick scheme quickly spirals into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, testing their loyalty, their ethics, and ultimately, their very survival as they become entangled with dangerous players and the realities of war. Todd Phillips, primarily known for his comedic work like "The Hangover" trilogy, demonstrates a remarkable range and a keen eye for character in "War Dogs." While the film retains a darkly comedic edge, it masterfully blends this with gripping tension and a surprisingly insightful commentary on the American military-industrial complex and the allure of easy money. Phillips expertly navigates the characters' descent into the morally gray areas, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives with flawed, yet fascinating, protagonists. The film's success in balancing humor, suspense, and a thought-provoking true story solidifies its place among Phillips' best directorial efforts, proving his versatility beyond pure comedy.
Old School (2003)
#66.0Todd Phillips, a master of capturing youthful exuberance and its inevitable collision with reality, delivers a raucous and surprisingly heartfelt look at enduring friendships in **Old School (2003)**. The film centers on three friends – Frank, Mitch, and Beanie – facing the mundane realities of adulthood. Fueled by a potent mix of midlife crisis and a desperate yearning for their past collegiate freedoms, they hatch a plan to recapture their glory days by opening up a fraternity near their alma mater. This audacious endeavor throws them headfirst into a chaotic battle against the overly zealous university dean, creating a cascade of hilarious, and at times, surprisingly poignant, situations. **Old School** is a quintessential Todd Phillips film due to its perfect blend of outrageous comedy and genuine emotional resonance. Phillips excels at exploring the awkward transition from carefree youth to adult responsibility, and this film is a prime example. The movie's comedic engine runs on the sheer absurdity of grown men trying to relive their college days, perfectly encapsulating Phillips' signature brand of relatable humor that often stems from characters behaving with a delightful lack of self-awareness. Furthermore, the underlying theme of friendship, and the lengths people will go to maintain those bonds, adds a layer of sincerity that elevates **Old School** beyond a mere gag-fest, firmly establishing it as one of Todd Phillips' best and most beloved directorial efforts.
Frat House (1998)
#77.0"Frat House" (1998) is an essential inclusion on any list of Todd Phillips' best films, marking a pivotal early entry in his career that clearly foreshadows his signature blend of raucous comedy and sharp social observation. This documentary, which Phillips co-directed, plunges viewers into the often-unseen, beer-soaked world of fraternity hazing. While the subject matter is undeniably controversial, Phillips tackles it with a fearless, almost anthropological gaze. He avoids overt judgment, instead presenting the often disturbing rituals and the complex dynamics of brotherhood with a disarming, though sometimes uncomfortable, authenticity. It's this willingness to explore the underbelly of relatable, albeit extreme, social groups that would become a hallmark of his later, more commercially successful comedies. What makes "Frat House" a "best Todd Phillips" movie is its raw, unvarnished exploration of a specific subculture that, while shocking, taps into universal themes of identity, belonging, and the often-questionable pursuit of acceptance. The film’s unflinching depiction of extreme behavior, coupled with its surprising moments of dark humor, is a clear precursor to the ensemble chaos and character-driven absurdity found in hits like "Old School" and "The Hangover." It’s a testament to Phillips’ early directorial voice, showcasing his ability to find humor and even a strange sort of humanity in the most unlikely and often taboo of circumstances, establishing him as a director unafraid to push boundaries and provoke thought, even through laughter.
The Hangover Part II (2011)
#88.0The Hangover crew's wild journey takes them to the vibrant chaos of Bangkok as they try to celebrate Stu's upcoming wedding. Having narrowly escaped a Las Vegas nightmare after a disastrous bachelor party, Stu is determined to keep things low-key with a calm pre-wedding brunch. However, as anyone familiar with this group knows, "low-key" is a foreign concept, and their pursuit of a peaceful celebration quickly devolves into a hilariously unpredictable adventure, proving Bangkok to be the ideal, and most mayhem-inducing, backdrop for their signature brand of debauchery. This sequel undeniably earns its spot among Todd Phillips' best for its ambitious escalation of the comedic stakes. While replicating the original's success is a daunting task, Phillips masterfully transplants the beloved characters and their chaotic chemistry into an entirely new and exotic setting, amplifying the absurdity and cultural contrasts for maximum comedic effect. The film's commitment to delivering the same brand of R-rated, escalating pandemonium, coupled with a script that mines fresh comedic territory from the characters' familiar predicaments, solidifies *The Hangover Part II* as a strong testament to Phillips' skill in crafting outrageous and immensely popular comedies.
Due Date (2010)
#99.0In "Due Date" (2010), Robert Downey Jr. stars as Peter Highman, an expectant father facing a frantic cross-country race against time to reach his wife before the birth of their first child. His journey is immediately thrown into chaos when his wallet and luggage are stolen, leading to him being placed on the no-fly list, effectively stranding him. Desperate to make it home within his five-day deadline, Peter's already stressful situation takes a hilariously chaotic turn when he's forced to accept a ride from an eccentric, aspiring actor played by Zach Galifianakis. "Due Date" firmly cements its place on a "Best Todd Phillips Movies" list due to its quintessential Phillips blend of escalating comedic absurdity, buddy comedy dynamics, and a surprisingly heartfelt core. Phillips excels at throwing unlikely characters into increasingly bizarre and high-stakes situations, and the forced partnership between the uptight, highly stressed Peter and the free-spirited, often oblivious Ethan provides ample opportunity for the kind of laugh-out-loud conflicts that have become his trademark. While it might not reach the iconic status of "The Hangover," "Due Date" showcases Phillips's consistent ability to craft entertaining, character-driven comedies that leave audiences in stitches, making it a solid entry in his filmography.
Road Trip (2000)
#1010.0In "Road Trip" (2000), Todd Phillips' directorial debut, a group of college friends embarks on a chaotic and hilariously misguided 1800-mile journey. Their mission: to intercept an incriminating tape mistakenly mailed to a girlfriend, an act that sets off a chain reaction of increasingly absurd mishaps and unforgettable encounters. This raucous comedy perfectly captures the spirit of youthful indiscretion and the desperate measures taken to avoid embarrassment, delivering a non-stop barrage of gags and relatable, albeit extreme, predicaments. "Road Trip" rightfully earns its place among the best Todd Phillips movies for its foundational role in establishing his signature comedic voice. The film showcases his knack for creating an ensemble of distinct, albeit flawed, characters and thrusting them into high-stakes, low-brow scenarios. It's a masterclass in escalating comedic tension and a bold introduction to the outrageous humor that would define Phillips' later, more commercially successful endeavors like "The Hangover" trilogy. This film is a benchmark for the college comedy genre and a clear indicator of the comedic talent that would go on to dominate Hollywood.
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
#1111.0Join uptight David Starsky and laid-back Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson as they're paired for the first time as undercover cops. The new partners must overcome their differences to solve an important case with help from street informant Huggy Bear and persuasive criminal Reese Feldman. This action-comedy reinvents the classic television series with a fresh, albeit R-rated, sensibility that finds humor in the contrasting personalities and the increasingly outlandish situations Starsky and Hutch find themselves in. Expect plenty of car chases, flashy outfits, and a surprising amount of genuine buddy-cop banter. While director Todd Phillips is perhaps best known for his more recent, darker comedies like *The Hangover* and *Joker*, *Starsky & Hutch* (2004) firmly plants itself within his earlier, more buoyant comedic output. Phillips' knack for comedic timing, a penchant for blending outrageous humor with moments of genuine heart, and his ability to elicit strong comedic performances from his leads – Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are perfectly cast here – are all on full display. The film's meta-commentary on reboots and its willingness to poke fun at the source material also aligns with Phillips' tendency to deconstruct genre conventions within his comedic frameworks, making it a strong, if sometimes overlooked, addition to a list of his best work.
School for Scoundrels (2006)
#1212.0In Todd Phillips' 2006 comedy *School for Scoundrels*, we meet Roger Dawson, a down-on-his-luck young man whose life takes a turn when he enrolls in a confidence-building class. His ultimate goal is to win the heart of Amanda, the woman of his dreams, but his plans become significantly more complicated when he discovers his eccentric and somewhat shady instructor, Dr. P, harbors the exact same romantic ambition. What follows is a comedic battle of wits and manipulation as Roger navigates a series of increasingly ridiculous lessons designed to transform him, all while trying to outmaneuver his rival. *School for Scoundrels* earns its place on a "Best Todd Phillips Movies" list due to its early showcase of the director's signature comedic style. Even before the massive success of franchises like *The Hangover*, Phillips demonstrated a knack for crafting ensemble comedies built around relatable, albeit flawed, male protagonists thrust into absurd situations. The film features a blend of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and a somewhat heartwarming, albeit unconventional, romantic subplot, all hallmarks of Phillips' comedic sensibilities that would later define his more prominent works.
The Hangover Part III (2013)
#1313.0This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off in *The Hangover Part III* (2013). Instead of retracing their boozy misadventures in Vegas, the gang finds themselves on a chaotic, cross-country journey as they try to bail Alan out of trouble. Expect even more outrageous predicaments and a desperate attempt to tie up loose ends, all culminating in a showdown that will test their friendship like never before. *The Hangover Part III* earns its place on a list of Todd Phillips' best for its ambitious shift in tone and narrative ambition. While diverging from the formula of its predecessors, Phillips steers the franchise towards a more character-driven, albeit still hilariously unhinged, conclusion. He masterfully balances the signature R-rated humor with a surprising emotional undercurrent, exploring the evolving dynamics of the Wolfpack and their collective immaturity. This film showcases Phillips' ability to evolve his signature comedic style and deliver a satisfying, albeit unconventional, finale to a beloved trilogy.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
#1414.0Todd Phillips has cemented his reputation as a master of blending dark humor with compelling character studies, and "Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)" is poised to be a monumental addition to his acclaimed filmography. Building upon the foundation of the Oscar-winning "Joker," this sequel promises to delve even deeper into the fractured psyche of Arthur Fleck, exploring his descent into madness and his disturbing connection with Harley Quinn. Phillips' signature ability to craft visually arresting worlds and elicit raw, unforgettable performances from his leads is expected to be on full display, offering audiences another provocative and thought-provoking cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of genre storytelling. The inclusion of "Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)" on a list of "Best Todd Phillips Movies" is a testament to the director's consistent ability to deliver impactful and commercially successful films that resonate with both critics and audiences. While his earlier works like "The Hangover" trilogy showcased his comedic prowess, "Joker" marked a significant artistic evolution, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for tackling complex themes and creating indelible cinematic characters. "Folie à Deux," by venturing further into the unsettling symbiosis of its titular characters and maintaining Phillips' distinct directorial vision, is set to reaffirm his status as a filmmaker capable of delivering critically lauded and culturally significant pieces that challenge conventions and leave a lasting impression.
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