Generating Preview ...
Generating Preview ...
By continuing, I affirm that I am at least 13 years old and have read and agreed to the terms of service and privacy policy.
Already have an account? Sign in!
Connect with
or Sign in
By continuing, I agree that I am at least 13 years old and have read and agree to the terms of service and privacy policy.
Don't have an account? Sign up!
Get ready to celebrate the comedic genius of Jonathan Lynn, the man behind some of the sharpest and most hilarious films ever made! From witty dialogue and clever plots to unforgettable characters, Lynn's work has consistently delivered laughs and smart entertainment. This list highlights the very best of his directorial efforts, showcasing his ability to balance social commentary with uproarious humor. Prepare to revisit your favorite moments and rediscover hidden gems from this master of comedy. Now, it's your turn to weigh in! We've assembled a list of Jonathan Lynn's most memorable movies, but what do you think? Rank the films based on your personal enjoyment, from side-splittingly funny to utterly forgettable. Your ratings will help determine the definitive ranking of Lynn's cinematic achievements, so don't be shy – let your voice be heard and help us crown the ultimate Jonathan Lynn masterpiece!
Get ready to celebrate the comedic genius of Jonathan Lynn, the man behind some of the sharpest and most hilarious films ever made! From witty dialogue and clever plots to unforgettable characters, Lynn's work has consistently delivered laughs and smart entertainment. This list highlights the very best of his directorial efforts, showcasing his ability to balance social commentary with uproarious humor. Prepare to revisit your favorite moments and rediscover hidden gems from this master of comedy. Now, it's your turn to weigh in! We've assembled a list of Jonathan Lynn's most memorable movies, but what do you think? Rank the films based on your personal enjoyment, from side-splittingly funny to utterly forgettable. Your ratings will help determine the definitive ranking of Lynn's cinematic achievements, so don't be shy – let your voice be heard and help us crown the ultimate Jonathan Lynn masterpiece!
Get ready to celebrate the comedic genius of Jonathan Lynn, the man behind some of the sharpest and most hilarious films ever made! From witty dialogue and clever plots to unforgettable characters, Lynn's work has consistently delivered laughs and smart entertainment. This list highlights the very best of his directorial efforts, showcasing his ability to balance social commentary with uproarious humor. Prepare to revisit your favorite moments and rediscover hidden gems from this master of comedy. Now, it's your turn to weigh in! We've assembled a list of Jonathan Lynn's most memorable movies, but what do you think? Rank the films based on your personal enjoyment, from side-splittingly funny to utterly forgettable. Your ratings will help determine the definitive ranking of Lynn's cinematic achievements, so don't be shy – let your voice be heard and help us crown the ultimate Jonathan Lynn masterpiece!
Rate items to sort list. Click to browse.
**My Cousin Vinny (1992)** is a brilliant legal comedy that pitches two carefree pals into a nightmare when they're mistakenly arrested and charged with murder while traveling through Alabama. Their only hope rests on the shoulders of one's cousin, Vincent Gambini, a former auto mechanic from Brooklyn who, against all odds, just passed his bar exam on his sixth attempt. When Vinny arrives in the Deep South with his sharp-witted, leather-clad girlfriend, Mona Lisa Vito, to try his very first case, the culture shock is immediate and profound – for both the quick-talking Brooklynites and the conservative Alabama legal system. The film masterfully exploits this fish-out-of-water premise for uproarious comedic effect as Vinny attempts to navigate a courtroom where his unconventional methods are met with utter bewilderment. Jonathan Lynn's masterful direction elevates *My Cousin Vinny* beyond a simple courtroom comedy, solidifying its place among his best films. Lynn expertly orchestrates the clash of cultures, pitting Vinny's streetwise Brooklyn bravado against the rigid formality of the Southern legal system with impeccable comedic timing. His keen eye for character development allows Joe Pesci to deliver a career-defining performance as the unconventional lawyer, complemented perfectly by Marisa Tomei's Oscar-winning turn as the equally unforgettable Mona Lisa Vito, whose unlikely expertise proves crucial. Beyond the laugh-out-loud humor, Lynn ensures the film functions as a genuinely engaging legal procedural, meticulously building the case with intelligence and surprising suspense. This unique blend of sharp wit, character-driven hilarity, and surprising dramatic depth showcases Lynn's skill in crafting intelligent, enduring entertainment.
**Clue (1985)** *Clue* brilliantly adapts the classic board game into a comedic murder mystery, instantly immersing audiences in a world of suspense and hilarity. The film finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy – who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises. What follows is a madcap, fast-paced whodunit filled with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and a truly unique multi-ending theatrical release that added to its enduring cult status. Under the deft direction of Jonathan Lynn, *Clue* transcends its board game origins to become a masterclass in comedic filmmaking, making it an essential entry on any "Best Jonathan Lynn Movies" list. As both director and co-screenwriter, Lynn orchestrated a perfectly paced farce, blending intricate mystery with slapstick humor and rapid-fire wit. His meticulous handling of the exceptional ensemble cast – including Tim Curry's iconic Wadsworth, Madeline Kahn's unforgettable Mrs. White, and Lesley Ann Warren's seductive Miss Scarlet – ensured every comedic beat landed, making each character a standout. The film's enduring popularity and critical re-evaluation are a testament to Lynn's directorial vision, proving his skill in crafting an intelligent, uproarious, and endlessly rewatchable piece of cinema.
**The Whole Nine Yards (2000)** centers on Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski, a mobster who agrees to cooperate with an FBI investigation to avoid prison. He's subsequently relocated by the authorities to a life of suburban anonymity as part of a witness protection program. However, his quiet new existence is disrupted when a couple of his new neighbors figure out his true identity and come knocking, hoping he'd be up for one more hit, albeit a suburban-style one. This darkly comedic caper firmly earns its place among Jonathan Lynn's best directorial efforts. Lynn, renowned for his sharp wit and adept handling of ensemble casts in films like *My Cousin Vinny*, brings his distinctive touch to *The Whole Nine Yards*. He masterfully orchestrates a clever script filled with unexpected twists, rapid-fire dialogue, and genuinely funny performances from a star-studded cast including Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, and Amanda Peet. The film showcases Lynn's ability to blend farcical situations with a surprisingly dark edge, maintaining a brisk pace and extracting comedic gold from the escalating absurdity of its premise, proving his versatility within the comedy genre.
**Wild Target (2010)** Wild Target (2010) introduces audiences to Victor Maynard, a middle-aged, solitary assassin. Despite his peerless reputation for lethal efficiency, Victor lives primarily to please his formidable mother. His meticulously ordered professional routine takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself inexplicably drawn to one of his intended victims, Rose. Spontaneously sparing her life, he inadvertently acquires a young apprentice named Tony. Believing Victor to be a private detective, his two new, unwitting companions tag along as he attempts to thwart the murderous attentions of his now very unhappy client, adding a chaotic new dimension to his usually precise world. This film secures its place among Jonathan Lynn's best by perfectly embodying his signature blend of sharp wit, character-driven comedy, and escalating farce. Lynn, a master of the intelligent comedy, takes a darkly humorous premise – a hitman with an unexpected moral compass – and expertly extracts both laughs and unexpected warmth from it. The film features the kind of brilliant ensemble performances Lynn is known for, with Bill Nighy's perfectly pitched deadpan delivery as Victor being a particular highlight, complemented by Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint's endearing turns. Like his acclaimed *My Cousin Vinny* or the British version of *Death at a Funeral*, *Wild Target* thrives on witty dialogue, absurd situations, and a core of humanity that elevates it beyond mere slapstick, making it a delightfully droll addition to his filmography.
Jonathan Lynn's 1994 film *Greedy* is a wickedly funny comedy of heirs, starring Michael J. Fox alongside screen legends Kirk Douglas and Nancy Travis. The film plunges into the cutthroat world of a backstabbing family, each member desperately vying for their piece of a massive inheritance. It's a cynical yet hilarious look at familial avarice, where no low is too low in the pursuit of wealth, expertly balancing sharp dialogue with increasingly farcical situations as the relatives scheme against one another and their dying patriarch. *Greedy* belongs on a list of "Best Jonathan Lynn Movies" because it perfectly encapsulates his talent for orchestrating ensemble-driven, high-concept comedies with a distinct satirical bite. Much like his acclaimed work on *My Cousin Vinny* or the political satire of *Yes Minister*, Lynn deftly directs a cast of distinct, morally compromised characters, allowing their individual quirks and desperate machinations to fuel the film's humor. His precise comedic timing and ability to extract both laughs and a subtle critique of human nature shine through, making *Greedy* a prime example of his signature brand of sophisticated farce and a memorable entry in his diverse filmography.
Jonathan Lynn's 1990 comedy, *Nuns on the Run*, sees two hapless small-time crooks, Brian and Charlie, in a desperate bid for survival. After their gangster boss discovers their plans to leave the criminal life, he forces them into one last, deadly heist: robbing the local Triads of their drug profits. Brian and Charlie decide to double-cross their boss and keep the money for themselves, but their escape quickly devolves into chaos. With nowhere else to turn, they stumble into the most unlikely sanctuary imaginable: a Nuns' teacher training school, forcing them to don habits and blend in with the unsuspecting sisters while dodging both their former boss and the Triads. This film is a prime example of Jonathan Lynn's comedic genius and rightfully belongs on a list of his best works. It perfectly showcases his knack for high-concept, farcical plots, especially those involving "fish out of water" scenarios, where ordinary (or in this case, extraordinary) people are thrust into absurdly inappropriate environments. Lynn expertly milks the inherent absurdity of two hardened criminals trying to pass themselves off as devout nuns, building the humor through escalating tension, clever dialogue, and brilliant physical comedy. The film is elevated by the superb comedic timing and undeniable chemistry of its leads, Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle, whose performances Lynn skillfully directs to maximize every comedic beat, making it a consistently entertaining and memorable romp in his celebrated filmography.
Eddie Murphy stars in *The Distinguished Gentleman* as Thomas Jefferson Johnson, a charmingly opportunistic Florida con man who cleverly exploits the passing of a long-time Congressman from his district. Realizing he shares the exact same name, Johnson seizes the opportunity to run for office himself, seeing Congress as his personal "paradise" where the money flows freely from eager lobbyists. However, upon arrival in Washington D.C., he quickly uncovers the deeply entrenched corruption and the pervasive influence of special interests. Rather than succumbing to the system, Johnson decides to fight back against the very establishment he initially sought to exploit, employing the only weapon he truly understands: a meticulously planned, large-scale con designed to expose and dismantle the game from within. Directed by the masterful Jonathan Lynn, *The Distinguished Gentleman* stands out as a quintessential example of his satirical prowess, earning its place among his "best" works. Lynn, known for his incisive political humor cultivated in classics like *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister*, brings his signature blend of sharp wit and systemic critique to the American political landscape. The film thrives on Lynn's ability to expose the absurdity and venality within Washington D.C. through a comedic lens, making the intricate world of legislative manipulation both hilarious and horrifyingly plausible. His direction skillfully navigates the fine line between broad comedy and pointed social commentary, allowing Eddie Murphy's charismatic performance to anchor a story that is as entertaining as it is insightful. For its clever script, biting satire, and its enduring relevance in lampooning political corruption, *The Distinguished Gentleman* solidifies its place as one of Jonathan Lynn's most brilliant and enduring achievements, perfectly embodying his unique talent for comedic takedowns of the establishment.
While the army is known for churning out lean, mean fighting machines intent on protecting our great nation, director Jonathan Lynn offers a hilariously different perspective in 1996's *Sgt. Bilko*. At its heart is the incomparable Steve Martin as the inexplicable, the incorrigible, the (self-proclaimed) 'invincible' Sgt. Ernie Bilko. Bilko isn't leading a charge; he's orchestrating elaborate schemes, bets, and general mischief, presiding over a ragtag group of the sorriest soldiers ever to enlist in the armed forces. Stationed at the sleepy Fort Baxter, Bilko and his men are less concerned with national defense and more with personal gain, much to the exasperation of his long-suffering commanding officer, Colonel Hall (Dan Aykroyd). For a film so reliant on witty wordplay, situational irony, and a protagonist who constantly attempts to outsmart the system, Jonathan Lynn was the perfect director. Known for his sharp comedic timing and knack for institutional satire, evident in hits like *My Cousin Vinny* and his acclaimed work co-creating *Yes Minister*, Lynn expertly updates the classic Phil Silvers character for a new generation. He crafts a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud farce that allows Martin's comedic genius to shine, while ensuring the ensemble cast delivers their punchlines with precision. This blend of intelligent humor, character-driven antics, and a loving homage to its source material solidifies *Sgt. Bilko* as a prime example of Lynn's ability to orchestrate sophisticated comedic chaos, making it a deserving entry on any "Best Jonathan Lynn Movies" list.
Jonathan Lynn's 1997 legal comedy, *Trial and Error*, plunges viewers into a hilariously precarious situation. The film centers on Richard Rietti (Jeff Daniels), an actor who, out of loyalty and desperation, agrees to pose as a lawyer to represent his ailing best friend, Louis (Michael Richards), in court. What begins as a simple charade quickly escalates into a high-stakes trial fraught with comedic misunderstandings and a genuine need for justice. As the ill-equipped performer attempts to navigate the labyrinthine legal system, a series of increasingly absurd and chaotic problems inevitably develop, turning the courtroom into a stage for farcical antics and unexpected legal maneuvering. *Trial and Error* deserves its place on a list of "Best Jonathan Lynn Movies" because it perfectly embodies his knack for intelligent, high-concept comedies that often place relatable, if flawed, characters in over their heads. Much like his seminal *My Cousin Vinny*, Lynn expertly mines the inherent humor and absurdity of the legal system when confronted by unconventional methods and a lack of traditional expertise. His directorial signature is unmistakable here, as he masterfully orchestrates a blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and situational farce, building tension and laughs as the deception grows more elaborate. Lynn’s ability to extract both genuine humor and surprising heart from such a premise ensures *Trial and Error* stands as a testament to his consistent talent for crafting clever and uproarious cinematic experiences.
At its heart, *The Fighting Temptations* is a feel-good musical comedy-drama that brightens Jonathan Lynn's diverse filmography. The film stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Darrin Hill, a high-flying advertising executive who returns to his small Southern hometown upon his aunt's death. To inherit her substantial estate, Darrin must fulfill her last wish: revive the struggling local church choir and lead them to victory in a prestigious gospel competition. His ambitious goal is complicated and aided by the charismatic presence of a beautiful lounge singer, Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles), with whom he soon falls in love, creating both personal and professional challenges amidst their shared musical journey. While perhaps a departure from his more overtly satirical or political works like *Yes Minister* or *My Cousin Vinny*, *The Fighting Temptations* nonetheless showcases Jonathan Lynn's directorial strengths and justifies its place among his best. Lynn masterfully orchestrates a large ensemble cast, bringing out both the comedic timing and genuine warmth in the various choir members and townsfolk, a hallmark of his ability to craft memorable characters. His knack for balancing broad humor with heartfelt moments ensures the film's uplifting emotional core resonates without becoming overly sentimental, allowing the powerful music and inspiring story of community, faith, and redemption to shine through with genuine charm and entertainment value. It's a testament to Lynn's versatility that he can pivot from sharp political commentary to a joyous, feel-good musical, maintaining his signature blend of wit and engaging storytelling.
Jonathan Lynn's "Fly Me" is a quintessential example of his genius for bureaucratic satire, pitting a simple man against an insurmountable wall of red tape. The film follows the earnest yet perpetually exasperated Arthur Pinter, whose lifelong dream is to get his inherited, peculiar flying machine, affectionately dubbed "The Albatross," off the ground. This seemingly straightforward ambition quickly devolves into a Kafkaesque nightmare as Arthur grapples with the ludicrous demands of the "Aeronautical Standards and Procedural Compliance Board (ASPCB)." From baffling permit applications and nonsensical safety inspections to committees dedicated solely to defining "airworthiness" versus "floatiness," Lynn plunges Arthur into a relentless, hilarious battle against a system designed to frustrate rather than facilitate. This brilliant comedy firmly belongs on any list of Jonathan Lynn's best, embodying his signature blend of razor-sharp wit, intelligent social commentary, and a deep understanding of human foibles, particularly those entrenched within institutional power. Much like the political machinations of *Yes Minister* or the legal labyrinth of *My Cousin Vinny*, "Fly Me" shines in its meticulously crafted dialogue, escalating comedic tension, and brilliantly drawn characters who navigate the absurd. It's a hilarious, yet pointed, critique of over-regulation and the triumph of process over common sense, all delivered with the observational humor and intellectual spark that are hallmarks of Lynn's most celebrated and insightful works.
Jonathan Lynn's *The Pre-Nup* perfectly exemplifies his masterful ability to craft intricate comedies of errors that brilliantly satirize societal institutions and human foibles. Here, he dissects the very notion of love and commitment through the cold, calculating lens of a legal agreement, orchestrating a whirlwind of escalating complications as a seemingly straightforward pre-nuptial contract spirals into a farcical battle of wills. Lynn's keen eye for absurd detail and impeccable pacing ensures every negotiation and betrayal lands with maximum comedic impact, making it a standout entry for its biting wit and precisely timed chaos. What truly elevates *The Pre-Nup* to the pantheon of best Jonathan Lynn movies is his directorial finesse in balancing sharp legal satire with genuinely human, albeit flawed, characters. Much like his acclaimed work on *My Cousin Vinny* or *Yes Prime Minister*, Lynn demonstrates an unparalleled knack for transforming complex, jargon-laden scenarios into accessible, uproarious entertainment. The film's rapid-fire dialogue, expertly delivered by a perfectly cast ensemble, cuts through the legal minutiae to expose the underlying greed and romantic cynicism with hilarious precision. It’s a masterclass in how to build tension and laughter simultaneously, proving Lynn's consistent genius for intelligent, character-driven comedy that leaves audiences both amused and thoughtfully provoked.
Submit to make your rating count.