50 best ‘Seinfeld’ episodes of all time

Throughout its nine-season run from 1989 to 1998, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David’s sitcom “Seinfeld” upended every conceivable norm society could throw its way. A sitcom landscape once dominated by family-oriented fare was taken over by four perennially single friends—Jerry (played by himself), George (Jason Alexander), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Kramer (Michael Richards)—whose Manhattan-based misadventures made for some of television’s most memorable moments.

It’s no wonder the show still endures through reruns and streaming services like Netflix, which paid $500 million for the rights to “Seinfeld” for five years, from 2021 to 2026, after Hulu’s $180 million deal expired. The series’ cultural relevance is alive and well, too, with events like the Elaine Dance Contest amusing audiences at an August 2025 Brooklyn Cyclones game. And, as noted in a December 2024 report from CNN, many “Seinfeld” fans still celebrate Festivus, a Christmas-adjacent holiday made famous by a 1997 episode.

Frequently advertised as a show about nothing, “Seinfeld” was, in fact, quite the opposite. Specifically, the 180-episode series knits together multiple seemingly unrelated storylines to masterful effect within any given episode, ultimately leaving no subject unexplored. One might even say that “Seinfeld” was so adept at layering plots and jokes within jokes that it can be hard to remember which joke came from which episode.

Here, Stacker ranked the 50 best “Seinfeld” episodes of all time. The list was curated using IMDb user ratings as of April 2025; if multiple episodes have the same rating, they were sorted by the number of user votes. Counting down from #50 to #1, here are the best episodes from one of the most celebrated television comedies of all time.

#50. The Cheever Letters

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 8
– Air date: Oct. 28, 1992

Jerry gives dirty bedroom talk his best shot and upsets his date in the process. Similarly out of her element is Susan, who discovers that her father once had a torrid love affair with author John Cheever. As luck would have it, the secret never would have come out had Kramer not burned down her father’s cabin in a previous episode.

#49. The Pick

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 13
– Air date: Dec. 16, 1992

Embarrassment abounds in this episode. Elaine sends out a personalized Christmas card that is too personal. Then, Jerry’s girlfriend thinks she sees him picking his nose, which more or less ends the relationship. That same girlfriend works at Calvin Klein, which has a new beach-themed fragrance on the market: Ocean. The only problem is Kramer thought of the idea first.

#48. The Invitations

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 22
– Air date: May 16, 1996

Season seven ended on a rather dark—albeit thoroughly comedic—note with “The Invitations.” In the episode, George is crippled by stress over his upcoming wedding, then granted a last-minute reprieve when Susan spontaneously passes away. The cause of her death? Licking the poisonous envelopes for their wedding invitations, naturally. Not including the series finale, this was the last episode written by Larry David before he exited the show.

#47. The Mango

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 1
– Air date: Sept. 16, 1993

In the season five premiere, Jerry suffers a sexual identity crisis when Elaine reveals that she faked pleasure during some of their previous encounters. To make up for it, Jerry persuades Elaine to give him one last chance in the bedroom, where he struggles to perform. Perhaps one of Kramer’s mangos, supposedly an aphrodisiac, will help.

#46. The Pitch

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 3
– Air date: Sept. 16, 1992

While the “Seinfeld” writers frequently modeled their story ideas after real-life experiences, Larry David took that concept to the next level in season four, when he incorporated a story arc based loosely on the show’s origins. Kicking off the arc is “The Pitch,” in which George and Jerry put together a sitcom “based on nothing.” The sitcom television landscape—and “Seinfeld” itself—was never quite the same.

#45. The Library

-IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Director: Joshua White
– Season 3, episode 5
– Air date: Oct. 16, 1991

The closest “Seinfeld” ever got to “Rashomon” was this episode, in which Jerry swears he returned “The Tropic of Cancer” back to the library in 1971. After speaking with some people from his past, however, Jerry realizes his memory might not be as sharp as he thought. Putting on the pressure is a library cop named Sam Bookman, played by actor Philip Baker Hall. By the end of the episode, Jerry and George are no closer to finding out what happened to the book. Just before the credits roll, it’s revealed that the book ended up in the hands of their old gym coach, Mr. Heyman, who’s now homeless and living outside the library.

#44. The Pothole

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 16
– Air date: Feb. 20, 1997

Future “Sex and the City” star Kristin Davis appears as Jerry’s girl of the week, Jenna, in this episode. What could be a slightly longer relationship is derailed after Jenna uses a toothbrush that falls in the toilet. For Jerry—a perpetual neat freak—it’s simply too much to handle. The tables are turned, however, when Jenna puts something of Jerry’s in the toilet and doesn’t tell him what. When both parties agree to move past the issue, the relationship finally seems back on track until Jenna’s sewage pipes explode while she’s in the bathroom.

#43. The Susie

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 15
– Air date: Feb. 13, 1997

Larry David exited “Seinfeld” after the seventh season, but that didn’t stop the eighth season from churning out some of the show’s most iconic episodes. Among them was “The Susie,” in which Elaine gets mistaken by a co-worker for someone named Susie. Once the situation escalates, Elaine and Jerry realize they have no choice but to kill off the nonexistent woman. The episode ends at Susie’s funeral, where J. Peterman confesses that he and the actual Susie were once an item, and Jerry and Elaine are accused of murder.

#42. The Package

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 5
– Air date: Oct. 17, 1996

In this episode, Jerry and Kramer commit mail fraud, triggering an intense showdown with Newman at the post office. George and Elaine have their own respective adventures. For George, that means engaging in what he thinks is a tit-for-tat picture exchange with an attractive girl at the photo place. For Elaine, it’s searching all over New York for a doctor who will tend to her rash and coming up empty-handed after being labeled as “difficult” on her medical report.

#41. The Caddy

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 12
– Air date: Jan. 25, 1996

In this episode, Kramer and Jerry get into a car crash after being distracted by Sue Ellen Mischke (played by Brenda Strong), a formerly braless candy bar heiress who now wears a bra—a gift from Elaine—as a top. With his golf swing compromised from the crash, Kramer takes Sue Ellen Mischke to court, where his caddy suggests that she try on the bra that distracted them. In an obvious nod to the O.J. Simpson trial, the bra doesn’t fit, and the lawsuit falls apart.

#40. The Wink

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 4
– Air date: Oct. 12, 1995

A squirt of juice from a grapefruit causes George to develop an uncontrollable winking habit. Misconstruing one of George’s winks is Kramer, who consequently sells a birthday card signed by the New York Yankees, meant for Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The card ends up in the hands of a little boy, who will give it back if Paul O’Neill hits two home runs in the next game.

#39. The Engagement

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 1
– Air date: Sept. 21, 1995

The premiere of season seven presented viewers with a long-term commitment, a concept they never expected to play out on “Seinfeld.” Specifically, the episode finds George proposing to former girlfriend Susan Ross, kicking off an arc that would run through the entire season. On the opposite side of the tracks is Elaine, who hires Kramer and Newman to kidnap a dog that’s been keeping her up at night, only to subsequently wonder if she has hit rock bottom.

#38. The Bottle Deposit

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 20
– Air date: May 2, 1996

In another two-part episode, “The Bottle Deposit” follows Kramer and Newman as they embark on a cross-country journey in a mail truck, all to play the margins in a bottle deposit scheme—which, as it turns out, is illegal in real life. The plan is compromised when Kramer spots Jerry’s stolen car and hastily gives chase, only to have JFK’s golf clubs thrown at the mail truck windshield. Abandoning the truck, Kramer and Newman make their way to a farm, where chaos naturally ensues.

#37. The Fire

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 20
– Air date: May 5, 1994

Starring Jon Favreau as Eric the clown, this episode takes George’s self-centeredness to some truly shameless heights. It begins when a fire breaks out during a boy’s birthday party. George—who’s dating the boy’s mother—swiftly adopts an “every man for himself” attitude, pummeling both old women and young children on his way out the door. In other words: classic George.

#36. The Stall

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 12
– Air date: Jan. 6, 1994

Jerry’s girlfriend Jane (played by Jami Gertz) won’t share her toilet paper and doesn’t have a “square to spare” when Elaine begs for one from the adjacent bathroom stall. To avoid a potential disaster, Jerry goes to great lengths to keep Jane and Elaine apart. Speaking of disaster, George and Kramer go rock-climbing with Elaine’s boyfriend, Tony, who ends up falling and smashing his handsome face.

#35. The Pilot

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 23
– Air date: May 20, 1993

Not to be confused with the show’s actual pilot, season four’s hour-long episode “The Pilot” sees Jerry and George’s sitcom finally hitting the airwaves. No longer exclusively a show about nothing, “Jerry” stars Jerry himself in the lead role: a middle-aged New Yorker who ends up with a court-ordered butler on his hands. After being viewed by a swath of “Seinfeld” characters, NBC cancels the pilot abruptly. Thankfully, “Seinfeld” didn’t suffer a similar fate when it first aired in 1989, despite suffering low ratings at the time.

#34. The Implant

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 19
– Air date: Feb. 25, 1993

In this episode, Jerry has mammaries on his mind as he struggles to figure out whether or not a girl named Sidra (played by Teri Hatcher) has breast implants. To get to the bottom—or top—of things, he enlists help from Elaine, who accidentally lunges at Sidra’s bosom in the gym sauna. Despite the encounter, Elaine’s diagnosis remains inconclusive. When Jerry’s plot is eventually exposed, Sidra heads out the door, but not before informing Jerry that “they’re real, and they’re spectacular.”

#33. The Boyfriend

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 3, episode 17-18
– Air date: Feb. 12, 1992

Sparks fly in “The Boyfriend” first between Jerry and former Major League Baseball star Keith Hernandez, then between Hernandez and Elaine. Suddenly, Jerry and Elaine find themselves battling for his affection. Meanwhile, Kramer and Newman discuss the time Hernandez hit them both with a single loogie, wondering aloud if there was, in fact, a second spitter. And that’s just the first part.

#32. The Chinese Restaurant

-IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 2, episode 11
– Air date: May 23, 1991

Reportedly inspired by Larry David’s own experiences waiting for a table at Los Angeles restaurant Genghis Cohen, this groundbreaking episode finds Jerry and the gang waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant. And that’s pretty much the whole premise. For somewhat obvious reasons, NBC initially balked at the idea, until David threatened to quit the show. In the end, David won, and television history was made.

#31. The Nap

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 18
– Air date: April 10, 1997

George Costanza might be a lazy sociopath. But that doesn’t mean he can’t experience the occasional flash of brilliance. Proving as much is “The Nap,” in which George has a special compartment built into his office desk, allowing him to take midday naps without getting caught. The plan goes awry when Steinbrenner plants himself in George’s office and refuses to leave until George appears.

#30. The Frogger

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 9, episode 18
– Air date: April 23, 1998

George and Jerry visit a pizza place they used to frequent as teenagers. Once there, they discover that the place is about to go out of business, taking George’s top Frogger score along with it. To save the top score, George finds himself playing a game of real-life Frogger as he navigates the arcade machine through traffic.

#29. The Calzone

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 19
– Air date: April 25, 1996

In this episode, George spontaneously finds himself on Steinbrenner’s good side, thanks exclusively to the calzones they both eat for lunch daily. However, once a tipping fiasco gets George banned from the Italian restaurant that makes the calzones, George turns to Newman and then Kramer for help. As one might expect, things don’t go exactly as planned, especially after Kramer shows up at the restaurant with a sack full of pennies.

#28. The Fusilli Jerry

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 6, episode 20
– Air date: April 27, 1995

The first episode to feature David Puddy as Elaine’s boyfriend, “The Fusilli Jerry” has Puddy imitating one of Jerry’s sexual “moves.” Feeling like he’s had material stolen, Jerry demands that Puddy stop using the move. In response, Puddy comes up with his own move, described by Elaine as a “big-budget movie with a story that goes nowhere.” Meanwhile, Kramer makes a name for himself as the “A**man,” and also makes a pasta statue of Jerry that ends up in Mr. Costanza’s rear end.

#27. The Strike

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 9, episode 10
– Air date: Dec. 18, 1997

While called “The Strike” in honor of Kramer’s temporary job—and subsequent strike—at a New York bagel store, this episode is better known for introducing the world to Festivus. It’s a holiday that George’s father invented involving bizarre rituals, including wrestling matches known as “feats of strength.” As Elaine says concerning George’s often inexplicable personality: “Another piece of the puzzle falls into place.”

#26. The Junior Mint

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 20
– Air date: March 17, 1993

Elaine visits an ex-boyfriend named Roy in the hospital to find he’s whipped himself into shape since they broke up. They make plans to get together after Roy’s surgery, but things take a turn for the worse after Kramer and Jerry—who are watching the surgery from a viewing deck—accidentally drop a Junior Mint into Roy’s body. Meanwhile, Jerry has his own problems in that he can’t remember the name of the girl he’s dating, despite her clue that it rhymes with a female body part.

#25. The Tape

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: David Steinberg
– Season 3, episode 8
– Air date: Nov. 13, 1991

George orders an experimental cream from China to reverse his baldness. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. As for Jerry, he’s preoccupied with a tape he recorded during his most recent stand-up routine, which features seductive utterances from a mysterious woman. As it turns out, the woman is Elaine, who was completely joking when she made the recording. Nevertheless, Jerry, George, and Kramer suddenly become infatuated with their dirty-minded friend.

#24. The Subway

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 3, episode 13
– Air date: Jan. 8, 1992

Another episode largely centered around a central location—or in this case, four separate locations—”The Subway” chronicles the misadventures of the show’s four main characters as they ride four respective subway cars. For Jerry, that means sitting across from a naked man. For George: getting swindled by a subway siren.

#23. The Bubble Boy

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 7
– Air date: Oct. 7, 1992

In this legendary episode, Jerry, Elaine, George, and Susan head up to Susan’s family’s cabin, but not before stopping at a house along the way. Residing in the house is a young boy named Donald, a huge fan of Jerry’s who happens to live in a plastic bubble for medical reasons. After losing Jerry on the road, George and Susan arrive alone at Donald’s house, where a bitter match of Trivial Pursuit ensues.

#22. The Parking Garage

-IMDb user rating: 8.7
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 3, episode 6
– Air date: Oct. 30, 1991

Another episode in the location-based tradition, “The Parking Space” finds Jerry and the gang lost in a mall parking garage. While trying to remember where they parked, Jerry gets caught publicly urinating, and Elaine’s goldfish dies. At the end of the episode, they finally find the car, only to discover that the engine won’t start.

#21. The Rye

-IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 11
– Air date: Jan. 4, 1996

Representing a bonafide recipe for disaster, George’s parents come over for dinner at Susan’s parents’ apartment, bringing a loaf of rye bread as a gift. When they realize the bread was not served, the Costanzas take it back, causing George to look bad by association. Eager to make it appear as if the loaf never left the apartment, George and Jerry concoct a scheme involving a fishing rod and Kramer’s horse. What could go wrong?

#20. The Serenity Now

-IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 9, episode 3
– Air date: Oct. 9, 1997

Most characters on “Seinfeld” could use some good old-fashioned relaxation. As this season nine episode proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, repeatedly chanting “serenity now” is not that therapeutic. The technique doesn’t work for Lloyd Braun or Mr. Costanza, and it certainly doesn’t work for Kramer, who destroys a bunch of computers in a fit of cathartic rage. Unfortunately, those computers belonged to George, who was hiding them from his father after claiming he sold them to nonexistent customers.

#19. The Puffy Shirt

-IMDb user rating: 8.8
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 2
– Air date: Sept. 23, 1993

In this brilliant episode, Kramer is dating a “low talker,” meaning a woman who speaks with a very soft voice. That makes it hard to hear what she’s saying during dinner with Jerry and Elaine, who find themselves nodding reflexively. As it turns out, Jerry agreed to wear a puffy-sleeved, pirate-style shirt on an upcoming TV appearance, a move that could have disastrous consequences. Meanwhile, George rises to success—and then quickly flames out—as a well-paid hand model. As for the puffy shirt, it’s on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

#18. The Little Kicks

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 4
– Air date: Oct. 10, 1996

Elaine might not be aware of it, but she’s quite possibly the world’s worst dancer. George discovers as much in this episode, when he attends Elaine’s office party and witnesses her dance moves with his own eyes. Meanwhile, Jerry is forced by Kramer’s friend into a career as a movie bootlegger. This is one among many “Seinfeld” episodes to feature made-up films like “Cry, Cry Again” and “Death Blow.”

#17. The Chicken Roaster

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 8
– Air date: Nov. 14, 1996

In this episode, a Kenny Rogers Roasters moves in next door to Jerry and Kramer’s building, and the restaurant’s glowing red sign keeps Kramer up at night. As a result, he and Jerry switch apartments … and personalities in the process. Jerry forces Kramer to move back upon finding out that Kramer is hooked on the chicken. Unfortunately for Kramer, however, the restaurant shuts down after Jerry distributes rat fur all over its interior.

#16. The Jimmy

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 6, episode 18
– Air date: March 16, 1995

While at the gym, Jerry and the gang meet an interesting basketball player named Jimmy. While Jimmy is a rock star on the court—until he gets injured, that is—he has the idiosyncratic tendency to refer to himself in the third person. That’s a problem for Elaine, who thinks Jimmy’s setting her up on a date with a guy named “Jimmy,” when he’s asking her out himself.

#15. The Switch

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 6, episode 11
– Air date: Jan. 5, 1995

This iconic “Seinfeld” episode is considered downright essential for two reasons. The first is the delivery of one of George Costanza’s most diabolical schemes, which involves having Jerry make a lewd suggestion to his girlfriend of the week to allow Jerry to start dating her roommate instead. The other reason is the reveal of Kramer’s elusive first name: Cosmo. Cosmo?! Cosmo.

#14. The Race

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 6, episode 10
– Air date: Dec. 15, 1994

Like something out of his wildest “Superman”-based fantasies, Jerry starts dating a dark-haired girl named Lois. There’s just one major problem: Lois’ boss is Duncan Meyer, an old rival of Jerry’s who insists correctly that Jerry once cheated in an important high school race. Rather than clear up the matter with another showdown, Jerry boldly declares, “I choose not to race.” After Duncan threatens to fire Lois, however, Jerry is forced to prove himself a worthy runner again.

#13. The Airport

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 12
– Air date: Nov. 25, 1992

Jerry Seinfeld’s stand-up routines frequently skewer airlines, yet his character has no complaints when flying first class in this episode. On the other hand, Elaine has a miserable experience back in coach, prompting her to try and sneak into first class no matter how desperate her attempts may seem. Over at the airport, Kramer and George have their misadventures as they wait for Jerry and Elaine’s plane to arrive.

#12. The Betrayal

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 9, episode 8
– Air date: Nov. 20, 1997

“Seinfeld” fans thought they’d seen it all by season nine, and then “The Betrayal” came along. This boldly experimental episode starts at the end and journeys backward, making it truly unique in the annals of television. Most of the plot centers on Sue Ellen Mischke’s wedding in India, though it’s the show’s backward execution that continues to impress viewers to this day.

#11. The Limo

-IMDb user rating: 8.9
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 3, episode 18
– Air date: Feb. 26, 1992

An episode few “Seinfeld” fans are likely to forget, “The Limo” dives into spy thriller territory, complete with mistaken identities and lethal handguns. It begins when George pretends to be a man named Mr. O’Brien, so he and Jerry can steal O’Brien’s limo ride from the airport. As it turns out, however, Mr. O’Brien is a notorious neo-Nazi, in town for a major speech at Madison Square Garden.

#10. The Abstinence

-IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 9
– Air date: Nov. 21, 1996

In this episode, George is forced to give up sex for six weeks, and the experience opens up new pathways in his previously preoccupied brain. On the flip side of that coin is Elaine, who also gives up sex, only to discover that it plunges her into a dim-witted stupor. Meanwhile, Jerry is bumped from a gig at his old junior high school, and Kramer becomes the new Marlboro Man.

#9. The Bizarro Jerry

-IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 3
– Air date: Oct. 3, 1996

Like something from a “Superman” comic book, this episode finds Elaine making three new friends, each representing a “bizarro” version of Jerry, George, and Kramer. Meanwhile, George finagles his way into a secret underground club filled with gorgeous models. Having slightly less luck is Jerry, who’s dating a woman with oversized “man hands.”

#8. The Yada Yada

-IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 8, episode 19
– Air date: April 24, 1997

Giving “Seinfeld” one of its most enduring colloquialisms is this season eight episode, in which George’s girlfriend “yada-yadas” through every story, cutting right to the chase. At first, George is delighted with the technique until she potentially “yada-yadas” over an affair with her ex-boyfriend. Tormented by the prospect, George asks her to go back and elucidate on her previous stories. The good news is she didn’t sleep with her ex. The bad news, however, is that she’s a kleptomaniac.

#7. The Merv Griffin Show

-IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 9, episode 6
– Air date: Nov. 6, 1997

Kramer finds discarded set pieces from “The Merv Griffin Show” sitting out by the trash, and proceeds to create a talk show in the middle of his apartment. At first, Kramer and his sidekick Newman adopt a wholesome, traditional approach, but then they decide to mix up the format, mirroring shows like “Jerry Springer” instead. That doesn’t bode well for Jerry, who’s been secretly drugging his girlfriend to play with her vintage toys. Jerry admits as much on Kramer’s show, just before the girlfriend emerges from backstage.

#6. The Hamptons

-IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 21
– Air date: May 12, 1994

Few “Seinfeld” episodes pack in as many jokes per scene as “The Hamptons.” In the episode, Jerry and the gang visit a couple’s beach house, where the couple introduces their ugly baby. Soon after, Jerry’s girlfriend walks in on George in a state of undress. Normally, George wouldn’t mind, but in this particular instance, he’d just been in the pool—where the water was cold.

#5. The Marine Biologist

-IMDb user rating: 9.2
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 14
– Air date: Feb. 10, 1994

Presenting a monologue for the ages is this episode, in which George pretends to be a marine biologist to impress a woman he’s dating. The ruse is going well enough until the two come upon a beached whale with breathing problems, whom only a marine biologist can save. As George explains in the historic closing monologue, the sea was angry that day, “like an old man trying to send soup back at a deli.” After a wave launches him atop the whale’s back, George reaches into the blowhole to withdraw the obstruction: one of Kramer’s golf balls.

#4. The Outing

-IMDb user rating: 9.4
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 17
– Air date: Feb. 11, 1993

In this classic episode, Jerry and George are mistaken for a gay couple—”not that there’s anything wrong with that”—by a local reporter. After the Associated Press picks up the story, Jerry must clear things up with friends and family. On the other hand, George decides to go along with the story, using his presumed homosexuality as an excuse to break up with his girlfriend.

#3. The Opposite

-IMDb user rating: 9.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 5, episode 22
– Air date: May 19, 1994

Things finally start going George’s way in this episode, in which he does the opposite of everything he would normally do. Not only does such a maneuver land him a hot date, it eventually scores him a job with the New York Yankees. Making his grand debut as the voice of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is none other than series co-creator Larry David.

#2. The Soup Nazi

-IMDb user rating: 9.5
– Director: Andy Ackerman
– Season 7, episode 6
– Air date: Nov. 2, 1995

Inspired by a real-life—and now bankrupted—operation, “The Soup Nazi” centers on a chef with a very strict ordering-out policy. When a customer fails to abide by the policy, the man retracts the order, famously shouting, “No soup for you!” The episode is so enduring and iconic that actor Larry Thomas, who played the Soup Nazi, claimed he’s recognized more for the role nowadays than when the episode first aired.

#1. The Contest

-IMDb user rating: 9.5
– Director: Tom Cherones
– Season 4, episode 11
– Air date: Nov. 18, 1992

It’s no secret that “Seinfeld” co-creator—and real-life George Costanza—Larry David based numerous storylines on his personal experiences. And nowhere does this personal connection work to the show’s advantage more than in “The Contest.” This edgy, Emmy Award-winning episode finds Jerry and the gang making a bet to see who can be “master of their domain.”

The result was must-see TV at its finest and a major contributor to the show’s historic success. In 2009, TV Guide named it the best TV episode of all time, and rightfully so. It’s also the #1 “Seinfeld” episode based on IMDb user ratings when paired with the number of votes.

Data reporting by Luke Hicks and Wade Zhou. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire.

The most successful long movies of all time

A recent debate has made its way around the internet about whether audiences should be forced to sit through movies that are over three hours long. At the end of the day, defenders of such lengthy cinematic experiences might suggest that some people should simply avoid films they know they don’t have the patience to endure.

Despite the arduous running time of many blockbusters and meditative indie films, long movies aren’t a recent phenomenon—epics, especially of the historical and biblical variety, used to be far more recurrent until the “Cleopatra” disaster of 1963 (which will be detailed, in part, on this list).

Sometimes the movie calls for a long running time because that is the nature of the story being told, whether that’s wrapping up numerous character arcs of a multisaga franchise like the conclusion to Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Endgame”; attempting to impart the legacy of a near-mythic historical figure as with “Oppenheimer”; or simply because the director can, and wants to, stretch out a story as much as possible and show off awe-inspiring tech in the process, like in Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” remake.

Some of the most successful films of 2025 have been on the longer side. “Sinners,” which raked in over $366 million worldwide and earned plenty of awards buzz in the process, runs 2 hours and 17 minutes—quite long for a vampire movie, though it’s about more than just that. And Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” while not quite the same box-office juggernaut, is even longer at two hours and 42 minutes, and is being called a Best Picture frontrunner. Recent years have shown that audiences are not put off by long movies, and critics and awards bodies certainly aren’t either. Consider that in 2025, the 3.5-hour “The Brutalist” picked up multiple Academy Awards.

Nowadays, there’s no specific correlation between the length of a movie and how it performs; while we may once have associated long running times with inaccessible arthouse fare, plenty of superhero movies and other genre films have learned how to keep butts in seats for upwards of three hours, with nary an intermission in sight.

To see which long movies throughout history have been the biggest hits, Stacker looked at the box-office performance of all feature films over three hours long on The Numbers and ranked the top 20 by United States domestic box-office earnings. IMDb user ratings and Metacritic scores were provided for context on popular and critical reception.

Think you have the patience for these 20 films? Keep reading to discover more about the most successful long movies in cinematic history.

#20. Gandhi (1982)

– Director: Richard Attenborough
– Domestic box office: $52.77 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 79

For some biographical dramas, the subject in question is larger than life and difficult to depict within the more concise confines of a 90-minute run time. Such is the case of the life and legacy of Indian civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi, in Richard Attenborough’s sprawling, Academy Award-winning film. The feature was Attenborough’s passion project, but it had been shelved and resurrected a number of times with different directors between the ’50s and ’70s, before finally beginning shooting in 1981. Despite lasting over three hours in run time, the film received overwhelmingly positive critical and audience response.

#19. The Godfather Part II (1974)

– Director: Francis Ford Coppola
– Domestic box office: $57.3 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 22 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 90

Part of the reason for the long run time of the sequel to “The Godfather” has to do with the fact that the film is both a sequel and a prequel, detailing the rise of young Vito Corleone and the fall of his son, Michael. Director Francis Ford Coppola also received complete creative control over this film as opposed to “The Godfather,” so he was able to be a bit more self-indulgent. Despite some initial critical reticence to his lengthy, cross-cutting narrative approach, the film fared well at the box office on a budget of only $13 million.

#18. Cleopatra (1963)

– Directors: Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Rouben Mamoulian
– Domestic box office: $57.78 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 12 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.0
– Metascore: 60

The gratuitous run time of “Cleopatra” is fitting when considering the extreme infamy of its catastrophic production. A massively inflated budget, major on-set hazards, script changes, the near-fatal illness of star Elizabeth Taylor, and the affair between Taylor and co-star Richard Burton, all coalesced into a disaster of epic proportions, one which matches the bloated epic of its screenplay.

Some believe that the film—a biographical drama chronicling the life and rule of the famous Egyptian queen—essentially killed off big-budget epics, despite the fact that it ended up as the biggest hit of 1963. Nevertheless, with how much the budget was exceeded—$5 million set, but at least $35 million in reality—the film was still a loss for the studio.

#17. JFK (1991)

– Director: Oliver Stone
– Domestic box office: $70.41 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 9 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 72

A film centered on a conspiracy as compelling as the JFK assassination is bound to be both overlong and also gripping, as is the case with Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” It also makes sense as to why the film, despite being in excess of three hours, still managed to be such a hit with audiences: It unleashed further fixation on one of the biggest American conspiracy theories of all time. Stylistically and narratively ambitious, the screenplay is ultimately broken into four chapters. Stone initially hoped “JFK” would be more than 4 ½ hours and double the original budget, but he was able to trim it down to a slightly more digestible length.

#16. Ben-Hur (1959)

– Director: William Wyler
– Domestic box office: $74.7 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 32 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 90

Religious and historical epics were all the rage during the early and middle parts of the 20th century (before the disaster of “Cleopatra”)—so much so that not only was the 3 ½-hour “Ben-Hur” the highest-grossing film at the 1959 box office, but it is still one of the highest-grossing films of all time (after adjusting for inflation). The film’s $15 million budget at the time was the largest ever for a film and boasted the largest sets ever produced. The chariot race sequence remains to this day an impressive and meticulous piece of filmmaking.

#15. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

– Director: Norman Jewison
– Domestic box office: $80.5 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 67

Musical films based on stage plays can often be as long as the source material they’re adapted from—and the film adaptation of “Fiddler on the Roof” was no different. Musical numbers take up a lot of extra time (just part of why many Bollywood films tend to be so long). And while audiences today, allegedly, don’t have patience for any musical films—let alone ones over three hours—a laborious run time did not dissuade audiences from showing up for “Fiddler.” The film grossed over $80 million worldwide on a budget of only $9 million to become the second-highest-grossing film of 1971.

#14. The Ten Commandments (1956)

– Director: Cecil B. DeMille
– Domestic box office: $93.74 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: data not available

When a film is designated as an “epic,” that usually means most, if not all, aspects of production are going to be grand in proportion—and that absolutely includes run time. Cecil B. DeMille’s mid-century classic clocked in at nearly four hours in length, which ultimately feels apt for the monumental story of this biblical tale. The film even features one of the largest exterior sets ever used in a motion picture, on top of including a groundbreaking piece of early special effects trickery.

#13. Schindler’s List (1993)

– Director: Steven Spielberg
– Domestic box office: $96.9 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 95

Steven Spielberg undertook quite a creative burden by attempting to do justice to the story of Oskar Schindler, whose real-life acts of salvation for Jewish people during the Holocaust were dramatized in the 1982 novel titled “Schindler’s Ark.” Adapted and renamed as “Schindler’s List,” the epic historical drama gripped audiences and critics, and was a critical and commercial smash—going on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. However, some objected to the content of the film; Claude Lanzmann, the director of the nine-hour Holocaust documentary “Shoah,” felt it was a transgression to fictionalize such atrocities.

#12. Doctor Zhivago (1965)

– Director: David Lean
– Domestic box office: $111.72 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 17 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 69

David Lean’s sweeping historical romance adapts Boris Pasternak’s 1957 novel of the same name—the story of a physician and poet during the Russian Civil War who bears an everlasting love to a woman with whom he reunites years later after he’s already married. The film was actually criticized at the time of its release for its nearly 3 ½-hour run time, but that didn’t prevent audiences from seeing the film. To this day, “Doctor Zhivago” continues to be one of the highest-grossing movies of all time (after being adjusted for inflation). So, it all worked out for this film that endured a particularly painstaking production process, lasting nearly a year.

#11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– Domestic box office: $116.9 million
– Run time: 3 hours
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 75

Though he’s not a stranger to a standard two-hour movie, Martin Scorsese has become known for his excessive run times, with many of his most famous works clocking in at well over 2 ½ hours. But his most successful long movie—and his highest-grossing ever—is “The Wolf of Wall Street,” an opulent film to match the life of its subject: New York City con artist Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker whose heyday during the late 1980s and early ’90s led to his ultimate downfall and stint in prison. The length of the film works in tandem with Belfort’s life, which was self-indulgent, hedonistic, and deeply tasteless; in the end, audiences, critics, and awards bodies simply couldn’t get enough of it.

#10. The Green Mile (1999)

– Director: Frank Darabont
– Domestic box office: $136.8 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 9 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 61

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “The Green Mile” tells the story of a death row prison guard who meets a physically foreboding man with a gentle demeanor who’s been accused of double homicide—and who also seems to possess otherworldly gifts. Despite the fantasy drama’s run time of over three hours, the screenplay only took director Frank Darabont eight weeks to write. “The Green Mile” was a crowd-pleaser and was nominated for multiple awards, including four Oscars; though it did receive some criticism for its length from critics at the time.

#9. Dances with Wolves (1990)

– Director: Kevin Costner
– Domestic box office: $184.21 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 72

The story of a Union Army lieutenant finding acceptance, family, and love with members of the Lakota nation won moviegoers over back in 1990. “Dances with Wolves” was a box office hit, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of the year and garnering a whopping 12 Academy Award nominations, winning seven. However, the film did face an uphill battle getting greenlit, as the Western genre was long dead and the screenplay was, obviously, lengthy. Director and star Kevin Costner and co-producer Jim Wilson managed to strike a deal with Orion Pictures and get their film made, run time notwithstanding.

#8. Pearl Harbor (2001)

– Director: Michael Bay
– Domestic box office: $198.54 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 3 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 6.2
– Metascore: 44

This highly fictionalized account of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 is stretched out by a romance narrative set before, during, and after the tragic attack. While the film won out at the box office, it was scrutinized by critics for everything from the story to the historical inaccuracies, to the dialogue, pacing, and, yes, the unwieldy three-hour run time. But “Pearl Harbor,” which was directed by Michael Bay, also had an unwieldy production process; former Disney chairman Dick Cook considered it “one of the most difficult shoots of modern history.”

#7. Gone with the Wind (1939)

– Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood
– Domestic box office: $198.68 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 58 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 97

The longest run time on this list goes to none other than “Gone with the Wind,” the epic historical romance picture that remains, to this day, the highest-grossing film of all time after adjusting for inflation. It’s clear that the nearly four-hour run time did not deter audiences in 1939 from seeing “Gone with the Wind” in droves, although critics at the time did take issue with that laborious aspect. As if to parallel its length, the film’s production was an equally massive undertaking, taking three years, multiple directors, and a daunting casting process to finally translate Margaret Mitchell’s novel to the silver screen.

#6. King Kong (2005)

– Director: Peter Jackson
– Domestic box office: $218.08 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 81

It should come as no surprise that a director like Peter Jackson took a classic film under two hours in length and stretched it to over three hours; the filmmaker behind “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy knows a thing or two about world-building. For one, Jackson fleshed out the fictional setting of Skull Island, and with that came extensive use of CGI, special effects, elaborate set pieces, and more of the motion-capture technology seen in “Lord of the Rings” (Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the Tolkien trilogy, provided the movements for Kong).

While many critics praised the film for its spectacle, some did take issue with its length: Charlie Brooker of The Guardian called it “three hours long and rubbish.”

#5. Oppenheimer (2023)

– Director: Christopher Nolan
– Domestic box office: $326.11 million
– Run time: 3 hours
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 90

The initial prospect of a three-hour biographical drama about the father of the atomic bomb seemed dicey in the months leading up to the release of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” But to doubt the power of Nolan, who isn’t exactly known for making brief pictures, is a foolish endeavor. Not only is he one of the most consistently successful mainstream auteurs, but his behemoth of a film got an added boost with the “Barbenheimer” double-feature frenzy in the summer of 2023, all leading to an Academy Award sweep including Best Picture.

The run time has partly to do with the kind of meticulous filmmaker Nolan is; he shot the film using multiple formats and implemented impressive practical effects for the Trinity test. The result manages to move at a brisk clip, thanks in part to Oscar-winning editor Jennifer Lame.

#4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

– Director: Peter Jackson
– Domestic box office: $377.85 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 21 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 94

Nine-plus hours in total length is possibly not enough time to tell the epic saga of Frodo and the One Ring from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic series, but Peter Jackson did a more-than-solid job nevertheless. Out of the three films, each adapted from one book of the trilogy, “The Return of the King” had the longest run time at nearly 3 ½ hours—but that did not deter audiences.

The movie not only did gangbusters at the box office, but it also secured numerous Oscars, including a win for Jackson in the Best Director category and the coveted Best Picture award. On top of Tolkien’s novels being such rich material to work with, the “Lord of the Rings” films have become well known for their lavish and lengthy productions, replete with practical effects, groundbreaking CGI, and complex set pieces.

#3. Titanic (1997)

– Director: James Cameron
– Domestic box office: $659.33 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 14 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 75

To say that James Cameron goes all in on his productions is maybe an understatement. Though he’s known for his epic scales, “Titanic” is Cameron’s longest film (beating out “Avatar: The Way of Water” by only two minutes) due to the sheer size of the ever-increasing budget and Cameron’s unwillingness to cut anything. That $200 million budget ultimately went to the grand proportions of Cameron’s filmmaking, the visual effects, lavish sets, the number of extras, and the ballooned shooting schedule, which shot up to 160 days. In the end, the risk of such gargantuan proportions paid off, leading to Oscar glory and a special place in the annals of Hollywood and pop culture history.

#2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

– Director: James Cameron
– Domestic box office: $659.68 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 12 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 67

More than a decade after the smash success of “Avatar,” James Cameron returned with a bigger, even longer sequel because a world as immersive as that of Pandora can only be told over three-plus hours. In this case, Cameron’s lengthy, lovingly crafted story is further facilitated by breathtaking CGI, enormous set pieces, and painstaking performance capture technology; all told, the film took five years to make. Speaking about the long run time to Empire magazine, Cameron had no patience for impatience: “I don’t want anybody whining about length when they sit and binge-watch [television] for eight hours.”

#1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

– Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
– Domestic box office: $858.37 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 78

The epic conclusion to the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t deserving of just one three-hour movie: it took more than five hours combined, via the two-parter “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” to conclude the saga of “Iron Man” and “The Avengers.” “Endgame” is the longer of the two films by about half an hour, but that run time didn’t deter fans from making the film one of the biggest blockbusters of all time.

The fact that “Endgame” had to wrap up the arcs of several crucial MCU characters definitely played a part in how long the film needed to be. Coupled with large-scale CGI, IMAX digital cameras, and special effects (including over 200 de-aging or aging shots), the film is actually one of the most expensive ever produced.

Data reporting by Luke Hicks. Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. 

Best animated blockbusters of all time

Animated movies have evolved significantly over the years, transcending their initial reputation as merely children’s entertainment to powerful storytelling vehicles with wide-reaching appeal. From the hand-drawn classics of Disney’s golden age to the cutting-edge CGI of today, animated films have continually pushed the boundaries of creativity, technology, and emotional resonance. Just look at “Flow,” the tiny Latvian film that became the first independent animated movie to win a Best Animated Feature Oscar when it triumphed at the 2025 Academy Awards. The filmmakers told a dialogue-free but moving story on their own terms; now they will “open doors to independent animation filmmakers around the world,” as the director said at the Oscars ceremony.

Even so, the evolution in animation is happening across the board, including within major studios and streamers. June 2025 saw the splashy premiere of Netflix’s “K-Pop: Demon Hunters,” praised by critics and audiences alike for its innovative animation style. The film was such a streaming phenomenon that Netflix brought it to theaters in August 2025 and earned $18 million. Disney is banking on a bigger box-office take for “Zootopia 2,” which hits theaters on Nov. 26, 2025, nine years after the first “Zootopia” explored themes of prejudice and societal inequality. In contemporary animation, big ideas are often at play, which haven’t stopped the genre from being big business.

When it comes to grosses, Disney and Pixar movies tend to stand out above the rest. “Toy Story,” Pixar’s feature film, netted nearly $250 million worldwide—and that’s not counting its latest theatrical rerelease, which began on Sept. 12, 2025. The “Toy Story” franchise has raked in an astounding $3.2 billion. But beyond their box-office success, these films have also played a pivotal role in shaping the animation industry. With each technological advancement and creative breakthrough, animators have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring new generations of storytellers and innovators. From pioneering techniques like Walt Disney’s multiplane camera to the revolutionary use of computer-generated imagery in films like “Toy Story,” animated movies continue to redefine cinematic storytelling possibilities.

Needless to say, animated movies have come a long way since their humble frame-by-frame beginnings, evolving into a diverse and influential art form that resonates with audiences. Whether exploring the depths of human emotion or celebrating cultural traditions, these films have left an indelible mark on moviegoers, the animation industry, and popular culture.

To explore the best animated blockbuster films of all time, Stacker collected data on all animated feature films and ranked the top 2 according to IMDb user ratings. Ties were broken by IMDb user votes. According to The Numbers, to qualify as a blockbuster for the list, the film had to collect at least nine figures at the worldwide box office. Metascores are provided for critical context.

Here are the best animated blockbusters of all time.

#20. Shrek (2001)

– Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 84
– Worldwide box office: $492.2 million
– Runtime: 90 minutes

This wildly successful CGI comedy follows the titular ogre as he embarks on a quest with his wisecracking donkey to rescue Princess Fiona, blending humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. “Shrek” became a cultural phenomenon upon its release for its irreverent take on fairy tale tropes, spawning multiple sequels and spinoffs.

#19. Aladdin (1992)

– Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 86
– Worldwide box office: $504.1 million
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“Aladdin” tells the story of a young, streetwise urchin who comes upon a magical lamp containing a genie who grants him three wishes. The vibrant animation remains a beloved classic for its memorable music and Robin Williams’ iconic performance as the shapeshifting Genie.

#18. Zootopia (2016)

– Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 78
– Worldwide box office: $1 billion
– Runtime: 108 minutes

In “Zootopia,” a determined bunny cop teams up with a sly fox to solve a mysterious case involving missing predators in a bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. The film’s timely themes of humanity, tolerance, inclusion, and overcoming prejudices won “Zootopia” the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its impact on both audiences and the animation industry.

#17. The Incredibles (2004)

– Director: Brad Bird
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 90
– Worldwide box office: $631.4 million
– Runtime: 115 minutes

“The Incredibles” follows a family of superheroes who must come out of retirement to save the world from a villainous threat. Earning praise for its unique take on the superhero genre, “The Incredibles” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

#16. Inside Out (2015)

– Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 94
– Worldwide box office: $850.5 million
– Runtime: 95 minutes

“Inside Out” delves into the inner workings of a young girl’s mind as her emotions —Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—navigate the challenges of growing up. The Pixar film resonated with audiences of all ages and received acclaim for its poignant exploration of mental health and emotional well-being.

#15. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

– Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 75
– Worldwide box office: $494.9 million
– Runtime: 98 minutes

“How to Train Your Dragon” centers around a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon and embarks on a journey to change his village’s perception of the creatures. The film captivated audiences and spawned a successful franchise, inspiring viewers with its themes of courage and understanding.

#14. Ratatouille (2007)

– Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $626.5 million
– Runtime: 111 minutes

“Ratatouille” serves up a delightful tale about a rat named Remy who hopes to become a chef and follows his culinary pursuits by forming an unlikely bond with a young kitchen worker. The film’s mouthwatering animation received critical acclaim for its creativity and charm, inspiring audiences to embrace their own culinary adventures.

#13. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

– Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 79
– Worldwide box office: $560.4 million
– Runtime: 92 minutes

“Monsters, Inc.” delighted audiences with the adventures of two monsters working at a power plant that generates energy by scaring human children. The adventure begins when a human child arrives in their realm and turns their world upside down. The 2001 film earned praise for its imaginative premise, originality, and heartwarming story.

#12. Finding Nemo (2003)

– Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 90
– Worldwide box office: $936.1 million
– Runtime: 100 minutes

In this stunning underwater animation, a clownfish named Marlin journies across the ocean to rescue his son, who was taken by a scuba diver and kept in a fish tank at the dentist’s office. The film’s heartfelt story, pioneering visuals, and realistic computer-generated animation won the film an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

#11. Princess Mononoke (1997)

– Director: Hayao Miyazaki
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 76
– Worldwide box office: $150.4 million
– Runtime: 134 minutes

“Princess Mononoke” transported viewers to medieval Japan, where a young prince becomes embroiled in a struggle between the forces of nature and humankind. This breathtaking animation earned acclaim for its epic storytelling, mature themes, and complex characters.

#10. Toy Story 3 (2010)

– Director: Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 92
– Worldwide box office: $1.1 billion
– Runtime: 103 minutes

In “Toy Story 3,” Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys must grapple with the challenges of growing up—facing an uncertain future as their owner prepares to leave for college. The movie tugged at audiences’ heartstrings for its emotional depth and poignant exploration of themes like friendship and nostalgia.

#9. Toy Story (1995)

– Director: John Lasseter
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $365.3 million
– Runtime: 81 minutes

“Toy Story” introduced audiences to Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, who must overcome their differences to escape the clutches of a toy-destroying neighbor. “Toy Story” revolutionized the animation industry with its groundbreaking use of CGI and heartfelt storytelling.

#8. Up (2009)

– Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 88
– Worldwide box office: $731.5 million
– Runtime: 96 minutes

In “Up,” an elderly widower fulfills his late wife’s lifelong dream of exploring South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house and embarking on a journey filled with unexpected adventures. Touching the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages, “Up” became the first animated film to open the Cannes Film Festival.

#7. Your Name. (2016)

– Director: Makoto Shinkai
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 81
– Worldwide box office: $347.6 million
– Runtime: 106 minutes

This beautifully animated tale follows two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies. Despite never meeting in person, they embark on a quest to unravel the secrets behind their extraordinary connection. “Your Name.” became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and garnered international acclaim for its universal themes of love and fate.

#6. Coco (2017)

– Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 81
– Worldwide box office: $796.5 million
– Runtime: 105 minutes

In this animated Pixar flick, a young boy named Miguel ventures through the Land of the Dead to learn the truth behind his family’s history and pursue his passion for music. “Coco” earned acclaim for its celebration of Mexican culture, traditions, and emotional resonance honoring loved ones with its vibrant portrayal of Día de los Muertos. In 2018, the film secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

#5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

– Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 87
– Worldwide box office: $375.5 million
– Runtime: 117 minutes

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” swung into theaters with its groundbreaking animation style and diverse representation, introducing audiences to a new iteration of Spider-Man, Miles Morales, joining forces with other Spider-People from different dimensions to protect New York City from a threat that could destroy all reality. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, setting a new standard for superhero storytelling.

#4. WALL·E (2008)

– Director: Andrew Stanton
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 95
– Worldwide box office: $532.5 million
– Runtime: 98 minutes

“WALL·E” charmed audiences with its tale of a lonely robot tasked with cleaning up a deserted, garbage-filled Earth who discovers a new purpose and embarks on a journey through space to save humanity. The film’s minimal dialogue and environmental themes earned “WALL·E” praise for its innovative storytelling and poignant message about the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.

#3. The Lion King (1994)

– Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Metascore: 88
– Worldwide box office: $986.2 million
– Runtime: 88 minutes

“The Lion King” roared into theaters with its epic tale of a young lion prince named Simba learning about responsibility, loss, and identity while restoring his rightful role as king of the Pride Lands. The movie’s iconic characters, memorable music, and stunning animation remain one of Disney’s most beloved classics—inspiring a Broadway musical, Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake, and the 2024 prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

#2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

– Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 86
– Worldwide box office: $681.2 million
– Runtime: 140 minutes

A testament to the enduring legacy of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues the story of Miles Morales as he navigates the multiverse and encounters new challenges and allies from different dimensions. A sequel to the 2018 Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the new installment follows Miles’ growth as he grapples with the responsibilities of being a superhero.

#1. Spirited Away (2001)

– Director: Hayao Miyazaki
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $383.9 million
– Runtime: 125 minutes

“Spirited Away” follows a young girl who finds herself trapped in a mysterious, supernatural realm and must navigate a series of fantastical encounters to rescue her parents and return home. In 2003, the Japanese blockbuster won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, establishing director Hayao Miyazaki’s status as a master storyteller and becoming the first non-English-language movie to win the award.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close.

Worst movies of the ’80s

The 1980s began with the election of President Ronald Reagan, and the new administration’s policies launched the country into an era of excess. From the malls to the shoulder pads and hairstyles, everything got bigger in the ’80s as the country waved farewell to the days of free love and disco that defined the preceding decades.

In the movie industry, the 1970s “New Hollywood” era inaugurated the careers of auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. However, the decade trickled out with the popularity of crowd-pleasers like “Jaws” and “Star Wars,” and the 1980s became the decade of action movies, blockbusters, and never-ending sequels. For instance, original action movies like the first “Rambo” film, “First Blood,” quickly became beloved hits. Meanwhile, follow-ups like “Rambo III” exasperated many critics.

Decades later, the ’80s lives on in new takes on old properties. That includes movies that were not very well regarded at the time, like 1982’s “Tron” and 1987’s “The Running Man.” Both got new installments in 2025, but while Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” was a slight improvement on its predecessor, “Tron: Ares” got worse reviews than the original. Of course, only some bad ’80s movies experience continued interest. Others have been completely forgotten to time.

To find those forgettable films and some iconic stinkers, Stacker used data from IMDb to rank the worst movies of the 1980s—some loathed, some loved, and some loathed and loved simultaneously. The rankings are based on user reviews—the lower the rating, the worse the film, ranking it higher on the list. In the case of a tie, the movie with more user votes ranks higher on the list. These films have at least 25,000 user votes and were released between 1980 and 1989. Each movie’s Metascore is provided for critical context but does not impact the ranking.

Read on to learn which ’80s movies are the worst of the worst.

#50. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 6.0
– IMDb user votes: 52.5K
– Metascore: 30
– Run time: 86 minutes

Described as a “gory waste of time” by then-New York Times critic Caryn James, the sixth film in the “Friday the 13th” franchise sees villain Jason Voorhees accidentally revived from the dead and set on a new path of terror. Though the installment has a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Jason Lives” maintains a number of fans and a few defensive critics. Among them, Trace Thurman of the “Horror Queers” podcast applauds director Tom McLoughlin’s “tongue-in-cheek approach.”

#49. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 6.0
– IMDb user votes: 60.7K
– Metascore: 33
– Run time: 91 minutes

Notably not the final chapter, “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” is only the fourth of 12 films in the franchise. The plot may sound familiar: Jason Voorhees, thought to be dead, goes on yet another rampant killing spree. While the film garnered mostly negative reviews, including a pan on “Siskel & Ebert” where critic Roger Ebert describes the film as an “immoral and reprehensible piece of trash,” Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly actually ranked the film as the best in the franchise in 2023.

#48. Firefox (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 29.6K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 136 minutes

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in “Firefox,” which centers on a retired Air Force pilot’s mission to steal a dangerous jet fighter prototype from the Soviet Union. Based on a popular 1977 novel by Craig Thomas, the adaptation was widely ill-received. In The New York Times, critic Vincent Canby called the film “a James Bond movie without girls, a Superman movie without a sense of humor.”

#47. 9½ Weeks (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 44.4K
– Metascore: 50
– Run time: 117 minutes

Known for its steamier scenes, “9½ Weeks” features Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger playing strangers-turned-lovers who face obstacles amidst their ongoing sexual exploits. With mixed reviews, including praise from Roger Ebert, the film ended up doing quite well as a home video release. This didn’t stop the film from receiving three Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Actress for Basinger.

#46. Conan the Destroyer (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 86.5K
– Metascore: 53
– Run time: 103 minutes

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular character, the action epic “Conan the Destroyer” follows Conan as he escorts a virgin princess to retrieve a jeweled horn (because it’s her destiny, of course). The sequel to “Conan the Barbarian,” the film has garnered a mostly negative reception amongst fans and critics. However, critics like Roger Ebert liked the movie, describing it as “funnier” and “more entertaining” than its predecessor.

#45. Look Who’s Talking (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 87.7K
– Metascore: 51
– Run time: 93 minutes

Directed by Amy Heckerling, “Look Who’s Talking” casts Bruce Willis as the narrating voice of baby Mikey, whose single mother (Kirstie Alley) develops a relationship with a charming taxi driver (John Travolta). The film grossed more than $140 million at the box office and spawned two sequels despite a mixed critical response, which included a Washington Post review saying that the movie’s concept “might have made a brilliant short” at best.

#44. Cocktail (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 93.2K
– Metascore: 12
– Run time: 104 minutes

In this Tom Cruise classic, the Hollywood icon plays a New York City bartender who takes a gig in Jamaica only to find himself falling in love with an artist (Elisabeth Shue). Despite being a box office success, the film was generally poorly reviewed and won Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay at the Razzie Awards.

#43. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 59.6K
– Metascore: 34
– Run time: 88 minutes

Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield to hunt down his niece in this fourth installment of the “Halloween” franchise. The sequel did not dazzle critics. Writing for Empire in 2000, Kim Newman called the film “stupid, unscary, and plodding.” Still, “Halloween” fans remained loyal, and the film grossed nearly $18 million at the box office.

#42. Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 60.2K
– Metascore: 39
– Run time: 87 minutes

In this sequel, the “Police Academy” troop is assigned to a new precinct and must face a troublesome gang on the streets of an unnamed city. Though the movie was a success at the box office, critics were generally not amused. Empire critic Ian Nathan describes the film as having a “wafer thin plot” but with a “good number of laughs”—reason enough for the franchise to spawn five subsequent films.

#41. Over the Top (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 60.7K
– Metascore: 40
– Run time: 93 minutes

This 1980s Sylvester Stallone vehicle centers on a trucker named Lincoln Hawk, who is determined to win an arm wrestling championship and reunite with his estranged son. The film was not received well and was nominated for three Razzie Awards, with David Mendenhall winning both Worst Supporting Actor and Worst New Star.

#40. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 62.6K
– Metascore: 22
– Run time: 95 minutes

Controversial for its use of graphic violence, this Italian gore film follows a professor’s quest to recover the footage of a film crew who disappeared in the Amazon while documenting a cannibalistic Indigenous tribe. Reviews have been divided since the movie’s release. Slant Magazine’s Eric Henderson perhaps puts it best, saying the film is “artful enough to demand serious critical consideration, yet foul enough to christen you a pervert for even bothering.”

#39. The Blue Lagoon (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 78K
– Metascore: 31
– Run time: 104 minutes

Based on a 1908 novel by Henry de Vere Stacpoole, “The Blue Lagoon” sees two shipwrecked children come of age (and sexual maturity) while stranded on an island. “The Blue Lagoon” did well at the box office and made enough cultural impact to produce a 1991 sequel and a 2012 Lifetime remake. Critics were not impressed by the film, though, and Brooke Shields took home the first-ever Worst Actress Razzie Award.

#38. Cobra (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 80.8K
– Metascore: 25
– Run time: 87 minutes

Another Sylvester Stallone action film for the list, “Cobra” follows a cop who must protect a lone witness from a diabolical cult. Though the film scored nearly $50 million at the box office, “Cobra” was one of Stallone’s weakest releases—financially and critically—of the decade. “Cobra” was nominated for a grand total of six Razzie Awards, including Worst Actor and Worst Screenplay for Stallone.

#37. Rambo III (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 142K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 102 minutes

Stallone persists in his dominance of this list with “Rambo III.” The third movie in the “Rambo” franchise takes the titular Vietnam vet on a dangerous rescue mission to Afghanistan. Stallone nabbed the Worst Actor Razzie Award for his role in the critically panned but financially successful film.

#36. Short Circuit 2 (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 27.2K
– Metascore: Data not available
– Run time: 110 minutes

In this sequel, robot Johnny Five goes to New York City with scientist Ben Jahveri and must avoid being exploited by criminals. The New York Times’ Vincent Canby wrote that watching “Short Circuit 2” as an adult is “as much fun as wearing wet sneakers.”

#35. Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 30.6K
– Metascore: 49
– Run time: 91 minutes

In the second installment of the “Poltergeist” series, the Freeling family moves to a new house, only to experience yet another supernatural haunting. Nina Darnton of The New York Times wrote, “The movie, like most sequels, has no reason for existing beyond the desire to duplicate a financial success.” The film pulled in about $41 million at the domestic box office and earned star Zelda Rubinstein a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actress.

#34. Crocodile Dundee II (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 61.5K
– Metascore: 41
– Run time: 111 minutes

Paul Hogan returns as Mick Dundee in this sequel, which finds the Australian back in New York City, trying to protect his lover from the dangerous gangsters who have followed them. Critics were less than enthused about the follow-up film, with Janet Maslin of The New York Times saying that the sequel “lacks the sense to leave well enough alone.” “Crocodile Dundee II” did not perform quite as well as the original film at the box office, but still produced a 2001 sequel, “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.”

#33. The Punisher (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 26.4K
– Metascore: 63
– Run time: 89 minutes

Dolph Lundgren stars in this Marvel comic adaptation about a vigilante assassin known only as The Punisher, who sets out to avenge the murder of his family. Though the film initially received mixed reviews, “The Punisher” has gone on to become a cult classic. A reboot of the film was released in 2004 and a TV series premiered in 2017, running for two seasons.

#32. Raw Deal (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 38.4K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 106 minutes

In “Raw Deal,” Arnold Schwarzenegger is an ex-FBI-agent-turned-small-town-sheriff, aiding the FBI in an undercover plot to take down the Chicago mafia. Both financially and critically disappointing, the film has been repeatedly compared to Sylvester Stallone’s “Cobra.” Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times that “Though the language is vulgar, the macho posturing absurd, and some of the plotting inscrutable, ‘Raw Deal’ has a kind of seemliness to it.”

#31. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 39.1K
– Metascore: 42
– Run time: 101 minutes

Though not critically well received at the time of its premiere, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” has gone on to become a cult favorite like its predecessor. The sequel again has the cannibal family terrorizing an innocent. Though almost as controversial as the first film in the nine-film franchise, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” failed to “outgross” the original, according to critic Roger Ebert.

#30. Children of the Corn (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 58.3K
– Metascore: 45
– Run time: 92 minutes

Based on Stephen King’s short story, this supernatural horror centers on a religious cult of children who hunt down two adults trapped in their rural town. Though “Children of the Corn” has certainly become a horror classic, followed by multiple remakes and sequels, the film was not critically well received. Critic Roger Ebert lambasted the film, saying by the end of it, “the only thing moving behind the rows is the audience, fleeing to the exits.”

#29. Friday the 13th: Part 3 (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 61.9K
– Metascore: 30
– Run time: 95 minutes

In this third installment of the “Friday the 13th” franchise, Jason Voorhees is back and once again lurking around Crystal Lake with murderous intentions. Many critics commented on the movie’s frequent use of 3D filming techniques. Slant Magazine’s Jeremiah Kipp explained that “Part 3” was “shot in such a way to capitalize on the brief fad of Reagan-era 3D movies.”

#28. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 62.8K
– Metascore: 56
– Run time: 93 minutes

The fourth in 10 films of the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, this sequel has villain Freddy Krueger once again infiltrating dreams, including those of a woman who might just be able to defeat him. Critics remain split on this installment, with Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times citing it as the best in the series and Time Out deriding the movie’s “variable special effects.”

#27. Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– IMDb user votes: 25.6K
– Metascore: 66
– Run time: 100 minutes

Blending elements of science-fiction and romance with an unforgettable soundtrack, this film has become a campy classic. Geena Davis stars as a Southern California gal who takes in three colorful, furry aliens (played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans). Roger Ebert described the film as silly but admitted that he “had fun watching it.”

#26. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– IMDb user votes: 65K
– Metascore: 43
– Run time: 107 minutes

Directed by and starring William Shatner, the fifth film in the Star Trek franchise pits Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock against Spock’s estranged half-brother. The film was a box-office disappointment compared to its predecessors, and critics weren’t impressed, either. The New York Times’ Caryn James described Shatner’s directorial choices as a “misguided attempt to make this the biggest, grandest ‘Star Trek’ yet.”

#25. My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 28K
– Metascore: 47
– Run time: 105 minutes

This campy science-fiction comedy stars Kim Basinger as an alien sent to Earth to seduce a physicist (Dan Aykroyd) for his research. Critics generally panned the film, with Roger Ebert explaining that “the screenplay never seems to realize the comic potential of the situation.”

#24. Popeye (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 35.4K
– Metascore: 64
– Run time: 114 minutes

Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, the adaptation of the classic “Popeye” comics was a surprise critical bust at the time of its 1980 release. The film’s reception has warmed over time, though, and in 2014, Eric Spitznagel of Vanity Fair cited it as the best movie that Robin Williams ever made.

#23. Maximum Overdrive (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 36.9K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 98 minutes

A horror film about sentient homicidal machines, “Maximum Overdrive” is an adaptation of a 1978 Stephen King short story called “Trucks.” The film was a critical and box office flop, grossing just $7 million worldwide. King was nominated for Worst Director and Emilio Estevez for Worst Actor at the 1987 Razzie Awards.

#22. Masters of the Universe (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 45.3K
– Metascore: 35
– Run time: 106 minutes

Based on the Mattel-created character He-Man, this live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren depicts the warrior in an epic battle against his nemesis, Skeletor (Frank Langella). The film bombed at the box office and critics were not forgiving. “Masters of the Universe” still has its fans, though, and in 2012 Slant critic Glenn Heath Jr. gave the movie a more lighthearted review, encouraging viewers to “cherish” the film’s broader themes.

#21. Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 49.4K
– Metascore: 33
– Run time: 83 minutes

“Police Academy 3: Back in Training” did not redeem the critical failure of its two predecessors in the “Police Academy” franchise. In this installment, the crew of misfit police officers go back to school to teach a new group of recruits. The film drew crowds and big ticket sales, but critic Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times panned the film, writing, “The most you can say for ‘Police Academy 3: Back in Training’ is that it’s no worse than ‘Police Academy 2’—which was awful.”

#20. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 79K
– Metascore: 43
– Run time: 87 minutes

In this sequel, Freddy Krueger returns to haunting dreams, stalking the mind of a teenage boy he hopes to possess. Though the film received a positive review in The New York Times, the reception overall was largely mixed. “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2” has since reached cult-classic status and is remembered for its queer subtext.

#19. The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.3
– IMDb user votes: 70.6K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 112 minutes

In the third installment of the “Karate Kid” franchise, series villain John Kreese seeks revenge against Miyagi and Daniel with help from a Vietnam War veteran. Caryn James of The New York Times saw the film’s lack of character development and “sluggish script” as two of the movie’s biggest cinematic failures. The film was nominated for a grand total of five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture.

#18. Friday the 13th: The New Blood (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.2
– IMDb user votes: 43.4K
– Metascore: 13
– Run time: 88 minutes

Screenwriters Daryl Haney and Manuel Fidello took some creative liberties with the seventh movie in the “Friday the 13th” franchise. The movie centers on a telekinetic teenager, who accidentally brings Jason Voorhees back to the surface of Crystal Lake once again. The film received mostly negative reviews, with Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune pointing out the entire franchise’s misogynistic undertones.

#17. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.2
– IMDb user votes: 62.1K
– Metascore: 50
– Run time: 98 minutes

The only film in the “Halloween” franchise that doesn’t feature masked villain Michael Myers, “Halloween III” follows Dr. Daniel Challis as he uncovers a murderous plot that uses Halloween masks as weapons of destruction. The film received largely negative reviews, and Roger Ebert called it a “low-rent thriller.”

#16. The Fly II (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.1
– IMDb user votes: 25.1K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 105 minutes

The sequel to “The Fly” features only one of the actors from the original movie and tells the story of Brundlefly’s son, who seeks a cure for his fly-like mutated genes. The film was widely panned by critics; Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote that the sequel had “no comparable wit or depth” to its predecessor.

#15. Red Sonja (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.1
– IMDb user votes: 45.5K
– Metascore: 35
– Run time: 89 minutes

Based on the comic book series of the same name, this action film follows warrior Red Sonja in a quest for vengeance against those who murdered her family. The film received horrendous critical reviews upon release, including a humorous take from Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. The Razzies awarded actor Brigitte Nielsen the Worst New Star award for her portrayal of Red Sonja.

#14. Cyborg (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 35K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 86 minutes

In “Cyborg,” action star Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a martial artist hunting down a killer in a dystopian future. The film was a critical flop and currently stands at a measly 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, “Cyborg” generated two sequels—both of which fared equally poorly among viewers.

#13. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 46.4K
– Metascore: 26
– Run time: 88 minutes

The misfits of the “Police Academy” franchise are back in this fourth installment, now training civilian volunteers. Once again, the universally negative critical reviews did not deter moviegoers, and the sequel sold more than $28 million in tickets. Kevin Thomas’ Los Angeles Times review attempted to make sense of the phenomenon, saying, “What’s so amazing about the ‘Police Academy’ movies is that they keep being made even though they stopped being funny after the hilarious original.”

#12. A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 51.6K
– Metascore: 54
– Run time: 89 minutes

In the fifth installment of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, Freddy Krueger attempts to possess a fetus, hoping to be reborn into the world. Reviews were tepid at best, with Variety describing “The Dream Child” as “a poorly constructed special effects showcase.”

#11. Superman III (1983)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 75.8K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 125 minutes

Christopher Reeve co-stars with comedian Richard Pryor in the third film adaptation of the comic book series, which pits Superman against an evil computer genius. The film did well at the box office, grossing more than $80 million worldwide, but suffered in reviews. Pryor was nominated for the Worst Supporting Actor Razzie, while Giorgio Moroder was nominated for Worst Musical Score.

#10. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.9
– IMDb user votes: 47.9K
– Metascore: 28
– Run time: 96 minutes

The fifth film of the “Halloween” franchise sees Michael Myers return to kill his niece, who has been rendered mute. Upon the movie’s release, many critics expressed weariness at the series’ now-repetitive plot and tricks. In his New York Times review of the film, Stephen Holden wrote, “Each new installment of the ‘Halloween’ series is rather like taking another swing through the same all-too-familiar funhouse.”

#9. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 4.8
– IMDb user votes: 45.1K
– Metascore: 16
– Run time: 92 minutes

A traumatized Tommy Jarvis must face a new hockey-masked murderer in the fifth “Friday the 13th” movie—which, notably, does not feature Jason Voorhees. In the Chicago Tribune, Gene Siskel complained that the film had “little suspense.”

#8. Howard the Duck (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 4.7
– IMDb user votes: 51.7K
– Metascore: 28
– Run time: 110 minutes

Based on the exploits of a Marvel character, “Howard the Duck” follows the titular character, a humanoid alien duck, as he attempts to stop an invasion of planet Earth. The film has sustained a cult following, despite negative critical reviews and bombing at the box office. The film won four Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture; a few years later, “Howard the Duck” earned a nomination for Worst Picture of the Decade.

#7. Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 4.6
– IMDb user votes: 38.9K
– Metascore: 18
– Run time: 90 minutes

The first film in the franchise to not star Steve Guttenberg, the fifth “Police Academy” brings the misfits to a police convention in Miami Beach. By this point, critics had more than had enough of the series—Caryn James declared in The New York Times that “the formula is pretty long in the tooth by now.”

#6. Grease 2 (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 4.6
– IMDb user votes: 39.1K
– Metascore: 52
– Run time: 115 minutes

After “Grease” became a beloved musical classic, “Grease 2” was inevitable. Also a musical, “Grease 2” stars Michelle Pfeiffer and gender swaps the stereotypes portrayed in the first film. Though “Grease 2” did not earn the same box office numbers or critical success as its predecessor, the film has gone on to become a campy favorite. Some fans even claim that the sequel is better than the original.

#5. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.5
– IMDb user votes: 44.1K
– Metascore: 14
– Run time: 100 minutes

In the eighth “Friday the 13th” movie, Jason Voorhees is awakened and terrorizes a group of high school students on a boat heading toward Manhattan. Critics did not praise the film; the New York Daily News noted that “Jason Takes Manhattan” “grossly underutilizes its promising premise.”

#4. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.4
– IMDb user votes: 33.6K
– Metascore: 16
– Run time: 84 minutes

Original star Steve Guttenberg didn’t return to the “Police Academy” franchise for the sixth film, but that didn’t stop the rest of the central crew from returning to take on crime in the city streets. Chris Wellman wrote of the film in the Los Angeles Times, “To know these 84 minutes is to know an endless living death.” Today, “City Under Siege” has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.

#3. Jaws 3-D (1983)

– IMDb user rating: 3.7
– IMDb user votes: 49.3K
– Metascore: 27
– Run time: 99 minutes

Much like its predecessors, “Jaws 3-D” features a villain in the form of a giant, murderous shark—this time, trapped in the SeaWorld amusement park. The 3D film flopped financially in comparison to the two previous movies in the series and was nominated for five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.

#2. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 3.7
– IMDb user votes: 53.6K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 90 minutes

In “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” Christopher Reeve returns for the final time as the superhero, facing up against a new villain called Nuclear Man. The film was ultimately a failure with critics and audiences, for which Janet Maslin of The New York Times blamed the “chintzy” flying sequences and the “perfunctory” special effects. The film was nominated for two Razzie Awards: Worst Supporting Actress and Worst Visual Effects.

#1. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 3.0
– IMDb user votes: 50.5K
– Metascore: 15
– Run time: 89 minutes

The final film in the Jaws franchise sees a giant shark following Chief Brody’s family in search of revenge. With 2% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is regarded as a spectacularly bad sequel. Roger Ebert described “Jaws: The Revenge” as “not simply a bad movie, but also a stupid and incompetent one.” The film was nominated for seven Razzie Awards and won for Worst Visual Effects.

Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.

Gramercy Pictures // Getty Images

10 great cannabis films that aren’t dumb comedies

There’s a unique pleasure to enjoying silly stoner comedies like “Half Baked” while under the influence, but critics don’t traditionally regard these movies as cinematic classics. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to the rule.

To help you find some of these higher-brow cannabis films, Stacker surveyed the history of stoner movies, from “Dazed and Confused” to “The Beach Bum,” and picked 10 movies to spotlight due to their skillful filmmaking and unexpectedly thoughtful storytelling. IMDb user scores and Metascore, as of Dec. 10, 2025, provide context on popularity and critical reception.

Some of these movies, like “Koyaanisqatsi” and “Waking Life,” utilize unconventional filmmaking techniques to pose heady philosophical questions. Others, such as the cult-classic comedy “Friday,” combat negative stereotypes about Black Americans while simultaneously capturing the hilarious misadventures of kicking back with your best friend. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time no matter what state you find yourself in—there are plenty of stoner-friendly films worth a watch for high and sober moviegoers alike.

So sit back, relax, and read on to find out where your favorite artsy stoner movie ranks on this list of 10 of the best cannabis films that aren’t dumb comedies.

American Zoetrope

Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

– Director: Godfrey Reggio
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 72
– Runtime: 86 minutes

“Koyaanisqatsi” is the first installment in director Godfrey Reggio’s “The Qatsi Trilogy,” which encompasses three non-narrative films. Named for the Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” the movie uses slow-motion and time-lapse footage to demonstrate how humanity has grown apart from nature through technology and modern civilization. If you tend to get existentialist when you’re high, “Koyaanisqatsi” is the cannabis movie for you.

Alphaville Films

Dazed and Confused (1993)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 103 minutes

“Dazed and Confused” follows several teenagers on their last day of school in Austin, Texas, in 1976. From hooking up to confronting bullies to smoking a lot of weed, critics and audiences have praised the characters’ romp for their authentic portrayal of teen life. Richard Linklater’s classic also helped launch the careers of several movie stars, including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Parker Posey.

Priority Films (I)

Friday (1995)

– Director: F. Gary Gray
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 54
– Runtime: 91 minutes

The stoner comedy “Friday” follows best friends Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) as they deal with misadventures around their neighborhood while rushing to come up with the money Smokey owes their local drug dealer. Co-screenwriters Ice Cube and DJ Pooh have been open about writing the film to challenge harmful tropes about the “hood” through more optimistic, free-wheeling laughs.

The box office success of “Friday” sparked two sequels: 2000’s “Next Friday” and 2002’s “Friday After Next.”

Polygram Filmed Entertainment

The Big Lebowski (1998)

– Directors: Joel Coen
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 71
– Runtime: 117 minutes

When it comes to iconic stoner characters, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more high-profile than Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, the slacker at the center of the Coen brothers’ “The Big Lebowski.” The Dude’s laid-back existence quickly turns upside down after he’s mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and becomes entangled in a complex criminal scheme.

In recent years, the film has gained a loyal cult following, receiving praise for its eclectic dialogue, soundtrack, and well-realized, fantastical dream sequences.

Shark Productions

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

– Director: Terry Gilliam
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 41
– Runtime: 118 minutes

Gonzo journalism icon Hunter S. Thompson was heavily involved in this film adaptation of his seminal 1971 stoner novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” The film stars Johnny Depp as an eccentric journalist and Benicio del Toro as his attorney as they cross the Mojave Desert with drugs in tow. While they dodge legal action, the two become increasingly under the influence.

Although Thompson’s book was once considered unfilmable, director Terry Gilliam managed to straddle the line between its fantastical stoner sequences and the reality of the main characters’ situation in magnificent psychedelic fashion.

Dreamworks Pictures

Almost Famous (2000)

– Director: Cameron Crowe
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 122 minutes

Based on filmmaker Cameron Crowe’s real-life experiences writing for Rolling Stone as a teenager, “Almost Famous” follows young aspiring journalist William as he goes on the road with the fictional rock band Stillwater to write his first cover story. The movie is full of plenty of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but it also won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, proving its poignant power.

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Waking Life (2001)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 99 minutes

“Waking Life” is one of Linklater’s most surreal films to date, making it a unique watch for existentialists and those flying high alike. The animated movie centers on an unnamed man who wanders through a series of dreamlike, abstract realities, conversing with the people he meets about philosophy and humanity’s place in the universe. While watching, viewers are encouraged to consider the deeper questions behind “Waking Life’s” psychedelic visuals.

Thousand Words

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 100 minutes

Based on Philip K. Dick’s 1977 novel, “A Scanner Darkly” takes place in a future where large swaths of the United States population are addicted to a hallucinatory drug called Substance D while being subjected to dystopian, near-constant police surveillance. Keanu Reeves stars in the movie as an undercover cop who traverses the underworld of Substance D users and begins to lose his grip on reality.

Linklater and his team brought the story to life using rotoscope animation, an approach where animators trace live-action footage to create a hand-drawn style. The film offers an engaging animation experience while exploring the complexities of substance use and law enforcement oversight in contemporary society.

Warner Bros.

Inherent Vice (2014)

– Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
– IMDb user rating: 6.6
– Metascore: 81
– Runtime: 148 minutes

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Inherent Vice,” based on the 2009 novel by Thomas Pynchon of the same name, has the bones of a silly comedy but easily transcends the genre thanks to its intricate story, high-quality production, and veteran ensemble cast. Joaquin Phoenix plays stoner private detective Larry “Doc” Sportello. Doc’s ex hires him to track down her wealthy new paramour, whose wife is conspiring to commit him to a mental hospital. Doc also handles two more potentially related cases as the movie progresses.

Featuring long, hazy sequences that fade into each other, “Inherent Vice” captures the feeling of being high while managing to dovetail between Doc’s overlapping cases.

Grisbi Productions, Le

The Beach Bum (2019)

– Director: Harmony Korine
– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– Metascore: 55
– Runtime: 95 minutes

IndieWire’s Christian Zilko once remarked, “If you haven’t seen [‘The Beach Bum’] while stoned, it’s safe to say you haven’t seen it at all.” This A24 entry tells the story of stoner poet Moondog (Matthew McConaughey), who struggles to finish his next book following an unexpected loss. The movie’s ensemble cast includes actor Isla Fisher and iconic cannabis enthusiast Snoop Dogg.

Story editing by Carren Jao and Jaimie Etkin. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.