Bill Murray is an icon of both comedy and offbeat drama. Over his decades-long career, he’s cultivated a reputation for deadpan deliveries, lovable curmudgeons, and a touch of melancholy beneath the humor. His ability to shift effortlessly between blockbuster hits and quirky indies has resulted in an impressive box-office track record.
Key Takeaways
- Murray’s comedic roles in the ’80s and ’90s propelled him into box-office stardom, with films like “Ghostbusters” having a lasting cultural impact.
- His ability to provide voice work for popular animated features demonstrates his continued popularity and versatility as a performer.
- While Murray is often associated with comedies, his dramatic roles highlight his acting depth and ability to contribute to critically acclaimed films.
Bill Murray’s Top-Grossing Movies of All Time
8. Groundhog Day (1993)
Global Box Office: $70,906,973
Considered one of his best performances, Bill Murray stars as a cynical weatherman trapped in a time loop. The film’s critical praise and lasting cultural impact outweigh its comparatively modest box office.
7. Stripes (1981)
Global Box Office: $85,297,000
Murray’s early starring role as a slacker who joins the army set the stage for his lovable loser persona and propelled him toward leading-man status.
6. Zombieland (2009)
Global Box Office: $102,390,040
Murray’s hilarious cameo as himself is one of the most memorable moments in this zombie apocalypse comedy. The film’s success spawned a sequel and cemented its cult-classic status.
5. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Global Box Office: $197,381,061
Murray reprised his iconic role as Dr. Peter Venkman in this long-awaited sequel. While not the franchise’s biggest hit, it tapped into nostalgia and performed solidly at the box office.
4. Garfield: The Movie (2004)
Global Box Office: $200,810,786
Murray portrayed the famously lazy cat Garfield in this live-action/CGI adaptation of the popular comic strip. Despite mixed reviews, the film still proved to be a commercial hit.
3. Ghostbusters II (1989)
Global Box Office: $215,394,738
While not as critically beloved as the original, the sequel brought back the original Ghostbusters crew and still found major box-office success.
2. Ghostbusters (1984)
Global Box Office: $295,212,467 (includes re-releases)
Murray’s breakout role as the sarcastic and irreverent Dr. Peter Venkman cemented his place in comedy history. “Ghostbusters” became a pop-culture phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time.
1. The Jungle Book (2016)
Global Box Office: $966,550,600
Murray lent his unmistakable voice to Baloo, the bear, in this live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney classic. The film’s stunning visuals and star-studded cast contributed to its enormous success.
Featured image features a modified version of a Bill Murray photo with the background removed. Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons