Harold Ramis was a multifaceted talent—a brilliant writer, director, and actor who left an enduring mark on comedy. His sharp wit, a knack for crafting relatable characters, and ability to blend the absurd with the heartfelt resulted in some of the most beloved and financially successful comedies of all time.
Key Takeaways
- Ramis’ most successful films are those where he was heavily involved as a writer and director, demonstrating his ability to shape the comedic vision and overall success of a project.
- His comedies often feature ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, creating a sense of humor that resonates with a wide audience.
- Ramis’ films frequently involve themes of personal growth and self-discovery beneath the laughter, adding depth to their lasting appeal.
Harold Ramis’ Top-Grossing Movies of All Time (Least to Greatest)
9. Caddyshack (1980)
Global Box Office: $60,800,000 (estimated)
Ramis directed and co-wrote this iconic sports comedy featuring an ensemble cast including Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Rodney Dangerfield. While not an immediate blockbuster, its quotability and enduring popularity make it one of the most beloved comedies of all time.
8. Year One (2009)
Global Box Office: $62,368,530
Ramis directed and co-wrote this prehistoric comedy starring Jack Black and Michael Cera. While it received negative reviews, the film still pulled in a modest return.
7. Stripes (1981)
Global Box Office: $85,297,000
Ramis co-wrote this classic military comedy starring Bill Murray. The film’s outlandish humor and Murray’s breakout performance cemented it as a comedy favorite.
6. Bedazzled (2000)
Global Box Office: $90,387,870
Ramis directed this remake of the classic comedy, with Brendan Fraser as a man granted wishes by a mischievous Elizabeth Hurley. The film found moderate box office success.
5. Analyze That (2002)
Global Box Office: $106,885,768
Ramis returned to direct this sequel to the popular “Analyze This,” reuniting Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. It performed solidly at the box office but didn’t reach the heights of the original.
4. Analyze This (1999)
Global Box Office: $176,866,868
Ramis’ sharp writing and direction helped create this hilarious mobster comedy starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. The film’s original concept and strong performances made it a hit with audiences.
3. Ghostbusters II (1989)
Global Box Office: $215,394,738
Ramis co-wrote, starred in, and acted as an uncredited co-director in this sequel to the smash-hit original. While not as critically beloved, the film still found an audience eager for more Ghostbusting action.
2. Ghostbusters (1984)
Global Box Office: $295,212,467 (includes re-releases)
Ramis co-wrote, starred in, and significantly influenced this supernatural comedy classic. With its blend of humor, action, and groundbreaking special effects, Ghostbusters became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing comedies ever.
1. Stuart Little (1999)
Global Box Office: $300,102,219
Ramis co-wrote this charming live-action/CGI adaptation of the beloved children’s book. The wholesome family comedy was a box office success and spawned sequels.
Featured image: Photo of Harold Ramis was taken by Justin Hoch. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/