5 Universally Adored Bill Murray Movies With Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Scores

There are not so many actors who can deliver comedy, depth and drama all at the same time, leaving a lasting impression after every movie they make. But Bill Murray is definitely one of them. The movies he has made from the late 80s until today go straight to the hearts of the people and usually end up being highly acclaimed by the critics.

Even if the movie does not get commercial success or isn’t overly praised by the audience, Murray's performance always ends up being a standout. Here are five movies with his presence that ended up with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores and that are probably everyone's favorite movies with the actor. Enjoy!

1. Groundhog Day (1993)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Groundhog Day has 94% from critics, 88% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Groundhog Day has 8.0/10.

Groundhog Day is arguably Bill Murray's most iconic movie, and its incredible 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects its enduring appeal. Directed by Harold Ramis, it revolves around the life of Murray’s Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.

The movie starts out as a comedy about an idiot, but transforms into a profound exploration of personal growth, redemption, and, of course, love. For many people out there, Groundhog Day is the best comfort movie they can imagine.

2. Lost in Translation ( 2003)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Lost in Translation has 95% from critics, 85% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Lost in Translation has 7.7/10.

In Sofia Coppola's iconic Lost in Translation, Bill Murray takes on a much more dramatic role. As Bob Harris, an aging actor who unexpectedly forms an unlikely bond with a much younger woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, in Tokyo, Murray delivers a deeply moving performance that will stay with you forever.

The movie explores themes of loneliness, connection and the complexity of human relationships. The chemistry between Murray and Johanson is breathtaking, and it's brilliant that even after the credits roll, the nature of their relationship remains unclear. Lost in Translation has given cinema so many memorable scenes, with the Japanese karaoke scene being an absolute gem.

3. Ghostbusters ( 1984)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Ghostbusters has 95% from critics, 88% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Ghostbusters has 7.8/10.

This old gem is also one of Bill Murray's most beloved movies, and there are many reasons for that. His performance as Dr. Peter Venkman was a defining moment in his career, and he anchored the movie's supernatural chaos with effortless charm.

The actor’s comic timing elevates every scene, making the absurd feel grounded and believable. This role cemented Murray as a household name and proved he could carry a blockbuster.

“Bill Murray excelled and built his career on playing a specific character type: the "loveable loser." You see it in many of his films, going back to movies like "Stripes" and "Caddyshack." He's hardly the only actor to embrace that type (Adam Sandler is another. So is Charlie Chaplin), but he's one that has been recently very successful at it,” Redditor AuntieEvilops said.

4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Moonrise Kingdom has 93% from critics, 86% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Moonrise Kingdom has 7.8/10.

In Moonrise Kingdom, Bill Murray takes on a quieter, more melancholic role that once again shows his range beyond comedy. As an emotionally distant father, he balances sadness and dry humor, giving the film one of its most humane performances.

This time, Murray becomes part of Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted world, and his understated performance provides a perfect counterbalance to the quirky story.

“It's the most charming movie I've ever seen, it makes me really happy even on repeat watching. Amazing cast, beautiful cinematography, the characters are all realistic feeling weirdos, it's filled with great scenes that never drag, the story centers around the kids mostly but is about the whole town, and the love story isn't hammed up, it feels genuine,” Redditor Somber_Solace said.

5. On the Rocks (2020)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, On the Rocks has 87% from critics, 50% from viewers.
• On IMDb, On the Rocks has 6.4/10.

Reuniting with Sofia Coppola, Murray plays an aging playboy father in this film. And once again, he embraces the "lovable loser" trope, playing a character who is equal parts frustrating and endearing. His dynamic with Rashida Jones also feels real, making the father-daughter bond the heart of the movie.