Will Ferrell is known for his comedic roles in films ranging from the outrageous Old School to the reflective Stranger Than Fiction. He possesses an everlasting talent that often goes unrecognized. While many actors don’t boast as diverse a filmography as Ferrell, his movie career started humbly. He began as a Saturday Night Live alum, costarring in movies that were essentially extended SNL skits. Will Ferrell has shared the screen with Academy Award winners like Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, and Emma Thompson.
Creating a list of Best Will Ferrell movies in order of popularity was challenging due to the diversity of his filmography. Stay tuned for some exciting insights into Farrell’s unforgettable film. Read on to find the one for your next movie night.
10 Highest Rated Will Ferrell Movies
The best movies from Will Ferrell’s career are listed next, along with amazing plots, trailers, and ratings.
1. Stranger Than Fiction 2006
| Genre | Comedy/Fantasy |
| Director | Marc Forster |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, William Dick, Guy Massey, Martha Espinoza |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
It revolves around Harold Crick, played by Will Ferrell, an IRS auditor. He discovers his life is a story written by a novelist played by Emma Thompson. Harold must find the author before a tragic ending is predicted. Will Ferrell is mainly known for playing comedic roles, but this one showcases his versatility in a more dramatic and introspective role. The film blurs the line between fiction and reality. Ferrell’s performance beautifully portrays Harold’s journey of self-discovery and the impact of literature on one’s life.
2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 2004
| Genre | Comedy/Drama |
| Director | Adam McKay |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David KoechnerChamp Kind |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 |
This 2004 film is a comedy set in the 1970s. It follows Will Ferrell playing Ron Burgundy, the egotistical and clueless news anchor in San Diego. When Veronica Corningstone joins the news team, Ron’s male-dominated world is shaken. Will Ferrell’s role as Ron Burgundy highlights his absurd humor and over-the-top personality. The film lets you witness the news industry’s sexism and competitiveness. It is full of laughs because of Ferrell’s comedic portrayal of an anchor who struggles to adapt to changing times. The movie is a hilarious take on the challenges of a handsome but outdated newsman.
3. Elf 2003
| Genre | Comedy/Fantasy |
| Director | Jon Favreau |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 |
Elf follows Buddy, portrayed by Will Ferrell. He is a human raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy realizes he’s not an elf, he travels to New York City to find his biological father who happens to be on Santa’s naughty list. Will Ferrell’s role as Buddy showcases his childlike innocence and humor. Buddy spreads holiday cheer, experiences city life, and tries to bring his father back to the true meaning of Christmas. Elf is a comedic and must-watch Christmas movie for all ages.
4. Step Brothers 2008
| Genre | Comedy/Drama |
| Director | Adam McKay |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9 |
Step Brothers follows Brennan Huff and Dale Doback, two middle-aged men still living with their single parents. When their parents marry, Brennan and Dale become stepbrothers and begin a hilarious rivalry. Will Ferrell’s role as Brennan brings out the best of his signature absurd humor. He portrays a man-child with quirks and immature antics. The film shows the challenges of blending families and growing up. Watch the movie to see how Brennan and Dale’s relationship evolves from rivalry to an unexpected friendship.
5. The Other Guys 2010
| Genre | Comedy/Action |
| Director | Adam McKay |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, Derek Jeter, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6 |
It centers on detectives Allen Gamble and Terry Hoitz, overshadowed by superstar cops Danson and Highsmith. Gamble is a forensic accountant, and Hoitz is an angst-ridden cop. They unexpectedly become heroes as they uncover a plot to swindle the NYPD pension fund. Will Ferrell’s role as Gamble portrays a cautious and quirky character. The film combines action and humor. It emphasizes Ferrell’s chemistry with co-star Mark Wahlberg. Ferrell’s performance adds humor to this buddy cop comedy where the unlikely duo steps up to save the day.
6. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby 2006
| Genre | Comedy/Sport |
| Director | Adam McKay |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6 |
This film follows NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby played by Will Ferrell. His life takes a downturn when a French rival Jean Girard outperforms him. Ricky loses his job and his wife and ends up delivering pizzas. Will Ferrell plays the overconfident and competitive Ricky Bobby with remarkable skills. His performance brings humor to this satirical take on NASCAR racing.
Also read: Watch Rolling Along: An American Story On HBO Max Outside US
7. The LEGO Movie 2014
| Genre | Comedy/Adventure |
| Director | Chris Miller, Phil Lord |
| Cast | Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Berry, Alison Brie, David Burrows, Anthony Daniels, Charlie Day, Will Ferrell |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7 |
The LEGO Movie shows an ordinary LEGO construction worker named Emmet. He discovers he might be the Special, destined to save the LEGO universe from an evil plot by Lord Business. Lord Business plans to freeze the world using the Kragle short for Krazy Glue. He is the tyrannical ruler in the LEGO world, voiced by Will Ferrell. In the human world, Lord Business is a father who unintentionally hampers his son’s creativity. Ferrell’s role blows life into this animated series and adds humor to it.
8. Old School 2003
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Director | Todd Phillips |
| Cast | Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Jeremy Piven, Ellen Pompeo, Juliette Lewis |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0 |
Old School features three friends, Mitch, Beanie, and Frank. They decide to relive their college days by starting a fraternity. Will Ferrell plays Frank, known as Frank the Tank, who is a middle-aged man who embraces the fraternity lifestyle with wild and hilarious antics. Frank has a carefree attitude and outrageous behavior and loves streaking and partying. The friends face challenges as they try to balance their adult responsibilities with the crazy fraternity life. Will Ferrell’s performance as Frank adds a comedic element to this classic movie.
9. Zoolander 2001
| Genre | Comedy, Thriller |
| Director | Ben Stiller |
| Cast | Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Jerry Stiller, David Duchovny, Jon Voight |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5 |
A dim witted male model Derek Zoolander becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The evil fashion mogul Mugatu, played by Will Ferrell, manipulated the fashion industry. He brainwashes Zoolander into carrying out the assassination. Mugatu plans to use the event to maintain cheap labor for his clothing line. Will Ferrell’s role as Mugatu is quite hilarious portraying a villainous fashion designer with outrageous outfits and a quirky personality. Ferrell’s comedic performance mocks the fashion world’s absurdities.
10. Blades of Glory 2007
| Genre | Comedy, Sport |
| Director | Josh Gordon, Will Speck |
| Cast | Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer, William Fichtner |
| IMDb Rating | 6.3 |
Will Ferrell plays Chazz Michael Michaels, a figure skater with a remarkable grip on ice. He sets himself apart as the sport’s rebellious, lousy boy. After a brawl with his rival, Jimmy MacElroy, they both face a ban from figure skating. The unlikely duo decides to join forces, becoming the world’s first all-male pairs figure skating team and making a noteworthy comeback. The duo gives a jaw-dropping final act. The movie hits its comedic stride when showcasing the balletic show on the ice with a hint of men embracing a more feminine side.
Wrapping Up
Throughout his career, Will Ferrell has earned numerous award nominations. He had three Primetime Emmy Awards nominations and won for Succession 2020. He received two Golden Globe Award nominations for his roles in The Producers 2005 and Stranger than Fiction 2006. Additionally, Ferrell was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for You’re Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush 2009. A lot of actors play comedic roles but a very few can do it like Ferrell. We hope you liked our list of Best Will Ferrell movies in order of ratings. You may also like:
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