When Steve Martin first burst onto the scene in the late 1970s with a banjo, a crazy hat, and a scream that turned stand-up into performance art, no one could’ve predicted he’d become one of Hollywood’s most enduring comic voices. Now, as of November 24, 2025, major entertainment outlets like Den of Geek, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes have published retrospective rankings of his filmography — not because Martin announced a personal top eight, but because his work demands it. His career, stretching from the absurd chaos of The Jerk to the quiet heartbreak of L.A. Story, isn’t just funny. It’s foundational.
The Unlikely King of Comedy
Steve Martin didn’t come from a film family. He came from a place where comedy was a rebellion — a banjo-wielding, arrow-through-the-head, "exhibit A" kind of rebellion. His 1979 debut, The Jerk, wasn’t just a movie. It was a cultural reset. IMDb users have voted it number one on their list of his films, with a 7.1/10 rating from nearly 70,000 voters. Even Stanley Kubrick, the famously exacting director of 2001, reportedly called it "a masterpiece of idiocy." The film’s genius lies in its sincerity: Navin Johnson, played by Martin, is a fool who believes he’s brilliant — and somehow, we believe him too.More Than Just Gags: The Emotional Core
Here’s the twist: Martin’s best films aren’t the ones with the most punchlines. They’re the ones where he lets the humor crack open something real. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), ranked second by IMDb, isn’t just about a man stuck with a loud, slobbery travel companion. It’s about loneliness, grief, and the quiet way we reach for connection. The film’s emotional weight hit harder after John Candy’s death in 1994 — a fact Art of the Movies noted in its August 2025 analysis. "It gained extra poignancy," they wrote. "You watch it now and you don’t just laugh. You miss him."Even in darker roles, Martin’s humanity shines. In Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), he plays a con artist who outsmarts himself — and the audience — with charm. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 68 Metascore, calling it "a symphony of deception." But here’s what’s rarely said: Martin’s character isn’t the villain. He’s the one learning to feel again.
The Rise, the Fall, and the Comeback
By 2003, Martin was Hollywood’s box office king. Two films — Bringing Down the House and Cheaper by the Dozen — each pulled over $130 million in U.S. theaters alone. He was fourth on the all-time star list. But then? Silence. The studio system wanted more of the same: slapstick, family-friendly chaos. Martin didn’t want that. He took a step back.He didn’t vanish. He evolved. In 2015, he lent his voice to Captain Smek in DreamWorks’ Home, a role that let him be both ridiculous and strangely tender. His performance, opposite Rihanna and Jim Parsons, reminded audiences he never lost his spark — he just stopped chasing it.
His last Certified Fresh starring film? Bowfinger (1999). Rotten Tomatoes calls it his "last great comedy," a meta-film about a desperate filmmaker (Martin) who tricks a movie star (Eddie Murphy) into starring in a low-budget movie without his knowledge. It’s not just funny. It’s a love letter to the madness of making movies. And it still holds up.
What the Rankings Miss
The lists all miss something: Martin’s quiet, devastating work outside comedy. Roxanne (1987), his modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, is a film of astonishing grace. He plays a man with a big nose who loves a woman he thinks he can’t have. It’s tender. It’s poetic. And it’s rarely mentioned in "funniest" lists — but it should be.Same with A Simple Twist of Fate (1994). A gentle, melancholy drama about identity and redemption, it’s the film Martin wanted to make after years of laughing. Critics shrugged. Audiences didn’t show up. But it’s the one he still talks about in interviews.
And then there’s Leap of Faith (1992). Den of Geek ranks it seventh, calling it "a film I’ve always had a soft spot for." Martin plays a fraudulent faith healer who meets a skeptical sheriff (Liam Neeson) in a dying town. It’s not a comedy. It’s a character study. And it’s one of his most underrated performances.
What’s Next?
Martin, now 79, isn’t done. He’s still touring with Martin Short — their live shows sell out in minutes. Rumors swirl about a possible Father of the Bride sequel, though Martin has said little. He’s also been quietly writing a memoir, and there’s talk of a documentary about his stand-up roots.What’s clear? His legacy isn’t in box office numbers. It’s in the way he made us laugh — and then, without warning, made us feel. He didn’t just star in comedies. He redefined what comedy could be: silly, smart, sad, and strangely sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'The Jerk' still considered Steve Martin's best film?
'The Jerk' remains iconic because it captured Martin’s unique brand of innocent absurdity at its purest. With a 7.1/10 rating from nearly 70,000 IMDb users and a Metascore of 61, it’s not just popular — it’s influential. The film’s surreal gags, like Navin’s "special purpose" and the infamous "shinola" scene, became cultural touchstones. Even critics who dismissed it as silly acknowledged its originality — and Stanley Kubrick reportedly called it a masterpiece.
Which of Steve Martin’s films are considered underrated by critics?
Films like 'Roxanne' (1987), 'A Simple Twist of Fate' (1994), and 'Leap of Faith' (1992) are frequently overlooked in "funniest" lists but praised for their emotional depth. 'Roxanne' is a romantic comedy with Shakespearean roots, while 'A Simple Twist of Fate' explores identity and redemption with quiet power. Critics note these films show Martin’s range beyond slapstick — and that he’s at his most compelling when he’s not trying to be funny.
Did Steve Martin ever win an Oscar?
No, Steve Martin has never received an Academy Award nomination for acting — a fact that still surprises many, given his impact. However, he was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2013 for his contributions to comedy and cinema. He’s also won five Grammys, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, and has been nominated for eight Golden Globes and two Tony Awards. The Guardian once called him 'one of the best actors never to have received an Oscar nomination.'
What makes 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' so enduring?
'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' endures because it balances physical comedy with genuine emotion. Martin’s Neal Page and John Candy’s Del Griffith are opposites who become inseparable — and their journey mirrors the loneliness of modern life. The film’s final scene, where Neal finally reaches home and breaks down, is one of the most moving moments in 1980s cinema. Its popularity has only grown since John Candy’s death, making it a tribute as much as a comedy.
Is 'Bowfinger' really Steve Martin’s last great comedy?
Yes — according to Rotten Tomatoes, 'Bowfinger' (1999) is Martin’s last starring film to earn a Certified Fresh rating. It’s a brilliant satire of Hollywood ego, with Martin as a delusional filmmaker and Eddie Murphy as the unaware star. The film’s meta-humor and sharp writing haven’t aged a day. Since then, Martin has appeared in supporting roles and animated films, but nothing has matched its creative daring or critical acclaim.
What’s Steve Martin doing now?
At 79, Steve Martin remains active, touring with longtime collaborator Martin Short in sold-out live comedy shows. He’s also working on a memoir and has hinted at future film projects. Though he’s stepped back from mainstream comedies, his voice work in 'Home' (2015) and occasional appearances suggest he’s not done creating. Fans still hope for a reunion with John Candy’s legacy — and perhaps, a third 'Father of the Bride' film.
