One of the most wholesome things in recent movie news is the return of Brendan Fraser. The beloved actor was set to make a massive comeback in the recently canceled Batgirl movie, but it looks like his return will be in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky drama The Whale. The film recently screened at the Venice Film Festival, leading to a tearful Frasier receiving a six-minute standing ovation. With Fraser making headlines, fans look back at some of his best films. We are here to help with ten of Brendan Fraser’s best movies.
10. Blast From the Past (1999)
In the 1960s, an eccentric inventor locks his family in a fallout shelter. 35 years later, his son Adam, played by Brendan Fraser, ventures into the world to restock on supplies. This plot may make Blast From the Past sound like a typical fish out of water story, but Fraser’s whimsical and naive nature makes the film stand out. He meets a young woman played by Alicia Silverstone, who helps him adjust to the world of the ’90s. Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek round out the cast, making it a fun time for any fan of Fraser’s work.
9. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
In the early to mid-2000s, the 3D gimmick returned with films such as Spy Kids 3D, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, and of course, Journey to the Center of the Earth starring Fraser. Brendan stars as scientist Trevor Anderson, who sets off with his nephew to discover what happened to his missing brother. The film is one of the best movies to come out of the 3D boom of the time, and it is easy to see why. The movie has good effects that still hold up decently today, and the cast all work off of each other fantastically. The film even received a sequel with Dwayne Johnson in the lead role, making this series the second franchise featuring Fraser and Johnson.
8. Bedazzled (2000)
Bedazzled stars Brendan Fraser as Elliot Richards, a man who can’t get a leg up in life. He meets a woman who ends up being The Devil. The sultry Satan grants Elliot seven wishes in exchange for his soul. Of course, things don’t go as planned, as each wish comes with a catch. This leads to a series of mishaps as Elliot attempts to back out of his deal. The real joy of this film is that Brendan can portray several goofy versions of his character. The film is funny and underrated. Elizabeth Hurley plays The Devil and plays off of Frasier perfectly. Seeing her play a goofball in various unfortunate predicaments is what makes Bedazzled worth a watch.
7. Airheads (1994)
Airheads is one of the most classic comedies to come from the ’90s. Three friends, played by Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, and Brendan Fraser, form a rock band. They are desperate to have their single played on the air, but their local radio station declines to play it. The trio decides to force the station to play it, so they hold the employees hostage until they relent. This screwball comedy is one of the best of the genre, and Fraser is just the tip of this comedic iceberg.
6. Encino Man (1992)
The film that was key in making Brendan a star was 1992’s Encino Man. The film stars Sean Astin and Pauly Shore as two high school outcasts discovering a frozen caveman. The caveman, Link, is played by Fraser in one of his most iconic roles. Encino Man is one of those movies that can be put on to relax and shut your brain off for a while. The comedy can be juvenile at times, but it is still a worthy addition to the long list of great Fraser comedies.
5. Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)
Space Jam introduced an entire generation to the classic Looney Tunes characters. The film mixed the cartoon characters with live-action actors, as did the follow-up Looney Tunes: Back in Action. The movie stars Brendan Fraser as a security guard roped into the antics of Bugs and Daffy. The film is great for fans of Looney Tunes as the comedy is just as great as the classic shorts. Brendan acts off of the toons spectacularly and manages to stand out against actors such as Steve Martin and Timothy Dalton.
4. George of the Jungle (1997)
For an entire generation of fans, their introduction to Brendan was Disney’s live-action adaptation of George of the Jungle. Fraser stars as the titular George, a sort of parody of Tarzan. George lives in the jungle and was raised by apes, meaning he has little idea of how to act “normal.” He is forced to learn when a woman brings him into civilization. To many, this is one of Fraser’s signature movies and also one of his best movies.
3. The Quiet American (2002)
While many Brendan Fraser fans may think of comedy or action when thinking of the actor, he has also proven capable of turning in a solid dramatic performance. Case in point, The Quiet American. The film stars Michael Caine as an English journalist in Vietnam. He falls in love with a local woman but cannot offer her the life he deserves. He soon meets a young doctor (played by Fraser) who wants to woe the same woman. The growing conflict in Vietnam is the backdrop for this romantic drama fans of Fraser should seek out should they get the chance.
2. Extraordinary Measures (2010)
Once again showing off his dramatic acting chops, Fraser stars alongside Harrison Ford in Extraordinary Measures. The film follows a couple who has two children, both with a rare disorder. They seek out a brilliant but thorny researcher played by Ford. The film shows just what a father will do for the safety of his children. The film’s main message is hope, and every performer is on top of their game. Some of Brendan Fraser’s best movies truly shine here and are even able to steal the show from Ford on more than one occasion.
1. The Mummy (1999)
It is rare when a remake outshines the original, but this was the case with The Mummy. A loose remake of the classic 1932 Universal Monster movie, The Mummy, sees a research team unknowingly unleash an ancient evil on the world. The film leans away from horror elements for a more action/adventure tone akin to Indiana Jones. The film launched a franchise with two direct sequels and several spin-offs. To call this one of Fraser’s best movies is an understatement. This is the film that people associate with Brendan, and it is clear why.
