Sloppy, anti-authoritarian and mischievous – both on screen and off – Bill Murray is the unlikeliest of movie stars. Yet in the fifth decade of his career, the actor is still an audience favorite. Here's a look back at his work.
Saturday Night Live (1977)
Like many big names, Murray got his start on NBC's long-running sketch show. He was the first "new" member of the cast, replacing Chevy Chase in the show's third season and staying for four years.
Meatballs (1979)
Murray's breakout role was as a summer camp counselor who inspires a lonely camper (Chris Makepeace). This PG-rated comedy was one of several collaborations between Murray, director Ivan Reitman and writer Harold Ramis.
Caddyshack (1980)
Gopher-hating greensman Carl Spackler is still one of Murray's best-known characters, even though the part is fairly small. His brother, actor Brian Doyle-Murray, cowrote the script with director Ramis and the late Douglas Kenney.
Stripes (1981)
This irreverent Army comedy, written and directed by the same guys behind 'Meatballs,' was Murray's first mega-hit as a leading man. And that's a fact, Jack.
Ghostbusters (1984)
"We're ready to believe you!" The unbeatable Murray-Ramis-Reitman combo peaked with this summer blockbuster, co-written by Murray's costar (and 'SNL' buddy) Dan Aykroyd.
The Razor's Edge (1984)
The actor took a lot of flak for his dramatic turn as an enlightenment-seeking wanderer in this adaptation of Somerset Maugham's novel. (Murray even co-wrote the script.) Nevertheless, it proved that he was more than just a funny man.
Scrooged (1988)
Apart from a cameo in 1986's 'Little Shop of Horrors,' Murray took a break from movies after the 'Razor's Edge' debacle. He returned in this safe but successful comic update of Charles Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol.'
Quick Change (1990)
This wacky caper about bank robbers unable to get out of Manhattan marked the first and thus far only time we've seen the credit "Directed by Bill Murray." (Howard Franklin co-directed.) The star also produced the comedy.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Murray's final film with writer/director Harold Ramis is also believed by many to be his best film, period. As a self-centered news reporter doomed to relive the same day over and over, the actor is both hilarious and deeply human.
Mad Dog and Glory (1993)
1993's other Bill Murray movie cast the star against type as a cold-hearted mob boss who "loans" Uma Thurman to Robert De Niro (also cast against type as a meek police photographer).
Rushmore (1998)
After two disappointing studio vehicles (1996's 'Larger Than Life' and 1997's 'The Man Who Knew Too Little'), this stylish independent hit connected Murray with a new long-term collaborator, writer/director Wes Anderson.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Despite his newfound relevance as one of the Wes Anderson players, Murray made a few more iffy movies before Sofia Coppola chose him to star in her bittersweet Tokyo dramedy, which earned the actor his first Oscar nomination.
Broken Flowers (2005)
Murray must have decided that he dug the whole indie film thing. After 'Lost in Translation' and Anderson's 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou' (2004), the graying star played a laconic lothario in this typically droll Jim Jarmusch outing.
Zombieland (2009)
We've been focusing on his starring roles, but Bill Murray has also stolen several movies with his cameo appearances. We can't think of a better example than this action comedy, where he turns up as a zombified version of himself.
Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)
Murray took a chance with another unexpected character role, this time as Franklin D. Roosevelt. (At left is his 'Rushmore' co-star Olivia Williams as Eleanor, with Laura Linney as FDR's mistress.) Critics weren't kind, but his performance is worth a look.
Buy 1 ticket to Dream Eater, get 1 ticket free (equal or lesser price, up to $15 total ticket price and fees) with code DREAMEATER.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log into your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 6:00am PT on 10/17/25 and 11:59pm PT on 11/10/25, purchase one or more tickets to see Dream Eater, and use the Fandango Promotional Code DREAMEATER (“Code”) to get up to $15 off an additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $15 total ticket price and associated fees and charges). Code must be entered at checkout. Code expires, and can no longer be used, on 11/10/25, or when Dream Eater is no longer in theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have a Fandango account, and be logged into your account, to use the Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. One-time use only. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. If cost of the ticket (and associated fees and charges) obtained through the Code is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Limit 1 Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get the Premium Pick Pack and receive a Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere movie ticket and an exclusive Guitar Pick Pack! Plus, 10 randomly selected packs signed by Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young and Director Scott Cooper.
*Premium Pick Pack is non-refundable. While supplies last. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The guitar picks will begin shipping in the month of October. Please use a physical address where the item can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/premium-pick-pack.
Buy a ticket to Black Phone 2 for a chance to win a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort to experience Halloween Horror Nights in '26
NO PURCHASE OR APP NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older, however, that Prize winner must be 21+ or accompanied by a guest that is 21+. Void where prohibited. Ends November 10, 2025, visit https://www.fandangomovietickets.com/hhn2026sweepstakes. Sponsor: Fandango Media, LLC, 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Buy a ticket to see Predator: Badlands in IMAX to be entered for a chance to win a trip for 2 to New Zealand and enjoy a Wētā FX experience!
NO PURCHASE OR APP NECESSARY. Purchase does not increase chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older; provided, however, that either winner or winner’s guest must be 21 years of age or older to win the prize. Void where prohibited. Ends December 1, 2025, for Official Rules / Odds / Free Entry visit https://www.fandangomovietickets.com/behindthescenessweepstakes. Sponsor: Fandango Media, LLC, 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Upgrade to 3D and get $5 off a ticket with code OZIN3D
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Purchase one or more RealD 3D tickets to see ‘Wicked: For Good’ on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and enter the promotional code OZIN3D (“Code”) to get up to $5 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11/30/25, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when 'Wicked: For Good' is no longer available in RealD 3D theaters, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie ticket and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s remaining discount will not be refunded. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit 1 Code per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Take one last trip to Oz with the For Good Collector’s Pack, featuring a Movie Ticket and a Limited-Edition Costume Sketch Poster by Paul Tazewell.exclusive sketch of Academy Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell’s original costume design!
*For Good Collector’s Pack is non-refundable. While supplies last. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Poster Print will begin shipping in the month of November. Please use a physical address where the item can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/for-good-collectors-pack . Universal Pictures Marketing and its affiliates are not sponsors of this bundle.