Born on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, Jim Carrey rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the most prominent comedic actors of his generation. He gained recognition for his exceptional comedic talent, unique physicality, and ability to transform into a wide range of characters with ease.
Throughout his career, Jim Carrey's acting work has earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood's top box office draws. His ability to bring humor, heart, and depth to his characters has endeared him to audiences worldwide. Apart from acting, Carrey is also a talented writer, artist, and social commentator, using his platforms to express his views on various issues. With his various ventures, Carrey has built up a net worth of $180 million. Let's have a look at the Jim Carrey movies that helped him build this fortune, according to The Numbers.
20 Jim Carrey - The Cable Guy - $102 Million - Lead Role
In The Cable Guy, Jim Carrey takes on the role of Chip Douglas, a socially awkward cable TV installer. When Steven Kovacs, played by Matthew Broderick, moves into a new apartment, he calls in the cable guy to set up his TV service. Chip, however, takes an unhealthy interest in Steven's life, and what starts as a simple installation quickly escalates into a dark and obsessive friendship.
As the Cable Guy, Carrey's performance is a deviation from his usual comedic roles, delving into a darker and more disturbing character. Carrey's portrayal of Chip Douglas is simultaneously funny, creepy, and unsettling. He brings a unique blend of comedic timing and intense unpredictability to the character, making it a standout performance in his career.
19 Jim Carrey - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective - $107 Million - Lead Role
Jim Carrey's performance as Ace Ventura is the peak of physical comedy and absurdity. He immerses himself fully into the character, showcasing his exceptional talent for rubber-faced expressions, wild mannerisms, and over-the-top antics. As Ace, Carrey brings an infectious energy that captivates the audience, making them both laugh and marvel at his brilliance.
Throughout the film, Ace's unorthodox methods and hilarious antics lead him on a wild goose chase, encountering a colorful array of suspects and bizarre situations. His interactions with both animals and humans are a constant source of laughter, and his unique way of deducing clues and solving the case is as endearing as it is uproarious
18 Jim Carrey - Me, Myself & Irene - $149 Million - Lead Role
In Me, Myself & Irene, Jim Carrey portrays Charlie Baileygates, a mild-mannered and repressed Rhode Island state trooper who has spent years suppressing his anger and emotions. Due to his constant repression, Charlie develops a split personality named Hank, a brash and reckless alter ego who emerges whenever Charlie's patience is pushed to the limit.
As Charlie and Hank's lives intertwine, the film takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of laughter and absurdity. Carrey's effortless ability to portray both the sensitive and volatile aspects of the protagonist adds depth to the movie, making it much more than just a slapstick comedy.
17 Jim Carrey - Dumb & Dumber To - $156 Million - Lead Role
In Dumb and Dumber To, Jim Carrey reprises his role as Lloyd Christmas, and once again teams up with his equally clueless best friend Harry Dunne, played by Jeff Daniels. The sequel takes place two decades after the events of the original film, and the two lovable yet dimwitted pals embark on another hilarious and absurd adventure.
Carrey's performance as Lloyd Christmas remains as endearing and comically inept as ever. He effortlessly slips back into the character's peculiar mannerisms, quirky expressions, and iconic bowl haircut, recapturing the essence of the beloved goofball that fans adored from the first film. Carrey's chemistry with Jeff Daniels, combined with their impeccable comedic timing, creates a dynamic duo that thrives on the magic of absurdity and camaraderie.
16 Jim Carrey - Mr. Popper's Penguins - $189 Million - Lead Role
Jim Carrey stars as Thomas Popper in Mr. Popper's Penguins, a successful yet disconnected businessman who inherits six mischievous penguins from his late adventurous father. Carrey's portrayal of Thomas Popper is a delightful blend of his signature physical comedy and heartfelt charm.
As the uptight and work-focused businessman, Carrey conveys the character's transformation with sincerity and humor. He effortlessly captures the journey of a man learning to embrace the joys of life, family, and the wonders of these peculiar penguins.
15 Jim Carrey - Fun With Dick And Jane - $203 Million - Lead Role
In Fun with Dick and Jane, Jim Carrey plays Dick Harper, a hardworking and dedicated executive who loses his job due to corporate corruption and greed. With his wife, Jane Harper, portrayed by Téa Leoni, the couple is forced to navigate the harsh reality of unemployment and mounting financial struggles.
Throughout the film, Carrey showcases his talent for situational comedy and charm, bringing an endearing quality to Dick Harper. He effectively captures the character's transformation from a straight-laced executive to an unconventional and resourceful lawbreaker.
14 Jim Carrey - Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls - $212 Million - Lead Role
Jim Carrey returns as the eccentric pet detective, Ace Ventura. This time, Ace has retreated to a life of seclusion and meditation after the failure of a previous rescue mission. However, he is called back into action when he's recruited to find a sacred white bat, which is the symbol of peace for a Wachati tribe in Africa.
Carrey's portrayal of Ace Ventura in this sequel continues to exude the same energy, humor, and absurdity that made the character so beloved in the first film. As he embarks on the wild adventure to locate the missing bat, Carrey showcases his signature physical comedy, clever one-liners, and impressive mimicry of various animals. His immersion into the role adds a unique charm to the movie, making it a laugh-out-loud experience from start to finish.
13 Jim Carrey - Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events - $212 Million - Lead Role
Based on the popular book series, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the misadventures of the Baudelaire siblings - Violet, Klaus, and Sunny - who face one tragedy after another. After losing their parents in a mysterious fire, the three orphans are sent to live with their sinister distant relative, Count Olaf, portrayed by Jim Carrey.
Jim Carrey's portrayal of Count Olaf is both delightful and diabolical. He masterfully captures the character's eccentricities, flamboyance, and cunningness, making Count Olaf a captivating and formidable adversary for the Baudelaire children. Carrey's transformation into various disguises showcases his versatility as an actor, from a bumbling assistant to a ruthless sea captain, each performance drawing genuine laughs and suspense from the audience.
12 Jim Carrey - Yes Man - $225 Million - Lead Role
In Yes Man, Jim Carrey takes on the role of Carl Allen, a pessimistic and introverted bank loan officer who lives a monotonous and risk-averse life. After attending a self-help seminar led by a motivational guru, played by Terence Stamp, Carl decides to embrace a new philosophy - saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way.
As Carl begins to say "yes" to everything, Carrey adeptly portrays the character's transformation from a closed-off and cautious individual to an adventurous risk-taker. His physical humor and dynamic facial expressions add an infectious energy to the film, making Carl's journey of self-discovery both hilarious and heartwarming.
11 Jim Carrey - Dumb & Dumber - $246 Million - Lead Role
In Dumb and Dumber, Jim Carrey stars as Lloyd Christmas, a kind-hearted yet incredibly dim-witted limo driver. When he meets Harry Dunne, played by Jeff Daniels, the two instantly become best friends, embarking on a cross-country journey to return a briefcase left behind by a beautiful woman named Mary Swanson, played by Lauren Holly.
Carrey's energetic performance infuses the film with an infectious sense of humor, making the duo's escapades unforgettable. His ability to elevate even the simplest of jokes with his delivery adds depth to the film's humor, making it a timeless classic in the realm of slapstick comedy.
