The first VHS tape was released worldwide in 1976. Prior to that, people had to wait for their favorite movies in the theater to debut on television before watching them again. The Magnetic Video Corporation was founded by Andre Blay and became the first company to offer films on home video. In 1985, the Blockbuster franchise created a revolutionary lane for movie rentals. The rise of DVD’s and streaming services caused a rapid decline in VHS sales.
During the VHS era, comedy was in its golden age. A lot of popular Hollywood comedians like Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and Eddie Murphy started their journey with major movie roles. Comedy was one of the most profitable genres of VHS sales before the turn of the 21st century. There are many movies that unfortunately get lost in the greatest comedies’ conversation. Can you think of an old film you’ve watched on VHS that never received the recognition it deserved?
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 What About Bob
Buena Vista Pictures
What About Bob was released on VHS by Touchstone Disney. This classic comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray. The story revolves around Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) as he follows and torments his therapist on family vacation. Bob’s phobias and unique sense of humor made his character extremely lovable. Although both actors delivered outstanding performances, they didn’t get along during the making of the film. What About Bob only took home 2 awards in 1992 despite it being hilarious and entertaining. The movie has positive reviews from fans and is ranked number 43 on Bravo’s “100 Funniest Movies” list.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
5 Toothless
Disney Telefilms
Walt Disney Video released this fantasy/comedy on VHS in May 1998. Kirstie Alley plays a dentist who isn’t allowed into heaven until she performs a good deed on Earth. She is assigned to be the “Tooth Fairy” of a young boy named Bobby Jameson played by Ross Malinger. The film was funny, witty, and heartwarming. It featured amazing visual effects that created an exciting experience for younger audiences. Even though IMDB gave this film a 5.8/10.0 score, it has a five-star rating among reviewers. Toothless appeared on ABC in 1997 as part of The Wonderful World of Disney. It never made it in theaters but had all the makings of a box office hit.
4 Just One of the Guys
Columbia Pictures
Who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy? Just One of the Guys was directed by Lisa Gottlieb and released in 1985. Columbia Pictures distributed the film on VHS. It is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Terry Griffin (Joyce Hyser) goes undercover as a boy at her rival high school in an attempt to win an important internship. According to Gottlieb, Just One of the Guys made a surprising impact on young gay and transgender women. Despite the film’s influence, it only received award nominations following its debut. Just One of the Guys celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2020 with a new 2k Blu-ray release.
3 Flubber
Walt Disney Pictures
Flubber premiered on VHS in 1998. The film is a remake of the 1961 classic comedy The Absent Minded Professor. Les Mayfield directed the movie along with others like Blue Streak, Encino Man, and American Outlaws. Robin Williams plays Professor Philip Brainard who accidentally invents the flying green flubber. He becomes obsessed with using the new invention to try to save his University and marriage. The movie is entertaining, funny, and visually impressive. Flubber performed well at the box office despite being poorly rated. The film grossed $178 million in ticket sales and is one of Robin Williams’ most memorable roles. Fans are still mourning his death 8 years later.
2 Kingpin
MPCA
Kingpin stars Woody Harrelson, Bill Murray, Randy Quaid, and Vanessa Angel. This hilarious 90s comedy was based on the true story of Max Butler, a rich criminal hacker. The movie was directed by Peter and Bob Farrelly. Woody Harrelson plays a young bowler who gets his career cut short after being tricked by Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray.) The film was released on VHS in 1998 and later on Blu-ray in 2014. Fans consider Kingpin to be an underrated classic comedy with funny moments and relatable life lessons. Kingpin is widely considered to be the Farrelly brothers’ most underrated films .
1 Bowfinger
Universal Pictures
Eddie Murphy is a huge fan of Steve Martin and was excited to work with him in Bowfinger. Both actors delivered iconic performances that made this film a comedy favorite. Frank Oz directed the movie that was distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment on VHS in 2000. Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) is an aspiring filmmaker who decides to secretly shoot the hilarious Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy.) Coming to America director Craig Brewer feels Eddie Murphy doesn’t get enough credit for his comedic talents. Bowfinger is considered to be one of his funniest and underrated roles. The film received a massive amount of positive reviews from critics and grossed $98.6 million at the box office.
