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?
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6What About Bob
What About Bobwas 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 Bobonly 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.
5Toothless
Walt Disney Video released this fantasy/comedy on VHS in May 1998.Kirstie Alleyplays 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.Toothlessappeared on ABC in 1997 as part ofThe Wonderful World of Disney.It never made it in theaters but had all the makings of a box office hit.
4Just One of the Guys
Who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy?Just One of the Guyswas directed by Lisa Gottlieb and released in 1985. Columbia Pictures distributed the film on VHS. It is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’sTwelfth 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 Guysmade 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 Guyscelebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2020 with a new2k Blu-ray release.
Flubberpremiered on VHS in 1998. The film is a remake of the 1961 classic comedyThe Absent MindedProfessor.Les Mayfield directed the movie along with others likeBlue Streak, Encino Man,andAmerican Outlaws. Robin Williams plays Professor Philip Brainard who accidentally invents the flying green flubber. He becomes obsessed with using the new invention to attempt to save his University and marriage. The movie is entertaining, funny, and visually impressive.Flubberperformed 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 death8 years later.
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Kingpinstars 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 directedby 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 considerKingpinto be an underrated classic comedy with funny moments and relatable life lessons.Kingpinis widely considered to be the Farrelly brothers’most underrated films.
1Bowfinger
Eddie Murphy is a huge fan of Steve Martin and was excited to work with him inBowfinger. 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 Americadirector Craig Brewer feels Eddie Murphy doesn’t get enough creditfor his comedic talents.Bowfingeris 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.
