The Muppets may have made their debut on television, but there is no question that their movies bring just as much joy and delight to fans, as well as introducing new viewers and generations to their antics. From well-known literary adaptations to adventures across the globe, the Muppets have been on a number of silver screen adventures, each one filled with comedy and memorable musical numbers.
But like any series of movies, some are considered better than others, and this is often reflected in review and ranking sites such as IMDb. Some of the Muppets’ movies are considered iconic classics among fans and non-Muppet fans alike, whereas others seem to have fallen a little flat even among the most hardcore of Muppet fans.
10 The Muppets Wizard Of Oz (5.3)
The lowest ranking of the Muppets’ movies is the television movie The Muppets Wizard of Oz, a modern update of the classic story. In this version, Dorothy is played by singer Ashanti, and classic Muppet characters take on the roles of well-known Oz characters.
It is understandable that The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz not only is the lowest ranking Muppet movie but has a mediocre IMDb ranking in general. Despite the notable human co-stars (including Queen Latifah as Auntie Em and an odd cameo from Quentin Tarantino) and some clever twists on classic Oz motifs, some of the jokes don’t land and it lacks the charm of the Muppets’ previous literary adaptations.
9 Muppets From Space (6.3)
Muppets from Space may be on the lower-ranking end of the Muppet movies due to its lack of songs and is not quite as charming as its other movies. Regardless, it still has some brilliantly funny moments and is worth a watch on a rainy day.
The movie focuses on one of the most iconic Muppets, Gonzo, as he discovers he is not a “whatever” but in fact, an extraterrestrial alien. Whilst it’s sweet to learn more about him, it felt a bit out of character to see Gonzo, who normally embraces his weirdness, be “sick of being a one-of-a-kind freak.” This movie, however, did kick-start the popularity of Pepe the King Prawn, who was a new Muppet at the time.
8 It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (6.4)
The only other television movie out of the Muppets’ movies is It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. Following the footsteps of the classic Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, Kermit is shown by angel David Arquette what life would be like if he wasn’t born.
Like The Muppets Wizard of Oz, this festive Muppet movie features some notable human co-stars, including Whoopi Goldberg as the angel’s manager and Joan Cusack hamming it up as the stereotypical evil businesswoman. Whilst the movie has its moments, it doesn’t quite hold a candle to the Muppets’ other Christmas movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol.
7 Muppets Most Wanted (6.4)
The sequel of the 2011 movie, Muppets Most Wanted is a global-trotting caper like no other. Packed with guest stars, songs, and Muppet madness, Muppets Most Wanted feels like a return to the classic Muppet movies of the early days.
One of the most notable things about Muppets Most Wanted is the new character Constantine, who is essentially Kermit’s body double aside from a birthmark on his face. Constantine is a brilliant villain and a great addition to the Muppet cast. In fact, he is responsible for one of the best Muppet movie quotes. It’s just surprising that Jim Henson himself didn’t create a Kermit doppelganger sooner.
6 The Muppets Take Manhattan (6.9)
The Muppets’ third silver screen adventure is The Muppets Take Manhattan. Set in something of an alternate timeline, the Muppets have just left college and are looking to produce their show in New York City. Of course, the characters each face trials and tribulations, most notably extreme jealousy from Miss Piggy when Kermit befriends Jenny, a human waitress and aspiring seamstress.
Whilst not quite as funny as its predecessors, The Muppets Take Manhattan has its charming moments and some memorable songs. Perhaps the most famous moment of the movie is the musical dream sequence where the beloved characters are babies. This went on to become the now-beloved Muppet Babies franchise.
5 Muppet Treasure Island (7.0)
Muppet Treasure Island is the Muppets’ second cinematic adaptation of a book. An adored movie by many, especially those growing up in the 1990s, this Muppet movie is unquestionably the best movie version of Treasure Island for many, even those who aren’t big fans of the Muppets.
Muppet Treasure Island is packed full of fantastic songs, swashbuckling adventure, and hilarious Muppet madness. What’s more, the human co-stars are just as delightful to watch as the Muppets themselves. Tim Curry’s performance of the charming Long John Silver, in particular, is an utter delight to watch.
4 The Muppets (7.1)
The Muppets were introduced to a new generation when they released a movie, simply titled The Muppets, in 2011. What’s more, they introduced a new character called Walter as he strives to reunite the Muppets after hearing plans of a villainous oil baron’s plans to destroy the old Muppet Theatre.
The movie has some lovely songs, including the Academy Award-winning “Man or Muppet,” and its final scenes are a wonderful trip of nostalgia for fans of the original Muppet Show. And true to Muppet form, the movie contains a number of guest stars, including Jason Segel and Amy Adams in the main roles.
3 The Great Muppet Caper (7.2)
The Muppets’ second venture into the movies is a typical whodunnit caper given the classic Muppet treatment. The Great Muppet Caper sees Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo as budding reporters traveling to London to investigate a robbery of wealthy fashion designer Lady Holliday (played by the late and great Diana Rigg in one of her best movie roles on IMDb.)
There are some brilliant jokes throughout the movie, such as the ludicrous idea that Kermit and Fozzie are identical twins and moments of breaking the fourth wall. Even Diana Rigg breaks the fourth wall by providing Miss Piggy her backstory, calling it “plot exposition.” And of course, there are some great show tunes throughout.
2 The Muppet Movie (7.6)
It’s not surprising that the first-ever Muppet movie, and the movie that showed how they first met, is considered one of their best. In The Muppet Movie, Kermit leaves his humble swamp to pursue a career in entertainment. Along the way, he gradually meets the Muppets that fans know and love, whilst desperately trying to escape the evil Doc Hopper, who wants Kermit as his spokesperson for his frog legs business.
The Muppet Movie contains everything that makes the Muppets so beloved, which is zany comedy, celebrity cameos, and memorable songs. In regards to the latter, the movie’s opening song, “Rainbow Connection,” is considered one of the most iconic songs in popular culture today.
1 The Muppet Christmas Carol (7.7)
Unsurprisingly, the highest-ranking Muppet movie on IMDb is the holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol. Like Muppet Treasure Island, this beloved Christmas movie is one of the best versions of the original Dickens tale for many viewers, Muppet fans or not.
The movie is full of unforgettable songs, heart, and humor and never fails to be watched during every festive season. But what perhaps help make this Muppet movie stand out above all others is Michael Caine’s fantastic portrayal of Scrooge. Caine is a standout performance whilst also working wonderfully alongside his Muppet peers throughout.
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