Here is a comprehensive list of every film directed by Adam McKay ranked from worst to best. The filmmaker has been releasing full-length features for nearly 20 years, achieving massive success with his very first film. His projects vary greatly in time and format, ranging from biographical to the outright ridiculous.
McKay first found success as a writer for “Wake Up And Smile” sketch which would inspire several of his later projects. McKay would be promoted to head writer a year later in 1996 and would remain in the role until 2001. Although he never appeared as a cast member, McKay got his start in directing with a handful of short films for the show, including the original SNL Digital Shorts.
After his time on SNL, McKay teamed up with fellow alum Will Ferrell to form Gary Sanchez Productions to write a series of comedic films. The two would also launch the -submitted comedy site Funny or Die together in 2007. Although McKay has co-written a great many of Ferrell’s popular movies and shows, he has only directed eight feature films, each with varying degrees of commercial and critical success.
8. Anchorman 2: The The Legend Continues(2013)
Elf 2 for fears of being subpar, his willingness to make Anchorman 2 is surprising. It has little of significance to offer to the franchise beyond simply the continuation of it, and frankly, the legacy of the original film would have been better served had the sequel not been made.
7. The Other Guys (2010)
The Other Guys’ inclusion of Michael Keaton and other impressive cameos are among its only redeeming qualities.
6. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
In yet another team-up between McKay and Ferrell, NASCAR driver to copy Talladega Nights’ ending during an actual race.
5. Vice (2018)
Vice is a semi-satirical biography focused on the 43rd Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney. The film follows Cheney from shortly after his stint at Yale through his time in the Bush istration and beyond. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Cheney is impressive, with the actor putting on a substantial amount of weight and donning impressive prosthetics for the role. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning one for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Despite its accolades, Vice was not exceptionally well-received, boasting largely mediocre reviews from critics and audiences.
4. Step Brothers (2008)
Capitalizing on the popularity of the partnership of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, Step Brothers updates Ferrell and Reilly’s partnership by featuring them in their rawest form, with most of the comedy stemming directly from their unusual relationship. The childlike bond the two eventually form is ridiculous and wholesome in a way that is perfectly suited to the two actors, and the ing cast is packed with comedic talent. The film retains a tremendous following to this day and is among the more iconic in both McKay and Ferrell’s careers.
3. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Ferrell and Steve Carrell team up for the first time alongside Paul Rudd and David Koechner as of the Channel 4 news team. Ferrell is in top form as the film’s lead, delivering one of the most standout performances of his career. The cast of comedic actors that comprise Ron Burgundy’s news team is incredible, with each bringing a distinct character with a unique brand of humor. Anchorman is filled with iconic moments and is still one of the most oft-quoted films of all time.
2. Don’t Look Up (2021)
cast of Don’t Look Up offers memorable performances, and the film’s relevant and significant message makes it arguably the most impactful in McKay’s catalog.
1. The Big Short (2015)
