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Frank Oz: From Worst to Best

A black and white photo of Frank Oz, with a mustache and glasses, standing between two of his Muppet characters: Fozzie Bear, who is wearing a hat, and Miss Piggy, who is smiling.

I've finished my Frank Oz filmography a while back and hadn't had the time to post here the rank and some thoughts about his work. Let's try to refresh my memory and give you some of my opinions... man.

Frank Oz is a true legend. At 81, he's not just a brilliant filmmaker but also a puppeteer and writer whose characters, from the Muppets to Sesame Street, have touched countless lives. His directing career is full of outstanding, entertaining movies; out of 14 films, there's really only one rotten apple in the bunch. I'm not sure if he's planning to make any more movies, but I'd love to see him try his hand at a serious drama, just to see him flex a different creative muscle.

I wouldn't like to be that famous, I value my privacy. Mind you, Miss Piggy enjoys every moment of it. If it were not for me, she would spend all her time in the limelight.
Frank OZ

This is his entire filmography as a movie director ranked from worst to best. I hope you enjoy, and if you passionately disagree, please yell at the comment box.


14. The Stepford Wives (2004) - 16/100

A candid, color photo of Frank Oz on the set of The Stepford Wives, wearing headphones and a white shirt. He is looking at and speaking with actress Nicole Kidman, who is smiling while wearing a pink headband and a pink striped shirt.

Starting off with the holder of the last position on this list is The Stepford Wives, with a dismal score of 16 out of 100. This film is, to put it mildly, an absolute cinematic faceplant. It's a baffling, lazy, and completely incoherent mess that can't even decide on its own central premise. The plot crumbles under the weight of its own confused writing, shifting from robots to brain implants without any rhyme or reason. With underdeveloped characters, an utterly unlikable tone, and a preachy message that insults its audience, this is a film that even the talents of Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler, and Glenn Close can't save. It's a frustrating and nonsensical waste of time that lands squarely at the bottom of the list.

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13. The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) - 42/100

A black and white photo of Frank Oz, kneeling and holding a piece of paper, speaking with Hal Scardino who is sitting cross-legged on the floor next to him. They are in a child's bedroom with toys and a bookcase in the background.

Sliding into 13th place is The Indian in the Cupboard, with a mediocre score of 42 out of 100. While the premise of a boy bringing his toys to life is full of potential, this film feels like a missed opportunity. The special effects are charming and hold up well, but the story lacks real tension and is bogged down by a bland, predictable plot. The child actors are unconvincing, and Litefoot's performance as the tiny Indian warrior is surprisingly flat. In the end, it's a forgettable film from a director known for much better work.

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12. Muppet Guys Talking (2017) - 58/100

A group photo featuring the puppeteers and their Muppet creations. Frank Oz is on the top right, with a mustache and glasses, standing behind Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. Other puppeteers and characters like Kermit the Frog and Gonzo are also visible.

Coming in at 12th place is Muppet Guys Talking, with a score of 58 out of 100. This documentary is a heartfelt and intimate look at the legends behind the Muppets, as they share stories about their craft and their deep love for creator Jim Henson. While it feels more like a casual, unpolished conversation than a traditional documentary, that's precisely its charm. It's a fascinating and often funny window into the incredible effort and talent required to be a puppeteer, offering a deep sense of camaraderie and nostalgia. For anyone who grew up with the Muppets or Sesame Street, this is an emotional and insightful watch that's a perfect farewell to the work of Frank Oz.

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11. In & Out (1997) - 62/100

A black and white photo of three men. Frank Oz, in the middle, is wearing glasses and a light-colored shirt and looking down at a stack of papers held by Paul Rudnick on the left. On the right, Scott Rudin is looking at Frank Oz.

At number eleven is the 90s charming comedy In & Out. Loosely inspired by a true event, the film follows a beloved teacher whose life is turned upside down when a former student outs him on live TV. The movie is a testament to the incredible talents of Kevin Kline and Joan Cusack, who both deliver outstanding, hilarious performances. While some of the humor and themes feel a bit dated today, the film's message of acceptance and loyalty remains heartwarming and relevant. With its clever dialogue and a standout comedic wedding sequence, In & Out is a delightful and memorable watch.

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10. The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) - 73/100

A full-color image showing a close-up of several Muppet characters. Miss Piggy is on the left, with Kermit the Frog in the center foreground, and Fozzie Bear on the right holding a newspaper with the word "VARIETY" visible. Other Muppets are visible in the background.

Coming in at number ten is The Muppets Take Manhattan, a truly charming and funny surprise. As Frank Oz's solo directorial debut, this film is a feel-good story about the Muppets chasing their Broadway dreams. Despite not being a huge fan of puppets, the film's well-crafted songs, inventive humor, and heartfelt charm won me over. The hilarious amnesia subplot and the nostalgic cameo by Sesame Street characters add to a film that is an easy and delightful watch for everyone.

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9. HouseSitter (1992) - 74/100

A black and white photo of Frank Oz on the set of HouseSitter in 1992, sitting next to a film camera. He is wearing a light-colored shirt and pants, glasses, and a mustache and is pointing toward the camera.

At number nine is the delightful romantic comedy - Housesitter. This film is a fantastic showcase for Goldie Hawn, who absolutely shines as a clever con artist who moves into an architect's dream home. Her chemistry with Steve Martin is electric, and the comedy builds brilliantly as their web of lies gets more and more complex. While some might find the plot a bit absurd, it's that very ridiculousness that makes the film so much fun. With its witty dialogue, charming 90s vibe, and a hilariously awkward climax, Housesitter is a feel-good classic that's a joy to watch from start to finish.

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8. Bowfinger (1999) - 77/100

A black and white photo of Frank Oz on the set of Bowfinger in 1999. He is in the center with his arms raised, smiling. To his left, cast member Kohl Sudduth has his hands on his head, and to his right, actress Christine Baranski is wearing sunglasses and smiling with her arms out. Other cast and crew are visible in the background.

At number eight is Bowfinger - a hilarious Hollywood satire where low-budget dreams meet A-list delusion. Steve Martin shines as the desperate director, but it's Eddie Murphy, playing both paranoid megastar and his sweet, clueless double, who completely won me over. The absurdity is pitch-perfect, especially that famous highway scene. With sharp writing, lovable weirdos, and a plot as outrageous as it is clever, Bowfinger delivers laugh after laugh and earns its place as a true 90s comedy classic.

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7. The Dark Crystal (1982) - 79/100

A wide-shot color photo of director Jim Henson (center), producer Gary Kurtz (left), and director Frank Oz (right) standing in a large, cave-like room on the set of The Dark Crystal. They are surrounded by puppet characters from the film.

Taking seventh place on my Frank Oz worst to best list is The Dark Crystal. Co-directed with Jim Henson, this cult fantasy epic is a jaw-dropping showcase of practical effects and puppetry. The craftsmanship behind the Skeksis and Mystics alone is worth the watch. While the story didn't fully pull me in, I was hooked on the eerie atmosphere, Taoist-inspired duality, and surreal world-building. It's not for little kids (trust me), but for lovers of handcrafted cinema, this one's pure magic. Just... don't feed your six-year-old Beetle Guards before bed.

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6. What About Bob? (1991) - 81/100

A black and white photo of Frank Oz and Bill Murray on the set of What About Bob? Frank Oz is on the right, putting his hand on the shoulder of a serious-looking Bill Murray, who is holding an open book.

Landing at number six is What About Bob? This is a textbook example of a comedy built on pure character tension. Bill Murray plays the clingy patient a little too well, while Richard Dreyfuss slowly loses every last shred of sanity. I wasn't sold at first, but once that dinner scene hit, I was all in. Dreyfuss absolutely steals the show with his meltdown energy, and the chaos builds to a perfectly unhinged climax. It's petty, it's painful, and it's hilarious. Sweet revenge never looked so ridiculous.

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5. Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - 82/100

A black and white photo of director Frank Oz speaking with actors Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene on the set of Little Shop of Horrors. Frank Oz is in the center, and all three are in costume and character.

In fifth place on my Frank Oz filmography, with a quirky 82 out of 100, is Little Shop of Horrors. Even if you're not into musicals, this one's different — a soulful, bloodthirsty alien plant brought to life with jaw-dropping animatronics and Levi Stubbs' killer voice. Steve Martin as a sadistic dentist? Bill Murray loving every second of it? Pure madness. It's creepy, hilarious, and toe-tapping all at once. The original ending might throw you off, but one thing's for sure: after watching, you'll never look at houseplants the same way again.

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4. Death at a Funeral (2007) - 83/100

A candid, color photo of director Frank Oz on the set of Death at a Funeral. He is wearing headphones and a white shirt, with his hands on actor Matthew Macfadyen's shoulders. They are surrounded by other cast and crew members in a room with large windows.

Taking the fourth spot is Death at a Funeral. This British black comedy is pure chaos in the best possible way, a funeral gone completely off the rails thanks to hallucinogens, family secrets, and one unforgettable blackmail twist. The cast is brilliant, but Alan Tudyk absolutely steals the show in every acid-fueled moment. It's sharp, absurd, and hilarious from start to finish, the kind of film that leaves you laughing and quoting lines like "I have these thoughts about pushing a pen up my bum!" long after the credits roll.

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3. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) - 86/100

A color photo of Frank Oz speaking with actors Michael Caine and Steve Martin on the set of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Frank Oz is on the left, holding a cigar. Michael Caine is in the center, dressed in a white suit, and Steve Martin is on the right, looking at Frank Oz.

Coming in at number three with a solid 86 out of 100, is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I watched this one while recovering from COVID, and honestly, it was the perfect pick-me-up. The chemistry between Michael Caine and Steve Martin is pure gold, filled with outrageous moments like the unforgettable "Ruprecht" scene and the iconic "They are dancing!" line. It's clever, classy, and full of surprises. A comedy classic that absolutely earns its spot here.

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2. The Score (2001) - 89/100

A candid, color photo of director Frank Oz on the set of The Score, speaking with actors Edward Norton and Robert De Niro. Frank Oz is on the left, wearing a hat, glasses, and headphones. Edward Norton is in the center, and Robert De Niro is on the right, wearing sunglasses.

Slamming into the number two spot is The Score, a masterfully executed heist film with a phenomenal score of 89 out of 100. This cinematic gem proves that Frank Oz could handle more than just comedy. With an all-star cast of Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, and Marlon Brando, the film is a masterclass in suspense and character tension. The plot builds with a patient, gripping pace, culminating in a series of shocking twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Norton's dual performance as both a clumsy janitor and a cunning thief is a standout, and the film's gritty Montreal setting and slick jazz soundtrack add to its undeniable cool factor. The Score is a tension-filled ride that proves even a predictable genre can feel fresh and thrilling in the right hands.

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1. In & Of Itself (2020) - 100/100

A photo of Derek DelGaudio in a dark cardigan and checkered shirt, with Frank Oz standing behind him. Both are looking toward the camera. A mirror reflects their images on either side.

Holding the top spot with a perfect 100/100 is In & Of Itself. This isn't just a documentary film; it's a profound, mesmerizing theatrical experience masterfully captured by Frank Oz. The show, written and performed by the brilliant Derek DelGaudio, is a mind-bending blend of magic, storytelling, and deep introspection. It challenges you to confront your own identity and humanity, leaving you with a powerful mix of wonder, emotion, and self-reflection. To call it a "must-watch" is an understatement. It's an unforgettable journey that will stick with you long after it's over. This cinematic gem is a true testament to the unique power of performance and storytelling.

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