10 Movies and Shows Like The Nutty Professor (1996)

Description: This film shares with 'The Nutty Professor' a focus on scientific experimentation gone awry, leading to comedic and fantastical situations. Both movies feature eccentric inventors whose creations have unintended consequences, blending family-friendly humor with imaginative special effects. The tone is similarly lighthearted and geared towards broad audience appeal.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico City due to its lower production costs. The giant ant in the film was a puppet operated by multiple puppeteers. It was the first live-action film produced by Disney's Touchstone Pictures division.

Description: Like 'The Nutty Professor', 'Mrs. Doubtfire' features a protagonist who adopts a disguise that transforms their appearance and personality, leading to comedic situations and personal growth. Both films explore themes of identity and family, with Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy delivering performances that highlight their versatility as actors. The tone balances humor with heartfelt moments.

Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines, especially during the dinner scene. The makeup process for Mrs. Doubtfire took over four hours each day. The film was inspired by the novel 'Madame Doubtfire' by Anne Fine.

Description: Similar to 'The Nutty Professor' in its use of transformation as a central theme, where a shy and unassuming character undergoes a dramatic physical and personality change. Both films blend comedy with elements of fantasy and rely heavily on the lead actor's ability to portray dual personas. The visual effects and over-the-top humor are also key similarities.

Fact: Jim Carrey's performance in 'The Mask' was heavily inspired by cartoon characters, particularly Tex Avery's animated works. The film was originally intended to be a horror movie, staying truer to the darker tone of the original comic book. Cameron Diaz made her film debut in 'The Mask'.

Description: Like 'The Nutty Professor', 'Happy Gilmore' features a protagonist whose unconventional behavior and appearance lead to comedic situations, with Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore channeling the same energy as Eddie Murphy's Sherman Klump. Both films blend physical comedy with underdog stories, and both feature lead actors known for their distinctive comedic styles.

Fact: Adam Sandler improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'The price is wrong, Bob!' scene. The film's success helped popularize golf among younger audiences. Bob Barker's cameo was one of the film's most memorable moments.

Description: A remake of 'The Absent-Minded Professor', 'Flubber' shares with 'The Nutty Professor' the theme of a bumbling scientist creating a revolutionary but chaotic invention. Both films combine slapstick comedy with scientific fantasy, featuring Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy respectively in roles that showcase their physical comedy skills. The films also share a similar family-friendly appeal.

Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's spontaneous energy. The Flubber effects were created using a combination of CGI and practical effects. The film includes several homages to the original 1961 version.

Description: This film shares with 'The Nutty Professor' a focus on an underdog protagonist who overcomes ridicule to achieve success, with Adam Sandler's Bobby Boucher mirroring Eddie Murphy's Sherman Klump in his journey from meekness to confidence. Both films blend slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, and both feature lead actors known for their distinctive comedic styles.

Fact: Adam Sandler based Bobby Boucher's voice on a combination of his own childhood friends. The film was originally intended to be a drama about a waterboy who becomes a football star. It was one of the highest-grossing films of

Description: This film shares with 'The Nutty Professor' the theme of disguise and transformation, where the protagonist adopts a completely different identity for personal or professional reasons. Both movies explore the comedic potential of their lead actors playing against type, with Martin Lawrence, like Eddie Murphy, undergoing extensive makeup to portray an elderly woman. The humor stems from the contrast between the character's true self and their alter ego.

Fact: Martin Lawrence performed many of his own stunts in the film, despite the heavy prosthetics. The character of Big Momma was inspired by Lawrence's own grandmother. The film spawned two sequels, making it a successful franchise.

Description: Like 'The Nutty Professor', 'Shallow Hal' deals with themes of self-perception and transformation, albeit in a more metaphorical sense. Both films use their fantastical premises to explore deeper messages about inner beauty and self-acceptance. The Farrelly brothers' signature blend of crude humor and heartfelt moments mirrors the tone of 'The Nutty Professor'.

Fact: Gwyneth Paltrow wore a fat suit that weighed nearly 40 pounds for her role. The film's premise was inspired by a real-life experience of co-writer Peter Farrelly. Jack Black improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's spontaneous feel.

Description: This film shares with 'The Nutty Professor' a focus on physical comedy and exaggerated characterizations, with Steve Martin channeling the same energy as Eddie Murphy in his portrayal of Inspector Clouseau. Both films feature protagonists whose incompetence is a source of humor, and both rely on the lead actor's comedic timing and physicality to drive the laughs.

Fact: Steve Martin wrote the screenplay for the film. The role of Inspector Clouseau was originally played by Peter Sellers in the 1960s films. The film's success led to a sequel, 'The Pink Panther 2'.

Description: Like 'The Nutty Professor', 'Norbit' features Eddie Murphy in multiple roles, showcasing his talent for character acting and makeup-heavy performances. Both films use exaggerated characters and situations for comedic effect, with Murphy playing against type in roles that highlight his versatility. The humor is broad and often relies on physical comedy and outrageous scenarios.

Fact: Eddie Murphy played three different characters in the film. The makeup for Rasputia took over three hours to apply. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup.