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Ranking The Muppet Movies

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1963
Ranking The Muppet Movies
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I love the Muppets. Some say this may be an unhealthy obsession, but the first step is completely ignoring it.

Jim Henson created lovable characters that still are popular today. Since the first Muppet movie in 1979, there has been a total of eight feature films. With so many movies there would sure be some better than the others. I'm going to take a look at these films and rate them, worst (but can any Muppet movie be bad?) to best.

It's important to note that we are just taking a look at the feature films, not the dozens of television specials they have made over the past few decades. I will also be organizing based on soundtrack and overall Muppetness.

8. "Muppets from Space" (1999)


"Muppets from Space," in my opinion, is just a bad movie. This movie focuses on the origins of The Great Gonzo because he is a whatever. The plot of this movie is very weak compared to its traditional films. This is the one film to truly feel like a spinoff movie that should not be in the Muppet movie lineup and feels like a direct-to-DVD movie.

Additionally, this is the only Muppet feature film to not feature original music. One of the great things about Muppet movies is the music. Singing, dancing, and big show tunes are no strangers to The Muppets. The soundtrack for this film opts for a selection of classic soul and funk track, to much disappointment.

7. "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984)

"The Muppets Take Manhattan" offers some of the best songs The Muppets have given us, but the movie goes against the reason why we love watching The Muppets. We love watching all The Muppets interact with each other and the world around them. This time around, Kermit, Piggy, and Rizzo split up from the rest of the group very early in the film. Everyone goes on their own way from each other. Why would we want that?

Although the movie is full of New York images and is the birth of The Muppet Babies in a fantasy sequence, it is not enough to put this movie higher on the list.

6. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992)

This is one of my favorites Christmas specials, right behind "A Muppet Family Christmas Special." There is not much to say about this film, other than " A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic and a Christmas tradition. This film introduces new songs to the Muppetverse (coining the phrase right now) that fits perfectly into the mold of "A Christmas Carol."

Although I do enjoy this film, there are times that, due to the source material, the movie can feel a bit odd. The Muppets should always be fun but "A Chrismas Carol" isn't the most light-hearted tale. This can be very uncomfortable watching the happy-go-lucky Muppets act this out.

5. "Muppets Most Wanted" (2014)


Coming off of the success of "The Muppets," "Muppets Most Wanted" attempts to keep The Muppet hype train chugging along. Keeping the same director, this should have been a hit. Audiences weren't very pleased.

Unfortunately, "Muppets Most Wanted" suffers from the same issues that "The Muppets Take Manhattan" had. The plot is very similar and there are times where the film focuses too heavily on the human stars. Both films feature a con artist screwing over The Muppets, and both films separate Kermit from the rest of the group. The Muppets formula works best when they are all together but suffer when they are separated. The idea that nobody could recognize that Constantine replaced Kermit other than Animal seems to not match up with the rest of The Muppet canon. They've been with Kermit, for what? More than 60 years? My only worry is that film killed the modern Muppet hype.

With this being said, I do enjoy the songs and cameos in this film. The soundtrack is very strong and has the big show tunes that we have learned to expect from The Muppets. Tina Fey's and Ricky Gervais' performance are fantastic with their Muppet counterparts.

4. "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996)

"Muppets Treasure Island" is similar to "The Muppet Christmas Carol" while maintaining a much more lighthearted story. Based on Robert Stevenson's "Treasure Island," most key roles are played by live-action actors. The Muppets provide energy and crazy antics throughout. There are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the whole film. If you have not seen this classic, please do yourself a favor and watch it.

Plus, The Muppets and pirates seem like a no-brainer. You can't go wrong.

3. "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981)

"The Great Muppet Caper" is one of the most meta Muppet films from the start. The movie opens with Kermit, Gonzo, and Fozzie in a hot air balloon discussing the opening credits. The running gag is that they know that they are actors in the movie and this exemplifies exactly what The Muppets are about. Big flashy musical numbers and self-aware humor.

This movie also has a running gag about Kermit and Fozzie being twins. The only difference is the hat. Hilarious, I know.

2. "The Muppets" (2011)

This was the reboot of The Muppet franchise for a whole new generation to fall in love with the crazy characters. There was a lot resting on this film, most notably the future of The Muppets. Jason Segal co-wrote the film as well as starred as one of the main characters alongside Amy Adams and a plethora of recognizable cameos. This new film also introduced a new character and Muppet super-fan, Walter, who is a human muppet and the most adorable thing on the planet.

"The Muppets" exemplified a deep respect and love for The Muppets while revolving around a plot that seemed too real - getting The Muppets back together again. The movie is very emotional for those who grew up with these characters.The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal as well, some of The Muppets' best work.

Oh, also. "Man or Muppet" won an Oscar at the 2011 Academy Awards.

1. "The Muppet Movie" (1979)

I would have hoped you assumed I would have put this as the best Muppet Movie. I had a hard time picking between this and "The Muppets" from 2011, but the original is always the best!

This film has so much heart while still having plenty of jokes. "The Muppet Movie" is truly a perfect blend of humor, heart, and Muppet charm. It is a beautiful masterpiece that truly develops The Muppets into full-fledged actors, not just puppets.

Of course, "Rainbow Connection" has stood the test of time so one could say that this soundtrack might be the best.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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