Tim Allen’s 10 Best Movies & TV Shows: A Must-Watch List for Every Fan!

Home Improvement 0

The best Tim Allen movies and TV shows highlight his undeniable comedic talent and ability to bring heart to even the most outlandish roles (even when relying on nothing but his voice). Originally from Colorado and born in 1953, Tim Allen rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian before landing his breakout role in Home Improvement, which cemented him as one of the most recognizable sitcom stars of the ‘90s. His rugged, everyman charm made him a household name, and he successfully transitioned into film with iconic roles in The Santa Clause and Toy Story. Over the years, Allen has proven his versatility, from voicing animated heroes to starring in live-action family comedies and action-packed adventures.

While Tim Allen has never been nominated for an Academy Award, his contributions to television and film have earned him multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe for Home Improvement. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments has made him a favorite among audiences of all ages. From Christmas classics to animated masterpieces, the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows make it easy to see why he’s a beloved on-screen presence for his many fans.

Christmas With The Kranks (2004)

Tim Allen Plays Luther Krank

2004’s Christmas With The Kranks is a holiday comedy based on John Grisham’s novel Skipping Christmas. Directed by Joe Roth, Christmas With The Kranks follows Luther Krank (Tim Allen) and his wife, Nora (Jamie Lee Curtis), as they decide to skip Christmas festivities in favor of a tropical vacation. However, their plans unravel when their daughter announces a last-minute holiday visit, forcing them to scramble to restore the Christmas spirit. The movie may have received mixed reviews, but it’s become a cult-classic comedy for the Holiday season in the years since.

Tim Allen delivers a classically hilarious performance in Christmas With The Kranks, bringing his signature brand of physical humor and exasperated energy to Luther Krank. His chemistry with Jamie Lee Curtis is noteworthy, to say the least, and leads to some of the most hilarious Christmas With The Kranks moments, especially as the couple struggles with the chaos of their abrupt holiday change of heart. While it may not be his most critically acclaimed film, Christmas With The Kranks has gained a loyal following over the years, earning its place among the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows for those who enjoy festive, family-friendly humor.

Last Man Standing (2011-2021)

Tim Allen Plays Mike Baxter

Running for nine seasons, the sitcom Last Man Standing allowed Tim Allen to return to his roots as a TV patriarch (especially since, in many ways, the series is a spiritual successor to Home Improvement). Created by Jack Burditt, the show follows Mike Baxter, a conservative sporting goods store executive navigating family life in a house full of women. Last Man Standing cleverly mixed humor with topical discussions, and is Allen’s longest-running project outside of Home Improvement. Despite changing networks from ABC to Fox in later seasons, it maintained a dedicated fan base throughout its run.

Tim Allen’s Mike Baxter is reminiscent of his earlier TV success but with a modern twist. His sarcastic, no-nonsense demeanor made the character relatable to many, while his interactions with co-stars Nancy Travis and Hector Elizondo added heart to the comedy. Though Last Man Standing was never a major awards contender, it won over audiences and showcased Allen’s ability to anchor a long-running sitcom. It remains one of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows, proving his staying power in the world of television comedy.

Wild Hogs (2007)

Tim Allen Plays Dr. Doug Madsen

A lighthearted and easy-viewing road trip comedy, 2007’s Wild Hogs follows four middle-aged friends who embark on a cross-country motorcycle adventure to escape their mundane lives. Directed by Walt Becker, Wild Hogs features an all-star cast, including John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy. However, their journey takes a chaotic turn when they cross paths with a real biker gang led by Ray Liotta. While Wild Hogs wasn’t a critical darling, it became a box-office hit, grossing over $250 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo).

Tim Allen plays Doug Madsen in Wild Hogs, a dentist going through a midlife crisis who finds himself embracing the open road. His comedic timing shines, especially in scenes with his equally talented co-stars. Though the film leans heavily into slapstick humor, Allen’s performance adds an endearing quality that makes the character feel genuine. Despite mixed reviews, Wild Hogs remains a fan-favorite and one of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows, thanks both to its easy-going comedic charm and chemistry between Allen and the rest of the all-star cast.

The Santa Clauses (2022-2023)

Tim Allen Plays Scott Calvin

A Disney+ miniseries continuation of The Santa Clause franchise, The Santa Clauses brings Tim Allen back as Scott Calvin, who, by this point, has been Santa for nearly three decades. Created by Jack Burditt, The Santa Clauses follows Scott as he contemplates retirement and searches for a worthy successor. However, stepping away from the role of Santa proves more challenging than expected. While the series received a mixed reception from critics, it was well-received by longtime fans of the franchise.

Tim Allen effortlessly steps back into the career-defining role of Scott Calvin, blending humor with warmth as he explores his character’s struggles with aging and legacy. His on-screen chemistry with Elizabeth Mitchell, who reprises her role as Mrs. Claus, helps elevate the series’ heartfelt moments. Though not as groundbreaking as the original Santa Clause films, The Santa Clauses is a nostalgic return to the world of holiday magic, earning its place among the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows.

Jungle 2 Jungle (1997)

Tim Allen Plays Michael Cromwell

A family adventure comedy directed by John Pasquin, 1997’s Jungle 2 Jungle follows Michael Cromwell (Tim Allen), a successful businessman who discovers he has a teenage son raised in the Amazon jungle. When his son, Mimi-Siku (Sam Huntington), comes to New York City, cultures clash, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. A remake of the 1994 French comedy Un indien dans la ville, Jungle 2 Jungle didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim but still found an audience thanks to Allen’s unique comedic appeal.

Tim Allen delivers an enjoyable performance as a father struggling to connect with his son in an unfamiliar way. His reactions to Mimi-Siku’s jungle upbringing provide some of the movie’s funniest moments, and his comedic chemistry with Martin Short adds to the film’s charm. While not a career-defining role, Jungle 2 Jungle remains an entertaining entry in Tim Allen’s filmography.

For Richer Or Poorer (1997)

Tim Allen Plays Brad Sexton

A classic fish-out-of-water comedy released the same year as Jungle 2 Jungle, For Richer Or Poorer stars Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley as a wealthy but troubled couple who must pose as Amish farmers after getting caught in a tax fraud scandal. Directed by Bryan Spicer, For Richer Or Poorer blends slapstick humor with heartfelt moments as the couple adapts to their new lifestyle, and is in many ways a textbook yet incredibly entertaining 1990s comedy. Though it wasn’t a box office hit, it gained a cult following over the years (like several of Tim Allen’s movies).

Tim Allen’s portrayal of Brad Sexton is both hilarious and charismatic, as he transforms from a greedy businessman into a man who genuinely appreciates the simple life. His comedic chemistry with Alley is a highlight, and the dynamic between their characters is both funny and endearing. While not as well-known as some of his other films, For Richer Or Poorer remains a fun and underrated comedy, and the greedy-to-compassionate character arc of Brad captures the strongest aspects of Tim Allen’s skills as a performer.

The Santa Clause (1994)

Tim Allen Plays Scott Calvin

 

One of Tim Allen’s most beloved films and the first entry in the franchise his career has since become synonymous with, 1994’s The Santa Clause is a holiday classic that blends comedy, heart, and Christmas magic. Directed by John Pasquin, The Santa Clause focuses on Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin, a divorced father who accidentally causes Santa’s demise on Christmas Eve. As a result, he is magically recruited to take Santa’s place, transforming both physically and emotionally into the jolly figure. The movie was a massive success, spawning two sequels and a Disney+ miniseries.

Tim Allen’s performance as Scott Calvin is both humorous and heartfelt, capturing the character’s initial reluctance and gradual acceptance of his destiny. Arguably, Scott Calvin also captures everything that drew Tim Allen fans to the actor in the first place. His comedic timing shines, especially in scenes where he struggles to convince others of his transformation. The Santa Clause earned Allen widespread recognition outside of television and remains one of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows due to its enduring holiday charm. While the movie didn’t earn major awards, it solidified Allen’s place as a family-friendly leading man and remains a Christmas staple for audiences worldwide.

Home Improvement (1991-1999)

Tim Allen Plays Tim “The Toolman” Taylor

A defining sitcom of the 1990s, Home Improvement is inarguably the show that turned Tim Allen into a household name. Created by Carmen Finestra, David McFadzean, and Matt Williams, Home Improvement starred Allen as Tim “The Toolman” Taylor, a TV handyman who juggles his career, marriage, and raising three boys. The show was a ratings juggernaut, running for eight seasons and making Allen one of the highest-paid actors of the 1990s. What’s more, Home Improvement won numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Allen’s performance and multiple Primetime Emmy nominations.

Tim Taylor perfectly blended slapstick comedy with heartfelt family moments, aspects that all became foundations for Tim Allen’s success. His chemistry with Patricia Richardson (who played his wife, Jill) and the dynamic with his onscreen kids made the show relatable and endearing. The series also introduced memorable supporting characters, including Richard Karn as Al Borland and Earl Hindman as the mysterious Wilson. Home Improvement remains one of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows, cementing his legacy as one of TV’s most iconic sitcom stars.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Tim Allen Plays Jason Nesmith

A cult 1999 sci-fi comedy, Galaxy Quest is a brilliant satire of Star Trek and the fandom that surrounds it. Directed by Dean Parisot, the film follows the washed-up cast of a defunct sci-fi TV series who are mistaken for real space heroes by an alien race in need of help. Tim Allen plays Jason Nesmith, the egotistical star of the show, whose arrogance is put to the test when he must lead his fellow actors on a real-life space adventure. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its humor and heartfelt storytelling.

Tim Allen delivers one of his best performances in Galaxy Quest, balancing comedy with genuine moments of growth as his character evolves from a self-absorbed actor to a true leader. His chemistry with co-stars Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Tony Shalhoub adds depth to the film’s hilarious yet heartfelt tone. Galaxy Quest won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and remains one of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows, proving his ability to excel outside of family comedies.

Toy Story (1995)

Tim Allen Plays Buzz Lightyear

A groundbreaking animated movie that made Pixar a household name, 1995’s Toy Story revolutionized animation as the first fully CGI feature film and launched one of the most successful franchises in movie history. Directed by John Lasseter, Toy Story tells the story of Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll who feels threatened when a new space ranger action figure, Tim Allen’s tear-jerkingly hilarious Buzz Lightyear, becomes the latest addition to Andy’s room. Toy Story was an instant classic, praised for its innovative animation, heartfelt story, and memorable characters. While Allen shined in every one of the Toy Story sequels, it’s the 1995 original that remains the best in terms of his filmography.

Tim Allen’s turn as Buzz Lightyear is one of the most iconic voice performances in animation history. His ability to bring both comedy and sincerity to the character made Buzz instantly beloved. The dynamic between Buzz and Woody became the heart of the Toy Story series, with Allen and Hanks forming one of animation’s most legendary duos. Toy Story was nominated for three Academy Awards and won a Special Achievement Award for its innovation, making it the pinnacle of the best Tim Allen movies and TV shows.

Rate this post
Post Views: 14