Hey there, comedy lovers! Before we dive into the timeless brilliance of Matthew Perry’s best works, let’s take a moment to spotlight That Love Podcast at thatlovepodcast.com.
Matthew Perry’s name is synonymous with sitcom royalty, thanks to his iconic decade as Chandler Bing on Friends. But his career—spanning TV and film from the early 1990s until his passing in October 2023—offers so much more than one role. Perry’s knack for sarcastic humor, impeccable timing, and surprising depth turned even his dramatic turns into something special.
This article ranks his top 10 projects, blending comedy classics with lesser-known gems. From network TV to big-screen rom-coms, here’s why these works remain must-watches in 2025 across the US and UK, and where you can catch them today.
10. Mr. Sunshine (2011) – ABC (US Network)
Where to Watch: Available for purchase on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon (US); limited availability in the UK (check digital retailers)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Mr. Sunshine, a short-lived 2011 ABC sitcom, showcases Perry’s creative chops—he co-created, executive produced, wrote, and starred as Ben Donovan, the harried manager of San Francisco’s Sunshine Center arena. Alongside Allison Janney’s eccentric boss, Perry’s Ben navigates a parade of slapstick disasters—think runaway mascots and botched events—with his signature sarcasm, earning an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite its cancellation after nine episodes.
In the US, it’s a digital purchase gem, while UK fans might need to hunt harder (try Amazon UK). It’s a must-watch for Perry’s Chandler-esque quips and the cast’s game-for-anything energy—a hidden treasure that deserved more time to shine.
9. The Odd Couple (2015-2017) – CBS (US Network)
Where to Watch: Available for purchase on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon (US); limited UK availability (check Sky or digital retailers)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Perry took Neil Simon’s classic mismatched-roommates tale to CBS from 2015-2017, co-creating and starring as the slovenly Oscar Madison opposite Thomas Lennon’s fastidious Felix Unger. This three-season run (70% Rotten Tomatoes) follows the duo’s post-divorce antics—Oscar’s sports-radio bravado clashing with Felix’s neat-freak neuroses—delivering reliable laughs through their odd-couple chemistry.
US viewers can buy it digitally, while UK options are slim (Sky may offer past seasons). It’s a must-watch for Perry’s brash humor and the duo’s banter, though its later seasons faltered, leading to cancellation.
8. The West Wing (2003) – NBC (US Network)
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu (US); Sky Atlantic/Now TV (UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Perry stepped into Aaron Sorkin’s political masterpiece The West Wing (88% Rotten Tomatoes) for three episodes in 2003 as Joe Quincy, a stoic Associate White House Counsel. Airing on NBC, this guest arc—exposing a scandal with quiet determination—earned Perry consecutive Emmy nods, showcasing his dramatic range beyond comedy.
Streamable on Max and Hulu in the US, and Sky/Now TV in the UK, it’s a must-watch for fans craving Perry’s understated intensity—a rare glimpse of his versatility amid Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue.
7. 17 Again (2009) – Film
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu (US); Sky Cinema/Now TV (UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:In the 2009 body-swap comedy 17 Again (67% Rotten Tomatoes), Perry plays the older Mike O’Donnell, a discontented dad who magically reverts to his teen self (Zac Efron). While Efron dominates, Perry’s brief scenes—syncing sarcasm and mannerisms with his younger counterpart—anchor this family-friendly rom-com about second chances.
Available on Max and Hulu in the US, and Sky/Now TV in the UK, it’s a must-watch for Perry’s subtle comedic bridge to Efron’s charm—proof he could shine in smaller doses.
6. The Whole Nine Yards (2000) – Film
Where to Watch: Rent/Buy on YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV (US and UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:The Whole Nine Yards (45% Rotten Tomatoes, 64% audience) pairs Perry as Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky, a nervous dentist, with Bruce Willis’s ex-mobster Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski in a 2000 crime-comedy mashup. Perry’s jittery everyman stumbles into chaos when his wife pushes him to snitch, sparking hilarious banter with Willis that birthed Willis’s Friends cameo after a bet.
Rentable in the US and UK, it’s a must-watch for their chemistry—Willis’s cool calm meets Perry’s flustered wit—making it a cult favorite despite mixed reviews.
5. Fools Rush In (1997) – Film
Where to Watch: FuboTV (US); Rent/Buy on Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube (US and UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Fools Rush In (34% Rotten Tomatoes, 64% audience), a 1997 rom-com, stars Perry as Alex Whitman, a New Yorker who marries Sally (Salma Hayek) after a one-night stand leads to pregnancy. Perry’s Alex evolves from flustered bachelor to devoted dad-to-be, earning this cult-classic status (68% audience score). Perry called it his best work, a sentiment echoed by Hayek post his passing.
Streamable on FuboTV in the US, rentable in both regions, it’s a must-watch for its heartfelt laughs and Perry-Hayek chemistry—a ‘90s rom-com gem.
4. Numb (2007) – Film
Where to Watch: Rent/Buy on Amazon, Apple TV (US and UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Numb (2007, 62% Rotten Tomatoes) casts Perry as Hudson Milbank, a screenwriter grappling with depersonalization disorder. This dark comedy-drama—rentable in the US and UK—dives into mental health with surreal humor and raw vulnerability, showcasing Perry’s depth beyond sitcoms.
It’s a must-watch for its poignant take on mental illness, bolstered by Perry’s standout performance—a hidden gem reflecting his personal struggles.
3. The Ron Clark Story (2006) – TV Movie
Where to Watch: Peacock, Prime Video (US); limited UK availability (check Amazon)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:This 2006 TNT movie (84% audience score) features Perry as Ron Clark, a real-life teacher transforming a tough New York classroom. His passion earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nods—streamable on Peacock and Prime in the US, tougher to find in the UK.
It’s a must-watch for Perry’s inspiring turn—a rare dramatic triumph with heart and humor.
2. Go On (2012-2013) – NBC (US Network)
Where to Watch: Buy on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon (US); limited UK availability
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Go On (66% Rotten Tomatoes) ran one season on NBC in 2012-2013, with Perry as Ryan King, a grieving sports-radio host finding solace in a quirky support group. Its blend of comedy and grief earned Perry a 2013 Huading Award—buyable in the US, scarce in the UK.
It’s a must-watch for Perry’s layered performance—sarcasm meets soul in a canceled-too-soon gem.
1. Friends (1994-2004) – NBC (US Network)
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu (US); Sky Comedy/Now TV (UK)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:Friends (78% Rotten Tomatoes) is Perry’s crown jewel, airing on NBC from 1994-2004 as Chandler Bing, the sarcastic heart of six New York pals. With 65 wins from 250+ nominations, including Perry’s Emmy nod, it’s a cultural titan—streamable on Max/Hulu in the US, Sky/Now TV in the UK.
It’s a must-watch for its timeless humor and Perry’s indelible legacy—comedy perfection.
Why These Shows and Movies Define Perry’s Legacy
These 10 span Perry’s range—sitcoms (Friends, Go On), films (Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards), and TV movies (The Ron Clark Story)—blending sarcasm, slapstick, and surprising depth. From network hits to streaming rarities, they showcase his comedic flair and dramatic chops, cementing a legacy that resonates in 2025 across the US and UK.
Conclusion: A Lasting Laugh Track
On March 9, 2025, Matthew Perry’s best works remain a testament to his talent—Friends’ enduring laughs, Go On’s tender wit, Fools Rush In’s rom-com charm. Whether on Max in the US or Sky in the UK, these projects keep his spirit alive. For more on life’s lighter side, tune into That Love Podcast at thatlovepodcast.com—Jo Piazza’s crew adds the perfect coda to Perry’s legacy. Dive in and celebrate a sitcom king whose humor still echoes.
10 FAQs About Matthew Perry’s Best Movies and TV Shows
What’s Matthew Perry’s most famous role?
Chandler Bing in Friends (Max/Hulu US, Sky/Now TV UK) is his iconic pinnacle—sarcastic and beloved.
Why was Mr. Sunshine canceled?
Despite Perry’s charm, its 2011 ABC run ended after nine episodes due to low ratings—buy it on Apple TV (US).
How long did The Odd Couple last?
Three seasons (2015-2017) on CBS—Perry’s Oscar Madison shines, available on Vudu (US).
What’s Perry’s role in The West Wing?
Joe Quincy in three 2003 episodes (Max US, Sky UK)—earned Emmy nods for dramatic depth.
Who stars with Perry in 17 Again?
Zac Efron as young Mike, Perry as older—stream on Max (US), Sky (UK).
What’s The Whole Nine Yards about?
Perry’s dentist vs. Willis’s ex-mobster—rent on YouTube (US/UK) for chaotic laughs.
Why did Perry love Fools Rush In?
He called it his best, with Salma Hayek—FuboTV (US), rent (UK) for rom-com gold.
How does Numb explore mental health?
Perry’s depersonalization struggle—rent on Amazon (US/UK) for a raw, funny take.
What awards did The Ron Clark Story win?
Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG nods for Perry—Peacock (US), rare in UK.
Why is Go On a hidden gem?
One-season wonder (2012-2013) on NBC—buy on Vudu (US) for grief and giggles.
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