When we think about Todd Phillips, most of us instantly think of Joker—the dark, gritty reimagining of one of the most famous villains in comic book history. Joker was a runaway success, garnering critical acclaim, box office records, and even an Oscar for Joaquin Phoenix. But Phillips' career is much more than just Joker. He’s been in the film industry for decades, crafting some of the most iconic, and sometimes underappreciated, films of our time. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into ten other works from Todd Phillips that you may not know about, or if you do, you might want to give them a second look.
1. Road Trip (2000)
Let’s start with Road Trip, one of Todd Phillips’ early works. Released in 2000, this college comedy is a quintessential early 2000s film. It follows a group of friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to retrieve a sensitive videotape that was mistakenly mailed to a girlfriend. Yes, it’s packed with wild shenanigans, but there’s a lot of heart to it too.
Road Trip helped cement Phillips as a director who knows how to blend humor with relatable characters. It’s raunchy in a way that’s expected of a teen comedy, but Phillips brings his unique style, making the characters feel grounded despite the absurd situations they find themselves in.
2. Old School (2003)
Who could forget Old School? If you’ve ever heard someone shout “We’re going streaking!” at a party, you have Todd Phillips to thank for that. This movie was a defining moment in early 2000s comedy, and it starred Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson as three middle-aged men who try to relive their college glory days by starting a fraternity.
The comedy is sharp, irreverent, and utterly hilarious, and like Road Trip, Old School also has that underlying current of real emotion, exploring themes like friendship and the struggle of growing up. It’s pure Todd Phillips—a mix of outrageous humor with moments that make you feel for the characters.
3. Starsky & Hutch (2004)
Not everyone remembers that Phillips directed the 2004 comedy-action remake of Starsky & Hutch. Based on the classic 1970s TV show, this film stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as the titular duo—two detectives with very different styles who team up to take down criminals.
What’s fun about Starsky & Hutch is how Phillips takes a nostalgic show and adds his signature comedic flair. The film embraces its retro origins, but also brings something fresh to the table with the help of its talented cast. And let’s not forget Snoop Dogg as Huggy Bear—that alone makes the film worth revisiting.
4. School for Scoundrels (2006)
One of Phillips' lesser-known films is School for Scoundrels, a comedy about a timid young man (played by Jon Heder) who enrolls in a confidence-building class to win over the girl of his dreams. However, things get complicated when the class instructor (Billy Bob Thornton) starts competing for the same woman.
This isn’t your typical Todd Phillips movie—it’s more subdued in its humor, but still has that biting edge. It’s a story about finding self-confidence and navigating life’s awkwardness, something that Phillips has always been great at portraying through comedic lenses.
5. The Hangover (2009)
Okay, The Hangover is definitely not a hidden gem—it’s probably the film that put Phillips on the map in the mainstream comedy world. But it’s hard to talk about his career without mentioning this one. The story of three friends trying to piece together what happened during a wild night in Vegas became a cultural phenomenon.
What makes The Hangover special is how Phillips turned a simple bachelor-party-gone-wrong concept into one of the funniest, most quotable films of the decade. It was edgy, unpredictable, and full of memorable moments (who could forget that Mike Tyson cameo?).
6. Due Date (2010)
Another Phillips gem that doesn’t get enough love is Due Date, a road trip comedy starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. Downey plays a high-strung man trying to make it home for the birth of his child, while Galifianakis plays his unpredictable travel companion who complicates things at every turn.
Due Date has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it also dives into themes of family, responsibility, and the odd friendships we sometimes find ourselves in. It’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, which is a testament to Phillips' ability to mix humor with more serious undertones.
7. Project X (2012)
Project X is a film Phillips produced rather than directed, but it bears his signature style. It’s a found-footage comedy about a group of teenagers who throw a massive, out-of-control party to become popular. Things escalate quickly, leading to a wild night of chaos and destruction.
It’s like The Hangover for the younger generation—complete with outrageous antics and a “what could possibly go wrong?” attitude. It’s raw, energetic, and has since become a cult favorite, especially among younger audiences.
8. War Dogs (2016)
If you’re more into Phillips’ darker, more dramatic side, War Dogs is a film you should check out. Based on a true story, it stars Jonah Hill and Miles Teller as two young men who get involved in arms dealing for the U.S. government. The film blends comedy, crime, and drama in a way that only Todd Phillips could pull off.
What’s impressive about War Dogs is how it balances humor with a gripping narrative. Phillips tackles themes of corruption, ambition, and the lengths people will go to make money, while still managing to inject moments of levity and absurdity into the mix.
9. Joker (2019)
We can’t ignore Joker in this list. Although you’re likely familiar with it, it's worth mentioning because Joker shows just how versatile Todd Phillips really is. Shifting from comedy to an intense character study, Phillips gave us a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking film that redefined what a comic book movie could be.
With its grim atmosphere and powerful performance from Joaquin Phoenix, Joker is a huge departure from the lighter tone of Phillips’ earlier work, but it’s a testament to his growth as a filmmaker.
10. Joker: Folie à Deux (Upcoming)
Though it’s not out yet, Phillips is already working on a sequel to Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux. The details are still under wraps, but this much-anticipated follow-up promises to be another haunting exploration of mental health, society, and the blurred line between reality and madness.
Rumor has it that the film will delve even deeper into the psyche of Arthur Fleck, and there’s speculation about a musical element being introduced, which has piqued the curiosity of fans and critics alike.
The Evolution of Todd Phillips: More Than Just Comedy
What’s fascinating about Todd Phillips' career is how he started in comedy but has since ventured into darker, more complex storytelling. Whether it's the riotous humor of Old School and The Hangover or the heavy, introspective nature of Joker, Phillips proves he’s a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to evolve.
There’s a throughline in his films—a desire to explore the chaos that people create, whether it’s in their personal lives, their friendships, or society at large. His characters are often flawed, sometimes morally ambiguous, and always compelling.
Why You Should Explore Phillips’ Lesser-Known Films
If you’ve only seen Joker or The Hangover, you’re missing out on some gems. Films like War Dogs show his range beyond just comedy, while earlier works like Road Trip and Old School offer insight into his comedic roots. Each film offers something different, but they all showcase Phillips' knack for storytelling and character development.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a movie, give one of these a shot—you might find a new favorite. Todd Phillips is much more than the director of Joker. He’s a master at capturing the madness, hilarity, and complexity of the human experience, and that’s what makes his work so unforgettable.
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