Movies About Fat People: 23 Best Films of All Time Ranked

Discover a collection of movies about fat people celebrating people of all sizes. These films highlight actors who bring stories to life while wearing fat suits. Don’t see your favorite movie here? You’re welcome to add it! This list embraces a variety of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

From the days of silent films till now, there’s been something endearing about a little extra weight creating laughter. Remember Fatty Arbuckle and Oliver Hardy? They started it all. And who can forget the beloved Chris Farley? Audiences have always had a soft spot for the chubby stars.

In fact, the love is so strong that even thin actors are willing to transform themselves into lovable overweight characters. These movies pay tribute to those hilarious moments, when our favorite actors stepped into bigger roles. And it’s not just anyone – we’re talking about the big names, the ones who went all in for these films.

While most of these movies will have you laughing out loud, there are also some heartwarming family tales waiting to be discovered.

1 of 23: Tommy Boy

Release Date: 1995
Director(s): Peter Segal
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In this comedy, we meet Tommy Callahan, played by Chris Farley. He’s a well-intentioned guy, but he’s a bit clumsy. He’s supposed to take over his family’s auto parts factory after his dad passes away unexpectedly.

When his dad’s business is in trouble, Tommy teams up with his sarcastic assistant, Richard Hayden (played by David Spade). They set out on a journey across the country to sell auto parts and save the factory from going under. You can imagine all the funny and crazy things that happen along the way – that’s the heart of the story.

While the movie is full of silly, slapstick comedy, there’s more to it. ‘Tommy Boy’ also quietly explores important ideas like friendship, taking on responsibilities, and believing in yourself. It’s directed by Peter Segal and is one of Chris Farley’s most unforgettable roles.

2 of 23: The Santa Clause

Release Date: 1994
Director(s): John Pasquin
Box Office: $144,833,357
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In the super fun family movie called The Santa Clause, something totally wild happens! There’s this guy named Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, and he’s just your average dad and business guy. But guess what? On Christmas Eve, he stumbles into the craziest thing ever involving the real Santa Claus.

Now, get this—Scott ends up putting on Santa’s red suit and starts delivering presents all over the globe. Can you imagine? It’s like a dream come true! But here’s the twist: when he wakes up the next day, it’s not a dream at all. He’s actually turned into Santa Claus!

So, picture this: Scott’s slowly turning into Santa, bit by bit. And let me tell you, it’s not all cookies and milk. He’s got his regular life to deal with—work, family, the whole deal—plus these brand new North Pole responsibilities. Talk about a juggling act!

What’s really neat about this movie is how it mixes funny stuff with pure fantasy. Imagine a guy trying to balance being Santa with his normal everyday stuff. Hilarious, right? And it’s like a totally new take on all those classic holiday stories. So, if you’re up for some laughs and a sprinkle of magic, The Santa Clause is where it’s at!

3 of 23: Heavyweights

Release Date: 1995
Director(s): Steven Brill
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Steven Brill, the director, teamed up with Judd Apatow to write the story. So, Heavyweights is all about this camp for kids who are on the heavier side. But guess what? Things get super crazy when a fitness expert named Tony Perkis comes in and takes over the camp. Can you believe it? It’s like a mix of hilarious and wild adventures

4 of 23: Mrs. Doubtfire

Release Date: 1993
Director(s): Chris Columbus
Box Office: $219,195,243
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In the heartwarming movie “Mrs. Doubtfire,” there’s this guy named Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams. He’s a really fun dad, but things get tough when his marriage ends and he’s separated from his kids. It’s sad, you know? But he comes up with this really different idea to be close to them again. He becomes a super nice Scottish nanny called Mrs. Doubtfire. And guess what? Robin Williams does an amazing job at playing both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire.

The person in charge of making the movie, Chris Columbus, wants us to think about important stuff like family and who we are. And there’s Sally Field who acts as Miranda Hillard, Daniel’s ex-wife. Oh, and there’s Pierce Brosnan, he’s Miranda’s new boyfriend.

This movie is really special and it even won an Academy Award. Can you believe it? They got that award because they were super good at making Robin Williams look like Mrs. Doubtfire.

5 of 23: The Nutty Professor

Release Date: 1996
Director(s): Tom Shadyac
Box Office: $128,814,019
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“The Nutty Professor” is all about Sherman Klump, played by Eddie Murphy. He’s a really smart professor at a university, but he’s also a bit on the heavier side. Sherman falls in love with Carla Purty, who’s his dream girl. To win her heart, he creates this special potion to help him lose weight.

But guess what? The potion doesn’t work as expected. Instead of just losing weight, it turns Sherman into someone else he calls Buddy Love. Buddy is slim and talks real smooth, but he’s not exactly a good guy. So now Sherman has to deal with having two very different sides.

Eddie Murphy, the actor, is so amazing in this movie. He plays a bunch of different roles all at once. And because of the great makeup work, the movie got an award from the Academy.

You know, this movie is like a funny version of a story you might have heard before, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It makes you laugh a lot, but it also makes you think about liking yourself just the way you are.

6 of 23: DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story

Release Date: 2004
Director(s): Rawson Marshall Thurber
Box Office: $114,326,736
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DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story brings a whole lot of fun to the table as a sports comedy flick. It’s all about the unexpected and the downright silly. The heart of the tale is Peter LaFleur (played by Vince Vaughn), a guy who’s seen better days as the owner of a gym. But he’s not giving up. Nope! He rounds up a bunch of oddball folks to take on a super serious dodgeball contest. Why, you ask? Well, they’re on a mission to rescue their cherished local gym from the clutches of White Goodman (played by Ben Stiller), a snobby dude who owns a fancy fitness chain.

Get ready for a mix of goofy moments, characters that are a bit offbeat, and a classic story of the little guys fighting against the odds. This movie isn’t just about having a good laugh – it also captures that feeling of going head-to-head in a game and having each other’s backs.

7 of 23: Hairspray

Release Date: 2007
Director(s): Adam Shankman
Box Office: $118,871,849
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Step into the lively world of Hairspray, a musical comedy that’s bursting with energy. Meet Tracy Turnblad (played by Nikki Blonsky), a spirited teen whose heart beats to the rhythm of life. Set in the swinging 1960s in Baltimore, Tracy’s big dream is to groove on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV gig all about dance. And guess what? She actually lands a spot on the show! Suddenly, Tracy becomes a sensation overnight, using her newfound fame to stand up for something important: racial harmony, even though it’s a pretty daring move back then.

But that’s not all – there’s Edna Turnblad (played by John Travolta), Tracy’s loving mom, who experiences her very own remarkable transformation. As the story unfolds, you’ll witness stunning performances and catch onto some deep messages. No wonder Hairspray snagged a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy in 2008! It’s a tale that’ll make you dance, laugh, and maybe even tear up a bit.

8 of 23: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Release Date: 1999
Director(s): Jay Roach
Box Office: $206,040,086
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In the super hilarious sequel titled “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” we meet Austin Powers (played by the funny Mike Myers). He’s this groovy secret agent guy, but here’s the kicker – his mojo, like, totally gets swiped by his main bad guy, Dr. Evil (who’s also Mike Myers, can you believe it?). And get this, it all goes down in the totally trippy 1960s.

So, picture this: Austin’s on this wild adventure through time, like, back to the past, all to get his missing mojo back. And guess who’s right by his side? The stunning CIA agent Felicity Shagwell (that’s Heather Graham, folks!). Yeah, you heard it right, there’s a bit of love sparking in the midst of all the crazy spy stuff.

But hold on, it gets even better. This movie is like a mix of non-stop laughs and those moments where you’re like, “Wait, did they really just do that?” The whole thing even scored an MTV Movie Award, and guess what? It was for the Best Villain, and that’s Dr. Evil for you.

9 of 23: Shallow Hal

Release Date: 2001
Director(s): Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Box Office: $70,839,203
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The tale is centered on a guy named Hal (played by Jack Black). He sticks to his late dad’s counsel, exclusively pursuing women who fit society’s idea of perfect looks. However, everything takes a turn when Hal has an unplanned encounter with a self-help expert named Tony Robbins. Struck by Hal’s superficial outlook, Robbins decides to hypnotize him. This hypnotic experience opens Hal’s eyes to the inner beauty present in women who might not match conventional standards of physical attractiveness.

10 of 23: Just Friends

Release Date: 2005
Director(s): Roger Kumble
Box Office: $32,619,671
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When Chris Brander (played by Ryan Reynolds), a regular high school student, thinks about his best friend Jamie Palamino (portrayed by Amy Smart), his heart feels something special. Summoning courage, he admits his feelings to her. But Jamie gently lets him know that she values their friendship more. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Chris leaves his hometown.

A decade speeds by, and Chris finds himself a prosperous music executive. He’s entangled with a self-centered pop sensation, Samantha James (acted by Anna Faris). Yet, amid all this, Jamie remains in his thoughts, a lingering presence. As fate would have it, Chris’s holiday plans of heading to Paris crumble. Taking it as a sign, he journeys back to his roots, aiming to rekindle his connection with Jamie and hopefully win her affection.

11 of 23: Big Momma’s House

Release Date: 2000
Director(s): Raja Gosnell
Box Office: $117,559,438
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Meet Malcolm Turner, an FBI agent with a strong will, quick mind, and a knack for becoming someone else entirely. There’s no situation he can’t manage. But now, Malcolm faces his most demanding “character” to date. He makes up his mind to take on the identity of Big Momma, a feisty old lady from the South. Through some clever disguises, he fully embraces the role of Big Momma, stepping into the shoes of this plump seventy-year-old. He dives into her daily life, cooking up soulful dishes, assisting in childbirths, and even playing a part in the church’s affairs.

12 of 23: Run Fatboy Run

Release Date: 2007
Director(s): David Schwimmer
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Half a decade before, a jittery groom named Dennis (played by Simon Pegg) finds himself standing up his pregnant girlfriend, Libby (portrayed by Thandie Newton), right at the wedding altar. Today, he’s hit with the realization that he’s messed up big time and aches to make things right by winning her back.

The catch is, Libby has moved on and is now in a relationship with a dashing, caring, and fit financier (acted by Hank Azaria) who’s all set to participate in a charitable marathon. It’s a tough spot for Dennis, as he’s not exactly in the best shape. However, driven by his desire to impress Libby, he decides to throw caution to the wind and enter the marathon. There’s a tiny hiccup though – he’s got a mere three weeks to transform himself into a race-ready contender.

13 of 23: Death Becomes Her

Release Date: 1992
Director(s): Robert Zemeckis
Box Office: $58,422,650
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In the quirky comedy “Death Becomes Her,” we meet Helen Sharp (played by Goldie Hawn) and Madeline Ashton (portrayed by Meryl Streep), two rivals consumed by their desire for beauty. They stumble upon a magical potion promising never-ending youth, and this discovery sets them off on an unusual journey filled with competition and a desire for eternal life. Their shared affection for Ernest Menville (acted by Bruce Willis) further fuels the peculiar situation.

As they navigate this strange path, Helen and Madeline come to realize that the allure of eternal life might not be as enchanting as it first appears. The movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis, manages to capture a unique mix of humor and horror. It even earned an Academy Award for its groundbreaking visual effects, combining to create a story of age-old rivalry that’s both timeless and captivating.

14 of 23: The Santa Clause 2

Release Date: 2002
Director(s): Michael Lembeck
Box Office: $139,236,327
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You know, it’s been a good eight years with Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) as our Santa. The little elves who work alongside him, they really believe he’s the best Santa ever. But here comes a twist in the story of the “Merry Old Soul.” Everything gets all topsy-turvy when two pieces of news hit him like a ton of bricks: First, his son Charlie (acted by Eric Lloyd) somehow lands on the naughty list this year. And if that wasn’t enough, Scott also finds out that he has to tie the knot by Christmas Eve — and that’s just a month away! If he doesn’t, guess what? He won’t be Santa Claus anymore. Yep, things just got real complicated for old Scott.

15 of 23: Fat Albert

Release Date: 2004
Director(s): Joel Zwick
Box Office: $48,116,322
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The animated dude Fat Albert (you know, played by Kenan Thompson) actually steps out of the TV world and into our real world. And guess what? He’s got company too! His buddies Old Weird Harold (that’s Aaron Frazier), Dumb Donald (yep, Marques B. Houston), and Mushmouth (that’s Jermaine Williams) are right there with him. Now, picture this: these guys are totally blown away by our modern world, like they’ve never seen anything like it.

But you know what’s cool? Even though everything’s kind of new and strange to them, they manage to make some new friends. And get this – Fat Albert decides he’s going to help out this girl Doris (that’s Kyla Pratt) so she can be all popular and stuff. But hold up, things get a bit twisty when Fat Albert starts having some serious feelings for Doris’ big sis, Lauri (played by Dania Ramirez). Oh boy, that’s a tricky situation.

And here’s where it gets interesting: Fat Albert actually needs to go talk to his creator, Bill Cosby, for some advice. Yeah, things just got real complicated for our animated pal.

16 of 23: Angus

Release Date: 1995
Director(s): Patrick Read Johnson
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The story revolves around a shy and overweight teenager named Angus Bethune, played by Charlie Talbert. He lives with his mom, who drives an 18-wheeler truck (Kathy Bates), and his quirky grandfather (George C. Scott). Angus has secretly admired Melissa (Ariana Richards), a popular girl, for a very long time. Unfortunately, he’s also been the target of bullying from her boyfriend, Rick (James Van Der Beek).

Despite these challenges, Angus hatches a heartfelt plan to capture Melissa’s heart. He enlists the help of his confident nerd friend, Troy (Chris Owen), and receives encouragement from a caring teacher (Rita Moreno). Together, they work on a strategy to change the situation and challenge his rival, Rick. It’s a heartwarming tale of determination and friendship, as Angus strives to overcome his obstacles and make a connection with the girl he’s always admired.

17 of 23: Big Momma’s House 2

Release Date: 2006
Director(s): John Whitesell
Box Office: $70,165,972
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When his mentor tragically loses his life, a dedicated FBI agent (Martin Lawrence) finds himself stepping back into his old role as a portly elderly woman. He embarks on a unique mission, becoming a nanny in the home of a person suspected of being involved in a crime. Amidst his nanny duties, the agent diligently investigates the case, and in doing so, he manages to neutralize a serious threat to the security of the nation.

But the agent’s journey is more than just about solving the case. Through his interactions and experiences, he helps bridge the gaps within a broken family, bringing its members closer together. In this unlikely disguise, he not only upholds his duty to protect, but he also discovers the power of human connections in the most unexpected of places.

18 of 23: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Release Date: 2006
Director(s): Michael Lembeck
Box Office: $84,500,122
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When Christmas joy takes a turn, things get a bit crazy for Scott Calvin, also known as Santa (played by Tim Allen). You see, he decides to invite his in-laws (Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin) for a holiday visit. But, as luck would have it, that’s when the trouble starts – Jack Frost (played by Martin Short) shows up with a plan to take over the North Pole. Suddenly, Scott, his family, and the main elf, Curtis, have to team up to stop Jack’s sneaky plan and save Christmas.

19 of 23: Madea’s Family Reunion

Release Date: 2006
Director(s): Tyler Perry
Box Office: $63,257,940
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In 2006, a heartfelt American comedy-drama movie called “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion” came out. It was directed by the talented Tyler Perry and is a follow-up to “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The story kicks off when Madea, played by Tyler Perry, ends up breaking her house arrest rules. To keep her out of jail, a judge gives her an unusual punishment: she has to take care of a troubled foster child named Nikki (played by Keke Palmer). As they start living together, their personalities clash big time. Nikki’s got a tough attitude and doesn’t show much respect, which makes sense given her tough past – absent dad, a mom behind bars, and a bunch of foster homes where she wasn’t treated right.

20 of 23: Fat Kid Rules the World

Release Date: 2012
Director(s): Matthew Lillard
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Back in 2012, a comedy-drama film titled “Fat Kid Rules the World” hit the screens. This movie marked the directorial debut of Matthew Lillard. The story is based on a book with the same name, and it features actors like Jacob Wysocki, Matt O’Leary, and Billy Campbell.

21 of 23: The Disorderlies

Release Date: 1987
Director(s): Michael Schultz
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Meet Winslow Lowry, played by Anthony Geary – he’s a real greedy character, dead set on snagging his wealthy uncle Albert Dennison’s fortune. Now, Uncle Albert, played by Ralph Bellamy, is ailing but rich. Winslow hatches a plan to speed up his uncle’s demise, so he entrusts him to three orderlies named Buffy, Markie, and Kool. Oh, and these guys are also known as the Fat Boys. But guess what? Instead of making Albert worse, their cheerful nature actually lifts his spirits. As Winslow ramps up his sneaky tactics, can this trio of orderlies put a stop to his wicked plans?

22 of 23: Date Movie

Release Date: 2006
Director(s): Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer
Box Office: $48,548,426
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Julia, played by Alyson Hannigan, is a true romantic at heart. She’s been longing for that special someone, and her wish comes true when she meets Grant Fonkyerdoder, a charming British gentleman. As their love story unfolds, they encounter various challenges on their journey to marriage.

The first hurdle involves introducing each other to their respective parents. You know, that nerve-wracking moment of meeting the future in-laws. Then comes the task of navigating the wedding planning process. It’s not all smooth sailing, though. They have to deal with the cunning Andy, who is both beautiful and envious. Andy is Julia’s best friend, but her jealousy threatens to cast a shadow over the upcoming wedding.

In the end, it’s a tale of love triumphing over obstacles. The story reminds us that even amidst difficulties, love and determination can lead to a beautiful happily-ever-after.

23 of 23: Norbit

Release Date: 2007
Director(s): Brian Robbins
Box Office: $95,673,607
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Norbit (played by Eddie Murphy) has had a tough life from the very start. Imagine being left abandoned at a place that’s both a Chinese restaurant and an orphanage. Things take an even trickier turn when he’s pushed into marrying the difficult and greedy Rasputia.

Life feels like it’s reaching its breaking point for Norbit. But then, a glimmer of hope appears. His childhood sweetheart, Kate (portrayed by Thandie Newton), returns to their town. This rekindles a spark in his heart, and he’s determined to find a way back to the love that truly matters.

In this heartfelt story, we’re reminded that even in the most challenging circumstances, the human spirit’s resilience can lead us to rediscover the bonds that matter most.

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