Bernie Mac was one of the most legendary comedians of his time. What started as a side gig in his early 20s and 30s soon became a full-time career when he won the Miller Lite Comedy Search and caught the attention of Hollywood.
Within a few years, he landed his own comedy series on Fox, gaining momentum for his relatable and relevant humor and parodying of real events in his life. To this day, he’s still remembered as one of the “kings” of comedy. Viewers interested in his career can use our guide to find out where to watch the best Bernie Mac movies and shows on platforms like Netflix, Max, and more.
The Bernie Mac Show (2001)
Mac’s first big break came with The Bernie Mac Show, a comedy in which he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. The series was loosely based on Mac’s life and follows Bernie McCullough’s (Mac) adventures and struggles as he raises his sister’s three children. It was easily one of his best works, as it added humor to relatable parental struggles and ultimately told the heartwarming story of an Uncle who genuinely cared about his sister’s kids despite his complaints and tough love. The Bernie Mac Show was a top-notch, family-friendly sitcom highlighting Mac’s comedic talents and offering plenty of those rare laugh-out-loud moments.
Get on the Bus (1996)
Spike Lee’s Get on the Bus premiered on the first anniversary of the Million Man March, one of the largest Black political demonstrations in U.S. history. In the film, 15 African American men join forces to get to the March on time. Despite starting the journey as strangers, they soon develop an incredible bond over their shared experiences and motivations. Mac appears in the film as Jay, a bubble gum company owner. Jay cracks some Mac-esque jokes as Lee examines the Million Man March from a sometimes humorous approach, creating a very human but also politically astute take on the historical event.
The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)
Director Spike Lee and Mac also collaborated on The Original Kings of Comedy, a comedy concert film. The film captures the masterful stand-up comedy performance of Mac, Steve Harvey, D. L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer as they join forces one night in North Carolina. Mac and his co-stars prove they deserve the “Kings of Comedy” title as they mix humor and profanity in a show that tackles everything from race relations to religion. In addition to its substantial comedic merit, The Original Kings of Comedy demonstrates how art and comedy can unite people and serve as an effective medium to discuss typically divisive topics.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven is a comedy heist film about Danny Ocean (George Clooney), a master thief who forms an elaborate, daring plan to rob three casinos from the same owner. Mac stars in the film as Frank Cotton, one of Ocean’s team members known for being a con man. Ocean’s Eleven marked one of Mac’s most high-profile Hollywood roles, and he put his all into it, shining as the manipulative, mischievous Cotton, who has a sense of humor and justice. He contributes to Ocean’s Eleven’s overall stylish, suave atmosphere. Meanwhile, the film finds the perfect balance between comedy, thrills, and pure entertainment.
Bad Santa (2003)
Mac also starred in the adult holiday classic Bad Santa. In the film, Willie T. Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) disguises himself as a mall Santa Claus with his assistant Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox), with the intent to gain enough intel to rob the shopping mall on Christmas Eve. Mac appears in Bad Santa as Gin, the security chief, who hopes to foil Willie’s plan. The film marks another standout performance from Mac, as he worked with few lines to convey subtle humor through his facial expressions and body language. Bad Santa is quite the underrated work of clever dark comedy and holiday sentiment.
Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Mac reprised his role as Cotton in the Ocean’s Eleven sequels, including Ocean’s Thirteen. The third film in the franchise follows Ocean and his gang as they work to sabotage the opening of a new hotel in Vegas from casino mogul Willy Bank (Al Pacino). After the first sequel, Ocean’s Twelve, garnered mixed reviews, Ocean’s Thirteen returned the stylishness and wit of the original. Mac boasted his typical comedic skills and one-liners, though character development was a bit limited due to the overstuffed premise. Still, Ocean’s Thirteen was a fast-paced, over-the-top, and wildly entertaining installment in the franchise.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
Later in his career, Mac moved into voice acting, with his most famous voice role being Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The film follows Alex (Ben Stiller) and his gang as they escape Madagascar and explore the African continent, where they run into Alex’s long-lost father, Zuba (Mac). Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a lighthearted, spirited, family-friendly film filled with witty humor and a few heartwarming moments of family reunion and friendship. Mac’s role is quite fitting as the “king” of the jungle, though the heart he brought to the role was quite bittersweet, considering it was a posthumous release after his unexpected passing at age 50.
Friday (1995)
Friday is a buddy comedy that tells the story of Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), two unemployed friends whose typical Friday takes a wild turn due to Smokey’s debts to a drug dealer. Mac boasts a small but iconic role in the film as Pastor Clever, the unethical pastor of a Baptist church who pressures Jones and Smokey for drugs before having an affair with their neighbor. His comedic talent matched Friday’s crass sense of humor beautifully. The film went on to garner a cult following and is the source of the viral “Bye, Felicia,” meme.
Moesha (1996)
Moesha is a 1996 sitcom that follows teenager Moesha Mitchell (Brandy Norwood), who struggles to live a typical teenage life and adjust to her stepmother’s presence after previously having been thrust into the role of her family’s head of household following the loss of her mother. The series gained high recognition for its early tackling of relatable teen issues, including pregnancy, sexuality, racism, and substance abuse struggles. Mac guest-starred in several episodes as Bernie, Moesha’s high-spirited, funny, and compassionate uncle. However, the show's real star was Norwood, who gave teen girls a relatable role model to look up to.
Transformers
Transformers is the first film in the Transformers franchise franchise. It follows Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), a teenager who unexpectedly finds the world's fate in his hands after coming across an Autobot and being pulled into the war between Autobots and Decepticons. Mac appears in the film as Bobby Bolivia, a used car salesman who helps Sam buy his first car. Once again, he packs a lot of talent into a small role as the energetic, fast-talking salesman, who feeds customers the belief that cars choose their owners. Mac brings some comedic relief to Transformers, which is otherwise near nonstop action and adventure with dazzling effects and thrilling action sequences.
Where To Watch Bernie Mac’s Best Movies And TV Shows Online
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