Steve Martin celebrates his 80th birthday: Here are 5 of his must-watch movies and TV shows

For more than five decades, Steve Martin has captivated audiences through his performances in films, on stage, and television. Martin, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday on August 14, 2025, has been a part of the industry since the mid-20th century.

Whether writing or appearing on screen, Steve Martin has excelled by showcasing his artistic talents in various ways. With cameos in popular shows, variety comedy shows, and films, the veteran actor has made an indelible mark in the industry that has made him one of the most popular actors.

Here is a list of 5 of Steve Martin’s must-watch TV shows and films.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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5 must-watch Steve Martin TV shows and movies

5) Parenthood

This 1989 film should be on everyone’s watch list due to its storyline and performances. The coming-of-age film narrates the story of four siblings, Gil, Larry, Susan, and Helen, as they navigate their lives through difficult situations in their professional and personal spaces.

Steve Martin plays the character of Gil, whose situation in both his personal and professional lives is unpleasant and challenging. From his children suffering from various issues, to planning for a new child while dealing with office politics, puts Gil in a very difficult position.

Just like Gil, his other siblings are also dealing with problems of their own, and as we move on to the story, we get to see all four of them learning to deal with and overcome the dire situations. The cast, including Steve Martin, delivers brilliant performances as they navigate a life that feels relatable and lived, all while showcasing humor and wit that make it an easy favorite.

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4) Little Shop of Horrors

Steve Martin’s filmography has a plethora of characters ranging from good to sadistically evil. For instance, in the 1986 adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors, the actor portrays the abusive boyfriend of Audrey (Ellen Greene). The film tells the story of Seymour, a nerdy florist, who becomes famous due to his new carnivorous plant, which needs human blood for its growth.

He is in love with Audrey and wants to save her from her abusive relationship with Martin’s Orin Scrivello. Martin might have made us laugh in numerous shows and films, but in this movie, he shows his versatility as an actor by playing a character that is malevolent and ruthless, making it one of his must-watch movies.

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3) The Jerk

It all started with this 1979 comedy film. The Jerk was written by Steve Martin, who also starred in the film, making it his first feature film appearance. The film begins with Martin’s character, Navin Johnson, breaking the fourth wall to address the viewers directly and narrating his story of being adopted by an African-American family.

Navin’s life is a series of unfortunate events, where he often tries to do good things but ends up causing more harm, unintentionally. From surviving a serial killer’s attack to trying to catch thieves, but ending up destroying the church, Navin goes through several challenging circumstances.

The film’s humorous plotline, with Steve Martin’s exceptional writing and also his acting, makes it another of the veteran’s must-watch films.

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2) Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

A list of Steve Martin’s must-watch movies and TV shows would be incomplete without mentioning Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The film narrates the story of a marketing executive named Neal Page and his misadventurous journey with a salesman named Del Griffith, after their flight gets diverted.

Steve Martin plays the reserved Neal, who is annoyed with the kind-hearted and helpful Del, played by John Candy. The film follows the duo as they meet, try to reach Chicago, and develop an unlikely friendship. The film is the perfect Thanksgiving family movie, which would make you smile throughout and fall in love with the duo with the most remarkable chemistry.

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1) Only Murders in the Building

Since 2021, Only Murders in the Building has been one of the fan favorite murder mystery TV shows. Starring Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short, the film tells the story of the trio coming together to investigate murders in their building and later producing a podcast about all the cases.

The comedy series has been doing exceptionally well over the years and has even been nominated for and won Emmy Awards. Martin plays the character of Charles-Haden Savage, an antisocial actor, who becomes a huge part of the trio, even if he appears to be unsociable, adding layers to the camaraderie between the characters.

The Hulu series showcases Steve Martin’s talent for crafting stories that captivate the audience, not just with their storyline but also with the humor that has perfect timing, making it one of his must-watch shows.

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What are your favorite Steve Martin movies or TV shows? Do tell us in the comments!

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