Dumb and Dumber (franchise)

The Dumb and Dumber franchise is an American comedy franchise centered around the comedic misadventures of Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, two dim-witted but well-meaning friends. The franchise began with the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber, directed by Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly, and starring Jim Carrey as Lloyd and Jeff Daniels as Harry. The film was a box office success and became a cultural phenomenon, known for its slapstick humor, absurdist situations, and quotable lines.

The success of the original film led to the development of further installments. This included a short-lived animated television series titled Dumb and Dumber (1995-1996) which followed the characters' adventures in their younger years. A prequel film, Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, was released in 2003. This film featured a different cast and was not directed by the Farrelly brothers. It was critically panned and is generally considered non-canon by fans.

The Farrelly brothers returned to direct and write Dumb and Dumber To (2014), a direct sequel to the original film, reuniting Carrey and Daniels in their iconic roles. Dumb and Dumber To received mixed reviews, with some praising the return of Carrey and Daniels and the re-establishment of the original's comedic tone, while others criticized the film for rehashing old jokes and lacking originality.

The franchise, as a whole, is characterized by its lowbrow humor, physical comedy, and the often-absurd interactions between Lloyd and Harry. Despite mixed critical reception for some of the later installments, the original Dumb and Dumber remains a highly influential and beloved comedy film.