The Most Memorable TV and Movie Best Man Wedding Speeches of All Time

As we all know, there are many commitments a person is required to fulfill when asked to be the best man. However, these tasks—which include organizing the bachelor party, supporting the groom during the planning stage, and holding onto the wedding rings during the ceremony—are nothing compared to the main event and final responsibility: the best man speech.

Typically a three to five-minute toast meant to honor the couple, the best man speech is not only held in high regard, but is an age-old tradition many look forward to hearing at the rehearsal dinner or reception. These speeches are so popular, in fact, that countless TV shows and movies have immortalized this one special moment in a variety of ways.

From The Office to The Hangover Part II, some of our favorite fictional characters have delivered the most memorable (and hilarious) best man wedding speeches known to mankind. And for those currently preparing to give their own toasts, we've rounded up the top seven fictional moments to help inspire your own. Whether you find inspiration for a few jokes or learn what you should absolutely not do, read on for a few wedding day speeches we're sure you'll love.

The Five-Year Engagement

This hilarious romantic comedy follows the story of Tom Solomon (Jason Segel) and Violet Barnes (Emily Blunt), an engaged couple who struggle to make it down the aisle due to several unexpected misfortunes. But once they finally get to the alter and officially say "I do," Solomon's best man, Alex Eilhauer (Chris Pratt), decides to send them off with an epic, but inappropriate, best man speech that features a PowerPoint presentation and a toast sung to the tune of "We Didn’t Start The Fire" by Billy Joel. 

The Wedding Singer

In a scene from The Wedding Singer, actor Steve Buscemi plays a hilarious, but completely unhinged, best man. In his special toast during the reception, Buscemi's character delivers a drunken speech that includes topics like his stint in a rehab facility, family traumas, and exposed hidden secrets. While noteworthy and highly entertaining, this movie moment is a prime example of what not to do in the real world. 

Friends (The One With Ross's Wedding: Part 2)

During Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) and Emily Waltham's (Helen Baxendale) rehearsal dinner, best men Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) take center stage to deliver a best man speech everyone will love. Unfortunately, they both fail. Though Chandler tries to be funny, his humor and sarcasm get lost in the crowd, which ultimately leads to an embarrassing toast. As for Joey, while his toast seemingly starts off great, the quirky character ends up going on several tangents completely unrelated to the wedding, like his love for New York City and the United States.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Fictional best man speeches are usually those that can be categorized as catastrophic, inappropriate, and downright bad. However, in Four Weddings and a Funeral, best man Charles, played by Hugh Grant, delivers a lovely toast filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a focus on the couple's love for each other—the perfect recipe for a best man speech.  

The Best Man

After almost completely sabotaging his best friends' wedding, Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) redeems himself at the reception with a graceful and thoughtful best man speech. By focusing on the couple and highlighting the unbreakable bond between husband, Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut), and wife, Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun), this toast is a heartfelt wedding moment that is remembered today as one of the best toasts in movie history.

The Office (Phyllis's Wedding)

Though this speech doesn't technically fall into the best man category, given the fact that Michael Scott (Steve Carell) completely ambushed Phyllis Lapin (Phyllis Smith) and Bob Vance's (Robert R. Shafer) reception, this speech is one of the most unforgettable wedding toasts in TV history. During Scott's impromptu moment, the Dunder Mifflin regional manager blurts out a bunch of random quotes, one-liners, and cheesy jokes. And while Steve Carrell's acting is utterly flawless in this scene, real-life best men should stay away from replicating Michael Scott's approach. 

The Hangover Part II

During The Hangover Part II, Alan (Zach Galifianakis) takes the mic to give one of the most embarrassing best man speeches we've ever seen. Addressing a table of family and friends, he begins by sharing several inappropriate "fun facts", before ultimately being prompted to quickly end his toast. Once at the end, though, he wraps up his speech with information a best man should never share, such as the groom's past relationship history and a mention of their indiscretions during a trip to Las Vegas, as documented in the first Hangover movie.