What makes a great comedy? Could it be those hilarious one-liners that we love to quote or the comedic performances from brilliant actors? We’re not exactly sure what the best formula is, but we do know which movies make us roar with laughter and we’ve painstakingly scoured through the history of comedies to cherry-pick the finest funny movies in existence.
If you’re looking for a funny movie to give you a few laughs when you’re spending a night in, then we have the ultimate list for you. Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms or tend toward frathouse humor, these are the greatest comedies to put a smile on your face.
Meet the Parents
Everything that can possibly go wrong for groom-to-be Ben Stiller's character, Greg Focker, does. Despite the occasional sitcom-like execution, "Meet the Parents" is a laughable look at familial relationships that works primarily because the chemistry between its two leads (Rober De Niro and Ben Stiller) is so compelling.
De Niro has never been funnier as his soon-to-be son-in-law tries his best to impress. With De Niro's character being an ex-special agent, he pulls at all stops to make sure the man marrying his daughter is really worthy.
Mrs. Doubtfire
As we're writing this, Mrs. Doubtfire might seem excessively sentimental and even silly. Starring alongside Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan, Robin Williams shines so brightly as a dad who tries to stay in his kids’ lives by hatching an elaborate plan. He dresses up as an older woman so he can get hired to be their nanny.
What follows is a whole lot of meddling from Robin Williams as he can't help but take a lot of risks.
School of Rock
One of the best entries in Jack Black's ongoing attempt to dominate the comedy genre in this underdog story. At his most endearing, Jack Black's character is an overly enthusiastic musician who desperately needs work so he poses as a substituted teacher at a prestigious private school.
What starts out as a sneaky plan to earn some extra cash soon turns into something completely different. Black's character ends up coaching a class of misfits that go on to compete in a Battle of the Bands.
Duck Soup
"Duck Soup" is a film that didn’t do so hot at the box office but gained more recognition and appreciation as time went on. The Marx Brothers comedy follows some silly spies trying to stage a revolution in the small nation of Freedonia.
It has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 50 reviews, and holds a 7.8/10 on IMDb. Roger Ebert gives it a 4/4, including in his review that he believes it to be the best of the Marx Brothers films.
Mean Girls
This hit teen comedy found humor in the high school experience, with laugh-out-loud moments and a brilliant, zinger-filled script that's penned by Tina Fey.
The impressive ensemble cast provides genuine insight when the new girl, Cady (Lindsay Lohan) finds herself faced with the school's hierarchy, where being popular means everything.
Blazing Saddles
"Blazing Saddles" set the world on fire when it first hit theaters in 1974, and it has since become a multi-generational classic. It took the audience by storm, shining a satirical light on social issues like no other film before it.
This film has become one of Mel Brooks' crowning achievements, this classic Western satire is gleefully vulgar and blisteringly funny. While the jokes haven't aged well and at times can be cringe-inducing, it remains a riot of bad taste and one of the gutsiest comedies of our time.
9 to 5
This workplace comedy that blends office politics and sisterhood was so good that it became an instant classic. Starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, the charming movie features the best dynamic as they work together in more ways than one.
You might remember the theme song sung by Dolly Parton, which is still great!
Dr. Strangelove
There are dark comedies and then there's "Dr. Strangelove." This 1964 film, which is also known by its full title: "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb," is directed by Stanley Kubrick and stars George C. Scott and Peter Sellers. Sellers, who plays three separate roles throughout the production, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his work in the film.
The movie was nominated for four Oscars in total, along with six BAFTAs. Of the six, "Dr. Strangelove" took home four wins, including Best Film from Any Source and Best British Film.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The slapstick British comedy troupe made this parody of the Arthurian legend and offered a characteristically irreverent take on it in this film that has since gone on to become a cult classic.
It's rare for a comedy to hold up this well, but this one stood the test of time. The timeless one-liners like "It's just a flesh wound," make this a movie worth watching again and again.
Groundhog Day
It's not often that we come across a movie that bears the name of a well-known holiday and literally redefines it. It's almost been a few decades since its release and the jokes still land just as well now as they did then.
But what makes "Groundhog Day" so memorable after all this time? Maybe it remains relevant as life is about smiling through the painfully boring days when the world around you feels like a blur.
Some Like It Hot
This classic romantic comedy stars the legendary Marilyn Monroe and is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time. It tells the story of two musicians who must dress in drag to hide from the mafia after they wind up accidentally witnessing a crime.
"Some Like It Hot" was a huge success with critics and at the box office. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Director. In 2000, the American Film Institute named it number one on their list of 100 Years of 100 Laughs.
Airplane!
Though unabashedly silly and immature, "Airplane!" is a silly spoof of a disaster movie for those who love wordplay. This comedy first came out in 1980 but its quotable one-liners and slapstick stunts endure to this day.
"Airplane!" received universal acclaim from critics and is widely regarded as one of the best films of 1980. Since its release, its reputation has grown substantially. It was ranked 6th on Bravo's 100 Funniest Movies.
Fun With Dick and Jane
Quite true to its name, this film is a whole lot of fun with Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni, who resort to a life of crime after losing all their money. Mostly, they're just really bad at pulling off heists but manage to steal plenty of laughs.
Carrey showcases his talent as a multi-dimensional character, who can be heartfelt as well as cartoonish.
Bridesmaids
With a brilliant cast of characters and an incredibly silly-but-smart script, "Bridesmaids" surpasses all expectations as a female-driven comedy.
This movie certainly knocks the laughs right out of the park with a healthy portion of black humor that's perfectly balanced with a serving of juvenile gags.
Ghostbusters
Some of you may only be familiar with the 2016 version of "Ghostbusters," but older folks know that the original 1984 movie was a pure joy to watch. It was a big hit when it came out as it was appealing to both older and younger audiences.
Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd, the film tells how a group of professors turned into ghost removers. While this might sound a little bit eerie, it is hilarious!
Napoleon Dynamite
It’s kind of hard to describe this movie to those who haven’t seen it, but trust us when we say the narrative pacing and subtle humor make it equally unique and delightful.
It just gets weirder with a cast of social misfits, starring Napoleon (Jon Heder) and his friend Pedro, who couldn't care less about fitting in at high school.
Toy Story
From Pixar's beginnings as a testing platform for new computer animation techniques, the animation studio has always preferred technical innovation over simpler methods. "Toy Story" is sweetly charming, but shouldn't be written off as fluff.
With an odd couple in the form of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the movie is a stellar comedy that harmonizes well with touching childhood themes. It provides the perfect combination of action and adventure that packs a genuine heart and a barrel of laughs.
The Mask
Long before the Joker, there was Jim Carrey's version – he plays a high-intensity trickster in this comedy with a Looney Tunes vibe. "The Mask" offers the perfect showcase for Carrey’s reckless and over-the-top jokes.
While the effects have lost their luster, Jim Carrey manages a profoundly silly range of gags and impressions that still packs some serious comic voltage.
Modern Times
Charlie Chaplin was the comic relief that the world needed during the Great Depression and some of the most troubling times society had seen. He took serious situations and satirized them, providing laughs when there weren’t very many reasons to smile.
In 1989, the Library of Congress considered the film “culturally significant” and it was preserved in the National Film Registry. The film has also made several of AFI’s “100 Movies” lists.
Slap Shot
Paul Newman shines in "Slap Shot" as the least-heroic, worst-dressed role of his career as he plays a has-been hockey player who turned into the coach of a lower-league team.
The movie was censored at the time of its release for its relentlessly coarse language, but now the film has gathered a considerable cult following. It stands as a landmark for sports comedy that’s also a telling portrait of threatened masculinity in a declining America.
In Bruges
Featuring witty and fresh dialogue from two well-known Irish actors, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, "In Bruges" is an effective mix of dark comedy and crime thriller elements.
Two hitmen find themselves in the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium which provides a beautiful but odd place to set an entire movie. However, it does confirm the movie's cult-like status as an underrated gem of modern cinema.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
One of the most beloved comedies to come out of the 80s, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" loosely satirizes "Bicycle Thieves," the Vittorio De Sica classic. Paul Reuben's zany antics as Pee-wee Herman are priceless. He takes on a big adventure as he tries to track down his stolen bicycle.
Tim Burton’s first feature film brings Paul Reubens' famous character to the big screen, as he captures the essence of childhood joy one giggle at a time.
Lost in America
"Lost in America" stands above the rest of Albert Brooks' movies as perhaps his greatest comedy. This satire features his consistent jabs about the American fantasy of leaving it all behind.
The story revolves around a couple who set out to find themselves but eventually realize that they're not really interested in growth. It's the kind of comedy that sticks with you for weeks after you've seen it.
The Blues Brothers
Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star in this cult classic as two brothers on a mission from God himself. Jake Blues (Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Aykroyd) decide to do some good and raise money for the Catholic home they grew up in.
This mission results in a major road trip all through Illinois in an effort to get the band back in action. There's no way you can resist these SNL legends in this classic from our favorite decade.
Best in Show
It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's palpably tense in this mockumentary. The appealing premise is about a dog show and its hilariously quirky dog trainers.
With Christopher Guest's gift for improv comedy and eccentric characters played by the likes of Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, and Jennifer Coolidge, this movie is definitely something you should watch.
Booksmart
In the high school comedy "Booksmart", Molly (Beanie Feldstein) is an ambitiously studious teen and her friend Amy discovers a sad fact: a life of bookish abstinence wasn't necessary to get into Ivy League Universities.
Their popular classmates who spent most of their time partying are also heading to elite universities. So together they decide to have at least one careless night of fun and partying before graduation. Their plans immediately go wrong as they find themselves in increasingly ludicrous situations.
The Heartbreak Kid
In this masterpiece of uneasy apprehension, Charles Grodin stars as an aloof salesman who suddenly realizes his new bride is the absolute worst while on their honeymoon.
Soon enough, he falls for another guest while his trustful spouse heals from a bad sunburn. The actors in "The Heartbreak Kid" do wonders in making their shallow characters believable.
City Lights
This pre-Code romantic comedy was made in 1931 when Charlie Chaplin was still producing his silent hits. The film is widely regarded as the star’s masterpiece, which follows The Little Tramp in his attempts to court a blind girl that he’s fallen for.
"Sight and Sound" magazine’s 1952 poll named it the second-best film of all time, and that was one of many times it’s been given that honor. American Film Institute has included it in seven of their “100 Years” lists and called it the single “Best Romantic Comedy” on their 2008 “10 Top 10.”
Shaun of the Dead
This zombie movie parody was the first feature to come from co-writers Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg and it was surprisingly moving!
The quips and gags zoom at a mile a minute but still, there's an effortless balance between laughs, genuine shocks, and touching poignancy. The fact that it all looks so seamless is nothing short of a miracle.
Elf
Sometimes all that's needed for a movie to work is the right actor. And this is definitely the case with 2003's "Elf". Comedy genius Will Ferrell plays Buddy, an adult who's grown up in the North Pole and is somehow under the impression that he's an elf.
Ferrell decides to travel to New York to search for his birth father (played by James Caan) and gets a job in a department store as he tries to navigate the human world. The talented Zooey Deschanel plays Buddy's cynical co-worker as he gets himself into goofy, ridiculous situations. Ferrell's manic energy in this Christmas movie has since become the festive family staple without the post-sugar-rush headache.
It Happened One Night
This screwball comedy follows a recently married spoiled heiress who gets entangled with a newspaper reporter who happens to fall in love with her. The film was directed and co-produced by Frank Capra and was welcomed by stunning reviews upon its release.
"It Happened One Night" is one of just three films to ever win all five of the major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The only two other films to ever pull that off have been "The Silence of the Lambs" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest."
Clueless
This charming film is based on Jane Austen's Emma, which follows teenage love and friendships. It's much more than just a teen-centric movie from the 90s though — it's a film that can keep finding new fans for years to come.
This movie still manages to hold a lot of cultural clout. With a lead performance from Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd, this film has so much wit.
Coming to America
This movie stands out as Eddie Murphy's first big-screen project and also as one of his best comedic works. In it, he embodies multiple roles that were only a few degrees removed from each other but quite well executed.
Supporting roles from James Earl Jones, John Amos and Arsenio Hall only add to the stellar quality of this film.
Dumb and Dumber
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star in "Dumb and Dumber" as two goofy characters who accidentally become involved in a kidnapping scheme and a never-ending series of coincidences that they're too stupid to understand.
This film is unapologetically tacky but it's also the Farrelly brothers' first movie and probably the most beloved.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
In this raunchy but realistically funny comedy for adult audiences, Steve Carell stars as an amiable single guy looking for love. While on his quest, Carell's character finds himself in incredibly unfortunate situations, like when his friends convince him to get his chest waxed.
Carrell's performance was laugh-out-loud funny as the titular underdog, and even with all the explicit jokes, this movie is unexpectedly sweet and full of heart.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Typically stylish but also thoughtful and witty, as is customary with Wes Anderson's films, "The Royal Tenenbaums" features three adult burnouts as they return to visit their sick father in New York.
The characters take on almost mythic qualities in the audience's minds in this world that is so creatively and carefully crafted by Anderson.
The General
Buster Keaton stars in this 1926 silent comedy based on a true event known as the Great Locomotive Chase that occurred during the Civil War. Unfortunately, when it came out to theaters, audiences weren’t rushing to see it, which resulted in a less-than-stellar box office turnout.
However, as the years have gone by, critics have changed their thoughts about the film, and it’s now considered one of the best in movie history. It has made a number of the American Film Institute’s lists, from 1998-2007.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Anchorman recalls a simpler time when a man was not judged by the contents of his character but on the raw, unchecked ferocity of his mustache and other silly things that distinguished the 70s.
Will Ferrell stars as the head anchor but the film is very much an ensemble effort from his co-stars played by Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell, and David Koechner.
The Simpsons Movie
It's no stretch to say that "The Simpsons" show has ruffled a few feathers in its 30+ year run. The animated show is a mix of satirical and toilet humor which has always kept audiences and censors on the edge of their seats.
Filled with biting satire and an honest portrayal of an American family, the movie delivered many hearty laughs. It was no surprise that the film adaptation was a massive success.
The Room
Nobody will ever tell you the script is good. But even with the writer's complete and utter lack of narrative structure, common sense, and regard for how humans interact, the film manages to achieve a brilliance that continues to draw audiences to theaters. Many believed that it was a parody, but it was actually a completely serious film made by and starring the mysterious Tommy Wiseau.
The film has gained a cult following since its abysmal release and is now one of the most popular bad films of all time. Many theaters in the United States have an annual theatrical showing of the film, and it’s always sold out with roaring and laughing fans. The 2017 film "The Disaster Artist" chronicles the bizarre behind-the-scenes shenanigans of how the film was made.
Young Frankenstein
"Young Frankenstein" is a cult classic and a masterpiece of a film. It’s burlesque enough to draw any audience, but it slips in subtle high-brow notions. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel about the monster, "Young Frankenstein" was written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder.
Wilder plays the role of the mad scientist, a relative of Shelley’s Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Peter Boyle plays the monster. The film is registered for preservation at the Library of Congress.
His Girl Friday
If you haven’t seen this 1940 romantic comedy, you must add it to your list for movie nights. "His Girl Friday" stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell and tells the story of a newspaper editor and reporter who get wrapped up in a murder case.
The film made number 19 on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Years and 100 Laughs. In 1993, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Tropic Thunder
Tom Cruise veers way off course from his action hero persona to play Wes Grossman, a balding movie executive. Cruise dove head-first into the part, even though it was merely a supporting role to Robert Downey Jr., Matthew McConaughey, and Ben Stiller in Stiller’s 2008 comedy.
Even though we were expecting this film to be terrible, the parody of famous war films is actually hilarious.
Bad Santa
This isn't your typical warm and fuzzy Christmas movie, and that's exactly what makes it great. "Bad Santa" is a black comedy about two con men (played by Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox), that reunite once a year for a holiday scheme. The actors seem like the perfect cast for the film, as Thornton plays the heavy-drinking Willie Soke, a thief disguised as a mall Santa, and Cox plays his sneaky elf assistant.
This dark comedy takes an unexpected turn when Thornton starts to get close with an outsider kid and his mother (played by Lauren Graham), forming an oddball makeshift family. This is one Christmas film that has it all, and with the comedy genius of Bernie Mac and John Ritter, film director Terry Zwigoff is sure to keep you glued to the screen for the whole hour and a half.
The Family Stone
Even if you're not a fan of the typical American rom-com, "The Family Stone" is one of those movies you'll never regret watching. Why? Because it's a witty comedy-drama with great performances by some of Hollywood's finest.
With a cast that includes Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Craig T. Nelson, this film paints a perfect picture of what family holidays are really like — a gathering of sometimes unlikable characters with which we have a love/hate relationship. Expect witty dialogue, hilarious scenes, and a tear-jerking performance by Keaton, who plays the matriarch of the family.
Zombieland
You just gotta have a zombie movie on the list. This comedy/horror features Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harelson teaming up on a road trip to Ohio to find Columbus's (Eisenberg) family.
Enjoy the wild ride, laughs, and a little gore in this wildly entertaining road trip film. The Cadillac Escalade is also a great touch.
Tower Heist
This heist movie, aptly named "Tower Heist", is set in the ever-exciting New York City. It stars two comedy kings Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, and features parades and turkeys! It's good old family fun.
You'll also love their amazing co-stars Gabourey Sidibe, Alan Alda, and Matthew Broderick. The great Alan Alda plays a Ponzi scheme crook who gets placed under house arrest for stealing $2 billion. Of course, that's where Murphy and Stiller come in with a sneaky plan.
Borat
In this infamous mockumentary, Sasha Baron Cohen stars as Borat Sagdiyev, a journalist from Kazakhstan who is tasked with traveling to America to document life there.
It takes a lot to remain completely serious while winding up and even shocking gullible members of the public, but Sacha Baron Cohen is perfect for this role – as demonstrated by this cringe-inducing journey across America.
National Lampoon's Vacation
This comedy classic by the legendary late Harold Ramis stars Chevy Chase in one of his most iconic roles as Clark W. Griswold. Chase plays the ambitious father whose holiday plans just don't pan out.
You can bet your bottom dollar it's filled with road trip adventures, which is something all viewers like to get lost in. The 1982 film was also a major hit, which resulted in four hilarious sequels.
The Jerk
In this tale of a man, we see Steve Martin's genuine sweetness and crass side as he fundamentally misunderstands every step in his rags-to-riches-to-rags journey.
"The Jerk" is adorably hilarious and showcases Steve Martin's performance as nothing short of his all-out talent for comedy.
Bringing Up Baby
There's a case to be made that this classic screwball comedy has everything: from witty banter to a massive comedic set piece that has a nerdy paleontologist way over his head.
Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn at their effervescent best are elevating the seamlessly assembled comedy with enduring appeal.
M*A*S*H
Though many people might know M*A*S*H as the sitcom it inspired, Robert Altman's movie still stands as an irreverent and hilarious masterpiece in its own right.
Anchored by remarkable performances from Donald Sutherland and Elliott Gould and driven by the now-famous natural, constantly flowing dialogue, the film remains an intoxicating mix of high and low-brow comedy.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
In the mid-1980s, if there was someone anyone wanted to be — it was Ferris Bueller. Ferris was the only teen who managed to ditch school in style and live to tell about it.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was a huge comedy classic that inspired kids to give themselves a break every once in a while. The script was written in four days and left us with a movie that we can't get enough of.
When Harry Met Sally
Harry and Sally are two friends grappling with the ultimate question: can men and women ever simply be platonic pals? The 1989 rom-com was written by Nora Ephron. It featured Meg Ryan as Sally and Billy Crystal as Harry.
The classic film originated some concepts we talk about to this day, like "high-maintenance." We're sure you've watched this 80s treasure, but if for some reason you haven't, what are you waiting for?
Scrooged
There have been countless adaptations of Charles Dickens's famous book, "A Christmas Carol". And Richard Donner's 1987 film, "Scrooged", is undoubtedly one of the best. In this 80's holiday classic, Bill Murray plays a greedy, arrogant, and very successful TV executive that has gradually pushed everybody in his life away.
The movie gets increasingly funny as Murray is visited by a series of Christmas spirits that force him to take a look at his selfish lifestyle. Not to mention Carol Kane's hilarious performance as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
You can't get much better than Steve Martin and John Candy in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles." The comedy features the two legends as strangers who are forced to become travel companions as they head home for the holidays.
The John Hughs film takes these comedy greats together on a long, awkward, and hilarious road trip movie experience. It is a total delight and simply a must-see.
Trading Places
John Landis directs comedy legends Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd in this hilarious family comedy. The film follows two unscrupulous millionaire brothers who cook up a scheme for Christmas as part of a bet — to switch the fortunes of a pretentious investor and a clever street artist (Aykroyd and Murphy, respectively).
"Trading Places" is filled with sneaky Wall Street conspiracies, all the while bringing traditional holiday values to the screen. This classic 80's comedy reminds us of the importance of love, generosity, and friendship.
Major League
Major League was a movie with quite a unique concept. The cast made the colorful story become more than what it is, as they played the roles of minor leaguers, faded athletes, and fraudulent players. These characters are grouped to fulfill the roster needs of the infant Cleveland Indians franchise.
The recently widowed and seemingly unwilling new owner of the team wants to move them to Florida, and for that to happen, she has to make sure that the team will be atrocious in the field. With silly antics, and active practice of voodoo (yes, you read that right), the film delivers comedy at its finest. Lighthearted and funny, a perfect addition to your movie nights!
The Philadelphia Story
We’re headed back in time to 1940 when this romantic comedy directed by George Cukor hit the scene. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn star as a young married couple on the verge of divorce. Critics seem to agree that the storyline is one of the best of its time, with one calling it a “beautifully spun tale.”
The film won the Academy Award for Best Writing in an Adapted Screenplay and brought in $3.3 million – which was a lot of money in 1940.
Happy Gilmore
You knew Adam Sandler was going to be heavily featured on this list. Those who enjoy Adam Sandler's style will find plenty to love in this delightfully juvenile take on professional golf.
Much to the chagrin of the well-mannered golf professionals, "Happy Gilmore" climbs up the ranks, along with his foul-mouth attitude. This comedy about slobs vs. snobs is worth a watch, even if you can't stand Sandler.
21 Jump Street
A thoughtfully moving satire of '80s sentimentality and teen-centric movie tropes, "21 Jump Street" presents typical mainstream comedy with a surprisingly satisfying twist. Even though you'd expect it to be gags galore, the script is actually really good!
This reboot of the '80s TV series with the same name only recycles the plot of young cops going undercover in high school to investigate crimes. It adds a lot more crude humor and self-referential jokes that parody the typical teen movie themes.
Juno
Juno's profoundly quirky dialogue and distinctive script are matched by bright performances in a coming-of-age tale with a 21st-century twist. We've seen a lot of movies in our time, but this one is really unique and pretty sweet.
With witty quotes like "honest to blog" and "he's the cheese to my macaroni," the script featuring a pregnant teenager still manages to be realistic and much deserving of all the praise it's gotten so far.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is the rom-com we recommend you see at least once, if not multiple times. Though it can sometimes feel like a TV sitcom, the movie is sweet, and delightfully eccentric, with a sharp script and deft leading performances.
It's a comforting movie that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. But let's not forget the terrific performances from Michael Constantine and Nia Vardalos as the leading characters.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
When this parody of tedious music biopics was first released, it didn't do so well. Now, however, it's being appreciated for the comedic masterpiece it is.
While being pretty unreasonable, "Walk Hard" lacks the unruly eccentricity of other parodies but makes up for it with well-executed shots that land right on target.
Zoolander
While the fashion world isn’t exactly a difficult subject for satire, Ben Stiller’s tale of absurd pretension has such great quips and one-liners that it’s hard not to bellow with laughter.
It's quite challenging to overstate just how influential "Zoolander" has been on comedy in the 21st century. With stellar performances from Ben Stiller and Will Ferrell, the movie is jam-packed with funny gags.
Snatch
Thick accents abound in this crime-comedy that's filled with a star-studded cast. Yes, it's morbid and dark but it's also extremely entertaining. We certainly recommend this if you enjoy British comedy and especially if you like a bit of action.
The movie features a dizzying swirl of snappy dialogue, interwoven narratives, and wildly-conceived characters, from gangsters to street fighting gypsies. Guy Ritchie's film proves to be a decidedly fun film for those wanting to laugh.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Few romantic comedies are as devastatingly outlandish and brutally honest as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". While the movie has the standard plot of finding new love after a break-up, this one was actually inspired by Jason Segel's own personal romantic failures.
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is about his past journey as he ignored good advice and went on a few wild adventures. The film includes a decent cast with Paul Rudd, Kirsten Bell, and Russell Brand.
Wayne's World
While there have been a lot of films carved out of sketches from "Saturday Night Live", only a few have managed to outlive the premise that worked for late-night TV. "Wayne's World" is a rare example of how well that can be done.
In this oddball comedy, there's a feeling that the creators were willing to try just about anything to get a laugh, but luckily their success rate is exceptionally high. It's been fondly regarded because of its endearing characters.
Back to the Future
In this sci-fi movie from the 80s, Marty McFly is a small-town teen who journeys back in time using an eccentric scientist's time machine. It soon goes awry as Marty has to make his parents fall in love or he'll cease to exist.
While also being funny, this movie is about a thrilling time-traveling adventure with an incredible cast that includes Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Crispin Glover.
Office Space
In this satire about capitalism drudgery, Ron Livingston stars as a corporate drone in a computer software company and Jennifer Anniston as an unhappy waitress. With a mix of funny one-liners and sharp dialogue, this movie is a hilarious knock-down of workplace culture.
This movie managed to hit the bullseye and easily earns its place on any list of the funniest movies ever made.
Clerks
Kevin Smith made this black and white film with only a little more than $28,000. Even though this motion picture is pretty raunchy, it's still highly relatable.
The movie commenced Kevin Smith's signature of memorable films and is by far his best and most creative effort. It still has fans quoting “I’m not even supposed to be here today.”
The Big Lebowski
Jeff Bridges is simply perfect as the laid-back protagonist in this Coen brothers' comedy. His character is known as "The Dude" who is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name, mishaps ensue as he gets caught up in a kidnapping ring.
The film is edgy and creative and the ensemble cast did well to create memorable characters. Many might attribute the film's success to its pointed dialogue, but its life lessons about friendship that make it so much more than a comedy.
Old School
When three adult men decide to start their own fraternity, it’s all achieved with chaotic enthusiasm thanks to a Frat Pack cast that includes Luke Wilson, Will Ferrel, and Vince Vaughn. The obvious standout, though, is Will Ferrell, whose inner conflict between a middle-aged family man and party-obsessed Frank provides the film with a dynamic that's truly funny.
Todd Philips has since made more blockbuster movies, but "Old School" remains the benchmark for his comedic work.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Baby boomers will probably remember this late 80s movie that superbly mocked crime TV shows from the 70s. Leslie Nielsen as a bumbling investigator gives a great performance that will leave your ribs tickled and your cheeks sore.
Even now, more than three decades later, it's still hysterically funny with harmless slapstick and clever puns.
This Is Spinal Tap
Rob Reiner's mockumentary shines a light on a heavy-metal band as they struggle to get back on the charts. With probably the most laugh-out-loud script in movie history, the strong performances of dim-witted characters somehow still remain endearing.
While the pivotal music and profound lyrics set this movie apart, it's the script that makes this movie as witty as it gets.
Caddyshack
The premise follows a teen on his quest to raise money for college so he works as a caddy for golfers at the snob-infested Bushwood Country Club. You'll encounter classic slapstick, whip-smart dialogue, and unforgettable characters.
The film features many zany scenes that balance well with comedic timing from great actors like Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase.
Tootsie
The concept of a guy dressing up as a woman to get a better job did not age well, but the good intentions still outweigh the bad.
The fine script and performances from Bill Murray and Dustin Hoffman still shine through despite the movie's approach to feminism. The 80s style and script manage to charm audiences, so much so that it's become a classic in its own right.
The Pink Panther
Featuring the clumsy antics of lumbering pseudo-French Detective Clouseau, "The Pink Panther" was the first and probably the best in the franchise of Pink Panther films.
While being subtle and funny, Peter Seller's bumbling character is very effective at being silly.