The Biggest Laughs
They say that art is subjective, but no matter what year they came out, certain films have become iconic for the simple act of making people laugh. While there may be different movies for different people, there’s no denying these comedies have created their own legacies with laughs for everyone.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Some of the best comedies are also some of the oldest. Some Like it Hot features two musicians who flee the state after witnessing a mob hit, and disguise themselves as women in an all-women band. It’s considered one of the best films in history, not unlike this next movie.
Ashton Productions, Some Like It Hot (1959)
Animal House (1978)
While it did meet a mixed reception when released, National Lampoon's Animal House has since become known as a paramount comedy of its time. The chaotic college comedy about a fraternity trying to stick it to their Dean has stood the test of time and been referenced in countless movies and TV shows.
Universal, National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
A comedy that feels like it’s been around forever, The Big Lebowski has maintained its rank among masterpieces since its release. The comedy about a case of mistaken identity leading to a wild, hilarious adventure is truly one for the books.
Polygram Filmed Entertainment, The Big Lebowski (1998)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
In the 2000s, you couldn’t go to a movie theatre without seeing the posters for a Judd Apatow comedy. One of his all-time best works is The 40-Year-Old Virgin, starring Steve Carell. The story is self-explanatory, and it helped put Apatow’s name on the map.
Universal, The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
One of Robin Williams’ most recognizable roles is as the titular character in Mrs Doubtfire. The story of a divorced dad trying to be present in his kids’ lives while masquerading as their nanny is hilarious and emotional, becoming a pinnacle of family comedies. However, some of the best comedies are more like cult classics.
Twentieth Century, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Nacho Libre (2006)
Director Jared Hess’ Nacho Libre tells the tale of a monk who follows his dream of being a luchador wrestler. Although initially receiving mixed reviews, the movie has gained a cult following over the years. It wasn’t Hess’ first foray into the genre, though.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Jared Hess’ first feature-length comedy may not have all the glamor of some blockbusters, but it remains a memorable film to this day. The deadpan story of a rural teenager is remarkably ordinary, but as with our next movie, dry humor can be a comedic goldmine.
Fox Searchlight Pictures, Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Office Space (1999)
Office Space may have had a disappointing debut according to director Mike Judge, but it wouldn’t always be that way. As it grew older, the satirical film about a man transforming from an insecure, miserable office worker to a blasé and content layabout had a slow burn of appreciation. Turns out, comedies are a welcome space for slackers.
Twentieth Century, Office Space (1999)
Hot Rod (2007)
Thanks to Saturday Night Live and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andy Samberg became a household name. However, early in his career, his comedy about a trio of lovable losers trying to be a stunt team gained a cult following. Sometimes, though, three is a crowd.
Friday (1995)
One of Ice Cube’s first films was also one of his most iconic. Friday told the story of two friends trying to come up with the money they owe to someone, and it quickly became one of the best cult classics. Still, it’s not the only movie with a fan-favorite duo.
New Line Cinema, Friday (1995)
Wayne's World (1992)
Perhaps Mike Myers’ first big role was in a cult classic he helped write, Wayne’s World. It told the story of two best friends and their adventures, specifically their attempts to make their own TV show. Still, another pair of slackers may be even more famous.
Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure launched Keanu Reeves’ career and spawned a beloved franchise. Who knew the story of two high school losers who travel through time would have such a following? Thankfully, unlike the next duo, Bill and Ted never had to survive a horror movie.
De Laurentiis Entertainment, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Tucker And Dale Vs Evil (2010)
The first horror comedy on this list is none other than Tucker and Dale vs Evil, a movie that flips a few horror tropes on their heads. In the film, two hillbilly friends are just trying to fix up their cabin in the woods, when a group of college kids mistake them for kidnappers. The result is a dark horse pick that takes comedy to unexpected, albeit darker, heights.
Reliance Entertainment, Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
The New Zealand mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows follows the everyday life of three vampires living together and trying to make it in the modern day. As one of Taika Waititi’s best films, it became such a success that it spawned an even more popular TV series of the same name. It’s not the only parody film on this list, though.
Unison Films, What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Airplane! (1980)
As one of the ultimate spoof comedies, it's surprising that when Airplane! first released, it wasn’t that big. However, as time passed, appreciation grew for the film and people began to recognize it as a classic. But later that decade, another incredible parody film would join the spotlight.
Spaceballs (1987)
With Star Wars having come out a decade prior, it seemed only fitting for the first feature-length parody of the movie to be released. From director and writer Mel Brooks, Spaceballs parodied not only Star Wars, but sci-fi as a whole, and became a cult classic. It wouldn’t be Brooks’ last spoof film, however.
Brooksfilms, Spaceballs (1987)
Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)
In Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Mel Brooks was parodying not only the Robin Hood legend in general but specifically Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. While it had mixed reviews when it debuted, it became a timeless classic. Still, Robin Hood isn’t the only ambiguously historical figure with a spoof comedy.
Brooksfilms, Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
When Monty Python and the Holy Grail was released, the comedy troupe had already been around for a few years. Even so, their comedic take on the King Arthur legend became an undeniable hit and one of their most iconic bits. However, fantastical parody comedies aren’t just for live-action.
Python (Monty) Pictures, Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
Shrek (2001)
Spawning several sequels and spin-offs, there’s no doubt that Shrek had one of the biggest impacts on pop culture. The story of an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers) trying to reclaim his home took a hilarious, satirical look at popular fairy tales. But of course, Myers was an icon even before he was an ogre.
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Acting as an obvious spoof of the James Bond franchise, the first in the Austin Powers trilogy became a staple of the parody film genre. It’s Mike Myers doing some of his funniest work and has countless memorable moments. However, it’s not the only spy comedy out there.
Capella Films, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Johnny English (2003)
A true titan of comedic acting, Rowan Atkinson stars as the titular character in Johnny English, one of his best works. He completely nails the role of a bumbling spy who is only on a big mission because he’s the last one left. It’s packed with hilar
ious dialogue and loads of physical comedy, but it’s not the only outstanding comedy from across the pond.
Universal, Johnny English (2003)
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
One of director Edgar Wright’s earliest films is the zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, and although its production had its difficulties, it’s one of the best examples of horror comedy. The story of a friend group trying to survive the zombie apocalypse in London became an instant favorite. However, this was only the first in Wright’s Three Flavours Of Cornetto trilogy.
Universal, Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Only a few years later, Edgar Wright would come out with the next installment in his trilogy, which many fans say is their favorite. Hot Fuzz features a hard London officer who gets transferred to a small town that only seems peaceful on the surface. Of course, as with the next movie, action comedies are everywhere.
21 Jump Street (2012)
When 21 Jump Street came out, it wasn’t clear why a follow-up to the 80s TV show was needed. However, any doubters were quickly silenced as the story of two law enforcement officers going undercover in a high school became one of the best comedies of its time. Still, adding “adventure” to the action comedy genre is even better.
Columbia, 21 Jump Street (2012)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Based on the 1973 novel of the same name, The Princess Bride has become a staple in pop culture. It’s a sweeping epic about love, revenge, and adventure that features iconic scenes and dialogue that still hold up to this day. Like a few other movies, mixing comedy with different genres is sometimes the best choice.
Act III Communications, The Princess Bride (1987)
Clue (1985)
It may seem odd to create a movie based on a board game, but with Clue, it would have been a shame not to. The film is a classic whodunnit mystery comedy with a group of people trapped in a mansion. Pairing that with multiple endings and amazing performances resulted in an instant classic.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Jason Segel’s film about a TV composer trying to get over his actress ex-girlfriend is hilarious and full of heart. It came out earlier in his career, but became a rom-com beloved by many. However, hybrid comedies can include more than horror, action, or romance—what about one of our favorite Christmas movies?
Universal, Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Elf (2003)
It’s hard to believe that one of director Jon Favreau’s first films ever became such a sensation. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, who after being raised as an elf, tries to find his family in New York. Even beyond Elf, though, Ferrell is an undeniable master of comedy.
Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Just a year later, Will Ferrell would come out with another of his most iconic roles. The first in the Anchorman duology features Ron Burgundy as he grapples with his new co-anchor. While Ron may be a bit immature sometimes, he’s got nothing on Ferrell’s next character.
DreamWorks, Anchorman The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Step Brothers (2008)
Partnering with another comedic legend, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly came together to make Step Brothers. The story of two man-children becoming step-brothers shouldn’t be so groundbreakingly hilarious, but it was. There’s no denying that a pair of idiots is often a wellspring of comedy.
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Dumb and Dumber tells the story of two idiots traveling across the country to return a woman’s briefcase. It’s a simple story, and the comedy may—as the name suggests—not be for everyone, but there’s no denying that it became a pinnacle of the genre. Sometimes you only need one dimwit, however.
New Line Cinema, Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Zoolander (2001)
What started as a couple of shorts starring Ben Stiller turned into a full-fledged satirical comedy about the fashion industry. Although Zoolander was first met with criticism and negative reviews, it eventually became a beloved comedy with ultra-memorable moments, especially Stiller’s classic “blue-steel” look.
Tommy Boy (1995)
Featuring comedy legend Chris Farley, Tommy Boy explores the classic trope of pairing an imbecile with an over-achiever. In the timeless comedy, the two try to save the family business when Tommy (Farley) inherits ownership. It’s not the first film to use this formula, though.
Broadway Pictures, Tommy Boy (1995)
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
This and Tommy Boy are similar in many ways, however, Planes, Trains & Automobiles not only came first but is held up by its own merit. The movie is about a man trying to get home for Thanksgiving, but having to do so with an unwanted traveling companion. Its masterful humor and tear-jerking drama have made it an absolute favorite for comedy fans.
Paramount, Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Another film that defined the 80s, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows a teenager who goes insane lengths to skip school and make the most of it. It’s one of the most iconic comedies that doubles as a comfort film for many. It seems like coming-of-age comedies are also one of the most popular subgenres.
Paramount, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Superbad (2007)
While Michael Cera had already been in the world of television for a few years, Superbad was Jonah Hill’s breakthrough role. The high school comedy about unpopular friends dealing with the days leading up to graduation became an instant hit. But these kinds of movies don’t always have to be about the losers.
Mean Girls (2004)
Tina Fey’s classic high school comedy Mean Girls is the story of a new girl in school trying to take down the popular girls. With extremely quotable dialogue and an all-star cast, it became a testament to comedy in the early 2000s.
Bridesmaids (2011)
With a legendary ensemble cast, Bridesmaids became a standout comedy of the 2010s. As the name implies, it follows a group of bridesmaids as they fight their own dysfunction. Like the next movies, it proves that some of the best comedies are more recent.
The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (2022)
One of the latest buddy comedies explores the bizarre genius of Nicolas Cage’s acting. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent tells the story of Cage’s fictionalized life, where he must accept an offer to hang out with a fan of his for $1 million. It’s funny, heartwarming, and action-packed all in one.
Burr! Productions, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent (2022)
Barbie (2023)
Greta Gerwig’s recent satirical comedy almost needs no introduction. That said, Barbie became an immediate worldwide phenomenon with an enormous cultural impact. The movie about Barbie’s struggles with the real world is hilarious, but it also carries a lot of heart and a sincere message.
