Of all the cinematic genres, comedy is the hardest to truly master. Humor is so context-dependent, and changes so wildly from person to person (let alone between generations) that many comedies struggle to have a strong, immediate impact, and a lot of the ones that do soon become outdated and glaringly of their time. However, there have been plenty of comedy movies throughout cinematic history that have proven themselves to be timeless and stand among the best movies of all time.
COLLIDER VIDEO OF THE DAY
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
In a sprawling range that spans from masterpieces of the silent era to striking satires and 70s spoofs, and even to some instant classics of the modern age, comedy cinema is littered with hilarious hits. United by runaway creativity and a universal embracing of the sheer, unbridled joy of a good laugh, these quintessential comedy classics are sure to leave audiences in stitches.
40 ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ (1997)
Director: Jay Roach
Image via New Line Cinema
Offering emphatic proof that spoof movies didn’t completely die in the 80s, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery was the perfect parody of what was, at the time, a dwindling Bond franchise. It follows the titular spy, an agent from the 1960s awoken from cryogenic sleep to face off against his arch nemesis, Dr. Evil (also played by Mike Myers), when he returns to Earth and holds the planet to ransom.
The spy spoof is relentless in its pursuit of gags, taking direct aim at 007’s more anachronistic and chauvinistic tendencies with reckless abandon. The end result is so ridiculous that it works, hinging on its parody prowess and its central goofiness to stand among the most brilliantly ingenious dumb comedies ever made. The catchphrases alone are enough to leave fans in hysterics.
39 ‘In Bruges’ (2008)
Directed by Martin McDonagh
Image via Focus Features
Martin McDonagh has risen to great heights with his ability to mesh black comedy with dramatic punch, notably doing so with the Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, which also made exceptional use of stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. However, the writer-director’s funniest movie is still his debut feature, In Bruges, with the anxiety-inducing crime-dramedy following two Irish hitmen as they are sent to the picturesque Belgian city of Bruges after a job goes horribly wrong.
Embedded within the film’s dark comedic allure, there is an unpredictable tale of morality and regret which was largely defining of the picture’s brilliance. Also running with fabulous, profanity-laden dialogue, occasional strong violence, and an unforgettably erratic yet hilarious villainous performance from Ralph Fiennes, In Bruges is a laugh-a-minute comedy that thrives as a contemplative tale of crime and remorse as well.
In Bruges
Release Date February 8, 2008
Cast Elizabeth Berrington , Rudy Blomme , Olivier Bonjour , Mark Donovan , Ann Elsley , Colin Farrell
Runtime 107
38 ‘The Jerk’ (1979)
Directed by Carl Reiner
Image via Universal Pictures
The movie which saw Steve Martin truly make the leap from a stand-up comic to a leading man in Hollywood comedies, The Jerk was the actor’s first starring role in film. Serving primarily as a vehicle for Martin’s effervescent and highly energetic brand of goofy comedy to take center stage, The Jerk follows Navin Johnson (Martin), the adopted son of a black family whose sheltered naivety explodes into a journey of self-discovery which takes him to St. Louis.
Embarking on one chaotic misadventure after another, Navin goes from rags to riches and back to rags again all while pursuing the love of cosmetologist, Marie Kimble (Bernadette Peters). Even finding an unlikely diehard fan in Stanley Kubrick, The Jerk displays Martin at his high-octane best and proves that, when it comes to being stupid, there is no greater genius than Steve Martin.
The Jerk
Release Date December 14, 1979
Runtime 1 hr 35 min
Rent on Apple TV
37 ‘A Night at the Opera’ (1935)
Directed by Sam Wood
A successful vaudeville and Broadway comedy troupe through the early part of the 20th century before they made the transition to film with the advent of the talkies, the Marx Brothers were arguably Hollywood’s greatest comedic talents through the 30s and 40s. The first film of the group’s post-Zeppo era, A Night at the Opera sees the three brothers infiltrating the highbrow opera scene to help a young aspiring singer, Rosa (Kitty Carlisle), achieve her dreams while thwarting her enemies.
Featuring witty wordplay, physical comedy, and musical numbers, as well as elaborate set pieces like the famous stateroom scene, the film has become an all-time comedy classic. The feverishly upbeat movie is jam-packed with gags while allowing the brothers a rare chance to show off a more sympathetic side to their anarchic personas.
Watch on Tubi
36 ‘Heathers’ (1989)
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Image via New World Pictures
A critical counter-punch to the sunny optimism of many ’80s teen comedies, Heathers offers a masterclass in cynical and subversive dark comedy. Tired of the elitist and cruel clique led by three girls, all of whom are named Heather, Veronica Sawyner (Winona Ryder) teams up with her rebellious new boyfriend, J.D. (Christian Slater), to devise a twisted plot that will rid the school of the rigid and oppressive social order. However, things spiral out of control when J.D.’s plan escalates to full-blown murder.
An astute deconstruction of high school tropes, Heathers takes plenty of potshots at teenage alienation and schoolyard hierarchies. Despite being a box office flop on release, it has become a cult film of significant acclaim. More than 35 years on from its release, it still feels pointed and modern, thanks in no small part to its inventive dialogue written by Daniel Waters.
Heathers
Release Date March 31, 1989
Director Michael Lehmann
Runtime 103
35 ‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
Director: Edgar Wright
Image via Rogue Pictures
The first film in Edgar Wright’s famous ‘Cornetto Trilogy’, Shaun of the Dead is a true modern classic of comedy cinema, as well as a brilliant nod to the history of zombie horror cinema. It follows an aimless sales assistant, Shaun (Simon Pegg), whose uneventful life is imbued with new meaning when the dead rise. Desperate to save his mother and his failing relationship, Shaun sets out with his lazy flatmate to face the zombie apocalypse.
With Wright utilizing his trademark style, Pegg and Nick Frost performing at their hilarious best, and plenty of comical yet shocking bloody effects, it has become one of the all-time great horror comedies. It also served as a significant big-screen success for Wright following his hit series Spaced, while Shaun of the Dead’s toying with an established American film genre in zombie horror enabled it to reach an international audience.
Shaun of the Dead
Release Date April 9, 2004
Director Edgar Wright
Runtime 99
34 ‘Office Space’ (1999)
Directed by Mike Judge
Image via 20th Century Fox
Office Space is Mike Judge’s send-up of corporate culture and the drudgery of the modern workplace. Starring Ron Livingstone, it follows software engineer Peter Gibbons who despises his mundane job at a soulless, life-sapping tech company. Further frustrated by his micromanaging boss, Bill Lumbergh (Gary Cole), and the mind-numbing routine of cubicle life, Peter finds clarity when a hypnosis session goes askew, inspiring him and his co-workers to take revenge on their boss.
Judge’s story taps into the understated, maniacal rage that the monotonous boredom of such jobs can instill in many employees, an achievement complemented by hilarious performances from all involved. Its commentary on the modern workplace and its resonant ideas have made Office Space a cult classic comedy that has influenced pop culture through the memes that have spawned from it.
Office Space
Release Date February 19, 1999
Director Mike Judge
Runtime 89
33 ‘The Producers’ (1967)
Directed by Mel Brooks
Image via Embassy Pictures
A Mel Brooks masterpiece that danced on society’s sensitivities, The Producers followed washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and his timid accountant Leo Bloom (played by Gene Wilder) as they hatch a devious scheme to get rich quick. Realizing that if they can get people to invest in a play which flops that they’ll be able to keep the leftover money, Max and Leo gather financiers for their surefire musical flop, “Springtime for Hitler.”
The Producers received only mixed reviews upon release, with many critics finding its narrative detailing two Jews trying to profit off Hitler to be in poor taste (it is worth noting the film was released at a time when WWII was in living memory for most). However, it has come to be celebrated as a daring and divine success, with its searing mockery of the entertainment industry and its willingness to explore controversial topics making it a timeless classic.
The Producers (1967)
Release Date November 10, 1968
Director Mel Brooks
Cast Zero Mostel , gene wilder , Dick Shawn , Kenneth Mars
Runtime 88 minutes
32 ‘Hot Fuzz’ (2007)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Image via Rogue Pictures
The first and best entry of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost’s acclaimed ‘Cornetto’ Trilogy, Hot Fuzz saw the idiosyncratic filmmaker firing on all cylinders. When elite London police officer Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is transferred due to making everyone else in his station look bad, he lands in the sleepy country town of Sandford. When a series of violent murders hit the town, Angel and his partner Danny Butterman (Frost) begin investigating the malicious mystery.
Wright and Pegg’s script is consistently hilarious, as is every single one of the performances, but what truly made Hot Fuzz distinct as a comedy masterstroke was its visual gags. Wright is peerless among his generation when it comes to visual humor, be it his smash cuts and dynamic camera moves or simple set pieces like Nick Frost running through a fence. He was at his very best with Hot Fuzz which is a masterpiece of modern comedy. All those who agree say “Yarp.”
Hot Fuzz
Release Date February 20, 2007
Director Edgar Wright
Runtime 121 minutes
31 ‘Life of Brian’ (1979)
Directed by Terry Jones
Image via Cinema International Pictures
Throughout cinematic history, there is no comedic troupe that has become as notorious, nor as polarizing, as Monty Python. More so than any other film that they made, Life of Brian exhibits the comedy group’s appetite to dismantle sacrosanct ideas and serious topics in attention-grabbing ways. It revolves around Brian of Nazareth (Graham Chapman), a man born on the same night as Jesus and who is often mistaken to be the Messiah, even as he inadvertently becomes the face of a revolutionary group’s stance against the Romans.
The Monty Python movie is a fantastic satire of religious dogmatism, packed with hard-hitting references to Christianity, politics, history, and even classic literature. From gags like Biggus Dickus to “what did the Romans ever do for us?”, and, of course, to the finale which sees Brian and his comrades in crucifixion looking on the bright side of life, Life of Brian is loaded with moments which are as gut-bustlingly hilarious as they are iconic.
Life of Brian
Release Date August 17, 1979
Director Terry Jones
Runtime 94
30 ‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)
Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
Image via Gramercy Pictures
One of the most beloved achievements of the Coen Brothers, The Big Lebowski blended elements of quirky comedy with film noir to be an intriguing yet absurd mystery as well as a uniquely hilarious modern classic. It centers on Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), an easygoing slacker and avid bowler who becomes embroiled in a criminal conspiracy when he is mistaken for a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski. As the Dude seeks compensation for his soiled rug, he is sucked into the L.A. criminal underbelly and a bizarre kidnapping case.
Utterly surreal, joyously silly, and endlessly quotable, The Big Lebowski became an instant cult classic. Also featuring unforgettable supporting performances from the likes of John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, it is nothing short of a sublime comedy masterpiece, with many who abide regarding it among the best films ever made.
The Big Lebowski
Release Date March 6, 1998
Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen
Runtime 117 minutes
29 ‘Modern Times’ (1936)
Directed by Charles Chaplin
Image via United Artists
The master of the silent era, Charles Chaplin made many of cinema’s earliest masterpieces, with Modern Times viewed to be among the best silent films ever made. Serving as Chaplin’s last performance as his iconic tramp character, the film follows a fired factory worker as he struggles to adjust to the industrial advancements of a rapidly evolving America. Befriending an orphaned and homeless young woman, he strives to find his place in the new-age world.
It shouldn’t be lost on modern audiences that Chaplin’s decision to make Modern Times a mostly silent picture when the film industry had embraced the talkies was met with some strong criticism. In hindsight, it’s a perfect metaphor for what the film is about; a humble worker lost in a mechanical world where new is best and advancement is everything. A masterful blend of physical comedy and thoughtful themes, its social criticism has only grown more poignant over time.
Modern Times
Release Date February 25, 1936
Director Charles Chaplin
Cast Charles Chaplin , Paulette Goddard , Henry Bergman , Tiny Sandford , Chester Conklin
Runtime 87 Minutes
Watch on Max
28 ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)
Directed by John Hughes
Image via Paramount Pictures
One of the greatest road comedies, Planes, Trains and Automobiles sees stars Steve Martin and John Candy at the peak of their powers, with their chemistry sublime as the friendly yet perpetually squabbling travel companions. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, advertising executive Neal Page (Martin) is desperate to get back to his family in Chicago, but when inclement weather grounds his flight home, he finds himself hitting the road with the overall joyous Del Griffith (Candy) in a bid to get home in time for the holiday.
Thriving with the odd-couple dynamic, the film excels at creating conflict between the two vastly different personalities. By the end of the film, though, most audiences have come to be charmed by the two men’s complicated and hilarious, yet undeniably heartfelt friendship. The stellar performances by Martin and Candy have earned it a place among the most beloved road trip movies.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Release Date November 26, 1987
Director John Hughes
Runtime 93
Rent on Apple TV
27 ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004)
Directed by Adam McKay
Image via DreamWorks Pictures
“Great Odin’s raven!” Will Ferrellhas played a number of iconic characters throughout his career, but none can top Ron Burgundy, a pompous and chauvinistic ’70s news anchor. The film follows Ron’s ego-driven journey as he competes with his colleagues, navigates his complicated relationship with his female co-anchor, and ultimately finds himself in a battle for his career.
He’s joined by an ensemble cast made up of comedy heavy-hitters like Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Steve Carell. However, it is undoubtedly Ferrell who served as the captivating star, with his masterful performance giving a pointed focal point to the infantile film, while also presenting one of the most iconic characters in American film (comedy or otherwise). Additionally, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy also served as Adam McKay’s feature film debut.
26 ‘This is Spinal Tap’ (1984)
Directed by Rob Reiner
Image via Embassy Pictures
Turning things up to eleven, This is Spinal Tap is one of the greatest and most influential mockumentaries ever made, tracking the British glam rock/heavy metal band. With Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer starring as the band members, the film follows Spinal Tap’s American comeback tour and the many mishaps that come with it. Filmmaker Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner) documents the tour, conducting interviews with the band members.
Flying by at a breezy 82 minutes, This is Spinal Tap crams an unbelievable amount of jokes, music moments, and character work into its runtime. Satirizing the music industry and celebrity culture, it contains many unforgettably hilarious moments, such as the band members stuffing vegetables down their trousers and the disastrous mini-Stonehenge fiasco, to be, pound-for-pound, one of the funniest movies ever made.
This is Spinal Tap
Release Date March 2, 1984
Runtime 82 minutes
25 ‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)
Directed by Harold Ramis
Image via Columbia Pictures
A quintessential American classic, Groundhog Day sees Bill Murray star as Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop when he travels to Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day. Doomed to keep living the same day over and over again until he finally gets it right, Phil experiences everything from despair to acceptance and elation before he finally prevails.
With a clever screenplay and a powerhouse performance from Murray, who showcases his comedic prowess and some impressive dramatic chops as well, Groundhog Day not only thrived as a work of comedic genius but as a powerful story of self-discovery as well. It has endured for over three decades as a rousing and triumphant comedy that has transcended generations and won over tens of millions of fans through its earnest, unpretentious presentation.
Groundhog Day
Release Date February 11, 1993
Director Harold Ramis
Runtime 101
24 ‘Clueless’ (1995)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Image via Paramount Pictures
One of the most defining movies of the 1990s, Clueless excelled as a smart coming-of-age teen comedy that used Jane Austen’s Emma as a basis while transporting the famous story to the glitz and the glamor of Beverly Hills. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher Horowitz, a shallow and super-rich socialite who fancies herself a matchmaker at her high school. When her efforts to help a new student become popular prove to be too successful, Cher realizes how misguided her outlook on life had been, and falls in love along the way.
A time capsule of the 90s, relishing in the fashion, social values, and teenage interests of the decade, Clueless is nothing short of a pop-culture icon with Silverstone’s note-perfect performance and director Amy Heckerling’s precise focus on its defining factors. Exuberant, tender, slightly satirical, and frequently hilarious, Clueless is one of the greatest teen comedies of all time.
Clueless
Release Date July 19, 1995
Director Amy Heckerling
Runtime 97
23 ‘Dumb and Dumber’ (1994)
Directed by Peter Farrelly
Image via New Line Cinema
Marking two of the most iconic performances in comedy movies, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are nothing short of completely committed in their portrayals of Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, two well-meaning but dim-witted friends who embark on an unlikely adventure. When the duo discover a case full of money in Lloyd’s (Carrey) limousine, they try to return it to the woman who left it behind, oblivious to the fact that it was left as part of a mob deal.
With gangsters and police officers in pursuit of the pair, the film finds plenty of opportunity for nonsensical hilarity which is so utterly stupid that it is purely genius. Granted, it is overly crude in some places and the jokes don’t always land as gracefully as they could, but when it works, Dumb and Dumber leaves audiences in pained, stomach-aching hysterics as a farcical masterwork of infectious energy.
Dumb and Dumber
Release Date December 16, 1994
Director Peter Farrelly , Bobby Farrelly
Runtime 101
22 ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)
Directed by John Hughes
Image via Paramount Pictures
Another comedy classic from director John Hughes, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a fun-loving and light-hearted embodiment of the irreverent, innocent, and irrepressible joys of youth. It follows charismatic high schooler Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) as he decides to skip school to spend the day in Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend. As they embark on a wild adventure, a vindictive school official works vehemently to catch Bueller.
One of the most popular comedies of the 1980s, the film coasts off the back of Broderick’s breezy performance and a gleeful tale inspired by John Hughes’ own high school experiences. Capturing the exuberant zeitgeist of adolescent wonder, it offers fantasy escapism to younger viewers while serving as a hearty dose of nostalgia to those who look back on their teenage years with a smile.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Release Date June 11, 1986
Director John Hughes
Cast Matthew Broderick , Alan Ruck , Mia Sara , Jeffrey Jones , Jennifer Grey , Cindy Pickett
Runtime 103 minutes
21 ‘The Graduate’ (1967)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Image via Embassy Pictures
A bizarre yet iconic concoction of romantic drama, youthful angst, and teenage comedy, The Graduate has been a significant and ever-relevant film since it was released back in 1967. It focuses on disillusioned college graduate Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) who, upon returning home, begins sleeping with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), the wife of his father’s business partner. The arrangement grows even more complicated when Ben falls in love with Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross).
Hoffman’s starring performance, rich with an aimless yearning for independence, embodied how many young viewers in the 60s felt. However, it was Bancroft’s enchanting, complex, and understatedly tragic performance that truly stood out. The cinematography, soundtrack, themes of generational conflict, and the search for identity have made The Graduate a New Hollywood classic. What’s perhaps most impressive about the movie, though, is how it strikes different people in different ways, ensuring it remains a fascinating discussion topic well over 50 years after its release.
The Graduate
Release Date December 21, 1967
Cast Anne Bancroft , Dustin Hoffman , Katharine Ross , William Daniels , Murray Hamilton , Elizabeth Wilson
Runtime 107