Many people often say laughter is the best medicine, and while that isn’t medically accurate, a good laugh can go a long way. Hanging out with friends and joking around can do the trick, but what better way to get in a good mood than watching a comedy movie? Comedies have been around forever, and the timeless genre has produced numerous legendary films, from The Big Lebowski to modern-day classics like Step Brothers.
But with so many incredible comedy movies, finding the right one can be tricky; luckily, this list will introduce absolutely essential must-watch films of the genre. For a movie to make it on this list, it must either be critically acclaimed, genre-defining/redefining, revolutionizing filmmaking, or beloved by fans. While humor is subjective, the quality of these ten films is not, with this selection all being hilarious must-watch classics.
10
‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
Image via Rogue Pictures
Serving as the first movie of the esteemed Cornetto Trilogy, Shaun of the Dead brings Simon Pegg and Nick Frost together for a blend of horror and comedy. Despite Shaun’s dull life with his best friend Ed, the two are content, even if Shaun’s girlfriend wishes he would grow up. However, the world is suddenly experiencing a zombie apocalypse, leaving Shaun to take charge and protect his girlfriend and mother.
Any one of the Cornetto Trilogy could make this list, and it would be valid, but Shaun of the Dead perfectly mixes laughs and scares to create one of the best horror comedies. Edgar Wright‘s editing style is still legendary and perfectly emphasizes the humor and levity. The film is witty and has incredible acting, dynamics, and development, but it also manages to tell a compelling story with impactful messages while not diluting the comedy.
9
‘Sullivan’s Travels’ (1941)
Image via Paramount Pictures
One of the most popular comedy subgenres is satire, which playfully mocks and criticizes something with exaggeration. Sullivan’s Travels is the first movie of the subgenre on this list, depicting a comedy director setting out on a grounded and painful journey to make a serious film. Adventuring as a homeless man, the director struggles at first, but things take a turn for the worse when he loses his memory.
While the film received polarizing reviews when it was first released, time has since been kind to Sullivan’s Travel as it inspired many other films and is still an accurate representation of the movie-making climate. The film treats African Americans with respect, something unusual for the time, leading to groundbreaking movements in the industry. However, the film’s satirical commentary criticizing Hollywood’s vanity makes it essential, creating a self-aware and witty film with profound messages and themes.
8
‘Dumb and Dumber’ (1994)
Image via New Line Cinema
When two legendary comedic actors come together, the movie is bound to be a hit, which was the case with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber. When two of the dullest tools in the shed mistakenly think someone left their briefcase full of money, they set out on a road trip to return it. However, all this does is bring the attention of the mob and the police, resulting in a goofy and outlandish comedy.
Fans can definitely understand the film’s draw from its magnificent chemistry and hilarious gags, but it may seem a bit low-brow. While that may be true, the stupid humor is precisely what made it popular, bringing in a new era of comedy. Dumb and Dumber proved to Hollywood that people love silly comedy, ushering in countless other films that play on comedic duos with arrested development. Dumb and Dumber is a cult classic that is truly one of a kind, showing two actors can carry an entire movie.
7
‘Duck Soup’ (1933)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Comedy is constantly changing, with noticeable differences when comparing it to a few years ago. This might explain some fans’ aversion to old comedies. But while this may be true for many films, it isn’t the case with Duck Soup, the oldest film on this list. When the fictional country of Freedonia faces financial struggle, the wacky Rufus T. Firefly takes control. With other countries seeing a weak leader, they seek to start a revolution, leading to a slew of hilarious misadventures.
With a plot reminiscent of an essential war movie, Duck Soup uses its political satire to develop a goofy comedy film that has stood the test of time. As an older film, it popularized many well-known gags, such as a character pretending to be someone else’s reflection. This wasn’t the film’s only influence, as it inspired many other classics like The Dictator. Duck Soup is best known for its daring criticism of the political situation in Europe, being one of the first and most revolutionary political comedies.
6
‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)
Image via EMI Films
There isn’t a movie fan who hasn’t heard of Monty Python, a British comedy troupe known for their TV show, Flying Circus, and many standout films. One of their most recognized films is Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a parody movie based on the Arthurian Legend, where King Arthur seeks the holy grail. However, this journey is a tad more zany, with a persistent knight, a killer rabbit, and the French.
While fans would be valid in arguing for The Life of Brian over Holy Grail, the latter is more iconic, delivering some of the most memorable and funny quotes in cinematic history. The movie doesn’t try to touch on any messages; it is simply a movie to watch and enjoy. It has some of the greatest absurdist comedy, influencing the humor of countless individuals, and incredible visuals and dialogue gags with several layers, making it an essential comedy movie from an essential comedy group.
5
‘This is Spinal Tap’ (1984)
Image via Castle Rock Entertainment
When they hear 1984, some fans think of George Orwell‘s iconic book; others think of This Is Spinal Tap, a classic mockumentary regarded as one of the best movies of that year. A documentary crew follows the titular band trying to reach the charts again, filming their ups and downs, hectic daily life, and obscene rockstar attitude. However, fans are still waiting for This is Spinal Tap 2, which recently began filming.
Mockumentaries have become a staple of comedies, and while This Is Spinal Tap didn’t create the subgenre, it popularized it. Every single mockumentary owes something to this movie, showing fans and studios what could be done with this style of movie. Through this style, it satirically portrays the life of rock stars, garnering massive popularity from musicians and even coining terms in the music industry, with Spinal Tap serving as an insult to bands who take themselves too seriously.
4
‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974)
Image via 20th Century Studios
Spoofing the classic horror movies of the 1930s, specifically Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein sees the grandson of the iconic scientist return to the castle and finish his grandfather’s legacy. Despite wanting nothing to do with his grandfather’s legacy, he gets sucked in by curiosity, creating the monster with ensuing misadventures. The film stars Gene Wilder and the recently passed Teri Garr.
Mel Brooks is a comedy genius, with this movie and Blazing Saddles easily deserving a spot on this list due to the combined effort of the director, actors, and producers. While this film is a parody, it feels more like an homage, using the same filming locations and set pieces to deliver an authentic feeling. Young Frankenstein is silly enough with goofy slapstick jokes to keep anyone entertained but also witty and intelligent enough for film buffs to enjoy, creating a perfect comedy film.
3
‘Airplane!’ (1980)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Flying is a real fear many people suffer from, dreading what could go wrong high up in the sky. One such fear is when food poisoning strikes the crew and passengers, creating an in-flight emergency. While this sounds like a disaster, Airplane! uses this situation to create one of the most compelling comedies ever made. An ex-pilot with a fear of flying must take control and land this plane amidst disaster and hilarious slapstick moments.
With timeless slapstick humor and rapid-fire jokes, there is never a dull moment in Airplane! Fans and critics alike widely regard the film as one of the best and funniest comedies ever made because of its over-the-top yet perfectly fitting performances, memorable comedy, and nonstop humor. Airplane! is as stupid as it is genius, wonderfully making fun of disaster movies with a relentless slew of jokes, making it a must-watch comedy that will make any fan laugh.
2
‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)
Image via Columbia Pictures
Loosely based on Peter George‘s novel Red Alert, Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a political black comedy satire. When a United States Air Force general goes insane and calls for a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, the President and other staffers must scramble to figure out a way to stop the plane from dropping the bomb at the height of the Cold War and atomic age anxiety.
Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest directors this world has ever seen, providing countless essential movies for their respective genres, with Dr. Strangelove being another on his list. This film is one of the best satirical war movies, hilariously depicting what would happen with the wrong people in charge and criticizing the government. Comedies rarely receive Oscar nominations, proving Dr. Strangelove‘s influence after earning four, including Best Picture. To further explain its significance, it is one of the first 25 films to be placed in the National Film Registry, easily making it an essential comedy.
1
‘Modern Times’ (1936)
Image via United Artists
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most legendary figures in Hollywood. His two most well-known films are City Lights and Modern Times. While City Lights is a perfect romantic comedy, Modern Times focuses more on comedy. The film follows his iconic character, the Tramp, struggling to acclimate to industrialized America, landing himself in jail and meeting an orphan girl as they try to manage life.
While the movie may not be modern anymore, it still conveys the feelings of the time and relates to the contemporary, ever-changing climate. With brilliant pathos and comedy, Modern Times balances a laugh-out-loud experience with compelling and relatable messages of being alienated in a mechanical world that is evolving too fast for people to keep up. These themes reflect Chaplin, whose comedy became increasingly out of fashion, with this movie serving as the Tramp’s final appearance, making it even more critical. Modern Times was also one of the first 25 films to enter the National Film Registry, and its importance cannot be understated enough, making it one of the best comedies of all time because of its heart, humour, message, and relevance.
Modern Times
- Release Date
-
February 25, 1936
- Runtime
-
87 Minutes
- Director
-
Charles Chaplin
- Writers
-
Charles Chaplin
