Best Comedy Movies Of All Time - Top 100 Funniest Films Counted Down
Click here for the list of the TOP 50 BEST HORROR MOVIES OF ALL TIME (Opens in new window).
Counting down the best comedy movies of all time is an exceedingly difficult task, and one that is impossible to get universal agreement on. No matter how many criteria you put in place for picking the funniest films personal taste by those who read the list will ultimately trump your hard work and research. For this reason I decided to make this list of the top comedy movies a 100 spots deep. That way I figured at the very least I would be able to cover most, if not all, of the best films that absolutely deserved a spot. Rank is another matter, and one that is certain to be hotly debated. Some film buffs would put A Fished Called Wanda ahead of The Holy Grail, while diehard John Cleese or Monty Python fans would be absolutely aghast at the notion. I’ve also tried to fairly represent all sub-genres of comedy films, so you’ll find some funny romantic comedies, gross out humor films, teen movies, British comedy movies and more. With all that in mind, here are my picks. Disagree? Leave a comment to tell me what you’d change on the list:
100 – Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
- When I said “of all time” I really meant it. This classic comedy film goes back better than 60 years when talking films were still in their infancy. William (Bud) Abbott and Lou Costello were the legendary comedic team who created the famous “Who’s on First?” skit that is still widely quoted today. They starred in funny films like Buck Privates and Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man. However, their one of the funniest classic comedy movies of that era was undeniably their encounter with Frankenstein in this 1948 horror spoof where they play two bumbling freight handlers who not only have to deal with the Frankenstein monster, but also Count Dracula and the Wolf Man to boot. This film is so good it could also easily find a spot on a list of the top 100 best horror movies of all time as well. Truly hilarious stuff from this legendary duo.
99 – The Jerk
- With his enormous popularity on Saturday Night Live it was little wonder that Steve Martin became a much sought after commodity to star in big screen comedies as well. Martin’s fellow SNL cast members like Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Dan Akroyd also followed a similar career path, and you will see a liberal sprinkling of their work throughout this list of the top 100 funniest movies of all time. Though maybe not as funny as Martin’s and John Candy’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles or Martin’s and Michael Caine’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels this film about an absolute moron and homeless bum who goes from rags to riches after inventing the Opti-Grab, which helps prevent glasses from falling off people’s noses. Jackie Mason, another great comedian, also stars, and laughs abound in this dumb humor film.
98 - Zoolander
- 3 of the biggest names in comedy over the past decade have been Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell. Between them they’ve starred in such hits as Dodgeball, Tropic Thunder, Meet the Parents, Starsky and Hutch, Anchorman, and Old School. With three such gifted comedians on board it isn’t hard to see why Zoolander manages to capture a spot on the list of the best comedy films of all time. The premise is ridiculous, but hilarious, pitting Stiller’s character, Derek Zoolander against Wilson’s Hansel in a battle of male models. Though much of the humor is pretty lowbrow, this movie is worth seeing just for Zoolander’s dance-off with Hansel.
97 – The Heartbreak Kid
- No, it isn’t back to back appearances for Ben Stiller. This one is the original classic comedy starring Charles Grodin and Cybill Shepherd, not the 2007 remake starring Stiller, Malin Ackerman and the gorgeous Michelle Monaghan. Grodin’s character Lenny’s wandering eye gets him in trouble as only a few days into his honeymoon he meets Kelly (played by Shepherd) and decides he wants her instead of his brand new bride. Without the crude humor of the remake, the movie provides consistent laughs, and the performances were so good The Heartbreak Kid was nominated for two Oscars.
96 – Mrs. Doubtfire
- Expect to see the energetic Robin Williams’ name a few more times on this list of the funniest movies ever made. Williams showed his versatility in this role as Mrs. Doubtfire. After being denied custody of his children following a bitter divorce, Daniel Hilard (Williams) gets into drag and lands a job as a housekeeper at his ex-wife’s home so he can still spend time with his children. Williams’ performance is a laugh a minute and Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan are fantastic as well in their supporting roles.
95 – The Nutty Professor
- Sorry Eddie Murphy fans, but this spot belongs to Jerry Lewis. As great a job as Eddie Murphy does starring as all the Klumps in the 1996 remake he just can’t edge out that goofy comedy icon, Jerry Lewis. Lewis is at his “nutty” best in this classic funny film from 1963, showing his own versatility as a nerdy scientist who creates a potion that transforms him into the sexy and cool Buddy Love. If you’ve never seen the original make sure to rent the DVD and see Jerry Lewis in his prime.
94 – Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
- One of the best comedies of 2004, this one is a particular favorite amongst the stoners in the crowd. John Cho and Kal Penn star as Harold and Kumar, two pot-smoking buddies who get inspired to take a trip for some White Castle sliders after seeing them on a commercial while stoned. They get in multiple wacky adventures, including being chased by a cheetah. Neil Patrick Harris is side-splitting in a cameo, playing himself, and Christopher Meloni of Law and Order: SVU fame is almost unrecognizable in a disgusting role as Freakshow. If you are in the mood for a stupid buddy comedy then Harold and Kumar is just what the doctor ordered. If you are in the mood for a double feature there is also a sequel subtitled Escape From Guantanamo Bay. Be warned though, it doesn’t live up to the high standards set by the original.
93 – Beetlejuice
- Though those who’ve only watched Michael Keaton’s recent work might think to find his movies on a list of the top 100 drama movies of all time there was a time when this talented actor starred almost exclusively in comedies. Night Shift, Mr. Mom and Johnny Dangerously are all 80s comedy films on Keaton’s resume. However, Beetlejuice seemed to mark Keaton’s departure from comedy as he went on to more dramatic roles, including surprising everyone when he landed the coveted lead role in the first two Batman movies. The film was a special effects tour de force for its time, and Keaton’s masterful job as the lead character of the same name created one of the most iconic characters in comedy film history.
92 – Monty Python’s Life of Brian
- Not all of the funniest movies ever made came from American actors. In fact, there are many across the pond that would argue that none of them have. Brits are known for their wacky sense of humor and this classic British comedy movie is the product of the demented minds of the famous comedy troupe. Life of Brian pulls no punches, and religious viewers might not just be offended, but outright appalled at this tongue in cheek look at world religion. Graham Chapman is stellar in his role as Brian, who is mistaken for the Messiah throughout the film. The rest of the Python crew appears as well and John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Eric Idle all keep the laughs rolling throughout. Be warned though, after watching this movie you won’t be able to get Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life song out of your head for weeks.
91 – Good Morning Vietnam
- One of the best movies of the 80s in any genre was also Robin Williams’ signature film. Williams is absolutely brilliant as radio personality Adrian Cronauer, who upsets the apple cart with his radio show for the troops. In a role that he was born to play, Williams delivers the over the top voice acting we’ve come to expect from him. Bruno Kirby is also stellar as Lt. Steven Hauck, who also fancies himself as something of a comedian, and Forest Whitaker is great as always in a supporting role. Though primarily a comedy, there are dramatic overtones throughout the film, and the film does a good job walking the fine line of reminding of us of the collateral damage of war without interrupting the laughs for too long along the way.
Next 10 Movies »
August 31st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
WERE IS WEEKEND AT BERNIES!
September 1st, 2009 at 3:08 am
dirty rotten scoundrels doesnt make your top 100? you cant be serious man
September 16th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
its funny how old ppl keep making these lists. obv airplane and some of those other shitty movies..aka annie hall r not close to as hilarious as the other rated high in this list. raunchiness and other attributes make the newer movies funny. stop making lists u old bastards theyre pathetic.
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
WHERE IS HAROLD AND KUMAR: ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY? THAT WAS WAY MORE FUNNY THAN THE FIRST MOVIE AND THE FIRST RANKED MOVIE AIRPLANE
October 25th, 2009 at 11:18 am
to billy:
the first harold and kumar was half decent. the second was about as funny as a dognailed to a stick.
To jared:
you rate raunchiness and “other attributes” as the key to a good comedy. please enlighten us on what other attributes older comedies are missing. also if you want raunchiness why dont you just rent porn (or download it for free if mammy wont spot you the money)
To John Kane:
yep, travesty.
To John:
I am in as much shock as you,buddy
October 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
WTF, trainspotting is not a comedy its about heroin addiction and features the death of a baby…. dead babies are not funny, heroin addiction on the other hand is a barrel of laughs, so is stabbing people and glass attacks
October 26th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
It is not a “pure” comedy like many others on the list, but it has plenty of laughs despite the dark nature of its subject matter. Spud’s interview alone would qualify, and that is just one of many hilarious scenes. This isn’t just my opinion. Check out IMDB and you’ll see the film listed under the comedy genre as well.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I’m completelyy with Sensible on this one. Trainspotting, thought it is a brilliant movie, is not a comedy!
November 16th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Decent list but where the heLL is “USED CARS?”
Zemeckis/Gale…..Jack Warden….Kurt Russell…….
Wow.
November 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
While I can appreciate the immense challenge it is to assemble such a list, where are Fletch and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels?
To omit these movies undermines the validity of your comedic opinions.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I like the list but where is all the movies made by Mel Brooks, like Robin Hood:Men in tights and Spaceballs.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
I wonder why “top secret” is not in any list.
I think its the best spoof comedy of all time.
and i also haven’t seen “the mask ” in the list.
” the history of the world -I&II”-and at least one of the “scary movie” ( my best is -3 )
December 18th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Dear Jared,
I am sorry that your comedic range has not quite left the toilet realm, once it does, I’m sure you’ll enjoy some of these classics. However, if you prefer to see ‘raunchy’ humor, I’d suggest you continue to rent your favorites with your fifteen year old boy posse. As for the “u old bastards” comment; Stop being so ignorant, its ‘pathetic’.
Dear Kate,
Spaceballs made the list =) Its number 61 I think.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:54 am
i liked steve martins, man with two brains and dirty rotten scoundrels over planes, trains and automobiles.
i would include
me, myself and irene
withnail and i
starsky and hutch ( ben stiller )
and office space, ( if it isnt included )
December 24th, 2009 at 3:58 am
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January 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
What about Grandmas Boy?!!! i cant believe thats not even on the list
January 18th, 2010 at 2:17 am
WHAT ABOUT “COMING TO AMERICA”, “TRADING PLACES”??? THOSE TWO HAVE TO BE IN THE TOP TEN!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Wow…..The Big Lebowski, Top 3…..Brutal!
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Gotta agree with “Me, Myself, and Irene”. I’d also add “Goonies”, “The Sandlot”, and “The Hangover”. The Hangover and Caddyshack have made me laugh more than any other movie.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Forgot “1941″ (a truly underappreciated movie) and “The Blues Brothers”.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:41 am
Good list…only missing one thing…The Great Outdoors!
February 9th, 2010 at 11:47 am
completely agree with Foreal robinson .Also “Three amigos” should be in the list.
February 17th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
ummmm…jim carrey is one of the greatest comedians of all times and so is will ferrell u f*** sticks. get tihs shit right or all hell shall be unleashed……………………………………naw ur list is dope id have carrey n ferrelll more tho jus cuz there brilliant
February 25th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
fun stuff…I agree on the man with two brains…love that movie!
thanks for the ideas I own most of these movies
March 4th, 2010 at 11:17 am
they are missing step brothers,the hangover,h&k excape from guantanimo bay,and family guy star wars
March 5th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I may only be 15 & I agree with most of these but you’ve missed ‘Coming to America’ ‘Weekend at Bernies’ and most importantly, my #1 is the hangover. To leave the hangover off any list like this is a crime. I also think that the 40yr old virgin should be higher and there needs to be something with Rob Schnider, he’s great.
March 7th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
How about “The Three Amigos”? Fabulous comedy!
March 8th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
UHF(Weird Al at his best!!!), I’m Gonna Get You Sucka!, Badder Santa, Better Off Dead, Porky’s, Road Trip, Spies Like Us, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Uncle Buck.
All these should be on the list before Trainspotting, the Incredibles, and the Producers…among others.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I forgot The Adventures of Ford Fairlane