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Best Comedy Movies Of All Time - Top 100 Funniest Films Counted Down
80 – What About Bob?
- I really am on an SNL streak now. Bill Murray is another former cast member and this master of sarcasm was one of the biggest names in comedy film making in the 80s and 90s with major hits like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Caddyshack, Scrooged and Kingpin just to name a few. His 2003 film Lost in Translation with Scarlett Johansson was something of a departure for Murray, but he showed he wasn’t just a one trick pony and his dramatic performance as Bob Harris earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor in a lead role. As good as he was though, he will always be known first and foremost as one of the funniest men in Hollywood, and he was at his zany best in 1991’s What About Bob? where he stars an obsessive compulsive who drives his psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) nuts by following him out on his family vacation. Within a few days Bob has managed to turn Dr. Marvin’s whole family against him, and by the end of the film the good doctor is ready for some serious couch time of his own.
79 – Shampoo
- Coming up with a list of the funniest movies of the 70s would be a challenge – there really weren’t a lot to choose from in that decade – but Shampoo was certainly the exception. Warren Beatty stars as a Beverly Hills hairdresser whose uncontrolled sex drive lands him in all sorts of trouble with a potential investor. Beatty juggles Goldie Hawn, Carrie Fisher, Lee Grant and Julie Christie in this libido-fueled romp that mirrors the free love movement that was still going on in the time period this movie takes place in.
78 – Wayne’s World
- For much of the 90s there weren’t many comedic actors as bankable as Mike Myers. Not only was Myers a huge star on Saturday Night Live, making audiences howl with his hilarious characters from skits like Wayne’s World, Sprockets, Coffee Talk, and Simon, but he translated that popularity into huge onscreen success, including two Wayne’s World films, So I Married an Axe Murderer and the enormously popular Austin Powers movies. However, it was the original big screen adaptation of Wayne’s World that really put Myers (Wayne Campbell), and to a lesser extent, his sidekick Dana Carvey (Garth) on the map. Few movies are as quotable as this 90s comedy classic, and even today when Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody gets played young men everywhere are overcome with the uncontrollable urge to bang their head.
77 – Cheech & Chong – Up in Smoke
- Though films like Half Baked, Dazed and Confused and Harold and Kumar Go To Whitecastle tend to get the spotlight these days among the stoner crowd if you were coming up with a list of the top 10 best stoner movies of all time this 1978 classic would have to get strong consideration for the top spot. Cheech and Chong unwittingly become drug mules after getting deported to Mexico, driving a van made entirely of marijuana back to the U.S. A ludicrous plot, perhaps, but definitely a laugh a minute. If you want to make an afternoon of it, pick up Nice Dreams as well, for a smoke filled double feature. Whatever, you do though avoid Cheech and Chong’s The Corsican Brothers like the plague. By far the worst of their movies, and one that definitely tarnished their legacy.
76 – The Wedding Singer
- If my wife was making this list this would be rated a lot higher. In fact she might even have it at #1 if this was a list of the best romantic comedy movies. For me, as with most guys, the term ‘romantic comedy’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘chick flick’. However, The Wedding Singer does a great job of adding enough content for guys to keep this movie not only bearable, but actually quite enjoyable throughout. Though he was good in The Waterboy and the aforementioned Happy Gilmore in my mind this movie is the pinnacle of Adam Sandler’s career to take. Drew Barrymore plays the soon to be Mrs. Julia Gulia and she and Sandler have great onscreen chemistry. Though the movie actually came out in 1998 it is set in the 80s, and fans of 80s comedy films have plenty to appreciate here, from Sandler’s curly mullet to Julia’s Miami Vice obsessed fiancé Glenn to Billy Idol’s cameo. If your significant other is in the mood for a chick flick, pick this one up. Trust me, it will be much less painful than suffering through any of Matthew McConaughey’s attempts at romantic comedy.
75 – Nothing To Lose
- In my mind this is one of the most underrated comedy films ever made. Tim Robbins, known for his strong dramatic performances, and Martin Lawrence, known for making bad movies in general, somehow manage to make this unlikely pairing work perfectly. Robbins shows his versatility as an actor, while Martin shows he can actually deliver the laughs when he has a strong script to work with. If you like bumbling criminal comedy (and who doesn’t) then give this movie a rent. Plenty of laughs throughout, and the security guard dance scene alone will guarantee you won’t regret the rental fee.
74 – Pineapple Express
- Yet another great comedy film with Judd Apatow’s fingerprints on it. Though David Gordon Green is the director on this one, Apatow produced the movie, and once again Seth Rogen lands a lead role in an Apatow vehicle. Rogen again delivers the laughs as Dale Denton, a pot-smoking process server running for his life after witnessing a murder. However, it is his co-lead James Franco, who plays pot dealer Saul Silver, who really steals the show. Franco is best known for his turn as Harry Osborne in the smash Spiderman movies. However, Franco shows his penchant for comedy, hinted at a decade ago when he starred alongside Rogen in Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks. Speaking of bumbling criminals, these two really have it nailed, and you will find yourself alternating between laughter and wincing at the painfully stupid decisions made by the pair. Danny McBride, who has recently gained some acclaim of his own with his lead role as Kenny Powers on the HBO comedy Eastbound and Down, is hilarious in support, and really displays a “never say die” attitude throughout the film. Gary Cole, of Office Space fame is good as well as the drug kingpin and killer on the trail of Denton and Silver. Though some of the scenes in Pineapple Express go so far beyond the bounds of credulity they border on the absurd they will still make you laugh. And really, when it comes to a good comedy film that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?
73 – Hot Shots!
- Long before Charlie Sheen and John Cryer were making audiences laugh as Charlie and Alan Harper on the hit show Two and a Half Men they were cracking up big screen audiences with their respective roles as Topper Harley and Jim ‘Wash Out’ Pfaffenbach in the 1991 Top Gun parody Hot Shots!. In the spirit of classic comedy movies like Airplane and The Naked Gun almost every scene in the movie pays tongue in cheek homage to Top Gun and Sheen’s Topper Harley, Cary Elwes’ Lt. Kent Gregory, and William O’Leary’s Pete “Dead Meat” Thompson are all instantly recognizable as parodies of Maverick, Ice Man and Goose. My favorite performance in the film is the one turned in by the late great Lloyd Bridges, who has the audience in stitches every time he comes onscreen as Admiral Thomas “Tug” Benson. If you really want to appreciate the comedic genius of the film watch it on the back end of a double feature with Top Gun.
72 – Dazed & Confused
- Though I may have dissed Matthew McConaughey for his recent string of bad romantic comedies his turn as the lecherous stoner David Wooderson in this 90s comedy about the 70s is sheer brilliance. “Alright, alright, alright!” is still frequently worked into the conversation between my friends and I, and that is just one of Wooderson’s many quotable lines throughout the film. Yes, Dazed and Confused is first and foremost a stoner comedy, no doubt about it, but there is some surprising depth there as well. It is a well done period piece about what teenage life was like in 1976, and the accompanying soundtrack, with some great tunes like Foghat’s Slow Ride, Low Rider’s War, Nazareth’s Love Hurts and Alice Cooper’s School’s Out is arguably one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. In fact, there are so many good tunes in this movie they actually released a second soundtrack album. However, it is a crime that Aerosmith’s Sweet Emotion played at the opening of the movie as a 1970 Pontiac GTO slowly cruises into the parking lot, is absent from both soundtracks. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this film is that the bulk of the actors were completely unknown at the time. McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Rory Cochrane, and Adam Goldberg have all gone on to have huge careers, and Dazed and Confused was arguably the launching pad for the success they’ve enjoyed over the past 16 years.
71 – 40 Year Old Virgin
- Unlike the mysterious Pineapple Express or Superbad all you need to do is read the title of this film to figure out that this is a comedy through and through. Steve Carrell has been just as hot a commodity in Hollywood over the past few years as Rogen or Ferrell, gaining huge popularity with North American audiences during his 5 years on NBC’s hit sitcom The Office where he stars as painfully politically incorrect boss Michael Scott. Since the first episode aired Carrell has gone on to star in films like Evan Almighty, Get Smart, Little Miss Sunshine and of course 40 Year Old Virgin. Carrell takes the lead role as Andy Stitzer, and he is indeed a 40 year old virgin. Once his friends/co-workers discover he’s never done the deed they make it their mission to make sure he doesn’t hit age 41 with his virginity still intact. Andy has some misadventures along the way, but eventually finds love with Trish, played by Catherine Keener. Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd are hilarious as usual in a supporting role. Hmmm, at this point I should seriously consider putting together a list of the top 10 Seth Rogen movies. Anyways, I digress. This movie is one worth watching over and over again, just maybe not with your Mother-in-law like I did. Not that it is that raunchy of a movie, but the experience was still just a wee bit uncomfortable.
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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
April 4th, 2010 at 6:14 am
I don’t care if there is a cultural seperation. How can “Friday” not be one of the best 100 comedies? There are tons of black comedies that were left off this list that are classics.. Friday, Coming to America, House Party, Harlem Knights, Bad Boys, Class Act.. Plus… No Chris Farley movies? (Tommy Boy is a classic)… Half Baked, Lady Killers, Tropic Thunder, Home Alone (a family movie that had everybody in the room in tears.)
April 11th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Shaun of the Dead did not star “Jack Frost” it’s Nick Frost you norks.
April 19th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Borat? You can’t be serious… That movie was shit. That shouldn’t even be on the list
May 28th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Being 44, in the middle (hopefully) of appreciating the classics, and the ‘young’ stuff, it appears you put way too much emphasis on ‘film’, and not enough on comedy. Like you were trying to impress some professor. You put ‘funniest’ in the title of this list, implying you laughed harder at Moonstruck, than Stripes. Someone needs to make one of these lists based only on comedy.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 am
you are all stupid the hangover is the best movie of all time
June 5th, 2010 at 10:15 am
shrek 2 is funnier than 1. COMING TO AMERICA and TOP SECRET should be on the list. MRS DOUBTFIRE AND ROMANCING THE STONE should also be on the list.
June 5th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Ummm, yes I agree, where is “Weekend at Bernies”? From beginning to end I’d say this movie was one of the funniest I have ever seen. Sad that this one got missed.
June 11th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Rushmore did leave me in tears, of boredom. That movie wasn’t funny it was pathetic. Take that out and move everything up and put the Hangover in the top 10.
June 19th, 2010 at 9:22 am
I can’t beleive you people are voting The Hangover as the funniest film ever made. It is good and it is funny, but for God sake, come on…
July 11th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
sometimes i find Ben Stiller to be a bit boring and he is overacting sometimes.-`