Best Comedy Movies Of All Time - Top 100 Funniest Films Counted Down
70 – Uncle Buck
- The loss of John Candy in 1994 was a huge loss for movie fans everywhere. However, before his untimely death this Canadian funnyman made some of the most popular comedy movies of all time for us to remember him by. Spaceballs, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and The Great Outdoors are just a few of the many other great comedy films Candy was a part of. In the film Candy plays Buck Russell, a lazy slob who is also a bit of a grifter who winds up with the responsibility of baby-sitting his nephew and two nieces when their parents after to go out of town after a death in the family. Buck’s lack of parenting skills are immediately apparent, and Mia, the oldest of the kids, has Buck at his wit’s end as he tries to deal with her teenage rebellion. Candy’s performance in the film is great, but he is nearly upstaged by a pre-Home Alone Macaulay Culkin, who has a series of great one-liners and one particularly amusing interview in the movie. If you haven’t seen it recently or at all, definitely pick it up. Uncle Buck is still a great family comedy 20 years after its release.
69 – Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
- Before he became famous as Michael Scott on The Office and Andy Stitzer in 40 Year Old Virgin Steve Carrell starred as Brick Tamland in this Adam McKay film. Actually, Carrell had a pretty minor part, but his “I love lamp” and “Loud noises!” quotes are among the most memorable in the movie. Of course, it is Will Ferrell in the lead role as Ron Burgundy who really makes the movie. Set in the 70s, the movie follows the hilarious exploits of Burgundy, a network anchorman, drunk with power and his own importance who gets a reality check when anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone arrives at the network. Though he has a sexual relationship with her their work tensions quickly ruin everything and Burgundy’s life quickly spirals out of control. Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and Champ Kind (David Koechner) join Brick Tamland as members of Burgundy’s posse, and the dialog between the four of them is absolutely priceless. Though the film devolves into complete ridiculousness in the second half this comedy has so many great moments and memorable quotes that it is still fully deserving of its spot on the list of the top 100 best comedy movies of all time.
68 – Bull Durham
- Though Kevin Costner is more known for his dramatic work in films like Dances With Wolves, Field of Dreams and The Postman he showed he could hold his own in a romantic comedy with his turn as Crash Davis, a minor league baseball catcher caught in a love triangle with diehard female fan Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon) and teammate and up and coming pitching superstar Ebby Calvin “Nuke” LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). Again, like Wedding Singers, Bull Durham’s creators have managed to walk that fine line, coming up with a romantic comedy that will appeal to the women, without making it too painful for the men. The baseball and the locker room humor goes a long way to endearing the film to guys.
67 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding
- One of the biggest surprises in Hollywood over the past ten years was the enormous popularity this little independent film enjoyed during its run in 2002. Word of mouth kept slowly building and it seemed like this movie’s run would never end as more and more people flocked to the theater to see what all the fuss was about. When the dust finally settled the movie had grossed over $241 million domestically, and had earned writer and star Nia Vardalos an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Original Screenplay. The movie itself was charming, tender-hearted, and though it had its share of drama, retained its comedic spirit throughout (particularly the father’s Windex scenes). Since the film Vardalos has vanished almost as abruptly as she appeared. She tried to follow up on the success of the film by creating a sitcom called My Big Fat Greek Life, but was unable to duplicate the recipe that made the movie such a huge hit, and the show fizzled out after only 7 episodes.
66 – Super Troopers
- At the exact opposite end of the comedy spectrum from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the goofy, but uproariously funny cop comedy Super Troopers. From the demented mind of writer/director Jay Chandrasekhar, who also directed both Beerfest and The Dukes of Hazzard this comedy about a group of Vermont state troopers is one of those rare movies that you can watch over and over again without getting sick of it. Foster, Farva, Mac, Thorny and Rabbit spend most of their time pulling pranks and aren’t too concerned about the serve and protect part of the job. Throughout the film the “Super Troopers” are pitted against not only a powerful drug cartel, but also a group of local law enforcement officers that are making the gang look bad with their superior crime fighting techniques. If you like slapstick, pranks and mustaches then this movie should be right up your alley.
65 – Beverly Hills Cop
- Though these days Eddie Murphy is best known for his voice work as Donkey in Dreamwork’s animated Shrek movies, more than 2 decades ago he was carving a name for himself as a foul mouthed entertainer with an inimitable style and an infectious laugh. Another comedian whose career path started at Saturday Night Live, where he gained a cult following with characters like Buckwheat, Gumby, and Mr. Robinson, Murphy was also known for his raunchy stand-up comedy, and the release of the profanity-laden Delirious in 1983 gained him an enormous following with those who enjoyed more “adult” humor. Prior to Beverly Hills Copy Murphy also starred in comedies like 48 Hours with Nick Nolte and Trading Places with fellow SNLer Dan Akroyd. These 80s comedies were well received, and it was clear Murphy was an up and comer in the genre. However, nobody could have anticipated the huge success that Beverly Hills Copy would enjoy. The movie racked up over $230 million at the box office, an astounding total for a comedy, and Murphy became a mega-star virtually overnight. He went on to star in films like The Golden Child and Coming to America and also made Beverly Hills Cop II and III. However, as is often the case neither sequel could live up to the original classic.
64 – Broadcast News
- Though the plot line may bear some similarity to Will Ferrell’s Anchorman this one doesn’t devolve into the realm of complete silliness, which could explain why is was nominated for seven Oscars to Anchorman’s zero. William Hurt and Albert Brooks star as rival TV reporters who use completely different strategies to try and beat one another to the top. Hurt’s character Tom Grunick is a Ron Burgundy type, shallow, and self-important, who tries to use charm to make up for his journalistic skills. Brooks’ character Aaron Altman is the complete opposite, lacking in charm, but chock full of journalistic integrity and keen intuition. Both vie for the attention of producer Jane Craig (Holly Hunter) in a bizarre work love triangle. It is a movie that isn’t easily pigeonholed into any genre, but one that is certainly worth seeing. If you like comedies with a little more depth than the usual mindless fare then give Broadcast News a watch.
63 – American Graffiti
- Did I say there weren’t that many great 70s comedy movies? Well, this is another exception to the rule, and is an American film classic in any genre. Before George Lucas really hit the big time with Star Wars he directed this gem about graduated high school seniors who spend a night out cruising before they head off for college. Though the premise sounds pretty simple, and bears some resemblance to Dazed and Confused the characters, the cars, and the stellar soundtrack make the movie a must watch. Set in 1962, this period piece features plenty of beautiful automobiles, and songs like Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock, Del Shannon’s Runaway and The Crests’ Sixteen Candles will take you back if you were lucky enough to be alive during this magical time. The young trio of Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Holland’s Opus), Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blade Runner) and Ron Howard (Actor - Happy Days & Director (Backdraft, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13) all saw their great careers launched by this movie. Whether you were alive in this era or not, there is plenty here to appreciate for even the most jaded movie buff and this is one comedy film that deserves a spot of honor in everyone’s DVD collection.
62 – Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
- If this was a list of the top 100 gross out comedy movies ever made this kooky film would get consideration for the number one spot. Sacha Baron Cohen of Da Ali G Show takes his Borat character from that series to the big screen in this movie about a Kazakh reporter who is sent to America to film a documentary. Along the way the ignorant and abrasive Borat manages to offend just about everyone he comes in contact with, and spends most of the documentary sidetracked in an attempt to marry Pam Anderson. If you are easily offended (or maybe even if you are not) you might want to give this one a miss. Sacha Baron Cohen really exceeds the boundaries of good taste with this one, and several people walked out when I saw this at the movie theater. However, if you can ignore the racial and religious bigotry, the strong sexual suggestiveness, and the absolutely gag-inducing nudity in the film there are plenty of big belly laughs to be had. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
61 - Spaceballs
- In the 1970s and 80s actor/director/producer Mel Brooks was one of the biggest heavyweights in the comedy film business. With hits like Blazing Saddles, The History of the World: Part I and To Be or Not to Be Brooks had audiences howling with his goofy, genre-spoofing brand of comedy. In 1987’s Spaceballs he took direct aim at the space opera genre, firing shots at sci-fi hits like Star Wars, Alien and Planet of the Apes. Star Wars takes the brunt of the assault with characters like Lone Starr (Bill Pullman), Barf (John Candy), Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga), and Pizza the Hut spoofing Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Jabba the Hutt respectively. Moranis is particularly good in his role as the nefarious Dark Helmet, and Brooks even makes an appearance himself as both Yogurt (Yoda) and President Skroob. Even Joan Rivers is good as C3PO knock-off Dot Matrix. If you are a fan of spoof or parody comedy films then this movie should satisfy your sense of the obvious and the goofy with room to spare.
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JOHN
WERE IS WEEKEND AT BERNIES!
August 31st, 2009 at 6:15 pmJOHN KANE
dirty rotten scoundrels doesnt make your top 100? you cant be serious man
September 1st, 2009 at 3:08 amjared
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.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:41 pmBilly
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 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pmschmoogle
to billy:
October 25th, 2009 at 11:18 amthe 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
sensible
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 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pmadmin
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.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:37 pmleradema
I’m completelyy with Sensible on this one. Trainspotting, thought it is a brilliant movie, is not a comedy!
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pmMudd
Decent list but where the heLL is “USED CARS?”
November 16th, 2009 at 11:52 pmZemeckis/Gale…..Jack Warden….Kurt Russell…….
Wow.
chipper
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 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pmKate
I like the list but where is all the movies made by Mel Brooks, like Robin Hood:Men in tights and Spaceballs.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pmmehedi hasan
I wonder why “top secret” is not in any list.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:26 amI 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 )
Jared = Wank
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,
December 18th, 2009 at 2:29 amSpaceballs made the list =) Its number 61 I think.
anonymous
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 22nd, 2009 at 11:54 amLilian Hyman
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December 24th, 2009 at 3:58 amanonymous
What about Grandmas Boy?!!! i cant believe thats not even on the list
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 pmForeal robinson
WHAT ABOUT “COMING TO AMERICA”, “TRADING PLACES”??? THOSE TWO HAVE TO BE IN THE TOP TEN!!!
January 18th, 2010 at 2:17 amJohn Bravo
Wow…..The Big Lebowski, Top 3…..Brutal!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:41 amken in texas
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 8:52 pmken in texas
Forgot “1941″ (a truly underappreciated movie) and “The Blues Brothers”.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:06 pmJason
Good list…only missing one thing…The Great Outdoors!
February 4th, 2010 at 12:41 amawaisjani
completely agree with Foreal robinson .Also “Three amigos” should be in the list.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:47 amjoe momma
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 17th, 2010 at 7:42 pmgrown
fun stuff…I agree on the man with two brains…love that movie!
thanks for the ideas I own most of these movies
February 25th, 2010 at 11:46 pmrepton007
they are missing step brothers,the hangover,h&k excape from guantanimo bay,and family guy star wars
March 4th, 2010 at 11:17 amJack
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 5th, 2010 at 6:45 pmPaul
How about “The Three Amigos”? Fabulous comedy!
March 7th, 2010 at 10:38 pmDeeds
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 9:52 pmDeeds
I forgot The Adventures of Ford Fairlane
March 8th, 2010 at 9:57 pmCome On
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 4th, 2010 at 6:14 amA.D.
Shaun of the Dead did not star “Jack Frost” it’s Nick Frost you norks.
April 11th, 2010 at 9:00 amSinX
Borat? You can’t be serious… That movie was shit. That shouldn’t even be on the list
April 19th, 2010 at 8:07 amTom Bendure
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.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:17 pmcrosby
you are all stupid the hangover is the best movie of all time
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 amaudi magnaye
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 10:15 amIan
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 5th, 2010 at 11:45 amK
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 11th, 2010 at 7:14 amShane
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…
June 19th, 2010 at 9:22 amJay Hunt
sometimes i find Ben Stiller to be a bit boring and he is overacting sometimes.-`
July 11th, 2010 at 11:46 pmJustin Campbell
Eddie Murphy is the best comedian that i have known, he is a really funny guy.;;”
July 19th, 2010 at 8:11 pmMT
how did 40 year old virgin not make top 20?!?!?!?! Space balls is even rated better….
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:26 pmTearTheRoofOff
Firstly, to the poster (Jared) criticizing the ‘old bastards’ giving a supposedly inaccurate opinion of humour, I am 22 years old and think that Airplane! is easily one of the greatest comedy films of all time due in part to both the timing of the delivery and the charming simplicity of its jokes and humour.
Also - and this is just my opinion of course - I watched both Arthur and Arthur II On the Rocks recently and found the sequel to be almost equally as funny and entertaining. All I hear is utter contempt for this movie but I found some of the lines and scenes to be quite hysterical. I thought both films were excellent, so it just goes to show how tastes differ (shock horror). I’d at least recommend giving it a try if you haven’t seen it. You may or may not regret it. I myself was pleasantly surprised given the fact that most people compare it to a bad case of hemeroids.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:44 pmJordan
You forgot my cousin vinny. hilarious flick
August 8th, 2010 at 6:39 pmk
Friday not der this stupid u nuts friday 2 sik wot u people on
August 9th, 2010 at 5:40 pmAlice Kelly
you can say that eddie murphy is the best comedian of all times`.;
August 31st, 2010 at 12:17 amHello
to the guy named ”k”:Okay man Friday was a funny movie,but before you comment you should go to school!
September 1st, 2010 at 1:25 amto Jared:the list is funniest movies of all time! not funniest movies of the 2000’s I’m sure you can Google that and find exactly what you are looking for.
one question,where is porky’s?