I know I am not alone in this one when I say, not all films or TV shows that are categorized as “comedy” are funny. In fact, I have sat through many of them, great trailers! but an hour later, not a single lol.
I know! I know! humor is very personal, I have been told by many people that “The Big Lebowski is the funniest movie ever made”, while I tend to agree that Jeff Bridges is a brilliant actor, I still do not find anything funny about the film. Why? Probably because I am not a stoner? Or maybe I am still traumatized by that one time I smoked pot, got high, and started laughing hysterically, not realizing that my friend’s friend, the hostess with the “mostest” neuroses, was paranoid as hell! This woman, whom I didn’t know from Eve, thought I was laughing at her, therefore she decided that she wanted to kick my ass. My now ex-friend had to calm her down. I told this story to another friend, a world-famous stoner who loves Big Lebowski. His advice to me was “Don’t get high with miserable people who get offended by someone else’s laughter.” I took his advice—I don’t smoke pot, and I no longer hang out with miserable people.
Nevertheless, I digress, the funniest film for me is well-written, with excellent acting, intelligence, as well as stupid bits. This film is so funny it makes you cry and want to pee on yourself at the same time.
Without further ado, in random order, these 24 films are my funniest films of all time! (feel free to judge me):
1. Bridesmaid
Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig, written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, and produced by Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, and Clayton Townsend. The plot centers on Annie (Wiig), who suffers a series of misfortunes after being asked to serve as maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). The film also stars Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Chris O’Dowd.
Annie is a single woman in her mid-30s who is struggling to make ends meet. She works as a sales clerk at a jewelry store and rents a room from a British couple. When Lillian announces her engagement, Annie is asked to be the maid of honor. Annie is excited about the opportunity, but she soon realizes that it is not going to be easy. The other bridesmaids are all successful and well-adjusted, and Annie feels like she is the odd one out.
As the wedding approaches, Annie’s life begins to unravel. She is fired from her job, her roommates kick her out, and she has a public meltdown at Lillian’s bridal shower. Despite all of her setbacks, Annie perseveres and ultimately helps Lillian have the wedding of her dreams.
Bridesmaids was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $327 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its realistic depiction of female friendships. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
Here are some of the key plot points of the film:
- Annie is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend Lillian’s wedding.
- Annie struggles to keep up with the other bridesmaids, who are all successful and well-adjusted.
- Annie has a public meltdown at Lillian’s bridal shower.
- Annie is fired from her job and kicked out of her apartment.
- Annie helps Lillian have the wedding of her dreams.
Bridesmaids is a funny, heartwarming, and relatable film about the ups and downs of female friendships. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever been a bridesmaid.
2. Coming to America
Coming to America is a 1988 American romantic comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Eddie Murphy, David Sheffield, and Barry Blaustein. The film stars Murphy as Akeem Joffer, the crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda, who travels to the United States in the hopes of finding a woman he can marry and love for who she is, not for her status or for having been trained to please him.
Akeem is accompanied by his trusted friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall), and they pose as foreign students named Randy Watson and Saul Baxter while they search for Akeem’s bride. They eventually end up in Queens, New York, where they get jobs at McDowell’s, a fast food restaurant owned by Cleo McDowell (John Amos), Lisa McDowell’s (Shari Headley) father. Akeem falls in love with Lisa, but he knows that he cannot tell her who he really is.
As Akeem tries to win Lisa’s heart, he also has to deal with the interference of Lisa’s obnoxious boyfriend Darryl Jenks (Eriq La Salle), who is the son of the owner of Soul Glo, a Jheri curl–like hairstyling aid. In the end, Akeem is able to overcome all of the obstacles in his way and win Lisa’s love.
Coming to America was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $288 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its positive portrayal of African culture. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the funniest films of the 1980s.
Here are some of the key plot points of the film:
- Prince Akeem of Zamunda travels to the United States to find a wife who will love him for who he is.
- Akeem poses as a foreign student named Randy Watson and gets a job at McDowell’s, a fast-food restaurant owned by Lisa McDowell’s father.
- Akeem falls in love with Lisa, but he knows that he cannot tell her who he really is.
- Akeem has to deal with the interference of Lisa’s obnoxious boyfriend Darryl Jenks.
In the end, Akeem is able to win Lisa’s love and return to Zamunda with her as his queen.
Coming to America is a funny, heartwarming, and escapist film that celebrates the power of love and the importance of family. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys Eddie Murphy’s comedy.
3. Best in Show
Best in Show is a 2000 American mockumentary comedy film co-written by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy and directed by Guest. The film follows five entrants in a prestigious dog show as they travel to and compete at the show. Much of the dialogue was improvised. Many of the comic actors were also involved in Guest’s other films, including Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, and Mascots.
The film’s title refers to the highest award given at a dog show. The five dogs and their owners in the film are:
Gerry and Cookie Fleck (Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara), a middle-class couple from Florida who arrive at the Taft Hotel with their Norwich Terrier Winky. After having forgotten to pay their credit card bill and short of cash, they are forced to sleep in the hotel’s storage room. While traveling to the show, they encounter several of Cookie’s former lovers who try to seduce her again, much to Gerry’s chagrin.
Meg and Hamilton Swan (Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock), a stereotypical yuppie couple from a Chicago suburb, arrive with their Weimaraner Beatrice. They are constantly bickering and are clearly not on the same page when it comes to raising a dog.
Harlan Pepper (Christopher Guest), a wealthy businessman from Texas who owns a Bloodhound named Sweet Pea. He is a very eccentric and self-absorbed man who is convinced that Sweet Pea is the best dog in the world.
Sherri and Grant Focker (Jennifer Coolidge and Fred Willard), a middle-aged couple from Omaha, Nebraska, who arrive with their Afghan Hound Rufus. They are very sweet and innocent, but they are also very naive and out of their depth at the dog show.
Scott Donlan (John Michael Higgins) and Stefan Vanderhoof (Michael McKean), a gay couple from New York City who own a pair of Shih Tzus named Miss Agnes and Reginald. They are very flamboyant and over-the-top, but they are also very loving and supportive of each other.
The film follows the five dogs and their owners as they compete in the dog show, and it also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of dog shows. The film is full of witty dialogue and observational humor, and it skewers the pretensions and absurdities of the dog show world with a sharp eye and a gentle touch.
Best in Show was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its sharp satire. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the funniest films of the 2000s.
4. The Hangover Part I
The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha. It follows three friends who wake up in a Las Vegas hotel room with no memory of the previous night and the groom missing. They must retrace their steps to find their friend before his wedding.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $467 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its ensemble cast, and its surprise ending. The Hangover is considered one of the funniest films of the 2000s and has spawned two sequels, The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013).
The film’s plot is as follows:
Doug Billings (Justin Bartha) is getting married in two days. The night before the wedding, he and his three best friends, Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper), Stu Price (Ed Helms), and Alan Garner (Zach Galifianakis), go to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.
The next morning, Phil, Stu, and Alan wake up in a Las Vegas hotel room with no memory of the previous night. The groom, Doug, is nowhere to be found.
The three friends must retrace their steps to find Doug before his wedding. Along the way, they discover that they have done a lot of crazy things the night before, including getting a tiger, losing a baby, and getting into a fight with Mike Tyson.
In the end, the three friends find Doug and get him to his wedding on time. However, they still have no idea what happened the night before.
The Hangover is a raunchy, outrageous, and hilarious comedy that will leave you laughing from start to finish. It is a must-see for any fan of crude humor.
5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a 2008 American romantic comedy film directed by Nicholas Stoller and written by Stoller and Jason Segel, who also stars in the film. The film follows Peter Bretter (Segel), a composer who is dumped by his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), a famous television actress. Peter decides to go on vacation to Hawaii to try to forget about Sarah, but he ends up running into her and her new boyfriend, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), at the same hotel.
Peter befriends Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis), a hotel employee, and they eventually start dating. However, Peter is still not over Sarah and he struggles to move on. In the end, Peter realizes that he needs to let go of Sarah and focus on his new relationship with Rachel.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $177 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its soundtrack. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film’s plot is as follows:
- Peter Bretter is a composer who works on the television show “Crime Scene: Scene of the Crime”. He is in a five-year relationship with Sarah Marshall, the star of the show. One day, Sarah breaks up with Peter out of the blue. She tells him that she is not happy in the relationship and that she needs to find herself.
- Peter is devastated by the breakup and he decides to go on vacation to Hawaii to try to forget about Sarah.
- When Peter arrives in Hawaii, he runs into Sarah and her new boyfriend, Aldous Snow, a British rock star.
- Peter is shocked to see Sarah with Aldous and he is even more upset when he realizes that they are staying at the same hotel.
- Peter tries to avoid Sarah and Aldous, but he keeps running into them.
- He eventually befriends Rachel Jansen, a hotel employee, and they start dating.
- However, Peter is still not over Sarah and he struggles to move on.
- In the end, Peter realizes that he needs to let go of Sarah and focus on his new relationship with Rachel.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a funny, heartwarming, and ultimately life-affirming film about moving on from a breakup. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever been dumped.
6. Girls’ Trip
Girls Trip is a 2017 American comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee and written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver. It follows four friends who go to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival in order to reconnect after a long time.
The four friends are:
- Ryan Pierce (Regina Hall), a lifestyle guru who is dubbed “the next Oprah”.
- Sasha Franklin (Queen Latifah), an ex-journalist from Time Magazine who now owns a floundering gossip site and is struggling financially.
- Lisa Cooper (Jada Pinkett Smith), a nurse and uptight mom who has not had a boyfriend since her divorce years earlier.
- Dina Wilkes (Tiffany Haddish), a happy-go-lucky, impulsive party animal who was fired after assaulting a co-worker shortly before the trip.
The friends have all grown apart over the years, but they are determined to have a good time on their trip. Along the way, they rekindle their wild side by dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to excess.
However, their trip is not without its challenges. Ryan receives a tip that shows a picture of a black man’s head kissing an Instagram model, presumed to be Ryan’s husband, Stewart. This causes tension among the friends, as they all have different opinions on what Ryan should do.
In the end, the friends are able to overcome their challenges and have a memorable girls’ trip. They learn that they can rely on each other for support, no matter what life throws their way.
Girls Trip was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $115 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its portrayal of female friendship. It was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture.
7. Why Him?
“Why Him?” is a 2016 American comedy film directed by John Hamburg. The film stars Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming, a conservative and traditional father who disapproves of his daughter’s boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (James Franco), a wealthy and eccentric Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
The film follows Ned as he travels to California for Christmas to meet Laird and his family. Ned quickly becomes overwhelmed by Laird’s unconventional lifestyle and his lavish mansion. As the two men clash over their differences, Ned must decide whether to accept Laird as his future son-in-law or continue to fight against him.
“Why Him?” is a humorous and heartwarming film that explores the challenges of accepting someone who is different from us. It also highlights the importance of family and the bonds that tie us together.
Here are some of the most memorable quotes from “Why Him?”:
“I mean, what in God’s name is a double dicker?”
“Pardon my French, but fuck that noise!”
“Well, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“There’s bukkake floating all around me!”
“Motherfucking Flemings are in the house!”
8. Airplane!
Airplane! is a 1980 American parody disaster film directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker (who collectively formed the ZAZ troupe). It stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The film is a spoof of disaster films and airplane disaster films in particular, and it features many of the hallmarks of ZAZ’s style, including rapid-fire dialogue, sight gags, and puns.
The film’s plot follows Ted Striker (Hays), a recently discharged former Air Force pilot who is called upon to land a plane after the pilots become incapacitated. Striker must contend with a variety of problems, including a malfunctioning autopilot, a group of terrorists, and a passenger who is convinced that he is God.
Airplane! was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $83 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, its cast, and its clever use of visual gags. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film’s success spawned a number of imitators, but none of them were able to match Airplane!’s humor or originality. Airplane! remains a classic comedy film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
Here are some of the key elements that make Airplane! a successful comedy:
- The film’s rapid-fire dialogue is full of puns, sight gags, and non-sequiturs.
- The film’s cast is perfectly suited to the material. Robert Hays is perfectly cast as the bumbling hero, and Leslie Nielsen is hilarious as the clueless captain.
- The film’s visual gags are clever and often unexpected.
- The film’s humor is broad and accessible to audiences of all ages.
Airplane! is a classic comedy film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. It is a must-see for fans of ZAZ’s style or anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
9. The Party
The Party is a 1968 American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers. The film follows Hrundi V. Bakshi, a bumbling Indian film actor who accidentally gets invited to a lavish Hollywood dinner party. Bakshi proceeds to make a series of terrible mistakes, based upon his ignorance of Western ways, which gradually escalate into chaos and destruction.
The film is a classic example of physical comedy, with Sellers performing a number of memorable pratfalls and gags. The film also features a number of quotable lines, such as Bakshi’s catchphrase “Birdie num-num.”
The Party is a lighthearted comedy that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- The film’s use of physical comedy is masterful. Sellers is a master of physical comedy, and he delivers some truly memorable pratfalls and gags in The Party. The film is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and Sellers’ performance is a major reason for this.
- The film’s dialogue is witty and sharp. The film’s script is full of quotable lines, and the dialogue is often very funny. The film’s humor is often dry and understated, but it is always effective.
- The film’s use of brownface has been criticized by some as being racist and offensive. However, the film has also been defended by others as being a product of its time and as being a landmark moment in the representation of South Asian actors in Hollywood.
Overall, The Party is a classic comedy that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. The film is a groundbreaking film in terms of its use of physical comedy and its representation of South Asian actors in Hollywood. It is a must-see for fans of Peter Sellers and classic comedy films.
10. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a 2006 American sports comedy film directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Will Ferrell. The film stars Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, a NASCAR driver who is challenged by a French Formula One driver, Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). The film’s supporting cast includes John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Amy Adams, and Greg Kinnear.
Talladega Nights is a satirical look at the world of NASCAR racing. The film is full of over-the-top humor and sight gags, and it features a number of memorable characters. Ferrell’s performance as Ricky Bobby is particularly noteworthy, and he delivers some of the film’s funniest lines.
The film has been praised for its humor, its satire, and its performances. It has also been criticized for its excessive use of product placement and its portrayal of France. However, Talladega Nights remains a popular film among fans of Will Ferrell and sports comedies.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- The film’s humor is over-the-top and often absurd. This humor may not appeal to everyone, but it is sure to make fans of Will Ferrell laugh.
- The film’s satire of NASCAR racing is sharp and witty. The film does not shy away from poking fun at the sport’s stereotypes and clichés.
- The film’s performances are top-notch. Ferrell, Reilly, and Cohen all give memorable performances.
- The film’s product placement is excessive. The film is littered with product logos and mentions, which can be distracting for some viewers.
- The film’s portrayal of France is stereotypical and offensive. The film portrays the French as arrogant and rude, which is not a fair representation of the country or its people.
Overall, Talladega Nights is a funny and satirical film that is sure to entertain fans of Will Ferrell and sports comedies. The film’s humor may not appeal to everyone, but it is sure to make some viewers laugh
11. Four Wedding and a Funeral
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a 1994 British romantic comedy film written by Richard Curtis and directed by Mike Newell. It stars Hugh Grant as Charles, a commitment-phobic Englishman who is unlucky in love. The film follows Charles and his group of friends as they attend a series of weddings and one funeral over the course of five years.
Charles meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), an American woman, at the first wedding in the film. They have a one-night stand, but Carrie returns to the United States the next day. Charles continues to pine for Carrie, and they eventually meet again at a second wedding. However, Carrie is now engaged to another man.
Charles and his friends continue to attend weddings and funerals, and they each experience their own share of ups and downs in love. By the end of the film, Charles has finally learned to let go of his fear of commitment and he is reunited with Carrie.
Four Weddings and a Funeral was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The film won the award for Best Original Screenplay, and it is considered to be one of the greatest British romantic comedies of all time.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- The film’s humor is witty and sharp, and it is sure to appeal to fans of British comedy.
- The film’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the film’s cast gives strong performances.
- The film’s story is heartwarming and romantic, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted.
- The film’s soundtrack is iconic, and it features some of the most memorable songs of the 1990s.
Overall, Four Weddings and a Funeral is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film’s humor, characters, story, and soundtrack all combine to create a truly memorable experience.
12. Death at the Funeral
Death at a Funeral is a 2007 British black comedy film directed by Frank Oz and written by Dean Craig. The film stars Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Graves, Daisy Donovan, and Alan Tudyk. The film follows a dysfunctional British family as they gather for the funeral of their patriarch.
The film opens with Daniel (Macfadyen) and his wife Jane (Donovan) preparing for the funeral of Daniel’s father. Daniel’s brother Robert (Graves) arrives, having flown first class, but declines to help finance the funeral, leaving Daniel to cover all the expenses. As guests begin to arrive, Daniel struggles to complete a eulogy, even though everyone expects Robert will be the one to deliver it. Daniel’s cousin Martha and her fiancé Simon (Tudyk) are desperate to make a good impression on Martha’s father Victor (Peter Egan).
As the funeral progresses, the family’s secrets and tensions begin to surface. Daniel’s mother Hilary (Diana Rigg) reveals that she is having an affair with her neighbor, and Daniel’s uncle Alfie (Peter Dinklage) has a panic attack after seeing a mystery guest who he believes is the deceased’s illegitimate son.
The film culminates in a chaotic scene at the wake, where the mystery guest is revealed to be Peter’s (Michael McKean) ex-wife Marie. Marie reveals that she is pregnant with Peter’s child, and she demands that he pay child support. The family is shocked, and the funeral descends into chaos.
In the end, the family is able to come together and support each other through their grief. They realize that they are all flawed, but they love each other nonetheless. Death at a Funeral is a darkly funny film that explores the themes of family, grief, and forgiveness.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- The film’s humor is dark and satirical, but it is never mean-spirited. The film’s cast gives strong performances, and the film’s characters are well-developed and relatable.
- The film’s story is heartwarming and funny, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted.
- The film’s ending is hopeful and optimistic, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired.
Overall, Death at a Funeral is a charming and heartwarming black comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film’s humor, characters, story, and ending all combine to create a truly memorable experience.
13. Trains, Planes, & Automobiles
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes and starring Steve Martin and John Candy. It tells the story of a high-strung marketing executive and a goodhearted but annoying shower curtain ring salesman who become travel companions when their flight is diverted and share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get to Chicago in time for the executive’s Thanksgiving Day dinner with his family.
Neal Page (Steve Martin) is an advertising executive on a business trip in New York City eager to return to his family in Chicago two days before Thanksgiving. After a late-running business meeting with an indecisive client named Mr. Bryant, Neal struggles to hail a cab during rush hour. As he bribes a man to let him have a cab he has hailed, someone else takes it. Neal arrives at LaGuardia Airport just as his flight is delayed. While waiting, he meets the person who unwittingly stole his cab, Del Griffith (John Candy), a loquacious man who sells shower curtain rings. To his chagrin, Neal is assigned a seat next to Del on the crowded flight to O’Hare.
The flight is diverted to Wichita, Kansas due to a snowstorm. Neal and Del are forced to rent a car and drive to Chicago, but their journey is beset by a series of mishaps, including a flat tire, a run-in with a group of escaped convicts, and a detour through a cornfield.
Along the way, Neal and Del learn to tolerate each other’s quirks and foibles. They also learn to appreciate each other’s friendship. By the time they finally reach Chicago, they have become close friends.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a classic comedy film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. The film is full of laugh-out-loud moments and memorable characters. It is also a heartwarming story about the power of friendship.
More about the film:
- The film’s humor is physical and verbal, and it is sure to appeal to fans of both types of comedy.
The film’s characters are well-developed and relatable. Neal and Del are both flawed characters, but they are also likable and sympathetic. - The film’s story is heartwarming and funny. It is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted and entertained.
- The film’s ending is hopeful and optimistic. It is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired.
14. Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a 1988 American comedy film directed by Frank Oz and starring Steve Martin, Michael Caine, and Glenne Headly. The film is a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story, and it follows two con artists who compete to swindle an heiress out of $50,000.
Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is a sophisticated British con artist operating in the French Riviera. He poses as a wealthy prince in exile to seduce wealthy women and con them out of money. Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) is a young American con artist who is new to the game. He is more of a hustler, and he uses lowbrow tactics to con women out of money.
When Freddy arrives in the French Riviera, he quickly realizes that Lawrence is the top dog. He challenges Lawrence to a winner-takes-all bet: whoever swindles their latest mark first can stay in town, while the other must leave.
The two con artists set their sights on American heiress Christine Colgate (Glenne Headly). Lawrence plans to seduce her and then disappear with her money. Freddy plans to pose as a wealthy investor and convince her to invest in a fake business venture.
As the two con artists compete for Christine’s money, they begin to develop a grudging respect for each other. They also realize that they are both in over their heads. Christine is not as easy to con as they thought she would be.
In the end, Lawrence and Freddy learn that there is more to life than money. They also learn that they can be friends, even if they are still rivals.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a funny and heartwarming comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film’s humor is sharp and witty, and the film’s characters are well-developed and relatable. The film’s ending is hopeful and optimistic, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted.
15. Meet the Parents
Meet the Parents is a 2000 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach and written by Jim Herzfeld. It stars Ben Stiller as Greg Focker, a male nurse who is about to propose to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo). However, Greg first has to meet her parents, Jack (Robert De Niro) and Dina Byrnes (Blythe Danner), who live in a luxurious house on Long Island.
Greg is immediately nervous about meeting Jack and Dina, who seem to be very uptight and judgmental. Greg’s nervousness only gets worse when he makes a series of blunders, such as accidentally burning Jack’s prized meatballs and getting into a fight with Dina’s cat.
As Greg tries to impress Jack and Dina, he only succeeds in making them more suspicious of him. Jack is particularly skeptical of Greg’s profession as a male nurse, and he constantly questions Greg’s masculinity.
In the end, Greg is able to win over Jack and Dina, but not without a few more mishaps along the way. Meet the Parents is a funny and heartwarming comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film’s humor is sharp and witty, and the film’s characters are well-developed and relatable. The film’s ending is hopeful and optimistic, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $330 million worldwide. It was followed by two sequels, Meet the Fockers (2004) and Little Fockers (2010).
16. Stir Crazy
Stir Crazy is a 1980 American comedy film directed by Sidney Poitier and starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. The film follows two friends, Harry Monroe (Wilder) and Skip Donahue (Pryor), who are falsely imprisoned and must find a way to escape.
Harry and Skip are unemployed actors who decide to travel to Hollywood to pursue their dreams. However, they are framed for a bank robbery and sentenced to 125 years in prison.
The two friends are sent to a maximum-security prison, where they are subjected to a series of harsh and demeaning conditions. However, they also find ways to make the best of their situation, forming friendships with other inmates and even staging a talent show.
Eventually, Harry and Skip hatch a plan to escape from prison. They succeed in escaping, but they are pursued by the authorities. After a series of misadventures, they are finally able to clear their names and are reunited with their loved ones.
Stir Crazy was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its positive message of hope. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film is considered a classic of the buddy comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 1980s. It is a must-see for fans of Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, and prison comedies.
17. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a 2005 American comedy film directed by Judd Apatow and written by Apatow and Steve Carell. It stars Carell as Andy Stitzer, a 40-year-old man who has never had sex.
Andy works as a stock supervisor at a big-box electronics store. He is a kind and gentle man, but he is also socially awkward and has never been able to connect with women in a romantic way.
When Andy’s co-workers find out about his secret, they decide to help him lose his virginity. They give him advice, set him up on dates, and even take him to a strip club.
Andy eventually meets a woman named Trish (Catherine Keener), and they begin dating. Trish is understanding and patient with Andy, and she helps him to overcome his fears and insecurities.
In the end, Andy finally loses his virginity, and he finds true love with Trish. The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a funny and heartwarming comedy that explores the themes of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. It is a must-see for fans of Judd Apatow and Steve Carell.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $177 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its positive message of hope. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film is considered a classic of the Apatow comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 2000s. It is a must-see for fans of Steve Carell, romantic comedies, and coming-of-age stories
18. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Will Ferrell. It stars Ferrell as Ron Burgundy, the top-rated news anchor in San Diego in the 1970s. The film follows Burgundy’s clash with Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), a new female news anchor who threatens to take his job.
Burgundy is a confident and charismatic anchorman who is used to being the center of attention. He is also a bit of a chauvinist who believes that women do not belong in the news business.
Corningstone is a talented and ambitious news anchor who is determined to make a name for herself. She is not afraid to stand up to Burgundy and challenge his outdated views.
The two anchors clash on a number of occasions, but they eventually learn to respect each other’s talents. In the end, they team up to save their jobs and the future of their news station.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $85 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its quotable lines. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film is considered a cult classic of the comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 2000s. It is a must-see for fans of Will Ferrell, comedy films set in the 1970s, and news satire.
Here are some of the film’s most memorable quotes:
“I’m Ron Burgundy? Who the hell are you?”
“I’m not supposed to talk about it.”
“I’m kind of a big deal.”
“Stay classy, San Diego.”
“Milk was a bad choice.”
19. His Girl Friday
His Girl Friday is a 1940 American screwball comedy film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. It is a remake of the 1931 film The Front Page, but with the genders of the main characters reversed.
The film follows Hildy Johnson (Russell), a tough and ambitious newspaper reporter who is trying to win back her ex-husband, Walter Burns (Grant), the editor of the newspaper where she works.
Walter is trying to stop Hildy from quitting her job and marrying another man, Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy). He assigns her to cover the story of a convicted murderer who is about to be executed, hoping that she will get caught up in the excitement of the story and forget about her plans to leave.
Hildy is initially reluctant to take on the story, but she eventually agrees. She quickly proves to be just as good a reporter as Walter, and she even manages to get the scoop on the execution.
In the end, Hildy decides to stay with Walter and help him run the newspaper. The film ends with the two of them reuniting and working together again.
His Girl Friday was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its fast-paced direction. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film is considered a classic of the screwball comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of all time. It is a must-see for fans of Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, and Howard Hawks.
Here are some of the film’s most memorable quotes:
“You can’t get away from me, Hildy. We’re two of a kind.” – Walter Burns
“I’m not a woman, I’m a newspaperman.” – Hildy Johnson
“You’re the most dishonest, unethical, low-down, unprincipled person I’ve ever met.” – Walter Burns
“That’s why I love you.” – Hildy Johnson
“Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.” – Walter Burns
20. Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder is a 2008 American action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller, who stars in the film with Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Jay Baruchel. It is a satirical take on the making of war films, and it follows a group of self-absorbed actors who are making a Vietnam War film.
When the actors are dropped into the jungle for location shooting, they soon find themselves in real danger. They are mistaken for real soldiers by a group of rebels, and they must use their acting skills to survive.
The film is full of over-the-top action sequences and quotable lines. It also features a number of celebrity cameos, including Tom Cruise, Steve Coogan, and Matthew McConaughey.
Tropic Thunder was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $260 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its satire of Hollywood. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film is considered a cult classic of the comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 2000s. It is a must-see for fans of Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and absurdist humor.
Here are some of the film’s most memorable quotes:
“I’m a dude, playing a dude, disguised as another dude!” – Alpa Chino
“I’m a method actor, so when I’m Lieutenant Aldo Raine, I stay in character 24 hours a day. Even when I’m sleeping, I’m sleeping with my eyes open, so I can always be ready to kill Nazis.” – Tugg Speedman
“I’m the dude who gets the money. Are you the dude who gets the money?” – Kirk Lazarus
“Never go full retard.” – Simple Jack
“I’m so random!” – Lance Nguyen
21. Snatch
Snatch is a 2000 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. It stars Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Vinnie Jones, Stephen Graham, and Alan Ford. The film follows a group of small-time criminals in London who are involved in a diamond heist.
The film is full of fast-paced action sequences and quotable lines. It also features a number of memorable characters, including Turkish (Jason Statham), a small-time boxing promoter; Brick Top (Alan Ford), a ruthless gangster; and Mickey O’Neil (Brad Pitt), a gypsy bare-knuckle boxer.
Snatch was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $83 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its direction. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The film is considered a cult classic of the crime comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 2000s. It is a must-see for fans of Guy Ritchie, Jason Statham, and Brad Pitt.
Here are some of the film’s most memorable quotes:
“You know what I like about gypsies? They’re not afraid to steal.” – Brick Top
“You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.” – Boris the Blade
“You’re not a man. You’re a little girl in a man’s body.” – Turkish to Mickey O’Neil
“What’s the matter, Tommy? Never taken a shortcut before?” – Brick Top to Tommy
“You’re a daisy if you do.” – Turkish
22. Trading Places
Trading Places is a 1983 American comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod. It stars Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Denholm Elliott. The film follows two down-on-their-luck men who are given the opportunity to swap lives with two wealthy brothers.
Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) is a wealthy commodities broker who lives a life of luxury. Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) is a homeless street hustler who lives day-to-day on the streets.
Two wealthy brothers, Randolph and Mortimer Duke (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche), are bored and looking for some entertainment. They decide to conduct an experiment by switching the lives of Louis and Billy Ray.
Louis is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and loses his job. Billy Ray is given a job at Louis’ old company and is given a makeover to make him look like a successful businessman.
At first, Louis and Billy Ray are both reluctant to accept their new lives, but they eventually learn to adapt. Louis discovers that he is not as wealthy as he thought he was, and Billy Ray discovers that there is more to life than money.
In the end, Louis and Billy Ray both get what they want. Louis gets his job back and Billy Ray gets a share of the Duke brothers’ fortune.
Trading Places was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $106 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its screenplay. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
The film is considered a classic of the comedy genre and is often cited as one of the funniest films of the 1980s. It is a must-see for fans of Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and John Landis.
Here are some of the film’s most memorable quotes:
“You see, Louis, at the end of the day, most people are just paying rent on a very expensive cage.” – Randolph Duke
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but it sounds delicious.” – Billy Ray Valentine
“That’s right, Louis. You’re a monkey!” – Billy Ray Valentine
“Well, I guess you’re right, Billy Ray. I’ve been living in a dream world.” – Louis Winthorpe III
“That’s all right, Louis. We’ll get you back on your feet.” – Billy Ray Valentine.
23. The Royal Tenenbaums
The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. It stars Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, and Bill Murray. The film follows the lives of the Tenenbaums, a dysfunctional family of geniuses.
Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) is a brilliant financier who has raised his three children, Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Richie (Luke Wilson), to be geniuses as well. However, the Tenenbaum children have all grown up to be troubled adults.
Chas is a successful financier who is agoraphobic and lives in a barricaded apartment. Margot is a playwright who is dating a younger man. Richie is a tennis prodigy who has become a recluse after a public breakdown.
The film’s plot is non-linear, and it jumps back and forth in time to tell the story of the Tenenbaums’ lives. The film is full of Wes Anderson’s signature visual style, including symmetrical shots, elaborate costumes, and a deadpan sense of humor.
The Royal Tenenbaums was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $57 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor, its performances, and its direction. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
The film is considered a cult classic of the comedy-drama genre and is often cited as one of the best films of the 2000s. It is a must-see for fans of Wes Anderson, Gene Hackman, and the dysfunctional family genre.
24: Inglourious Basterds
Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film tells an alternate history story of two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany’s leadership—one planned by Shosanna Dreyfus, a young French Jewish cinema proprietor, and the other planned by the British but ultimately conducted solely by a team of Jewish American soldiers led by First Lieutenant Aldo Raine. Christoph Waltz co-stars as Hans Landa, an SS colonel in charge of tracking down Raine’s group.
The film begins in 1941, with SS officer Hans Landa interrogating a French farmer about a Jewish family hiding in his barn. The family is killed, but Landa allows the young girl, Shosanna Dreyfus, to escape. Three years later, Shosanna has assumed a new identity and is running a cinema in Paris. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Aldo Raine has assembled a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds, who are tasked with killing Nazis and scalping them as trophies.
The Basterds’ paths cross with Shosanna’s when they are sent to Paris to assassinate a group of high-ranking Nazi officers who are attending a premiere at her cinema. Shosanna has her own plans for the officers, and she sets a trap for them that will ultimately lead to their deaths.
Inglourious Basterds is a violent and bloody film, but it is also a darkly funny and suspenseful one. Tarantino’s trademark style is on full display, and the film features some of his most memorable scenes and characters. The cast is excellent, with Waltz giving a tour-de-force performance as Landa. Inglourious Basterds is a must-see for fans of Tarantino’s work and anyone who enjoys a good war movie.
Here are some of the film’s notable awards and nominations:
-Won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), and Best Film Editing
-Nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Director, and Best Screenplay
-Won 2 BAFTA Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz) and Best Original Screenplay
-Nominated for 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards, including Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Christoph Waltz), Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Brad Pitt), and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
The film has a 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 337 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10. The website’s critical consensus reads, “A violent, funny, and ultimately satisfying revenge fantasy, Inglourious Basterds is a triumphant return to form for Quentin Tarantino.”
25. The Producers
The Producers is a satirical black comedy film written and directed by Mel Brooks in his directorial debut. The film stars Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn, and Kenneth Mars. The film is about a theater producer and his accountant who, as part of a scam, decide to produce the worst stage musical they can create. They find a script celebrating Adolf Hitler and the Nazis and bring it to the stage.
The film’s plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars.
The producer, Max Bialystock, is a washed-up Broadway producer who is constantly coming up with new ideas for plays, but none of them have ever been successful. His accountant, Leo Bloom, is a mousy and timid man who is afraid of everything, including Max.
One day, Leo comes up with an idea: what if they produced the worst play possible, and then guaranteed a refund to all of the audience members? This way, they would only have to pay for the cost of producing the play, and they would still make a profit.
Max is initially skeptical, but he eventually agrees to go along with Leo’s plan. They find a script for a musical about Adolf Hitler, and they cast a hippie-freak as the lead actor.
The play, titled “Springtime for Hitler,” is an unmitigated disaster. The audience is outraged, and they start to riot. However, Max and Leo have made a fortune, and they are able to retire to a life of luxury.
The Producers is a darkly funny film that satirizes the world of Broadway theater. It is also a surprisingly touching film about the power of friendship and the importance of following your dreams. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch the careers of Mel Brooks and Zero Mostel.
Here are some of the film’s notable awards and nominations:
-Won 2 Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor (Zero Mostel)
-Nominated for 10 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Director, and Best Actor (Zero Mostel)
-Won 2 BAFTA Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Zero Mostel)
-Nominated for 3 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score
The film has a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 100 reviews, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The website’s critical consensus reads, “A hilarious and scathing satire of the Broadway theater, The Producers is a classic Mel Brooks comedy that features two unforgettable performances from Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder.”
