Some comedy movies are universally agreed to be hilarious. Great comedy filmmakers have mastered both the comedy and the medium, making sure their comedy movies are well-staged and well-shot with plenty of laughs.
Comedy is a hit-and-miss genre, but the ones that hit. Some comedy movies from over 50 years ago still hold up today, like Dr. Strangelove and Some Like It Hot. Some comedies from the 21st century, like Bridesmaids and Shaun of the Dead, are so great that they rank alongside the all-time greats.
From the pitch-perfect structure of Back to the Future to the prescient self-awareness of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, here’s our take on the best comedy movies of all time.
If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our list of the best movies on Netflix, the best comedy and psychological thriller movies.
Raising Arizona
The Coen brothers followed their intense neo-noir film Blood Simple with a complete shift in tone in Raising Arizona. The story of Raising Arizona may sound dark – an ex-convict and his wife, eager to start a family, kidnap one of a local businessman’s eight babies to raise as their own – but the Coens’ approach is anything but serious.
Unlike most comedies that rely on standard filming techniques, Raising Arizona uses a fast-moving camera to add to the humor. It is one of the best comedy movies to watch online.
Step Brothers
Adam McKay’s movie Step Brothers was not appreciated by critics when it was first released. However, it is considered one of Will Ferrell’s funniest movies. In the movie, Will Ferrell plays Brennan, a 40-year-old manchild who has to deal with the arrival of his new step-brother Dale, played by John C Reilly.
The two characters engage in a 98-minute comedic battle, with memorable and funny moments. Step Brothers is a light-hearted and enjoyable movie with a lot of humor, making it better with each viewing.
Back To The Future
Marty McFly accidentally disrupts his parents’ first meeting when he travels 30 years into the past in his friend’s time machine. “To ensure that he isn’t erased from history, he must make sure that they get together.” “Back to the Future” is almost a perfect movie with a well-crafted script. Everything set up in the present day becomes important when Marty goes back in time. What’s truly impressive is that the movie is packed with many laughs in its tight storyline.
Team America: World Police
From the creators of South Park, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone, Team America: World Police made marionette puppets more accessible to a new generation. The movie captures the same rebellious spirit as their animated work. Outrageous and thought-provoking, Team America pokes fun at actors’ perceived self-importance by portraying their skills as crucial in the global fight against terrorism, with hilariously absurd results.
It includes a memorable, over-the-top sex scene and fearlessly challenges conventional boundaries. Despite being underrated, the movie cleverly parodies various aspects and convincingly suggests that puppets could play a bigger role in the world. It is one of the best comedy movies to watch online.
Dr. Strangelove
Stanley Kubrick created the movie Dr. Strangelove during the Cold War to show the fear of nuclear war. The movie is still relevant today because nuclear war is still a concern. The actor Peter Sellers gives three funny performances, which has a great sense of humor. But it also accurately shows how destructive war can be.
The movie ends with a powerful message using the song “We’ll Meet Again” to show that the optimism of World War II doesn’t matter in the age of nuclear weapons. Are you looking for the best comedy movies? Dr. Strangelove is perfect for you.
Bridesmaids
Judd Apatow’s comedies have been popular because they mix funny and sometimes inappropriate humor with heartfelt sincerity. The best example of this is Bridesmaids. The movie is about a woman having a tough time and her experiences leading up to her best friend’s wedding.
It has many funny moments, like the dress fitting scene, but it also focuses on important themes like friendship, growing up, and new relationships. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s script was even nominated for an Oscar because of how well it balances humor and emotion. It is one of the best comedy movies to watch online.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail
The Pythons changed comedy with their famous sketch show. Then, they brought their mix of sharp satire and silly humor to the big screen with Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This movie is a spoof of the Arthurian legend and is full of laughs, from slapstick to clever historical jokes. It features coconut-clattering horseback riding and a cleverly anticlimactic ending. Monty Python and the Holy Grail constantly breaks the fourth wall.
This Is Spinal Tap
Rob Reiner was the first to make a mockumentary with his movie This is Spinal Tap. It pokes fun at rock documentaries and follows a loud English band trying to stay popular in the music industry. There are some memorable jokes, like Nigel’s amp that goes up to 11. The movie as a whole is a funny take on rockstars and their unpredictable behavior. The cast’s improvised dialogue makes This is Spinal Tap feel like a real documentary. It is one of the comedy movies watch online with your friends.
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a classic comedy starring Bill Murray. In the movie, Murray plays Phil Connors, a sarcastic and egotistical weatherman who finds himself trapped in an eternal loop of reliving the same day. The humor comes from watching Connors go through a range of emotions, from shock to acceptance, as he tries to break the loop. The movie is highly rewatchable and should be watched again and again. Are you looking for the best comedy movies? Groundhog Day is for you.
Airplane!
In the movie “Airplane!”, a former fighter pilot has to take control of a passenger plane when the crew falls ill. The movie is full of visual jokes and funny lines that still work well today. The serious acting of the cast makes the comedy even better. Leslie Nielsen’s performance as the doctor is especially great. The movie is so funny and has so many hidden jokes that you’ll enjoy it more each time you watch it. It is one of the best romance comedy movies to stream online.
