This was probably the hardest list I’ve ever made, and some of my absolute favorites didn’t make this list. BUT, I aimed to choose the films that make me howl with laughter over and over, even though I’ve seen all these movies many, many times and know all the jokes. If I need a laugh, these are the go-to movies. And if you haven’t seen them, shame on you. SHAME ON YOU.
13. Shaun of the Dead
“Shaun: As Bertrand Russell once said, “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.” I think we can all appreciate the relevance of that now.
Liz: Was that on a beer mat?
Shaun: Yeah, it was Guinness Extra Cold.
Liz: I won’t say anything.
Shaun: Thanks.”
Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright are a brilliant duo. I love the quick editing style and dry jokes. Sure, it’s a zombie movie, but what makes this movie so funny is how human and flawed the protagonist is. Not only is it one of my favorite comedies, but also one of my favorite zombie films.
12. Caddyshack
“Of course I talk to myself. Sometimes I need an expert opinion.”
Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfeild, and Chevy Chase are three of the funniest guys who ever lived. They are the reason Caddyshack remains a classic comedy today. The actors are really perfect for their characters. I think what makes this movie so good, is there are really obvious jokes, and really subtle ones, so since I originally saw it as a kid, every time I watch it, I feel like there’s a joke I didn’t catch the time before.
11. Step Brothers
“Brennan, that is the voice of an angel. Brennan I can’t even make eye contact with you right now. Your voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus.”
This might be the most quotable movie of all time. People who don’t find this movie funny have no sense of humor. I remember seeing this movie in theaters with my friends, and we were howling laughing. My friend was laughing so hard, he spilled popcorn all over the people in front of us. Then, ten minutes later, he was laughing so hard he spilled soda all over the same people (they were pissed). Will Farrell is a comedy genius, and he pretty much always makes me giggle. Also Katherine Hahn is hilarious in this movie.
10. Tropic Thunder
Kirk Lazarus: Me? I know who I am. I’m a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.
Kevin Sandusky: What?
Kirk Lazarus:You a dude that don’t know what dude he is!
Tugg Speedman:Or are you a dude who has no idea what dude he is and claims to know what dude he is..
Tugg Speedman:Or are you a dude who has no idea what dude he is and claims to know what dude he is?
Ben Stiller is hilarious, but I think what really makes his movies so funny is he allows others to outshine him. All the characters are funny in this. The interplay is gold. Robert Downey Jr. is so goddamn funny is this movie I had tears in my eyes watching it. Also, the whole opening with the fake coming attractions is amazing.
9. Airplane
Ted Striker:Surely you can’t be serious?
Dr. Rumack:I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
My parents forced me to watch this when I was way too young to have seen it, but I don’t think I ever thanked them (thank you!). My parents have always been huge comedy fans, and I remember this came on TV, and I didn’t think it looked funny (I was very young), but my parents knew what they were talking about. There’s so many good jokes in this script. I’ve always appreciated good jokes.
8. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
George Harrison:I just sit here while my guitar quietly whimpers.
Paul McCartney:Well you are the quiet one so why don’t you shut the fuck up!
Ringo Starr:I’ve got a song about an octopus.
John Lennon:Jam it up your ass. You’re lucky we still let you play the drums!
I truly think this is one of the most underrated comedies of all time. This movie is fucking hilarious. I first watched this with my parents in our house, and none of us had any expectations (I believe it bombed in the box office). But from the moment the “wrong kid died,” we were laughing so hard we were crying, and then we quoted this movie for months. This movie is a gem.
7. The 40 Year Old Virgin
“You’re puttin’ the pussy on a pedestal.”
After I saw this movie, I was obsessed with Judd Apatow. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it feels real. There’s a reason Apatow is so successful. Because he’s really talented. His scripts are great and inspiring.
6. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
“Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.”
The sequel is better than the original. I stand by that. This movie is incredibly stupid but also so funny. Keep in mind, I was a really little kid when this came out, and my brother, sister, and I watched it all the time. I remember my Dad would complain, “you’re watching this movie again?” And then he’d watch it too, and laugh for the hundredth time. This is Jim Carrey at his best. It still makes me laugh. Then again, I don’t think I ever fully grew up.
5. Anchorman
Brick Tamland:Yeah.. I stabbed a man in the heart
Ron Burgundy:I saw that! Brick killed a guy. Did you throw a trident?
Brick Tamland:Yeah there were horses and a man on fire and I killed a guy with a trident.
Ron Burgundy:Brick I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safe house or a relative close by. Lay low for a while because you’re probably wanted for murder.
The Adam McKay/Will Farrell duo is comedy magic, and Anchorman is solid proof of this. Almost every sentence in this movie is funny. The cast is amazing, and I think it’s just a fun movie. I will see anything Adam McKay writes.
4. Life of Brian
Brian: I’m not the Messiah! Will you please listen? I am not the Messiah, do you understand? Honestly!
Girl: Only the true Messiah denies His divinity.
Brian: What? Well, what sort of chance does that give me? All right! I am the Messiah!
Followers: He is! He is the Messiah!
Brian: Now, fuck off!
[silence]
Arthur: How shall we fuck off, O Lord?
Anything that pisses off the Catholic church is worth seeing. Life of Brian is a fantastic movie, filled with great jokes. This is not a movie mocking religion. It’s a movie mocking how idiotic and brainless people are. If you didn’t get that, then you’re probably idiotic and brainless. Underrated, and a must see.
3. Team America World Police
Lisa: Promise me you’ll never die.
Gary: You know I can’t promise that.
Lisa: If you did that, I would make love to you right now.
Gary: I promise, I will never die.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone are both geniuses. Hit show, hit movies, hit Broadway show. Is there anything they can’t do? The answer is no. They went to the Oscars wearing ball gowns tripping on acid. There is nothing they can’t do. They are two of my heroes, and Team America is easily one of the funniest movies ever. This movie came out when I was in high school. Me and my friends went to the theater to see it, and then went back the next day to see it again. We then primarily spoke to one another in quotes from this movie.
2. Young Frankenstein
- Dr. Frankenstein: You know, I’m a rather brilliant surgeon. Perhaps I can help you with that hump.
- Igor: What hump?
Despite what your mother tells you, there are very few special people in this world. Gene Wilder was one of them (RIP). I love this movie so much. I once was on a date with someone who never saw this movie and I almost walked out right then. One of the greatest.
- Monty Python and The Holy Grail
“Look you stupid bastard, you got no arms left.”
I’m unsure there’s any movie I’ve seen more or quoted more than The Holy Grail. Monty Python has a gift for walking the tight rope of smart and silly. I really think I’ve seen this movie a hundred times and I still laugh. It’s fucking brilliant.
Honorable Mention: Austin Powers, Zoolander, Mean Girls, National Lampoon’s Vacation, What We Do In The Shadows, Blazing Saddles, Ghostbusters, Napolean Dynamite, Bridesmaids, Wet Hot American Summer, Rat Race, A Christmas Story, Superbad, Grandma’s Boy, Elf, Borat
Yup you got them all. Absolute classics. Would have put dumb and dumber instead of ace 2 🙂
Yes yes yes
I was worried but then I read it and, yes, I have seen every single one of these films. I could nitpick the order in some places and wonder how Blazing Saddles could not be there, but the list is so strong I will just nod and agree.