Choosing any top 100 is difficult, but comedy is especially tricky. Check our list below. We have purposely picked films from across the ages and throughout various genres from Rom-Com to slapstick.
Binge Worthy Top 100 Comedy Films
- Some Like It Hot (1959): Directed by Billy Wilder, this film is a classic screwball comedy featuring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from the mob, joining an all-female band where they meet the enchanting Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe. The film is celebrated for its witty script, fantastic performances, and progressive approach to gender roles.
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): A British slapstick comedy that parodies the legend of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Famous for its absurd and surreal humor, the film was created by the comedy group Monty Python and is filled with iconic scenes and quotable dialogue.
- Airplane! (1980): A parody of disaster films, particularly the 1957 movie “Zero Hour!,” this film is known for its rapid-fire humor and visual and verbal puns. It follows the story of an ex-fighter pilot who must take over the controls of an airplane after the crew falls ill, despite his own fear of flying.
- The Big Lebowski (1998): A cult classic directed by the Coen Brothers, starring Jeff Bridges as ‘The Dude’ Lebowski, a laid-back, bowling-loving slacker who gets drawn into a convoluted kidnapping plot. The film is known for its quirky characters, and unique dialogue, and has inspired a dedicated fan following.
- Groundhog Day (1993): This film stars Bill Murray as a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It’s a blend of comedy, romance, and existential reflection, acclaimed for its inventive concept and Murray’s performance.
- Dr. Strangelove (1964): Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this black comedy satirizes the Cold War fears of a nuclear conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. The film is known for its dark humor, sharp wit, and Peter Sellers’ performance in multiple roles.
- Annie Hall (1977): Directed by and starring Woody Allen, alongside Diane Keaton, this romantic comedy explores the ups and downs of the relationship between a neurotic New York comedian and an equally quirky young woman. The film is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and insightful, humorous take on love and relationships.
- Ghostbusters (1984): A supernatural comedy directed by Ivan Reitman, featuring a team of scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. It’s known for its blend of comedy, action, and special effects, along with memorable performances by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson.
- Caddyshack (1980): A sports comedy set in an upscale golf club, focusing on the antics and conflicts between the snobbish club members and the more laid-back caddies. The film is notable for its improvisational comedic performances, particularly from Bill Murray and Rodney Dangerfield.
- Blazing Saddles (1974): Directed by Mel Brooks, this film is a satirical take on the Western genre, known for its no-holds-barred approach to the topic of racism and its irreverent humor. The film features Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder as a black sheriff and an alcoholic gunslinger who team up to save a frontier town.
- The Hangover (2009): A comedy about a bachelor party gone wrong in Las Vegas. The film follows three friends who wake up after a night of debauchery and can’t remember anything, including where they lost the groom. Its success comes from its unpredictable storyline, comedic timing, and strong chemistry among the cast.
- Superbad (2007): A coming-of-age teen comedy focusing on two high school friends who want to enjoy their last days before graduation by attending a big party. Known for its witty script, relatable characters, and humorous take on teenage anxieties, the film helped launch the careers of its young stars.
- Young Frankenstein (1974): Directed by Mel Brooks, this is a parody of classic horror films, particularly the adaptations of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. Starring Gene Wilder, it’s known for its black-and-white cinematography and clever humor, blending slapstick and wit.
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary about a fictional British heavy metal band named Spinal Tap. The film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of rock bands and the hagiographic tendencies of rock documentaries. It’s celebrated for its improvised dialogue and deadpan humor.
- National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978): A comedy film about a misfit group of fraternity members who challenge the authority of the dean of Faber College. Known for its raucous humor, memorable characters, and being a pioneer in the gross-out genre of comedy.
- The Graduate (1967): This film tells the story of Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson, and then falls in love with her daughter Elaine. It’s known for its innovative direction, use of music, and exploration of social themes of the 1960s.
- The Apartment (1960): A romantic comedy-drama that follows an insurance clerk who lets his apartment be used by his superiors for their romantic trysts. The film is noted for its blend of comedy, romance, and serious themes, with standout performances from Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.
- Borat (2006): A mockumentary comedy film featuring Sacha Baron Cohen as the fictional Kazakh journalist Borat, who travels through the United States to make a documentary. The film is known for its outrageous humor, satirical take on American culture, and Cohen’s commitment to the character.
- Dumb and Dumber (1994): Starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, this film follows two well-meaning but dimwitted friends on a cross-country trip to return a briefcase full of money to its owner, leading to numerous comic misadventures. It’s celebrated for its slapstick humor and the chemistry between Carrey and Daniels.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): Directed by John Hughes, this film follows a high school student, Ferris Bueller, who decides to skip school and spend the day in downtown Chicago. Known for its light-hearted take on teen rebellion and Matthew Broderick’s charming performance as Ferris.
- Clerks (1994): A black-and-white indie comedy about a day in the lives of two store clerks, Dante and Randal, their annoyances, and customer eccentricities.
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997): A spy comedy film that parodies the James Bond genre, featuring Mike Myers as Austin Powers, a hipster secret agent cryogenically frozen in the 1960s and reawakened in the 1990s to battle his nemesis, Dr. Evil.
- The Princess Bride (1987): A cult classic, this film combines comedy, adventure, and romance in a fairy tale about a young woman and her true love who must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited.
- Bridesmaids (2011): A female-led comedy about the misadventures of a maid of honor struggling to keep up with the demands of her best friend’s wedding, leading to hilarious and heartfelt moments.
- Tootsie (1982): A comedy about a talented but difficult actor who adopts a new identity as a woman to land a job, leading to unexpected fame and romantic entanglements.
- Trading Places (1983): A satirical comedy where a street hustler and a wealthy broker are the subjects of a bet by two callous millionaires, leading to a reversal of their fortunes.
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): A comedy about a middle-aged man whose friends try to help him lose his virginity, leading to a series of humorous and revealing incidents.
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004): Set in the 1970s, this comedy follows a chauvinistic, top-rated anchorman, Ron Burgundy, whose life changes when a female broadcaster enters the all-male newsroom.
- Zoolander (2001): A satirical take on the fashion industry, featuring Ben Stiller as a dim-witted, narcissistic male model caught up in a conspiracy during fashion week.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004): A horror-comedy that parodies zombie movies, following Shaun as he tries to turn his life around and save those he loves during a zombie apocalypse.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004): A comedic take on the zombie genre, this film follows Shaun, a directionless Londoner, as he tries to save his friends and family during a zombie apocalypse. It’s known for its clever humor and satirical edge.
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988): A parody of police dramas, this film features Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling police lieutenant Frank Drebin. The film is known for its slapstick comedy and absurd humor.
- Step Brothers (2008): This film stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two immature adults who become stepbrothers and initially loathe each other. It’s celebrated for its over-the-top humor and quotable lines.
- Office Space (1999): A satirical comedy about corporate office life, following Peter Gibbons as he rebels against his mundane job. It’s become a cult classic for its relatable humor and critique of office culture.
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Starring Eddie Murphy as the quick-witted Detroit cop Axel Foley, who goes to Beverly Hills to solve his friend’s murder. Known for its blend of action and comedy, along with Murphy’s standout performance.
- Coming to America (1988): Another Eddie Murphy classic, this film follows an African prince who travels to New York City to find a wife. It’s celebrated for its humor and Murphy’s ability to play multiple roles.
- Napoleon Dynamite (2004): A quirky comedy about an awkward teenager, Napoleon Dynamite, and his life in rural Idaho. It’s known for its unique characters, and deadpan humor, and became a surprise hit.
- Mean Girls (2004): A teen comedy exploring high school social cliques. Written by Tina Fey, the film follows Cady Heron as she navigates the complex social hierarchy of her new school.
- The Jerk (1979): Steve Martin stars in this comedy about a dimwitted man who rises from rags to riches and back to rags. Known for Martin’s comedic performance and its absurdist humor.
- A Fish Called Wanda (1988): A heist-comedy film featuring a group of diamond thieves double-crossing each other for a large diamond score. It’s known for its clever script and strong ensemble cast.
- The Gold Rush (1925): A silent comedy film starring Charlie Chaplin as the iconic Little Tramp who goes to the Klondike in search of gold. Famous for its blend of comedy and sentimentality.
- Modern Times (1936): Another Chaplin classic, this film critiques industrialization and its impact on the individual. Chaplin’s Little Tramp character struggles to survive in the modern, industrialized world.
- Rushmore (1998): A Wes Anderson film about an eccentric teenager, Max Fischer, and his life at a prestigious prep school. Known for its unique style and quirky characters.
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Also directed by Wes Anderson, this film follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family. Renowned for its distinct visual style and ensemble cast.
- Amélie (2001): A French romantic comedy follows Amélie, a young woman who decides to help those around her and along the way discovers love. Known for its whimsical depiction of contemporary Paris.
- The Blues Brothers (1980): Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as the titular Blues Brothers, who embark on a “mission from God” to save their childhood home. A cult classic known for its music and car chase scenes.
- The Pink Panther (1963): A comedy-mystery film starring Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau on the hunt for a thief who has stolen a valuable diamond. Known for its slapstick comedy and Sellers’ performance.
- Hot Fuzz (2007): A British action-comedy film that parodies American action films. It follows an overachieving policeman sent to a rural village where he uncovers a dark conspiracy.
- The Great Dictator (1940): Charlie Chaplin’s first full-sound film, a satirical take on Adolf Hitler and fascism, where Chaplin plays both a tyrannical dictator and a persecuted Jewish barber.
- City Lights (1931): A silent film where Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl and goes to great lengths to help her.
- MAS*H (1970): A dark comedy set in a U.S. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, blending humor with serious commentary on the absurdities of war.
- The Life of Brian (1979): A Monty Python classic, this film satirizes religious attitudes through the story of Brian, a man born on the same day and next door to Jesus, who is mistakenly followed as the Messiah.
- Back to the Future (1985): A sci-fi comedy about teenager Marty McFly who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown.
- Raising Arizona (1987): A comedy by the Coen Brothers about a childless couple, consisting of an ex-con and an ex-police officer, who decide to kidnap one of the quintuplets of a furniture tycoon.
- Ghost World (2001): A dark comedy following the lives of two teenage outcasts, Enid and Rebecca, as they navigate the transition to adulthood and the changing dynamics of their friendship.
- The Producers (1967): A satirical comedy about two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. Known for its outrageous humor and musical numbers.
- A Shot in the Dark (1964): The second film in the Pink Panther series, featuring Inspector Clouseau trying to prove a parlor maid’s innocence in a murder case, creating chaos.
- My Cousin Vinny (1992): A legal comedy about a brash New York lawyer who travels to Alabama to defend his cousin in a trial, despite his lack of experience.
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994): Starring Jim Carrey, this film follows a zany detective specializing in animals who goes in search of a missing dolphin mascot of a football team.
- The Truman Show (1998): A satirical science fiction film about Truman Burbank, who discovers his whole life is a reality TV show and struggles to escape.
- Liar Liar (1997): Jim Carrey stars as a lawyer who, due to his son’s birthday wish, cannot lie for 24 hours straight, impacting his career and personal life.
- Wedding Crashers (2005): A comedy about two friends who crash weddings to meet and seduce women, but things get complicated when one of them falls in love.
- Knocked Up (2007): A romantic comedy about a one-night stand between a slacker and a rising journalist that results in an unplanned pregnancy and their subsequent journey.
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987): Starring Steve Martin and John Candy, it’s a comedy about two strangers sharing a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get home for Thanksgiving.
- The Lego Movie (2014): An animated adventure-comedy about an ordinary LEGO construction worker, thought to be the prophesied ‘Special’, who is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant.
- Galaxy Quest (1999): A parody of sci-fi films and series, particularly Star Trek, it follows the cast of a defunct space-adventure television series who are mistaken for real space heroes.
- The Simpsons Movie (2007): Based on the popular TV show, it centers on Homer Simpson and his efforts to save Springfield after he accidentally causes an environmental disaster.
- Moonrise Kingdom (2012): A Wes Anderson film about two young lovers who flee their New England town, causing a local search party to fan out and find them.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): Another Wes Anderson film, it recounts the adventures of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel in the interwar period.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012): A romantic comedy-drama about a man with bipolar disorder who meets a young widow, and how their relationship helps them cope with their personal problems.
- In Bruges (2008): A dark comedy crime film about two Irish hitmen hiding out in Bruges, Belgium, after a job goes wrong, leading to unexpected and violent events.
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994): A British romantic comedy about a group of friends attending various social occasions, focusing on the relationships that develop and change.
- Best in Show (2000): A mockumentary that follows several eccentric dog owners preparing for the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show.
- Midnight in Paris (2011): A romantic comedy about a screenwriter who finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every night at midnight while on a trip to Paris.
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014): A mockumentary horror comedy about a group of vampires sharing a flat in New Zealand, exploring their everyday challenges.
- Ted (2012): A comedy about John Bennett, whose childhood wish brings his teddy bear to life. The bear, Ted, remains his best friend into adulthood, creating humorous challenges.
- Super Troopers (2001): A slapstick comedy about five Vermont state troopers, infamous for their pranks and antics, who try to save their jobs by solving a crime.
- The Disaster Artist (2017): A biographical comedy-drama about the making of Tommy Wiseau’s cult film “The Room,” highlighting the unusual behind-the-scenes antics and the enduring friendship between Wiseau and Greg Sestero.
- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020): A mockumentary comedy sequel featuring the fictional Kazakh journalist Borat, exploring American culture and politics in the era of COVID-19 and the Trump presidency.
- The Death of Stalin (2017): A satirical dark comedy about the power struggle following the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1953.
- Booksmart (2019): A coming-of-age comedy about two high-achieving best friends who, on the eve of their high school graduation, realize they should have worked less and played more.
- Paddington 2 (2017): A family comedy where Paddington Bear, now happily settled with the Brown family, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday.
- The Nice Guys (2016): A neo-noir comedy featuring a mismatched pair of private eyes investigating the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles.
- Game Night (2018): A comedy about a group of friends whose game night turns into a real-life mystery after one of them is kidnapped, blurring the lines between the game and reality.
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010): A comedy featuring a young musician who must battle his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes to win her heart.
- The Big Sick (2017): A romantic comedy based on the real-life courtship between Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gordon, dealing with cultural clashes and a health crisis.
- Kung Fu Hustle (2004): A martial arts comedy set in 1940s China, where a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious “Axe Gang” while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.
- O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000): A crime comedy loosely based on Homer’s “Odyssey,” set in the 1930s Deep South, following three escaped convicts searching for hidden treasure while evading a relentless lawman.
- Lady Bird (2017): A coming-of-age comedy-drama about a high school senior and her turbulent relationship with her mother, set in Sacramento, California, in 2002.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018): A romantic comedy about an Asian American woman who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family, only to find they are among the richest in Singapore.
- About a Boy (2002): A comedy-drama about a cynical, immature young man who is taught how to act like a grown-up by a little boy.
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A road comedy-drama about a family’s trip to a children’s beauty pageant, revealing their quirks and their need for each other’s support.
- The Way, Way Back (2013): A coming-of-age comedy-drama about a shy 14-year-old who goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and his daughter.
- School of Rock (2003): A comedy about a wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school and turns his class into a rock band.
- Elf (2003): A Christmas comedy about Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his biological father.
- Zombieland (2009): A post-apocalyptic comedy following a geeky college kid making his way through the zombie apocalypse, meeting three strangers and together taking an extended road trip across the Southwest U.S.
- Easy A (2010): A modern twist on “The Scarlet Letter,” this teen comedy follows a high school girl who pretends to be the school “bad girl” and sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne’s in unexpected ways.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): A comedic action film based on the 1980s TV series. It follows two former high school foes turned police officers, played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, who go undercover at a high school to bust a synthetic drug ring. Their investigation leads to a series of comedic misadventures as they relive their high school days and adjust to the changing time
- Four Lions (2010): A British satirical dark comedy that follows a group of British Jihadists who push their abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point. The film humorously explores the incompetence and cluelessness of these amateur terrorists as they plan a terror attack, resulting in a series of farcical situations. It’s a bold comedy that combines humor with a commentary on the absurdity of extremism.
- Team America: World Police (2004) is a satirical action comedy film directed by Trey Parker and written by Parker, Matt Stone, and Pam Brady. This film is notable for its use of marionettes in place of traditional actors. The story follows Team America, an international police force dedicated to maintaining global stability.
That concludes our Top 100 Comedy lists. We are sure you have seen some of these but there is a wide enough choice so there are some you haven’t. Hopefully, you can binge your way through them.
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