There's a wide range of philosophies and faiths that people adopt to survive our sometimes difficult lives, but one thing is universally helpful — laughter. Comedy has forever been humanity's solace from the storms of suffering as a constant throughout history, but it may have found the perfect medium in cinema (and later television). The combination of acting, dialogue, music, visuals, and especially montage has resulted in the most manipulative art form ever, which is great for comedians, as laughter is essentially birthed from manipulation.

From the earliest silent films to the recent genre-blending madness of Everything Everywhere All at Once, movies have been making people laugh for more than a century in different ways. of course, comedy, like everything, is subjective. Hilarious genre mash-ups like Shaun of the Dead might make fans laugh, but they aren't explicitly comedies. Likewise, comedy directors like Charlie Chaplin or Mel Brooks might have multiple comedic films under their repertoire, but one always stands high above the rest. These movies truly make the audience laugh as opposed to more thoughtful or brilliant comedies that provide chuckles in addition to their great philosophical themes or important contributions to cinema.

Updated on Feb 8., 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

55 Meet the Parents (2000)

Ben Stiller plays a nurse named Greg Focker in Meet the Parents. In classic 2000s rom-com fashion, the premise takes the protagonist on a hilarious adventure where he hopes to meet his girlfriend’s parents and spend the weekend with them. But from the moment Greg meets Pam’s father, the legendary Jack Byrnes, he’s faced with distaste, a series of interrogations, and embarrassing tests to see if the guy has any flaws.

A Classic Premise Executed Excellently

With razor-sharp one-liners and a comical farce that is endlessly hilarious, Meet the Parents forms a familiar family drama. Pairing Stiller with Robert De Niro’s ferocious father-in-law seems like a great idea because it not only ratchets the stakes for Greg but also makes room for little moments of nuance and heart. The movie also stars an amazing set of supporting characters played by comedic actors like Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Dustin Hoffman, and Blythe Danner.

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54 Young Frankenstein (1974)

Blending every beloved trope of two popular genres, Young Frankenstein tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who is sick of townsfolk ruining his family’s reputation. After inheriting his infamous grandfather’s castle – and by extension, his laboratory and book of experiments – Frederick decides to test the theories by reanimating dead tissue and breathing life into a dramatic new creature. The monster is extraordinary and it becomes a catalyst for a series of hijinks.

1970s Monster Mania

During the '70s, monster mania had become a supremely exciting trope. Young Frankenstein pays homage to it by packing more laughs than any comedy before or since. The film is directed by Mel Brooks, who makes sure it has enough physicality and sharp comedic timing to turn it into a classic. Moreover, the whole legendary cast, whether it is major ones like Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman, or smaller roles like that of Teri Garr and Cloris Leachman, delivers perfect performances.

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53 Up in Smoke (1978)

For two slacker stoners on a never-ending pursuit of the perfect high, any scenario can become a wild and reckless scheme. Play that out on the wide screen and what you have is a psychedelic paradise of a film that marks as one of the most hilarious projects in the history of cinema. Up in Smoke follows Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin as two disciples of drugs unknowingly smuggling a van stuffed with grass while being pursued by a straight-laced Sergeant Stedenko.

Geniusly Ridiculous and Absurd

You’ve seen slacker comedies before, and you’ve definitely watched two hapless characters get into the most ridiculous situations. But we’re sure none of those films match the deadpan humor and deliberate nonsense of Up in Smoke. The film was Cheech and Chong’s cinematic breakthrough, and clearly, they floated to iconic status by being brilliantly absurd. While the comedy saw many imitators in the decade after, they missed the heart and genius of the film.

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52 The Jerk (1979)

As a white child adopted by a Black family living in the Mississippi backwoods, young Navin Johnson grew up as a simpleminded and innocent man. He always knew he was somehow “different,” but it was only when he turned 18 that Navin decided to head to the big city and put his uniquely optimistic nature to the test. His naivety became his best friend and worst enemy until a strange invention led him to bigger dreams and a fortune.

1970s Comedy that Stands the Test of Time

Steve Martin is undoubtedly one of the all-time great comedy performers in the industry. As Navin, he displays a perpetual innocence that defies all logic and takes “humor” to a higher place. The Jerk stars Bernadette Peters and Caitlin Adams as supporting players, who have a distinct gift for wordplay and warmth. Moreover, under Carl Reiner’s direction, the story feels fresh and charming.

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51 The Hangover (2009)

This first film in a beloved trilogy sees three friends, Alan, Phil, and Stu, embarking on a wild night to celebrate their best friend Doug’s marriage. However, their night in Las Vegas becomes even more outlandish when the trio wakes up with no memory of how they got into their hotel room and a tiger in the bathroom, especially when the groom-to-be is missing. They frantically retrace the previous night and soberly navigate the seedy underbelly of the city.

Over-the-Top absurdity

Director Todd Phillips had been making movies throughout the 2000s, but it was The Hangover that brought him to prominence in the industry. With phenomenal performances from Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, the film is insanely funny. Whether it is their memory-void manhunt or the new moments of discovery, every scene somehow tops the last in terms of absurdity and genius.

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50 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is directed by Stanley Kubrick, and it stars Peter Sellers as an unhinged American general who orders a nuclear strike on Russia. Naturally, the world tilts itself over the idea and the situation soon goes from light to dire. The sheer absurdity of the order forces the war council to take measures to stop the attack.

A Masterful Blend of Themes and Genres

Parodying the entire atmosphere of the Cold War era by using satire, the movie is a masterpiece in filmmaking. The idea behind Kubrick’s film is to address the masses’ fear of the hydrogen bomb. But in doing so, he ends up constructing characters that are so brilliant they’ve become memorable in the history of cinema. Moreover, the film’s use of existential humor is so subtle yet so resonant that it is impossible not to find yourself grinning.

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49 Annie Hall (1977)

Woody Allen plays the protagonist, Alvy Singer, in Annie Hall. He is a divorced Jewish comedian who had a very tumultuous relationship with his ex-lover Annie Hall, who was a vibrant and lively nightclub singer. But before he dives into the psychoanalysis of how they fell apart, Singer whisks us into his childhood, the traumas he faced, and how he met and fell in love with Annie.

Romance with a Quirk

Woody Allen writes, directs, and stars in this modern masterpiece. To say that it defines romance as a genre would be an understatement because the film captures the very nucleus of what makes us fall in love. You know how, after a relationship ends, we go back and trace every little argument and quirk and petty grievance and end up blaming the person and the memories that linger? Well, Allen does just that, but in a more poetic, humorous, and understanding way than our subconscious allows.

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48 The Blues Brothers (1980)

John Landis directs this musical comedy about Jake and Elwood Blues, who are on a mission to make $5000 to save the orphanage they grew up in. The story begins with Jake, fresh out of prison, reuniting with his brother only to find out that their childhood home, their safe haven, is about to be locked down because the taxes are due. Determined to save it, the Blues Brothers bring together their old band and insist they play gigs and save up the money. However, in the process, they end up enraging a bunch of people, including the police, and now they have to get through more obstacles than they bargained for.

Classic Hijinks With an Emotional Core

The Blues Brothers is a classic ‘80s comedy, and because it is paired with R&B slammers, the film is even more iconic. John Belushi and Dan Akroyd wring gold from their raggedy roles of two brothers doing “God’s work.” Whether it is their sincere effort to raise funds by performing gigs or the many misadventures while dodging the police, there isn't one scene that isn't hilarious and heartfelt.

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47 Office Space (1999)

Venturing a little further and into the ‘90s, we have Office Space. The movie follows Peter Gibbons, a perpetually unfulfilled corporate worker who is fed up with his mundane job at a software company called Initech. He turns to hypnotherapy to find some peace and satisfaction, but when his therapist dies in the middle of a session, Peter is left in a blissful and unbothered state. Back at work, Peter is stress-free, he plays games and even woos colleagues. With his two anarchic friends, he plots a revenge plan against their greedy boss.

Consistently Relatable and Enormously Funny

As far as office comedies go, few manage to strike this exact chord of relatability and fun. Writer and director Mike Judge uses this hilarious premise to comment on consumerism, corporate drudgery, and the 9 to 5 culture. Even though the movie was released over two decades ago, these subjects still resonate with the audience, and that endurance, perhaps, is its greatest achievement.

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46 Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

A proper high school comedy that understands small-town politics like few other flicks, Napoleon Dynamite follows the titular character, a 17-year-old awkward teenager who lives with his grandmother and older brother and struggles to fit into the school’s golden stereotypes. When a transfer student joins the school and shows an interest in running for class president, Napoleon not only befriends him but also helps him with his school council campaign. All the while, he’s also dealing with the odd habits of his folks.

Infinitely Charming

There are many elements of the film that make it memorable, but mainly it is John Heder's performance that anchors the narrative. From his facial expressions to his distinctive running style, his character is absolutely endearing. Moreover, Haylie Duff, and Efren Ramirez embody characters that become instantly memorable. The jokes land perfectly, the cliques are resonant, and the magic of teenagehood is ever so peculiar. Overall, the film is a cult hit and will probably remain so for generations to come.

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45 21 Jump Street (2012)

Beyond its hilarious premise that sees Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) posing as high school kids to infiltrate a drug ring, there's also some solid fan service for those with a soft spot for the Johnny Depp-led '80s series. Specifically, Depp's Officer Tom Hanson Jr. shows up alongside his buddy and partner, Officer Doug Penhall (Peter DeLuise). Toss in a wonderful supporting performance from Brie Larson (who didn't recognize the makeup-covered Depp on set), and 21 Jump Street is easily one of the 2010s' best comedies.

Simple, Effective, and Hilarious

Phil Lord and Chris Miller's brilliant 21 Jump Street pulled off the hat trick of satirizing something old while simultaneously feeling fresh and new. Much of that has to do with Michael Bacall's whip-smart script, but there's also much to be said about the chemistry shared by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, the latter of whom immediately proves himself adept at comedic timing.

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44 The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

An outstanding romance blended into a laugh-out-loud comedy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin sees Steve Carell's main character as a big-box store salesman, who is still a virgin. Being a nerd who is awkward with female customers, he is often ridiculed by his colleagues, until one day, when they decide to change his situation for good. They push Andy out of his shell, and he eventually meets a single mother named Trish.

A Smash Hit R-Rated Comedy

2005 was about as big as a year for Steve Carell as 365 days can get for an actor. The Office debuted in March, and while it wasn't an overnight pop-culture juggernaut, it was still a hit and Carell was widely praised. Then, in August, The 40-Year-Old Virgin grossed over $175 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. But that wasn't its only accomplishment, as Judd Apatow's comedy also gave many a film fan several new lines to quote ad nauseam. In other words, The 40-Year-Old Virgin was the onset of the Apatow era of comedy, and it made for a massive incentive to produce more R-rated comedies.

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43 American Pie (1999)

Speaking of legendary R-rated comedies, Paul and Chris Weitz's American Pie kicked off a franchise that's gone on for four theatrical films and even more on the direct-to-video market. But there's no topping the original, which is about as great a late '90s timepiece as a film fan can rent. The teen sex comedy does not have a glorious or fancy premise, it's just four friends vowing to lose their virginity on prom night. But the film's cult status comes from how interesting its execution is.

A Cast at the Top of Their Game

The key to American Pie, save for its light tone and breezy runtime, is the casting. Some performers in the film haven't shone anywhere else, but here everyone does. Of course, the highlights are Jason Biggs' Jim Levenstein, Alyson Hannigan's Michelle Flaherty, Eugene Levy's Mr. Levenstein, Natasha Lyonne's Jessica, and Seann William Scott's Steve Stifler.

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42 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Quite possibly the ultimate star vehicle, Beverly Hills Cop was 1984's answer to the question 'How popular is Eddie Murphy?' The answer: Popular enough to make a movie that hinges entirely on his presence the most popular one of the year. That said, Ghostbusters was pretty close on its tail. As Alec Foley, Murphy is investigating the sudden murder of his best friend, and in the process, he uncovers the seedy criminal underworld of LA.

Murphy's Star-Making Turn

Murphy is, of course, sublime as Axel Foley, but he's not the only thing about the movie that works. Whether it is the thrilling action sequences or the wonderful sight gags, the movie manages to make you return over and over again. There's also a terrific soundtrack, surprisingly intense action sequences, memorable supporting work from Judge Reinhold and John Ashton, and a banana in a tailpipe.

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41 Groundhog Day (1993)

In Groundhog Day, Murray plays a popular weatherman named Phil who travels to a quiet nearby town to cover the titular yearly event. However, Phil soon finds he is caught in a time loop and destined to repeat the same day over and over. Sound familiar?

A Hilarious and Life-Affirming Journey

While the film infamously drove a long-standing wedge between star Bill Murray and frequent co-collaborator and director Harold Ramis, it still stands as one of the best in the genre. Groundhog Day finds a lot of its humor when Phil finally decides to let fate take control, and he starts living his life for others instead of himself. It's a film with heart that also features a brilliant script and amazing performances from the whole cast.

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40 Team America: World Police (2004)

Team America: World Police is a unique, puppet-based comedy film in which a Broadway actor is recruited to an elite anti-terrorism force. It's hard to believe that it hit theaters relatively unencumbered, especially given the difficulties faced by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen's 2014 political satire The Interview. But that's not the only thing about Team America that's hard to believe.

Deeply Strange But Strikingly Funny

For one, it's hard to believe the audience can stop seeing the puppets as a hysterical gimmick and start seeing them as individual characters. But they do, and it's as much due to Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Pam Brady's script as it is the impressive detail of the practical effects. It's a film that hits a perfect tonal balance, not unlike Parker and Stone's long-lasting South Park.

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39 Clerks (1994)

Clerks followed Brian O'Halloran's Dante Hicks as he came into work at a corner store on his day off alongside his best friend and video store clerk, Jeff Anderson's Randal Graves. Hilarious hijinks, philosophical discussions about Star Wars, and explorations of annoying customers made Smith's first film a relatable and comedic hit.

The Ultimate Slacker Comedy

Kevin Smith's directorial debut was an extremely low-budget comedy that kickstarted the cult favorite View Askewniverse of films. The first-time director filmed Clerks for under $30,000 by shooting in the same stores he worked in growing up in New Jersey. The film is shot in black-and-white, which really makes the experience of understanding and witnessing the slacker culture even better.

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38 Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Mike Myers elevated the spoof genre when he unleashed his take on super spies like James Bond and other British media from the '60s and '70s. 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery brought the British spy from the '60s into the modern day after he was cryogenically frozen in battle with his nemesis, Dr. Evil.

A Parody that Stands on Its Own Feet

Mike Myers played both Austin Powers and Dr. Evil in the film, which kicked off a successful franchise that featured even more characters from Mike Myers with each entry. Fans are still hoping to see Mike Myers return for another chapter in Austin Powers' captivating and comedic life as a time-traveling man of mystery.

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37 This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Rob Reiner's directorial debut was 1984's This Is Spın̈al Tap, where he also played the role of documentary filmmaker Martin Di Bergi. The hilarious mockumentary followed the fictional band Spinal Tap as they headed out on tour to promote their newest album in the final days of their career.

Arguably the Greatest Mockumentary of All Time

Brilliantly led by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer (along with a rotating cast of drummers who often suffered terrible fates), Spinal Tap was so successful that the fictional band toured for fans. This is Spinal Tap is a hilarious piece of rock-and-roll history that never happened, but you'll wish it did.

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36 Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Williams played an out-of-work voice actor dealing with a recent separation from his wife. Hoping to find a way to spend time with his children, he answers his former wife's ad for a nanny while disguised as an elderly woman. Mrs. Doubtfire follows the titular character's drive to better his own life while also winning back his wife, keeping the house tidy, and stopping any potential suitors from moving in on his home.

It's Hard Not to Love Mrs. Doubtfire

Robin Williams was a comedic great who starred in several fan-favorite films over the years, but 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire stood out for its heart and humor. His performance won the hearts of many, and his devotion to the role of a father going to great lengths to be closer to his children evoked several emotions. Fans each have their own favorite Robin Williams film, but Mrs. Doubtfire sits high on almost every list.

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