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Comedy films have introduced audiences to some of the zaniest characters with the wildest stories; in a genre where the possibilities are truly endless, comedy films have seen characters travel to silly fantasy lands like that of Shrek and even make light of bad situations like that of Step Brothers. Whether it's your typical stoner comedy, rom-com, or black comedy, films within the genre are some of the most beloved among casual movie fans and die hard film buffs for their ability to put a smile on your face.
Regardless of the movie's quality, however, it is sometimes common for films to lose their emotional or comical impact when the viewer finishes their first watch. Yet, some comedy films are so hilarious and so groundbreaking that they only get funnier with each watch, adding a whole new layer of complexity and doubling the laughs.
Today, we look at some classic comedies that get funnier the second time you watch them.
10 Borat (2006)
Sacha Baron Cohen has created a ton of iconic characters, but perhaps none of which are more famous than the titular character in the 2006 film Borat. A fictional journalist from Kazakhstan, Borat sets off on a journey to America where he falls in love with actress Pamela Anderson, road-tripping across the country to meet her. The film is unique in that it features Borat interacting with real civilians, unknown to the fact that he is portraying a character and their interactions are being filmed. This leads to hilarious encounters, all of which feature people's genuine reactions to Borat's antics and absurdity.
Despite the controversy that surrounds Borat, this is a movie that only gets funnier with age. With tons of early 2000s pop-culture references and real-life settings and people, Borat satirizes modern culture through some of the most outrageous high jinks in any film to date. There is always something new to discover with a film like Borat, making it one of the most re-watchable films on this list.
9 Clueless (1995)
Clueless is a classic 1995 romantic comedy that stars Alicia Silverstone as the teen-queen Cher Horowitz and Paul Rudd as her foil, Josh. When high school student Cher takes a new classmate under her wing, she decides to give her a makeover. The film follows Cher and her friends as they deal with typical teen drama, navigate relationships, and come to question the importance of popularity.
Clueless is a timeless romantic comedy that viewers of all ages can enjoy again and again. Cher and Josh have a slow-burning love story that builds up as the story goes on. Watching the two come together in the end, it is just as satisfying upon a second watch as the first time viewers saw them unite.
8 Step Brothers (2008)
Step Brothers follows two adult men who still live with their parents. Lazy, unemployed, and obnoxious, Brennan and Dale become stepbrothers after their parents get married. The new brothers find themselves constantly bickering and fighting, so much so, that their parents decide to part ways as a result. Now, Brennan and Dale must work together to reunite their parents and grow up in the process.
Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, Step Brothers is a raunchy comedy that has since become a favorite among fans. In the end, Brennan and Dale are both able to finally move out of their parents home and get their adult lives started, even if the path to get there took a little longer than usual!
7 Elf (2003)
As the only holiday film on this list, 2003's Elf follows a man named Buddy, who was raised at the North Pole by Christmas elves, despite being a human. When Buddy looks to meet his biological father, he embarks on a journey to New York City where he must learn to live life as a human and connect with his new family. Buddy's chipper and innocent demeanor leads to some hilarious encounters with his father and local New Yorkers.
Elf is a holiday staple that many families play year after year to get in the Christmas spirit. With so many quotable jokes and iconic scenes, it seems like there is always something new to discover about Buddy no matter how many times you watch this holiday flick!
6 Shrek (2001)
The 2001 film Shrek is a hysterical movie that expertly satirizes the traditional fairy tale. Here, viewers follow the abrasive ogre named Shrek as he ventures to find a princess in order to save his swamp. Shrek is an anti-hero, with most people fearing him before they even get to know him. The story follows as Shrek comes to terms with who he is and learns that he is a lovable and redeemable person, despite the biases people have about him.
With so many classic fairy tale creatures and pop culture references, Shrek is full of laughs. The unlikely romance between Shrek and Princess Fiona only gets more endearing with each new watch. Overall, the slapstick comedy paired with stellar animation solidifies Shrek's place as an all-time great.
5 Sister Act (1992)
Sister Act tells the story of a woman named Deloris, who finds herself the target of a violent gang after witnessing a murder. Deloris is protected by the government and is forced to hide in a convent alongside nuns to disguise her real identity. During her time at the convent, Deloris uses her vocal talents to lead the choir, bringing new life to the group and the church as a whole. Watching Deloris, who is an edgy Vegas performer, become accustomed to the strict life of a nun is a riot, with new obstacles for her to face every day.
The film is not only full of hilarious jokes, but it also tackles some serious issues and sees the main character faced with a lot of real danger. The lovable and wholesome relationship between Deloris and her fellow choir-singers only becomes funnier with each watch. Sister Act is the perfect film for lovers of comedy, action, and crime; it's sing-a-long style performances keep viewers coming back for more even 30 years later!
4 Legally Blonde (2001)
Reese Witherspoon is Elle Woods, the girly but insanely smart Harvard Law student, in the 2001 film Legally Blonde. Here, we follow Elle as she gets into Harvard Law in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner. As the film progresses, Elle proves to both her peers and herself that intelligence and class don't have a standard look, overcoming stereotypes about blonde women in the process. In the end, Elle becomes a successful lawyer who proves her skills every chance she gets.
Legally Blonde has stood the test of time for over 20 years, being one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Elle's determined demeanor makes her a character that audiences actively root for again and again. Watching as Elle proves everyone wrong and overcome her own self-doubt makes Legally Blonde a perfect movie to watch whenever you need some inspiration or a laugh.
3 Mean Girls (2004)
The 2004 film Mean Girls is a comedy staple of the early 2000s. When Cady moves from Africa to the United States and is forced to attend an American school for the first time, she finds herself a part of the popular clique known as the plastics. However, she is persuaded by her friend Janice to take down the group from the inside and wreak havoc on their leader, Regina George. What starts off as Cady pretending to be a shallow, cool girl soon turns into reality and jeopardizes Cady's friendships and reputation.
From the iconic "you can't sit with us" to "fetch," Mean Girls has given audiences a collection of quotable lines and scenes. Watching each girl outgrow their self-centered need to be considered popular is as satisfying as it is hilarious, and only gets better with each new viewing.
2 Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart follows two friends named Amy and Molly who spent their high school years intently studying and working toward their future. With graduation soon approaching, the girls begin to doubt their ways and regret missing out on some formative experiences in their youth. On a whim, the girls decided to spend one night living out their wildest teen fantasies and party as hard as they can, making up for the lost time.
As one of the newer films on this list, Booksmart takes a new spin on the typical buddy comedy and instead tells a story from a female perspective. Amy and Molly have amazing chemistry which leads to many wild and entertaining antics as their night progresses. Not only do the two girls have a night to remember, but they also solidify their friendship as one that will last even after high school.
1 Superbad (2007)
The 2007 film Superbad is considered by many to be a near perfect execution of a buddy comedy film. With big names like Jonah Hill, Dave Franco, and Seth Rogen, Superbad has since become a certified classic and is a frequent go-to for many movie fans. Here, we follow three high school students as they gear up for college and attempt to make the most of their final days together. The film sees the teens partying, hooking up, and even interacting with two dimwitted cops.
Superbad is another movie with a ton of quotable lines and iconic scenes; from Fogell's fake ID to Seth being run over by a car, the movie has no shortage of slapstick jokes to keep you entertained for its entire run.