Funny films have that special power to take your mind off things and make you smile on a rainy day. Sometimes, all it takes is a little laugh-out-loud entertainment from the likes of Will Ferrell or Adam Sandler to make you feel better.
Whether you’re down in the dumps over a breakup or simply looking to have some fun on a Friday eve, we’ve prepared a rundown of the best comedy movies of all time, from buddy movies to dark humor, and more…
1. The Hangover (2009)
Although its had some pretty bad sequels, the first opus of The Hangover is hands-down one of the most hilarious and wild comedies of the 2000s. In fact, it’s one of the highest rated comedies on IMDb (7.7/10)! The story follows four friends celebrating a bachelor party in Vegas who find themselves monumentally hungover to the point of losing a member of the group. The Hangover is a classic that you’re likely to watch over and over again, carefully taking notes for your own nights of frenzied partying.
2. The 40-Year-Old-Virgin (2005)
We already know Steve Carell is one of the best comedians of his generation thanks to The Office and much more. This hilarious coming-of-age comedy absolutely confirms his status as comedy king. Andy, an awkward 40 year-old man who has never ‘done it’, meets a single mother and sees this as the opportunity to finally ‘become a man’. A slew of amazing actors and some hilarious movie quotes that you’ll be using every day, The 40 Year-Old Virgin is one of the best comedies that’ll have you laughing all the way through.
3. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
When their local gym is threatened by a fitness chain, a group of misfits decide to participate in a dodgeball tournament to get it back. Ben Stiller’s eccentricity and Vince Vaughn’s charm and perfect comedic timing, not to mention the long list of fantastic actors, will have you wondering why you hadn’t stumbled upon this popular flick earlier because it sure is a classic!
4. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
At this point, you already know that anything Will Ferrell does is downright hilarious. But in case you might have missed this one, we present to you The Legend of Ron Burgundy, a silly, but well-done comedy set in the 1970s where a famous anchorman welcomes a promising reporter who soon starts to outshine him. Packed with fantastic actors and the most memorable goofy dialogue, this one will stay with you long after the end credits.
5. Superbad (2007)
Superbad is a funny coming-of-age story following three teens who hope to lose their virginity before they graduate high school – yes, it’s as awkward and absurd as it sounds, but it’s perfect! This might sound like any teenage comedy movie ever made, but it’s better, and it has an underlying heart-warming meaning of friendship. Thanks to the talents of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, Superbad is actually so side-splitting, you’ll have to gasp for air.
Try reading: Robin Williams’ best movie roles
6. Coming To America (1988)
In this gem of the late 1980s, Eddie Murphy plays the prince of a wealthy African Country, Akeem, who is determined to find the love of his life on his own rather than have it arranged by his family. Full of hope, Akeem goes to America to find his soulmate. Between the culture shock and the hardship of finding love, Akeem takes on a wacky, hilarious adventure that proves that love and understanding know no borders.
7. Airplane! (1980)
Another classic comedy! This one overtly and beautifully mocks disaster movies from the 1970s, and it’s a treat. Airplane! is the perfect watch for a bored-out-your-mind Saturday evening when you just wanna kick back and laugh out loud for an hour and a half. After almost everyone on board a commercial plane falls ill due to food poisoning, a former pilot who is terrified of flying has to cooperate with his ex-girlfriend to help the passengers back to safety. Leslie Nielsen and the rest of the cast are at their funniest in this satire that hasn’t aged a day.
8. The Wedding Singer (1998)
This romantic comedy is full of nonsense, but also full of heart. Robbie (Adam Sandler), a wedding singer, has ironically lost hope for love after being stood up at his own wedding. Everything changes when he falls for a young woman who hires him to play at her nuptials. Among the tears, laughter and full-on giggles, we watch Robbie try to pull off the best performance he can to win the beauty’s heart. Without effort, this lovely and silly comedy movie will definitely win your heart in a second.
9. Step Brothers (2008)
Again, Will Ferrell, because we can never get enough of him. In this insane, cheerful comedy, two incredibly lazy adult men with personalities of children still live with their parents. When they find out in terror that their respective father and mother have become an item, they put aside their differences to work to reunite their parents. If you’re a fan of Will, you’ll be laughing even more at his perfect duo with John C. Reily. Perfect chemistry and unforgettable gags will make for a viewing to remember.
10. Mean Girls (2004)
No comedy list is complete without the best teen comedy of the early 2000s – Mean Girls. Cady (Lindsay Lohan) a teenage girl, who used to live in Africa, must find her place in the even wilder land that is the all-American high school. Filled with legendary scenes, quotes galore and charismatic and unforgettable characters, Mean Girls is your go-to lighthearted comedy for the weekend.
11. Zombieland (2009)
You might think you’ve seen everything the zombie apocalypse-trope has to offer, but have you ticked the hilarious Zombieland off your list? This crazy post-apocalyptic comedy with Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, sees the group lead survivors who try to navigate a zombie-infested world while trying to make their way to a safe place. With such a star-studded cast and some badass, hilarious fight scenes, you’ll almost wish you were living in the zombie apocalypse yourself (well, kind of).
12. In Bruges (2008)
Two hitmen go to Belgium to hide away from a failed job and find themselves with a whole new set of troubles. This dark comedy is an absolute must-watch with a particularly European flair that will either make you want to go to Bruges or will tempt you into a life of crime. We hope it’s the former!
13. Groundhog Day (1993)
A good movie that never gets old – it’s become such a staple of pop culture. Groundhog Day tells the story of a weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, meeting a possible love interest in the process. This comedy is not only funny, it’s also really clever, heartwarming and well-written, and an all around good time for the whole family.
14. 21 Jump Street (2012)
Two young cops pretend to be high school students to go undercover and dismantle a drug network. They soon find out that going back to school might itself be harder to face than drug trafficking. This hysterical buddy cop comedy movie with Channing Tatum (yes, he does do comedy) and Jonah Hill will remind you how lucky you are to be out of high school, and if you aren’t yet, it will definitely make you look twice at some of your comrades.
15. Borat (2006)
In this daring and controversial film, Sasha Baron Cohen plays a man from Kazakhstan who arrives in America to learn what precisely makes America great. Offending every person he meets and turning pranks and political incorrectness into an art, Borat is by far one of the funniest characters to have ever blessed our screens. Sasha Baron Cohen proves once again that he is one of the most gifted comedy actors out there.
16. We’re The Millers (2013)
In this hilarious comedy, a weed dealer who lost his goods after being jumped, must head to Mexico to make things right, and for this, he hires a fake family that will help him go under the radar. You probably already know the awkwardness of going camping with your real family, so imagine doing so with a fake one.
17. Hot Fuzz (2007)
Muted from the London police to a small British village, a policeman struggles to adapt to his new, overly quiet life in the hamlet, until strange events start happening and give him hope for a new exhilarating case. Delightfully British and quirky, this action comedy has everything to please, from blockbuster-like action to hysterical and improbable gags that will make you die of laughter every time.
18. Despicable Me (2010)
A supervillain determined to steal the moon with the help of his various yellow henchmen and some heavy war gear must face an even tougher mission when three orphans ask him to become their dad. This adorable, intelligent, witty, and goodhearted animated comedy will give you the giggles more than you thought a children’s film ever could.
19. Home Alone (1990)
We no longer need to introduce this one, but here goes! Home Alone tells the story of Kevin, a young boy who’s accidentally left behind by his parents as they head to Paris for Christmas. Alone in his big house, Kevin must find a way to protect it from burglars – insane ones that is! This classic 1990s comedy is your easiest choice for a rainy afternoon on your couch. We bet you’ll be reciting the whole thing by heart once you’re done with the entire movie saga!
20. The World’s End (2009)
In yet another jewel of British comedy, Simon Pegg plays Gary, a childish 40 year-old who is determined to do the pub-crawl that he and his friends tried to complete decades ago. After convincing his buds to do it, the group encounters a threat far bigger than the local authorities. The World’s End is a top film for anyone who’s up for a bundle of laughs.
21. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
If there’s one thing that made 2020 hilariously joyful, it was Borat. Sacha Baron Cohen steps into the shoes of the Kazakh television journalist once more, providing cringey humor and awkward pranks. This time round, Borat goes to America with his (equally hysterical) daughter, giving us all the laughs needed during the pandemic, making it one of the many funny movies that cannot go unmissed.
With all these comedies, you’ll surely never be bored or frown again. From dark humor to lighthearted stories, raunchy comedies to satire, you have everything you need to laugh until your body can’t take it anymore.
Let us know what you thought of this list and feel free to suggest your favorite funny movies in the comments below!
Want more film suggestions? Check out our list of the top drama movies on Amazon Prime or our selection of the best adventure movies!
