This guide dives into the best comedy movies of all time, from timeless classics to hidden gems and fresh hits, celebrating their ability to make us laugh while standing the test of time. But what separates a funny movie from a truly great comedy? Humor is subjective—what makes a baby cackle in Albuquerque might fall flat in Ouagadougou. Many writers aim for broad appeal, but comedy thrives on specificity, using situation, dialogue, and performance to turn the ordinary upside down for gut-busting laughs. So, whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, or comedy lover, explore our list of the greatest comedies ever made and discover what makes them unforgettable.

Curious about what makes comedy work? Watch our video, What Is Comedy and How to Be Funny, to learn how filmmakers use timing, exaggeration, and subversion to get audiences laughing. Hit play and start mastering the art of comedy!

33 Best Comedy Movies of All Time | Classics Ranked 1

Watch: How Comedy Works — Writing and Directing

What Makes a Movie Funny? — How to Write, Direct, and Edit Comedy
33 Best Comedy Movies of All Time | Classics Ranked 2

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Defining "Best" Comedy Movies

What makes comedy "timeless?"

While the British appreciate a dry, wry wit, Americans love slapstick. Again, what is funny is truly subjective.

So, as a screenwriter, one must find ways to hedge the bets on how to write for laughs. Certain comedies will withstand the test of time.  

These best comedy movies remain endlessly rewatchable for one of three key reasons, ensuring the laughs never fade

  1. Era-Defining Impact – Classics like Airplane! and Young Frankenstein capture the humor of their time while remaining timeless.
  2. Fresh Twists on the Genre – Modern hits like Palm Springs reinvent comedic tropes, keeping the genre exciting.
  3. Unique Situational Absurdity – Films like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Safety Last use distinctive, exaggerated scenarios that remain hilarious no matter how many times you watch.

Best comedy movies

33. Game Night (2018)

This makes our list of best comedy movies because it’s hysterical, creepy, violent, often unbelievable, and jam-packed with memorable morons. Just like the times in which we’re living!

GAME NIGHT - Official Trailer

Game Night · Best comedy movies

Game Night tells the story of a group of friends whose murder-mystery party game takes a frightening turn.

Notice how readily horror and thriller filmmaking techniques — the slow drip of a drop of blood, obscuring through lighting, the blocking in a pistol standoff scene — lend themselves to hilarity.

The story unfolds throughout one twisted night, so it’s compact and easy to wrap your head around. Perfect for modern audiences.

Best comedy movies

32. Bridesmaids (2011)

Dispelling the notion that women aren’t funny, once and for all, Bridesmaids may be the funniest comedy film of the 21st Century.

This film takes the familiar situation of pre-wedding bridal partying and makes us laugh for two straight hours. It’s hilarious! Kristen Wiig's debut starring role as a bride's best friend in this hilarious movie is a standout performance.  

Bridesmaids (2011) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Bridesmaids · Best comedy movies

Director Paul Feig definitely knows how to get a performance from McCarthy. The two teamed up twice more in The Heat and Spy. And Ellie Kemper hints her Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt character here.

The entire cast brings their comedic A-game. Even the "potty humor" is elevated to hilarious new heights. Feig's collaboration with McCarthy proved to be a winning formula, as evidenced by their subsequent films.

Speaking of unforgettable characters…

Best comedy movies

31. 21 Jump Street (2012)

Who would’ve guessed?

Everything old is new again.

Some of the best new comedies come from older non-comedies. The subjects that were once considered gritty and dramatic are now the basis for humorous movies.

21 Jump Street: Potential disaster? Absolutely. Surprising masterpiece? Yup, absolutely.

21 JUMP STREET [2012] - Red Band Trailer

21 Jump Street · Best comedy movies

How do you update the material, own it, make it timely, and turn it into one of the best recent comedy movies? Do what directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller did with 21 Jump Street.

Interpreting the world we’re in includes an element of distilling and digesting the recent past so it makes sense for today’s viewers.

With Ice Cube in peak form, a pre-Oscar Brie Larson owning her role, and two charismatic superstar leads in Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, it’s no wonder the film spawned a sequel, 22 Jump Street.

If you want to make an action-comedy like 21 Jump Street, you’d better learn how to write and shoot action scenes as a real-deal action director would.

And then, of course, loosen up and make it funny.

Best comedy movies

30. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

One theme in identifying the best new comedies?

They sneak up on you.

We’ve seen it all. We know too much about the world we’re living in.

Nothing’s funny.

Right?

And then a movie like Popstar slaps you across the face.

It’s a mockumentary. (Seen it before!)

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping - Official Trailer (HD)

Popstar: Never Stop Stopping · Best comedy movies

The movie provides filmmakers with a masterclass in crafting a genuinely humorous music video. And, maybe more than any of the other best new comedies on our list, Popstar also boasts an expanding cult following.

CLASSIC COMEDy Movies

29. Safety Last (1923)

Consider Harold Lloyd’s daring performance in Safety Last! (1923). His physicality and expressive face elevate the film’s humor and tension, proving that silent-era comedy required a unique blend of precision and fearlessness. Compare this to Buster Keaton’s stoic, deadpan style—while both relied on intricate stunts, Lloyd’s wide-eyed, everyman persona made audiences feel his peril in a way that was both exhilarating and endearing.

Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last"- 1923

Harold Lloyd's Safety Last · Best comedy movies

Silent comedy, at its core, is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Without dialogue, timing and movement become the language, guiding the audience’s emotions.Classic Comedy Movies

Best comedy movies

28. Young Frankenstein (1974)

The great Gene Wilder, unfortunately no longer with us, could have easily secured a spot on this list with several of his comedic masterpieces. He gifted the world a treasure trove of comedy as a writer, director, and performer.

But, it’s the Mel Brooks-directed Young Frankenstein that’s on this list for a combination of situation, performance, and dialogue. This comedy tickles our fancy as one of the best classic comedy movies.

Young Frankenstein (1974) Original Trailer [FHD]

Young Frankenstein · Best comedy movies

The fact that this one is black and white, almost fifty years old, and still making us guffaws is a testament to the script writing from Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder.

The performances alternate between deadpan and melodramatic. A true testament to Mr. Brooks, who did it on screen and in the theater.

The situation in this comedy is perfect for satire. Making light of Mary Shelley’s 100-year-old monster tale seems like a no-brainer because of this film.

If you are only permitted to see one Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder film, Young Frankenstein is the film to see. The dialogue is quick and clever and never forces the laugh.

Best comedy movies

27. Airplane! (1980)

Not only is this one of the best comedies of all time, but it is also one of the most quoted.  

A simple logline almost belittles this uproariously funny film:

A man afraid to fly must ensure that a plane lands safely after the pilots become sick.

Airplane Classic Scenes

Airplane! · Best comedy movies

Writer David Zucker would go on to even greater success with Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun series, where he again perfected the combination of situation, dialogue, and performance.

Originally taking shape as something of a spoof of 1970s disaster films like and its sequels, Airplane! has outlived the source material it aims to parody.

Airplane! started as a parody of 1970s disaster movies like The Towering Inferno, Earthquake, and of course Airport and its sequels, but it has become more popular than the films it was meant to satirize. In our book, that makes it one of the best classic comedy movies.

Quote Avatar Circle

"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"

— Julie Hagerty as Elaine

Best comedy movies

26. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

No list of the best classic laugh-out-loud comedy movies would be complete without at least one performance from the late, great Robin Williams.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE Trailer (1993) Robin Williams

Mrs. Doubtfire · Best comedy movies

The premise is simple, and borders on the ridiculous. After a divorce, a man disguises himself as an aging nanny so he can spend more time with his kids.

Cross-dressing leading men have been a staple of comedy ever since Some Like It Hot, and this next film on our list of the best comedy movies of all time is no exception.

CLASSIC COMEDY MOVIES

25. A Fish Called Wanda (1989)

One of the few comedic performances to win an Oscar for Best Actor (Kevin Kline), A Fish Called Wanda is a perfect comedy.

John Cleese and Michael Palin, from Monty Python, are carefully matched with Kline’s “don’t call me stupid” Otto, a dim-witted conman.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios

A Fish Called Wanda · Best comedy movies

The story involves four characters coming together to commit an armed robbery. Simple? Yes. Funny? Without a doubt.

The perfect comedic storm involves both excellent comedic direction and the ability to cast a film with the ideal actors.

But it’s one of the top classic comedy movies of all time, which is why it’s in this section of our article, with the rest of the classics.

Best comedy movies

24. Waiting For Guffman (1996)

Christopher Guest is a comedy genius. There we said it.  You'll be echoing this sentiment after watching this satirical take on community theater.

Waiting for Guffman (1996) Official Trailer - Christopher Guest, Deborah Theaker Movie HD

Waiting For Guffman · Best comedy movies

He is the man who also brought you A Mighty Wind, Best In Show, and For Your Consideration.

Comedy films owe Christopher Guest a great debt, and Waiting for Guffman represents his work on the list of the best comedy movies of all time.

The classic Comedy Movie

23. The Jerk (1979)

Steve Martin's comedic genius is undeniable, and while his performances in films like Roxanne, LA Story, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Bowfinger, and Three Amigos are certainly noteworthy, it's his role in "The Jerk" that truly showcases his ability to embody a character so completely absurd that it's impossible not to laugh.
The Jerk (1979) | Official Trailer | Screen Bites

The Jerk · Best comedy movies

From the timeless comedic stylings of Steve Martin to the broader landscape of American cinema, the laughter continues. Let's now turn our attention to some of the best American comedies ever made, where hilarity knows no bounds and cultural touchstones abound.

Best comedy movies

22. Tootsie (1982)

It is a rare comedy that can wrangle belly laughs and ten Oscar nominations, but Tootsie did just that.

Tootsie (1982) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Tootsie · Best comedy movies

Irony.  Plenty of it.

Humor, galore.

Best Comedy Movies of all time - Tootsie - StudioBinder

Tootsie scene · Best comedy movies

In terms of performances, the three Oscar nominations that this movie received, out of a total of ten, were well deserved.  

By the way …

Bill Murray shows why he is a national treasure in this classic.

Best comedy movies

21. Ghostbusters (1984)

Ivan Reitman directed this top comedy in 1984. It spawned two sequels, an animated sequel, and a number-one soundtrack.

The situation is otherworldly, to say the least.  

Ghostbusters (1984) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Ghostbusters · Best comedy movies

The cast's performances were expertly delivered, with Sigourney Weaver's serene elegance contrasting perfectly with Rick Moranis's frantic energy.

He calls the bluff of the premise of the movie and makes the situation believable without even trying. He makes it look easy, but it's not.

That's why he's Bill Murray.

Best comedy movies

20. Coming To America (1988)

If you haven’t seen this top comedy movie of 1988, stop what you are doing and find it.

The movie stars Eddie Murphy and Eddie Murphy and Eddie Murphy in what was to be the first of his multiple-character comedy films.

COMING TO AMERICA | Official Trailer | Paramount Movies

Coming to America · Best comedy movies

In the film, an African Prince comes to the United States to find a princess and ends up … wait for it … in Queens.

Eddie Murphy re-teams with Trading Places director John Landis on this film and would again for the decidedly less funny movie Beverly Hills Cop III.

Eddie Murphy has made his fair share of hilarious movies. This one belongs right here. For more Eddie, read on.

Best comedy movies

19. Trading Places (1983)

Although it launched Eddie Murphy's successful box office career, this comedy remains one of the best due to the performances of its three leading actors.

Trading Places - Trailer

Trading Places · Best comedy movies

The situation is a classic fish out of water.

Take a poor, uneducated criminal and waspy, Harvard-educated trust fund baby and flip the script.

A particularly inspired Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy, as the scheming tycoons whose wager causes the trade, are performances that will live on in comedy history.

Best comedy movies

18. Blazing Saddles (1974)

Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, previously represented in this article’s section on the best classic comedy movies, return to the list in full force with an American comedy classic.

Blazing Saddles | Official Trailer 4K Ultra HD | Warner Bros. Entertainment

Blazing Saddles · Best comedy movies

The Western film, known worldwide as a pillar of American frontier spirit and adventure, gets its comeuppance in this satirical take.

The comedic interplay between Wilder and Cleavon Little carries the film, serving as a testament to the comedic genius of Mel Brooks. Brooks's ability to satirize an entire genre, as he does with Westerns in Blazing Saddles, is unparalleled.

Best comedy movies

17. Bullets Over Broadway

Woody Allen doesn’t get much love in the lineup of best comedy films, but his film Bullets Over Broadway should get more respect.

The Oscar-winning, all-star cast manages to keep a straight face while delivering some of the most clever lines and downright hysterical performances committed to film.

YouTube preview

Bullets Over Broadway · Best comedy movies

In addition to receiving Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Dianne Wiest, it also received Oscar nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Chazz Palminteri, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Tilly, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for Woody Allen.

Additionally, Woody Allen is featured on our list of the best Woody Allen movies due to his extensive filmography and distinctive directorial style, which has shaped a diverse range of critically acclaimed comedies.

Best comedy movies

16. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

If we had a nickel for every time this pic popped up on the 100 funniest movies of all time lists, we’d have … a lot of British pounds.

John Cleese and company made themselves international stars with this comedy classic.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Original Trailer [FHD]

Monty Python and the Holy Grail · Best comedy movies

As the comedy troupe’s first feature-length motion picture, co-directors Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam — Monty Python’s “Two Terrys” — got a crash course in directing a scripted film.

The bulk of the troupe’s prior televised bits (Monty Python’s Flying Circus) and sketch films (And Now for Something Completely Different) relied heavily on ad-libs and improv. Sort of a proto-Judd Apatow approach that paved the way for comedy directors to come.

Best comedy movies

15. Borat (2006)


The full title of this outrageous comedy is Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.

And what is it, exactly?

One of the top comedy movies you’ll ever see, that’s what.

Borat (2006) Antique shop scene

Borat · Best comedy movies

English comedy chameleon Sacha Baron Cohen disappears into the role of Borat. Ken Davitian portrays Borat’s sidekick, Azamat Bagatov. The result is alternately offensive, uncomfortable, slapsticky, and pure comical genius.

The director, Larry Charles, might be American, but the screenwriters and star get away with pushing limits to the extreme because of their underlying affable “Englishness.”

The film takes documentary filmmaking techniques and warps them, just as it takes the boundaries of good taste and decorum and shatters them to pieces.

Best comedy movies

14. Withnail and I (1987)

For whatever reason — maybe because it’s a black comedy, maybe because it’s got a gritty “indie drama” sort of vibe — this funny English movie is considered a “deep cut.”

Withnail and I | Original Theatrical Trailer

Withnail and I · Best comedy movies

If John Cassavetes was English, and hilarious, Withnail and I is the kind of movie he’d make.

Screenwriter-director Bruce Robinson manages to present raw, honest characters in a polished, well-refined English way. The result is inspiring simplicity and impactful artistry throughout Withnail and I.

Romantic Comedies

13. Love, Actually (2003)

One of the best and funniest Christmas-themed romantic comedies from the 2000s also has a dream cast of top-notch British talent.

The film featured a star-studded cast, including the late Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, and Emma Thompson.

LOVE ACTUALLY | Official 20th Anniversary Trailer | STUDIOCANAL

Love, Actually · Best comedy movies

Hugh Grant is known for a few romantic comedies like Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones’ Diary, and in Love, Actually, Hugh knows how to butter his biscuits. He pulls no surprises, just all bumbling English charm.

Also, an intentional non-comedic cameo by Billy Bob Thornton adds some gravitas to the film.

Romantic Comedies - Love Actually - StudioBinder

Romantic comedy movies pull heartstrings and tickle funny bones

And should we note the hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, the actor who plays Mr. Bean?

The funny and poignant soundtrack is also exceptional. It's safe to say that Love, Actually belongs on any list of great romantic comedies.

BEST ROMANTIC COMEDies

12. Overboard (1987)

Before she was a Hollywood legend, Goldie Hawn starred in some of the top comedies of all time.  

Butterflies are Free, Private Benjamin, Protocol, Wildcatsand Seems Like Old Times were major hits over three decades.  

Overboard (1987) - Haughty Joanna Scene (1/12) | Movieclips

Overboard · Best comedy movies

For our list today, the 1987 film Overboard is a great example of situation, performance, and dialogue coming together for a huge dose of humor. The chemistry between these stars makes it one of the best romantic comedies.

The situation here is another fish-out-of-water story. An heiress falls overboard from her yacht and gets amnesia. The handyman she cheated on comes to claim her as his wife.

Cameos by Katherine Helmond and Roddy McDowell makes us wish for a sequel or prequel — although there was a pretty decent remake in 2018 with Anna Faris and Eugenio Derbez.

ROMANTIC COMEDies

11. 50 First Dates (2003)

One of the best romantic comedies of all time, 50 First Dates was a hit for Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

In the high-concept premise, a man falls for a woman with short-term memory loss. Every day, he has to try to make her fall in love with him all over again.

Official Trailer: 50 First Dates (2004)

50 First Dates · Best comedy movies

This excellent time loop setup builds upon the classic comedy Groundhog Day and the stars of the film are at their very best. Instead of a time warp, however, Barrymore's character suffers from a fictional "Goldfield Syndrome," which resets her memory daily.

Sandler, who honed his comedic chops on the long-running Saturday Night Live is at his best playing the foil to Drew Barrymore’s amnesiac love interest.

Barrymore, born a Hollywood star, proves that she earns a place in the category of best romantic comedies.  

Starting their collaboration with The Wedding Singer, Barrymore and Sandler would do another film with much less comedic magic, Blended.

ROMANTIC COMEDies

10. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

While Pretty Woman is pretty dated in subject matter and plot, My Best Friend’s Wedding holds up today.

Love is eternal, and so are its many mix-ups and antics. In this story, a woman in love with her best friend tries to ruin his marriage before it even starts.

MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING [1997] - Official Trailer (HD)

My Best Friend's Wedding · Best comedy movies

P.J. Hogan of Muriel’s Wedding fame directed this comedy hit that borders on slapstick. Dermot Mulroney plays the straight man while Cameron Diaz gives one of the finest performances of her career as the sweet and perfect bride-to-be.

In My Best Friend’s Wedding, the only guy that Julia gets is gay, in a career-making performance by Rupert Everett.

Even the soundtrack is a memorable piece of this comedic masterpiece.  From the opening credits to the comedic cover of “Say A Little Prayer For You.”

ROMANTIC COMEDies

9. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

Helen Fielding’s novel gets the big-screen treatment with Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant and becomes one of the best romantic comedies of all time.  

The clever adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, so we already knew that the literary ambition was high.

But as one of the top comedy movies, could be pretty much anywhere on this list and we’d still applaud its brilliance.
BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY (2001) | Official Trailer | 4K Restoration

Bridget Jones' Diary · Best comedy movies

The dialogue is particularly clutch in this film. Something about pleasing both British and American audiences made the screenwriters work overtime. Helen Fielding co-adapted her book for this comedic gem.

Bridget Jones’ Diary

Best comedy movies

8. The Truman Show (1998)

If you are looking for one of the most popular comedy movies, do yourself a favor and rent his laugh-out-loud funny film from director Peter Weir.

The Truman Show (1998) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

The Truman Show · Best comedy movies

The story follows an average insurance salesman who realizes that his life is a television show.

Jim Carrey is a wonder to behold in this movie and it ranks as one of his best works.

Matthew McConaughey in EdTV doesn’t hold a comedic candle to Carrey, whose performance is childlike and hyper-energetic. Ed Harris is superb as the god-like, executive producer Christof. Just look at Harris playing Flight Director Gene Kranz in Mission Control in Apollo 13 and then watch him in this comedy.

Whether he’s pushing the boundaries of space exploration or pushing the boundaries of privacy and good taste on reality TV, Harris exudes clarity and control.

Quote Avatar Circle

"We've become bored with watching actors give us phony emotions. We are tired of pyrotechnics and special effects. While the world he inhabits is, in some respects, counterfeit, there's nothing fake about Truman himself. No scripts, no cue cards. It isn't always Shakespeare, but it's genuine. It's a life."

— Ed Harris as Christof

Best comedy movies

7. Bad Santa (2003)

Bad Santa is one Christmas movie you should not see with your family.  

But they will hear you laughing up a storm in this raunchy, R-rated comedy starring a superb Billy Bob Thornton.

Bad Santa | Official Trailer (HD) - Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham | MIRAMAX

Bad Santa · Best comedy movies

What he does is carefully play the part of the most un-Santa a person could ever be. This film spawned a sequel, which was not as well-received, to put it mildly.

Best comedy movies

6. Meet The Parents (2000)

Everyone knows Ben Stiller is funny. Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, and There’s Something About Mary are all testament to his comedic talent.

But, nobody knew Robert De Niro was funny until Meet The Parents.

The King of Comedy? Not so much.

Meet the Parents - Trailer

Meet the Parents · Best comedy movies

Stiller and De Niro two play off each other like old pros and there is a reason they went on to make a genuinely funny sequel.

It's the story of a young man who goes to meet the parents of his girlfriend before proposing to her. He encounters strong resistance from her father.

Blythe Danner proves she’s more than Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom in the movie and Owen Wilson gives his best performance. 

One of the best comedy movies of all time, and one of the most popular.

POPULAR COMEDY MOVIES

5. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Equal parts schadenfreude and rooting for the underdog make this one of the most popular comedy movies ever.

That, and it’s uproarious. One of the best comedy movies, period. End of discussion.

Just when you think it’s dumb, it gets even dumber … and you can’t resist cracking up. The circle completes — Dumb and Dumber is so lowbrow that it loops all the way around and winds up being highbrow, in its uncanny way.

Dumb and Dumber (1994) Original Trailer [HD]

Dumb and Dumber · Best comedy movies

The behind-the-scenes story of the movie provides key takeaways on filmmaking truths that boast technical and business-related.

The Dumb and Dumber film shoot would prove to be his trial by fire as a film director.

No doubt Peter read a few filmmaking books to prepare, but the move was just as unusual in the early ‘90s as it would be today. An all-out gamble on fresh comedic material and the minds who came up with it.

Innate cinematic precision — evident in shot composition (see the road trip scene above) — overpowers the director’s lack of practical hands-on experience coming into the shoot.

Also, that the director co-wrote the screenplay with his brother reinforces his attachment to the material.

In its own way, Dumb and Dumber is an auteur film.

The two lovable imbeciles at the center of the story would go on to star in two sequels and even a short-lived animated series.

Best comedy movies

4. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Few comedies capture awkwardness, heart, and raunchy humor as perfectly as The 40-Year-Old Virgin. This breakout hit not only cemented Steve Carell as a comedic powerhouse but also defined a new era of R-rated comedy.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin | 20th Anniversary Trailer

The 40 Year Old Virgin · Best comedy movies

Directed by Judd Apatow, the film strikes the perfect balance between outrageous gags and surprisingly heartfelt moments, making it a standout in the genre.

The film’s mix of sharp dialogue, improvisation, and over-the-top yet relatable scenarios set a new standard for modern comedy. From the now-iconic chest-waxing scene to the unforgettable karaoke date disaster, The 40-Year-Old Virgin remains one of the best and most rewatchable comedies of the 21st century.

Best comedy movies

3. Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day is hands down, one of the best comedies of all time.

It is hands down one of the best romantic comedies of all time — but it’s not in our RomCom section, because, hey, groundhogs.

It is one of the reasons Bill Murray is a national treasure.

Groundhog Day (1993) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Groundhog Day · Best comedy movies

He plays a self-absorbed and bitter anchorman who covers his least favorite story, over and over again, as he is forced to relive the same day. Only love will bring his time loop to an end.

Groundhog Day is the perfect comedy for any writer looking to see how the balance of these three elements works to make a great comedy.

Best comedy movies

2. What About Bob? (1991)

Ranking all of Bill Murray's great performances is a challenging task.

Meatballs, Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Rushmore, Scrooged 

Official Trailer: What About Bob? (1991)

What About Bob? · Best comedy movies

The premise: A mild-mannered therapist goes insane after one of his patients tags along on a family vacation.

Richard Dreyfuss gets to ham it up to hilarious results while Murray never breaks a sweat.

Best comedy movies

1. Caddyshack (1980)

Another Murray good one! While Murray is not technically the star of this comedy, he does indeed steal the show.   

Caddyshack (1980) | Rodney Dangerfield | Theatrical Trailer

Caddyshack · Best comedy movies

The premise is simple, a posh golf course deals with a garish new member and a destructive gopher. Murray could have played any number of roles in this film but steals the movie as the groundskeeper hunting the taunting gopher.

Chevy Chase stars in the movie but pales in comparison to Bill Murray.

Up Next 

Why do we laugh at dark comedy?

Dark comedy is a genre that dares to find humor in the absurd, the tragic, and even the downright disturbing. These films will challenge your expectations and make you laugh at the unexpected, from the dark humor of Dr. Strangelove to the quirky comedy of Fargo. But what makes dark comedy so irresistible? And which films have mastered the delicate balance of humor and horror?

Now that we're done with the best comedy movies, discover the best dark comedies of all time and why they continue to shock, entertain, and make us question our sense of humor.

Up Next: Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows →
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