In this article, you will discover the top comedy movies of all time. With so many classic and greatest comedy movies of all time, it can be a daunting task for you to find good comedies.
But don’t worry, we have listed the top 15 great comedy movies – the ones that will leave you laughing until your stomach aches.
Without further ado, let’s begin then!
Table of Contents
- 20 Best comedy movies of all time
- 1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
- 2. The Pink Panther (1963)
- 3. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb(1964)
- 4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
- 5. Blazing Saddles (1974)
- 6. The Jerk (1979)
- 7. Caddyshack (1980)
- 8. Airplane! (1980)
- 9. Trading Places (1983)
- 10. Ghostbusters (1984)
- 11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
- 12. Coming to America (1988)
- 13. Groundhog Day (1993)
- 14. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
- 15. The Big Lebowski (1998)
- 16. The 40-year-old Virgin (2005)
- 17. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
- 18. All About My Mother (1999)
- 19. The Apartment (1960)
- 20. Best in Show (2000)
- Conclusion
20 Best comedy movies of all time
Here is the list of top comedies of all time:
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- The Pink Panther (1963)
- Dr. Strangelove (1964)
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
- Blazing Saddles (1974)
- The Jerk (1979)
- Caddyshack (1980)
- Airplane! (1980)
- Trading Places (1983)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
- Coming to America (1988)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- Dumb and Dumber (1994)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- The 40-year-old Virgin (2005)
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
- All About My Mother (1999)
- The Apartment (1960)
- Best in Show (2000)
Let’s delve into the details of the best comedy movies of all time.
1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home.
Summary: Some Like It Hot is one of the top comedies of all time. The story of the
movie is about two struggling musicians from Chicago named Joe and Jerry. They want to escape from mob hit by gangsters so they masquerade themselves as women. After this, they joined a female band that was heading to Miami by Train.
Later, one of them falls in love with the lead singer of the female band. On the other side, they were trying hard to hide their real identities. The movie further revolves around the challenges and misunderstandings they faced during this escape. In the end, both the musicians reveal their original identities.
Furthermore, The movie is popular for its highly relatable dialogue, “Nobody’s perfect!” and has received various notable awards including an Oscar, WritersGuild of America Award for Best Written Comedy 1960, and more.
2. The Pink Panther (1963)
IMDb Ratings: 7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: The Pink Panther is among the funniest movies directed by Blake Edwards. The whole movie revolves around a large and famous diamond refer as Pink Panther in the movie and a charming, brilliant thief known as the Phantom.
The real name of the Phantom was Charles Lytton who stole the diamond from Princess. Then came the entry of another character, Inspector Jacques Clouseau who was assigned to catch the phantom. But in the movie, he doesn’t know Charles is the phantom.
This is not it, the movie contains various subplots like the affair of the inspector’s wife with Charles and she was aware of these thefts. So, what are you waiting for don’t miss out on this thrilled masterpiece.
3. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb(1964)
IMDb Ratings: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: Dr. Strangelove is considered one of the top-rated comedy movies on our list and is based on the Red Alert novel by Peter George. The movie is a dark comedy about the nuclear war, human stupidity, and what can happen if the wrong button is pressed.
Moreover, the movie begins when an American general, General Jack decides to start a nuclear war with the Soviet Union for no reason and without any permission.
Therefore, the US president tried to figure out how to stop this war. But there was only one way to stop them which you will know when to watch this unmissable cinema.
4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Summary: Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a must-watch classic comedy movie of all time that will leave you laughing with its funny jokes and unexpected twists.
Additionally, the movie is a story about King Arthur who along with other knights, the quest for the holy grail where they encountered hilarious and unreal elements including the following:
- The Black Knight who has lost his arms and legs but won’t stop fighting.
- A group of knights with their demands to let them pass.
- The Killer Rabbit.
- The Bridge of Tricky Questions.
The movie also includes many interesting characters like the witch-burning village, the dead bodies collector, and the Enchanter Tim.
At last, the movie ends with an interesting note of the arrest of King Artur and his knights by the police.
5. Blazing Saddles (1974)
IMDb Ratings: 7.7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: Blazing Saddles is a top Western comedy movie known for its bold satire and commentary on racism. It promotes awareness about serious social issues through humor. The movie begins with the African American workers making a railroad.
Meanwhile, there comes a racist Attorney General named Hedley Lamarr, who wants to possess the land of Rock Ridge people to make a new railroad. But they were not ready to leave their place.
As a result, the General appointed Bart as the new sheriff so that people would leave the place in anger. However, Bart was quite smart. He met the people of Rock Ridge and later, befriend the Waco Kid, Mongo, and Lili von Shtupp.
The general made various plans to kill Bart, but he failed every time. Later in the movie, he saves the land and the people from that racist general with the help of his friends and cleverness.
6. The Jerk (1979)
IMDb Ratings: 7.9/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Summary: The Jerk is a top comedy film of all time directed by Carl Reiner. You must have heard that The Real Beauty lies in Simple Things, and this movie is a perfect example of that.
The film is a story about a clueless young man, Navin R. Johnson with his poor, black family. Later, he discovered that he was white. He decided to leave his home and make his own place in the world.
He didn’t know anything but his passion for doing something was enough to discover a new invention named the Opti Grab. His discovery becomes a huge success. Furthermore, he meets a woman, Marie, and marries her.
After this, a lot of things happened in his personal and professional life. However, by the end of the film, he is at the same place where he started but realizes the importance of simple things and real people in his life.
7. Caddyshack (1980)
IMDb Ratings: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV
Summary: Caddyshack is a sports comedy movie directed by Harold Ramis. The film is a story of a fictional Country Club, known for its unique characters, and their conflicts. The characters in Caddyshack are Danny Noonan, Ty Webb, Al Czervik, and Carl Spackler.
Danny Noonan really wants to earn a scholarship and tries to raise money for college as he is the caddy at the country club while Ty Webb becomes his friend and mentor as he is one of the talented golfers. Further in the movie, Danny tries to impress Lacey whereas Ty is also interested in Lacey.
Later, in the movie Danny and Ty team up together to take down Al and Judge Smails. In the end, Danny’s hard work and struggles pay off as he secures a scholarship in the club. Overall, it is a blend of sports, satire, and classic comedy has made it a must-watch among audiences.
8. Airplane! (1980)
IMDb Ratings: 7,7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV
Summary: Airplane is one of the good comedies you should not miss out on. The story of the Airplane film includes the following main characters:
- Ted Striker: In the movie, Ted Striker is a former pilot who has a fear of flying after a tragic incident happened to him.
- Elaine Dickinson: Elaine Dickinson is a flight attendant in the movie and ex-girlfriend of Ted.
- Dr. Rumack: Rumack is a humorous doctor who is on the board that day.
In addition, the movie’s plot revolves around these three characters. In the movie, the passengers and crew fell ill due to the food they eat. Therefore, Ted needs to board the plane safely. Despite his fear of flying, he wants to board the plane so that he can win his girlfriend back.
Dr. Rumack helped the sick passengers on the plane and then Ted managed to navigate the plane with the help of Elaine and the doctor. The film ends with a safe landing of the airplane and the rebonding of Ted and Elaine.
9. Trading Places (1983)
IMDb Ratings: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Summary: Are you ready for a wild ride of twists and turns? Trading Places is another top comedy classic known for its subplots and climax. The film is a comedic story about class and social status. The main characters of the movie include Billy Ray Valentine, Louis Winthrope, and the wealthy Duke Brothers.
Additionally, Billy Ray Valentine is a street-smart hustler who lives in poverty whereas Louis lives a wealthy life. The Duke brothers, Mortimer and Randolph make a bet on these two men of different living and swap their lives.
As a result, Billy becomes rich and Louis loses all his job, money, and status. It becomes an advantage for Billy but Louis struggles to live in certain situations. Later, they get to know the truth and decide to take revenge. And here is when comes a new character named Ophelia, a prostitute who helped them in taking the revenge. So, they made the plans and succeeded in bankrupting the Duke brothers.
10. Ghostbusters (1984)
IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
Where to watch: ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video
Summary: Ghostbusters is one of the funniest movies, known for its sci-fi elements and supernatural themes. The film revolves around the story of three investigators who lost their jobs at a University.
Consequently, they started their own ghost-catching business and formed a Ghostbusters team for the same. Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spengler are the main members of this team. Later, they hired a fourth member. They create ghost-catching types of equipment.
Furthermore, the Ghostbusters are hired to investigate a haunted building where they find a demonic spirit, Gozer.
But that’s all we will reveal for now – the rest is for you to find out what happens next!
11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
Summary: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a teen comedy about a high school senior, Ferris Bueller. He decides to bunk his school for an adventurous day in Chicago. And for that, he smartly manipulates his teachers, friends, and parents.
The main characters of this classic comedy film are:
- Ferris Bueller, a high school student.
- Sloane Peterson, ferris’s girlfriend.
- Cameron Fyre is the best friend of Ferris Bueller.
- Ed Rooney is the school principal who badly wants to catch Ferris.
- Jeanie Bueller is the younger sister of Ferris.
Overall, the story revolves around Ferris and his plan to bunk his school to have fun with his girlfriend and best friend. Despite having multiple chances of being caught, he managed to reach home and return to his normal life.
12. Coming to America (1988)
IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Paramount+
Summary: Coming to America is the best comedy movie of all time. The movie follows the story of a wealthy prince, Akeem Joffer of Zamunda. He is disinterested in his luxurious living and wants to find a bride who will love him for the person he is and not be behind the money.
Later, Akeem travels to find him a bride where he experiences various misadventures. There he fell in love with Lisa McDowell, the daughter of the street restaurant owner.
However, he has to choose between his royal duties and his love for Lisa. Later when Lisa gets to know about his real identity, she feels betrayed. Meanwhile, in the end, Akeem’s love wins over everything and they marry each other in Zamunda.
13. Groundhog Day (1993)
IMDb Ratings: 8/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and Sony LIV
Summary: Groundhog Day is a classic comedy and the story revolves around the main characters including Phil Connors, Rita Hanson, and Larry.
Moreover in the film, Phil Connors, an arrogant TV weatherman is assigned to cover the annual Groundhog Day event where he meets his producer Rita, and cameraman Larry.
He kind of finds him in a time loop, reliving the same Groundhog Day again and again. Meanwhile, he is trying to win Rita’s heart but fails. This becomes so irritating for him and wants to break this time loop.
But later he used this opportunity for self-improvement, the possibility of changes and to learn new skills. The movie also reflects the idea of different perceptions and how people can choose to live differently.
14. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV
Summary: Another addition to the top funny movies is Dumb and Dumber. The movie is known for the lovable and comedic chemistry between two friends, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne.
Additionally, there are two more characters in the movie which are Mary Swanson and Joe Mental Mentalino. Moving further to the storyline, Lloyd Christmas is a limousine driver in Providence, Rhode Island who falls in love with Mary Swanson, one of his passengers.
Meanwhile, Mary Swanson leaves a suitcase of ransom money in the terminal for her kidnapped husband. But he is not aware of this thing. So, he decides to return that suitcase to Mary to win her heart.
And the real suspense starts here! Watch Dumb and Dumber to find out what happens next.
15. The Big Lebowski (1998)
IMDb Ratings: 8.1/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Summary: Lastly, The Big Lebowski is one of the greatest comedy movies of all time known for its quirky dialogue and unique plots. The movie follows the story of an unemployed slacker, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski.
The film begins with two thugs who misidentify Jeffrey Lebowski as a wealthy businessman and urinate on his rug. Later, when they realize it’s the wrong person, they leave.
But the upset Jeff seeks compensation for his ruined rug and gets involved in this complex case.
16. The 40-year-old Virgin (2005)
IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: The 40-year-old Virgin is a comedy film that humorously explores the life of Andy Stitzer, a sweet and socially awkward man who has never had a sexual encounter at the age of 40. In the movie, he works at an electronic store and has unique hobbies of collecting action figures and playing video games.
One day, during a poker game with his friends, they find out that he is still a virgin and decide to help him. They came up with crazy plans to set him up with a girl. On his quest for a girlfriend, he faced some hilarious scenarios. However, after some time, he finally meets a nice woman, Trish who owns a small shop.
As the relationship grows, Andy Stitzer realizes that it’s not just a matter of sex or losing virginity but being honest and finding real love. In the end, the film concludes with Andy and Trish building a strong relationship celebrating love, trust, and honesty, proving that meaningful connections are way more important than societal expectations.
17. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
IMDb Ratings: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is an Australian comedy-drama film about three drag performers named Tick, Adam, and Bernadette Bassenger. They go on a road trip across the Australian Outback in a big old bus referred to as Priscilla.
Tick, Adam, and Bernadette (a transgender woman) travel to perform at a resort in Alice Springs. On the way to their destination, they faced some funny, challenging situations, and moments of self-discovery. Like, Tick reconnects with his young son, Adam learns to tone down his cockiness, and Bernadette reflects on her life and love.
Moreover, the movie is full of amazing costumes, fun music, and a powerful message of being yourself and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. After all, everyone deserves the same love and respect.
In a nutshell, the movie follows a theme of self-acceptance, friendship, and overcoming prejudice.
18. All About My Mother (1999)
IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Summary: All About My Mother is a Spanish drama movie about love, loss, identity, and family that focuses on strong, complex women characters. It’s a heartfelt and emotional story that includes the following characters:
- Manuela: The mother in the story who is grieving the loss of her son.
- Esteban: He is the Manuela’son who dies early in the film and had a dream of becoming a writer.
- Huma Rojo: A famous actress and crush of Esteban.
- Agrado: A transgender woman who is one of Manuela’s close friends.
- Rosa: A young pregnant nun who plays a vital role in Manuela’s life.
Before Esteban passed away, he wanted to tell Huma Rojo that he admired her. Therefore, to fulfill his wish and cope with her loss, Manuela goes to Barcelona to find her and deliver his son’s message.
While in Barcelona, she meets Rosa, a young pregnant woman with HIV, and takes care of her. She also reconnects with Huma and they become friends. Along the way, she uncovers some secrets about her past and finds healing.
In short, the story explains how women support each other through tough times and how love and loss transition our lives.
19. The Apartment (1960)
IMDb Ratings: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime and Apple TV
Summary: The Apartment is a classic romantic comedy movie about the story of a young man named C.C. Baxter. He works as a low-level employee at a big insurance company in New York City.
Baxter really wants to climb the corporate ladder, so he allows his bosses to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs, hoping to get him ahead at work.
The life of Baxter turns upside down when he finds that one of his bosses, Jeff is having an affair with Fran who is the elevator operator in the building where he works. Surprisingly, he also develops feelings for Fran and she in turn starts to fall for him too. Furthermore, the story of Baxter’s life becomes complicated leading to a series of emotional and comedic situations.
In the end, The Apartment movie explains how morality and ambition can coincide in life when we make choices that align with our values and prioritize human connections.
20. Best in Show (2000)
IMDb Ratings: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon
Summary: Best in Show is a hilarious mockumentary that parodies the lives of some very quirky people and their dogs as they prepare for a big dog competition called the Mayflower Dog Show. Each character in the story is quirky and weird which makes it a funny movie. The film begins with the introduction of key characters in Best in Show film including:
- Gerry and Cookie Fleck: A sweet and awkward couple with a cute dog named Winky. Gerry is shy and Cookie is still obsessed with her old boyfriends.
- Harlan Pepper: A simple man who has a bloodhound named Hubert.
- Sherri Ann and Leslie Ward Cabot: A rich old couple with a fancy Poodle, Rhapsody in White.
- Meg and Hamilton Swan: A super-neurotic couple with a Weimaraner, Beatrice who they treat like a human child.
- Scott and Stefan: A fun-loving couple with a Shih Tzu.
When everyone arrives at the dog show, things start to get wild from people arguing with each other to the host of the show Buck Laughlin making silly comments in the show.
Other hilarious mentions in the list of Best comedy movies of all time include:
- Office Space (1999) | IMDb Ratings: 7.6/10
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) | IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) | IMDb Ratings: 7.9/10
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) | IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
- Superbad (2007) | IMDb Ratings: 7.6/10
- Hot Fuzz (2007) | IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
- The Hangover (2009) | IMDb Ratings: 7.7/10
- Bridesmaids (2011) | IMDb Ratings: 6.8/10
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) | IMDb Ratings: 8.1/10
Conclusion
That’s it for the article. In this article, we have covered a list of the top best comedies of all time like Some Like It Hot, The Pink Panther, Dr. Strangelove, and many more.
Whether you are looking for slapstick comedies or ghost-haunted comedy movies, these top funny movies are sure to bring laughter and leave you chuckling. So, What are you waiting for? Grab some pizza, pop the popcorn, get into your cozy bed, and tune in to these good comedies.
And don’t forget to let us know, what are you watching next!
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