The Funniest Movies Ever Made

Comedy films feature some of the most entertaining stories in the world of cinema. Sure, acclaimed dramas often strike a plethora of emotions in your heart, with oodles of impressive performances and compelling storylines lining the coffers of film history. However, getting comedy right is a whole other issue. Comedy is incredibly difficult to not only perform, but to do so in a way that elicits gutbusting laughs. From practical pratfalls to witty writing, comedy films have taken dozens of separate forms over the years, evolving and changing with the cultures that create them.

From the 1930s to the 2010s, the picks on this list span several decades in Hollywood history, and they were made by the absolute biggest names the industry could offer at the time. Directors like Mel Brooks, The Marx Brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, and even Stanley Kubrick were in charge of the comedy titles on this list, reaching widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike every step of the way.

Updated on Jan. 29, 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.

Even if you don’t know their respective directors, the names of these individual projects almost transcend the medium entirely. You’ll without a doubt recognize most of the entries here, either by seeing them yourself or via references from all areas of pop culture. All that said, these are the funniest movies ever made.

Some of the films featured in this list may not be appropriate for general audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

40 Life of Brian (1979)

Born on the same day as Jesus Christ, albeit one stable down, Brian (Graham Chapman) has grown up with constant pressure. As he tries to connect with everyone and go about his life, Brian finds himself attracted to a young rebel named Judith (Sue Jones-Davies). To prove his love for Judith, Brian becomes a member of the People’s Front of Judea, and after advocating some of Jesus’s teachings, he gets entangled in a hilarious case of mistaken identity.

Life of Brian Doesn’t Punch Down

Despite exploring controversial subjects like religion, politics, and crucifixion, Life of Brian manages to remain absurd, sly, and insightfully funny. Rather than attack faith, the film plays with human gullibility and their habit of taking coincidences as a “sign” instead of just happenstance. The sheer talents of writer/director duo Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam ensures that every scene is packed with verbal jokes and visual delight.

Stream Life of Brian on Netflix

39 It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

After causing a fatal car accident, a former convict named Smiler Grogan (Jimmy Durante) finds himself taking his last breaths. On the brink of death, he reveals to the motorists nearby that a massive amount of stolen cash is hidden under a big “W” in Santa Rosita State Park. This launches a coast-to-coast chase as colorful schemers turn against one another to locate the money. As tensions mount between the unforgettable ensemble, the result is nothing but laughter.

It’s a Great, Great, Great, Great Comedy

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is a monumental achievement in the comedy genre, seeing as it was originally released in the 1960s. Featuring a stellar cast including Mickey Rooney, Spencer Tracy, and Buddy Hackett, the movie is both creative and ambitious, delivering what it promises from the title. The frenzy and fun of locating a fortune, paired with the absurd lengths that the characters are willing to go, makes every stunt even more hilarious. Overall, the movie proves that real comedy comes from the brilliance of its performers, instead of just a strong script.

Stream It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World on The Roku Channel

38 The Blues Brothers (1980)

Directed by John Landis, The Blues Brothers is an iconic musical comedy that follows two brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), who learn that the orphanage they once called home is about to be torn down. They embark on a “mission from God” to save it. With a sum of just $5,000 to raise and a ragtag band in tow, they hit the road in their battered car and perform gigs across Chicago. Along the way, they get attention from fans and police alike.

The Blues Brothers Is an Ode to America

More than just a comedy or a musical, the film is an ode to America’s musical roots. The casting of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd fully allows them to showcase their notorious SNL alter-egos and infuse them with the language of blues. Watching them go on a journey where their hearts are in the right place, and their actions are soulful and authentic, shouldn’t be hilarious. But the experience, regardless, is one of a kind.

Stream The Blues Brothers on Netflix

37 Dumb and Dumber (1994)

For Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels), the definition of friendship isn’t ordinary. The clueless duo need an adventure that goes beyond what’s considered normal in order to showcase their bond. Luckily, they find such an opportunity when a woman named Mary (Lauren Holly) seemingly forgets a suitcase full of cash at the airport. Lloyd and Harry subsequently hit the open road with their bumbling personalities in order to return Mary’s suitcase, unaware that it is connected to a kidnapping case and is being pursued by the police.

Dumb and Dumber Is a Feel-Good Comedy

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels take the lead in this fast-paced comedy, with their chemistry elevating the silliness of the film. Dumb and Dumber is heartwarming and sincere, but it has its moments of being extremely hilarious. Director Peter Farrelly lets the movie breathe by giving both these actors full freedom to improvise and unleash their equally zany characters. Decades after its original release, the movie remains a quintessential feel-good celebration of friendship without logic.

Buy or Rent Dumb and Dumber on Apple TV

36 Clerks (1994)

The 90s were a time when indie cinema peaked. Shot on a mere shoestring budget of $27,000 in the very same New Jersey convenience store that inspired the film, Clerks introduced the world to a whole new side of slacker culture with the help of two convenience store clerks, Dante Hicks (Brian O’Halloran) and Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson). Following Dante and Randal around on another soul-sucking shift behind the counter, the film examines the mundanity and tedium of their careers as they indulge in conversations around pop culture, make fun of the customers, and muse endlessly on the philosophies of life.

Clerks Was an Important Indie Film

There are a lot of things that make Clerks an iconic entry into the independent film landscape. First, it was filmed in black and white, which showcases the spirit of DIY cinematography seldom seen at the time. Second, it features unknown actors and bold topics that may seem profound and relatable now, but were considered strange and polarizing for its time. Third, and the most important of all, is how perfectly the film captures the essence of aimlessness experienced after our formative adolescent years, with the help of its lazy yet lovable main characters.

Stream Clerks on Paramount+

35 21 Jump Street (2012)

Phil Lord and Chris Miller have one of the best partnerships in the business, and 21 Jump Street is all the proof one needs of this. What could easily have been a cheap and bizarre attempt to make a buck off an old and semi-recognizable IP is instead one of the smartest comedies of the 2010s. The plot follows two adult cops, Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum), as they’re tasked to emulate the appearance and mannerisms of high school students in the public school system. Why are they doing this? There’s a drug ring within the school system, and its leader is incredibly elusive.

21 Jump Street Is Surprisingly Smart

With an eclectic sense of humor and fully committed performances from Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, and Ice Cube, there’s hardly a moment that misses, if any at all. And, for fans of the original show, the screenplay even had a handful of surprises in store. It’s an excellent example of adjusting an existing franchise for a modern audience, one whose success would prompt a sequel not long after.

Stream 21 Jump Street on Hulu

34 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Underrated and sweet, Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas may be overproduced, but in a cinematic landscape populated with CGI to an increasing degree, its practical effects have gained an extra charm. And, especially if one’s age were to have been in the single digits back when it first opened, it’s hysterical. The narrative tells the same story as the animated classic, but now the Grinch also has a self-serving mayor to contend with. Though the film saw a polarizing response when it originally debuted, people appeared to have changed their minds about Jim Carrey’s Grinch nowadays.

Jim Carrey Was Born to Play the Grinch

Jim Carrey dives into the title character, giving an impressive performance that very easily bleeds through his massive costume and makeup to a degree other actors (e.g. Mike Myers) wouldn’t be able to pull off. Not everything in the movie is sublime, like Jeffrey Tambor’s performance as Mayor Augustus May. Even still, the filler comes with moments that feel appropriate when added to the original lore of the Grinch, with its numerous positives vastly outweighing the handful of negatives. Its creativity and effort would even net it an Academy Award for Best Makeup, in addition to nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

Buy or Rent on Prime Video

33 The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Judd Apatow made his name writing for series like The Larry Sanders Show and co-creating The Ben Stiller Show, but 1999’s tragically canceled Freaks and Geeks feels like the first project that was truly his. It would be another six years before he, and subsequently Steve Carell, broke through with The 40-Year-Old Virgin. The Office premiered just five months before this film, elevating both it and Steve Carell to stardom. The plot of the film follows the titular character as he tries to turn his back on childishness and gather the courage to pursue his love interest, Trish (Catherine Keener).

The 40-Year-Old Virgin Made Steve Carell Into a Star

The 40-Year-Old Virgin kicked off a string of fan-favorite comedies primarily composed of Freaks and Geeks cast members, including Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann. But, outside of perhaps Superbad and Knocked Up, one would be hard-pressed to find a better product from the Apatow School of Comedy. Carell presents a character who you genuinely want to see succeed, driven less by arrogance and more by a sincere desire to change himself for the better. Combined with some hilarious scenes, including a real-life chest waxing scene that still leaves us in tears today, The 40-Year-Old Virgin endures as one of Carell’s best movies to date.

Buy or Rent on Prime Video

32 American Pie (1999)

Paul and Chris Weitz’s American Pie captured the zeitgeist in a way few other late ’90s films did. And, just as the films of Judd Apatow did later on, it set the stage for how the next few years of comedic films would go, from Road Trip to The New Guy. The plot follows a few teenagers (both male and female) as they try to lose their virginity before the start of college. An ensemble cast comprised of Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Eugene Levy, and more rocketed to stardom after the film debuted in theaters, with its impressive box office performance eclipsing its budget.

American Pie Was a Classic Raunchy Comedy

Sex comedies have dwindled in recent years, but there’s still a small-town charm to American Pie. The audience believes the cast in their respective roles, and more often than not, the characters are as likable as the cast members portraying them. This is especially true for Natasha Lyonne and Alyson Hannigan. American Pie would later go on to form its own franchise, albeit with mixed reviews, and would arguably start a trend of raunchy comedies that proliferated in the early 2000s.

Buy or Rent American Pie on Apple TV

31 Step Brothers (2008)

2008 was a great year for comedy, and Adam McKay’s Step Brothers was a big part of that. It was a movie that seemed tailor-made to become an overnight cult favorite, no matter how much money it ended up making. The plot follows two grown men, Brennan (Will Ferrell) and Dale (John C. Reilly), who are forced to live together as stepbrothers when their respective single parents marry. Despite some initial tension, the two quickly form a friendship that may take them to some incredible places.

Step Brothers Is a Quotable Cult Favorite

With a legacy and quotability that has persevered, a cult favorite is exactly what Step Brothers is. Furthermore, now that McKay and Will Ferrell’s professional partnership has ended, it feels extra special on a re-watch. While Ferrell and John C. Reilly’s chemistry was fresh and fun right out of the gate in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, it found its peak in Step Brothers, with the duo’s over-the-top performances embracing immaturity in the most hilarious of ways.

Stream Step Brothers on Prime Video

30 Caddyshack (1980)

Caddyshack features Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, along with Rodney Dangerfield in his mainstream transition from stand-up comedy to Hollywood filmmaking. The plot follows Chase’s character, Ty Webb, as one of the founders of Bushwood Country Club, who feuds with one of his wealthy guests. Showing up as Ty’s caddie is Danny Noonan, played by Michael O’Keefe, who attempts to secure money for college through the caddie scholarship program. Meanwhile, the club’s groundskeeper, Carl Spackler (Bill Murray), attempts to ward off a mischievous gopher.

Caddyshack Was Harold Ramis’ Directorial Debut

Caddyshack is noteworthy for being the feature-length directorial debut of the late Harold Ramis, one of the most influential comedy directors to date. This is undoubtedly among his funniest films, made more famous by its loose pacing and its focus on jokes over strict plotting. Though Ramis’ later films would be more focused in comparison, there’s something endlessly charming about how Caddyshack jumps from scene to scene.

Buy or Rent Caddyshack on Prime Video

29 Coming to America (1988)

Coming to America is one of Eddie Murphy’s best films and a staple of classic ’80s comedies. In it, we follow the extremely rich and pampered African Prince Akeem, played by Murphy, who comes to America to find himself a wife. Since he is the most desirable man in his home country, he hopes to find a woman in New York who could love him for the content of his character, instead of just his immense wealth and power. Naturally, he ends up finding out more about his own character than anyone else’s.

Coming to America Is a 1990s Classic

Beverly Hills Cop, which was also directed by John Landis, was the first big feature film that got Eddie Murphy’s career off the ground. Before that, he was a fairly well-known stand-up comedian. But Coming to America makes this list because of how prolific it remained throughout the ’90s. Although the 2021 sequel to the original film didn’t do nearly as well, the original remains hilarious, emphasizing slapstick and surprising rom-com elements with an appropriately happy ending. Its completely over-the-top comedy and poignant message make it a good all-around film.

Buy or Rent Coming to America on Prime Video

28 There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly — one of Hollywood’s most famous filmmaking duos who double as masters of comedy — There’s Something About Mary tells the story of four men attempting to win over the title character’s affection. It’s worth noting off the bat the efforts given by the stars of There’s Something About Mary, like Cameron Diaz in the titular role. This movie put her on the map, not necessarily due to critical acclaim, but because of her tenacity and devotion. It would serve as an inspiration to up-and-coming actresses who could commit themselves to a role, no matter the respective levels of absurdity. Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon perform admirably as well as their characters vie for Mary’s heart, and Chris Elliot appears as another eligible bachelor.

There Really Is Something About Mary

Aside from being one of the highest-grossing films of 1998, this standout comedy film earned Cameron Diaz a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. There’s Something About Mary additionally features a cameo from Brett Favre as one of Mary’s exes, still after her heart. And this laugh-out-loud stint as a whole features some truly memorable bits, like a hilariously vulgar sequence involving “hair gel,” resulting in a clear pick for the list of the funniest moves ever made.

Buy There’s Something About Mary on Prime Video

27 Ghostbusters (1984)

Name value doesn’t go very far when accounting for sheer humor. But if it did, Ghostbusters would without a doubt be cited among the most popular films on the entire list. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as parapsychologists, the plot kicks off when they start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The result is utter hilarity from start to finish, with other indelible performances from the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, and Rick Moranis.

Ghostbusters Is One of the Best 1980s Comedies

If you somehow missed out on Ghostbusters throughout the eighties and have only heard references to calling its titular team over the phone, you can rest assured that it belongs on a list of the funniest movies ever made. Its memorable performances, iconic gags, and some of the most impeccably-delivered one-liners coalesce with a unique premise to form a staple of the 1980s. It’s no wonder why there have been multiple attempts to convert this film into a franchise: that first Ghostbusters film is just too good.

Buy or Rent Ghostbusters on Apple TV

26 Friday (1995)

Directed by F. Gary Gray, this hit 1990s comedy follows a day in the life (the titular day of the week, obviously) of two friends without jobs who enjoy spending their time smoking their drug of choice, marijuana. But when one of the duo (Smokey, played by Chris Tucker) finds himself in debt to a local drug dealer, the other friend (Craig Jones, portrayed by Ice Cube) helps him out upon learning he’s been indulging in the dealer’s pot.

Friday Popularized Chris Tucker

This is the role that put Chris Tucker on the Hollywood map, and it showed audiences across the globe that Ice Cube had a true penchant for comedy. Friday now boasts a strong cult following, and justifiably so. It without a doubt goes down among the funniest films ever made, as well as a notable high point in the filmography of F. Gary Grey.

Buy or Rent Friday on Prime Video

25 Shrek (2001)

An animated film by DreamWorks, this is one of the most famous films of the 21st century thanks to a rock-solid script, an engrossing style of animation, and some seriously solid efforts from its ensemble voice cast. Of course, Mike Myers provides his dulcet intonations as the titular character here in Shrek, an ogre who must venture to rescue Princess Fiona from the clutches of a dragon to convince Lord Farquaad to return him control of his swamp. He’s joined by a devout companion in Donkey, who Eddie Murphy famously voices. Other performers include Cameron Diaz as Fiona and John Lithgow as Farquaad.

Shrek Is an Iconic Comedy by DreamWorks

Shrek‘s permanence in pop culture is nothing to scoff at. It’s a film whose legacy continues to endure to this day, being both a biting parody of Disney’s numerous fairy tale stories and a progenitor for the kind of films DreamWorks would become closely associated with in the coming years. The film was so hilarious through and through that it spawned a massive film franchise full of sequels and spinoffs. There’s no denying its inclusion on the list.

Stream Shrek on Peacock

24 Office Space (1999)

Satirizing what it was like to work at an average software company in the 1990s, Office Space follows Peter Gibbons, an uninspired programmer working at a company called Initech. Upon learning the company will soon be downsized, three of Peter’s coworkers hatch a revenge plan against the company by infecting their accounting system. Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, and Stephen Root all star in this satirical comedy.

Office Space Satirizes White-Collar Office Life

The result is utter hilarity from beginning to end, showcasing a pure penchant for comedy from everyone involved. Brilliant performances and a heartfelt script combine to produce one of the funniest movies ever made, taking a stab at lifeless office culture with the wit and charm of Mike Judge’s direction. The now-famous printer scene, along with the red stapler popularized by Stephen Root’s performance, are iconic symbols of this film’s pop culture relevance.

Stream Office Space on Max

23 The Hangover (2009)

Before the film at hand, Todd Philips made hilarious romps such as Road Trip, Old School, and Starsky and Hutch. But by far and away, The Hangover is the funniest of the bunch. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, its well-known plot follows their three protagonists as they wake up in Las Vegas without their fourth friend, Doug, who will soon be married. This plot on paper would always facilitate a laugh-out-loud narrative, and that’s exactly what comes to fruition, in spite of the film’s ridiculous production.

One of Todd Phillips’ Greatest Accomplishments

A classic of modern Hollywood comedy, The Hangover is one of the greatest accomplishments by Phillips, who picked up recent traction with critics thanks to his entry into the psychological thriller subgenre, Joker. But before he helmed that project based on the DC Comics character, Todd Phillips was among the foremost comedy directors the industry had to offer, and The Hangover is proof of this.

Buy The Hangover on Prime Video

22 South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (1999)

Of course, this entry is based on the long-running animated television show South Park, and its plot kicks off with the protagonists Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny sneaking into an R-rated movie. And from there, the friends pick up on the general prospect of swearing. An interesting inciting incident, to say the least. But it works wonderfully. A campaign to censor the film gradually escalates into an all-out war between the United States and Canda, with the group of boys finding themselves at the center of the conflict.

South Park’s Feature Film Saw Crass Acclaim

South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut received great acclaim from critics, and justifiably so. It’ll have your cheeks in pain from the film’s first frame, and its overt style of humor never once lets up. In the minds of some film fans, this could land even higher on the list. Its crassly comedic songs remain some of South Park‘s best musical compositions to this day, the majority of which even getting a live rendition at their 25th anniversary concert event.

Stream South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut on Paramount+

21 Airplane! (1980)

The plot of Airplane! is rather famous: the crew of the titular vessel becomes sick, forcing an ex-fighter pilot to land the passengers to safety. And it’s replete with hilarious puns and running gags, with Nielson’s protagonist completely unaware of the absurdity taking place around him. There’s a reason it’s considered one of the funniest films ever made.

Airplane! Is a Perfect Genre Parody

American actor Leslie Nielson was once deemed by film critic Roger Ebert as “the Olivier of spoofs”, with hilarious performances in that regard under his belt in stints such as with The Naked Gun franchise. But with the project at hand, Airplane! by Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (in their directorial debuts) pokes fun at the disaster film genre. As always, Nielsen delivers here, with additional compelling performances by famed actor Robert Stack and even NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar adding a layer of hilarious authenticity.

Buy or Rent Airplane! on Apple TV