The Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time | Comedy Film History

The Evolution of Comedy Movies

Comedy films have been making audiences laugh ever since the early days of cinema. From slapstick pioneers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to screwball comedies starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, comedies have always held a special place in Hollywood.

In the 1970s, a new style of comedy emerged that mixed absurd and sometimes vulgar humor with genuine emotion. Directors like Woody Allen and Mel Brooks spearheaded this trend with films like Annie Hall and Blazing Saddles. The 1970s also saw the rise of buddy comedies, with hits like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

The 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s were a golden age for big, high-concept comedies with stars like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, and Rick Moranis. Some of the decade’s most beloved comedies include Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop, When Harry Met Sally, and Groundhog Day.

The 1990s brought a cerebral tone to comedy from filmmakers like the Coen Brothers and Wes Anderson. However, the ’90s still made room for sophomoric comedies starring the likes of Jim Carrey, Chris Farley, and Adam Sandler. Other notable comedies of the decade include Clueless, There’s Something About Mary, and The Big Lebowski.

The 2000s to Today

In the 2000s, Judd Apatow spearheaded a new style of comedy that blended vulgar humor with genuine emotion. His films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Bridesmaids focused on flawed but endearing protagonists and were filled with improvisation from talented ensembles.

The rise of streaming has created even more opportunities for innovative comedies. Key streaming hits include Borat Subsequent Moviefilm on Amazon Prime, Palm Springs on Hulu, and Don’t Look Up on Netflix. Films like Girls Trip and The Farewell have also expanded representation in comedy.

The Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time

Now that we’ve traced the evolution of comedy movies, let’s break down the greatest comedy movies ever made.

Some Like It Hot

This 1959 classic stars Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe. It follows two male musicians who disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band to flee from the mob. Directed by the legendary Billy Wilder, Some Like It Hot features an endlessly witty script and splendid performances.

Dr. Strangelove

With 1964’s Dr. Strangelove, director Stanley Kubrick applied his razor-sharp satire to the Cold War. The film is a hilarious black comedy that follows unhinged generals who initiate a nuclear crisis. Peter Sellers delivers an iconic triple performance, playing the title character as well as two very different roles.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The Monty Python comedy group brought their signature absurdism to the big screen with 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Sendups of Arthurian legends, witch hunts, and killer rabbits make the film endlessly quotable. It laid the groundwork for other parody comedies for decades to come.

National Lampoon’s Animal House

1978’s National Lampoon’s Animal House set the blueprint for crass college comedies. “Saturday Night Live” star John Belushi leads a misfit fraternity in the film, which features food fights, wild toga parties, and Belushi’s iconic line: “Toga! Toga!” Directed by John Landis, the movie was a major box office smash.

Airplane!

The 1980 film Airplane! mocked the conventions of disaster movies with slapstick humor and ridiculous wordplay. Leslie Nielsen reinvented himself in his career-defining comedic performance in the Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker parody film. To this day, Airplane! stands as one of the funniest comedies ever constructed.

Key Traits of the Greatest Comedy Movies

Looking across the best comedy movies ever made, we can discern some crucial traits that the funniest films share.

First, comedy is often about subverting expectations. The best comic films play with conventions and stereotypes in fresh, clever ways. They catch their audiences by surprise, replacing predictable story beats with standout slapstick, witty dialogue, and offbeat characters.

Similarly, contrast creates memorable comedy. By sharply pivoting between tones and aesthetic styles, comedies heighten their humor. Whether it’s a straight-laced character encountering ridiculous antics or a refined setting thrown into chaos, playing opposites against one another elicits laughs.

Casting is also paramount to comedy. Ensembles with infectious chemistry as well as actors with impeccable comedic timing are key. And performances where actors embrace looking foolish also buoy the funniest films.

Of course, comedy is always changing. The hallmarks above appear throughout comedy history, but each generation reinvents humor for their moment. As comedy continues evolving in film, the blueprint for “the greatest comedy movie” does too.

FAQs

What was the first comedy movie?

While comedy traces back to early silent films, many film historians cite Charlie Chaplin's 1914 film Making a Living as the first true comedy movie. Chaplin went on to direct comedy masterpieces like The Gold Rush, City Lights, and Modern Times.

Who is the funniest movie character?

According to AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs list, the funniest movie character is Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) from 1939's Gone With the Wind. Other hilarious characters on the list include Doc Emmett Brown (Back to the Future), Dr. Strangelove (Dr. Strangelove), and Jake and Elwood Blues (The Blues Brothers).

What recent comedy received Oscar attention?

The 2019 Korean film Parasite made Oscar history by becoming the first foreign language film to win Best Picture. While a dark family drama, Parasite contains strong comedic elements and represents a watershed for funny films gaining mainstream awards recognition.

What comedy actor has received the most Oscar nominations?

To date, Jack Lemmon has received the most Oscar acting nominations amongst comedic performers with 8 total nominations. He won Best Actor for his role in 1973's Save the Tiger and received an honorary Academy Award in 1988 for his comedic contributions in film.