Like wine, the older classic comedy movies of all-time get, the more they appeal to audiences, regardless of their age bracket. What really makes a comedy movie classic is its ability to leave viewers in stitches, no matter how many times they watch it. This feat is not easily achieved in the movie industry and any project that makes the list of the best among the lot deserves to be recognized.
Notably, without the display of talented actors with great antics, attaining classic status would be difficult. Funnymen like , , Charlie Chaplin, and actress , among several others, will always be remembered for the legacy they have built in the industry’s comic department. Interestingly, most of these actors have passed on but their works keep racking up reviews to date.
The Best Classic Comedy Movies We Recommend
The following movies have been around for decades without losing their grip on different categories of audiences. In no particular order, we present the best classic comedy movies you can watch for ages.
1. His Girl Friday (1940)
and Rosalind Russell starred in this American screwball comedy film as far back as 1940 but it still brings happy moments anytime it’s watched. Directed by Howard Hawks who urged the actors to bring their A-game, His Girl Friday is packed with surprises, comedy, as well as rapid dialogue. It made it to #19 on American Film Institute’s 100 Years … 100 Laughs.
2. The Producers (1967)
Written and directed by the iconic , The Producers which happens to be his first project as a director is an American satirical comedy film. Shortly after its release, it went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and several years later, it took the 11th spot on the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs list.
3. Ghostbusters (1984)
The American fantasy comedy film stars good old , , and Ramis in the main roles and turned into a cultural phenomenon. It spawned two sequels, a reboot, and some animated and video game versions. Its blend of comedy, action, and horror will have you in stitches any time.
4. Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
The Monty Python comedy group made up of , , Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, wrote and performed this British comedy and it’s a keeper.
5. Airplane! (1980)
Starring Robert Hays and , this American satirical disaster film is actually a parody of the disaster genre. Several years after its release, the film is still making waves and garnering recognitions like being ranked sixth on Bravo’s 100 Funniest Movies, as well as second greatest comedy film of all time, among many more.
6. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
clinched several awards for depicting the titular character in this American comedy film. Other stars on the cast list are , , Lee Evans, and Chris Elliott.
7. Home Alone (1990)
This is a good one for family time. became a global sensation as the child star in this American comedy film which has spawned four sequels and many awards.
8. Groundhog Day (1993)
Bill Murray is the main star in this American comedy which, despite attaining minimal initial success, has entered the list of best comedy movies.
9. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
This British-American heist comedy film was the last project on Charles Crichton’s filmography and it received positive reviews with awards pouring in from all angles.
10. Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983)
The British musical sketch comedy film was the last to star all six Python members before the death of Graham.
11. Coming to America (1988)
A must-have at home, this American romantic comedy was not only created by Eddie Murphy but he also played the lead character. The film is one of the most popular Hollywood productions and gladly, a sequel is in the works.
12. The Mask (1994)
A blend of superhero and comedy, The Mask was a massive hit upon its release, turning into a global sensation, as well as launching Cameron Diaz’s film career, among other feats.
13. Step Brothers (2008)
directed this American comedy film and we couldn’t agree more that it’s one of the best in the genre.
14. Blazing Saddles (1974)
Another one with Mel Brooks’ Midas touch (as director), this American satirical comedy-western film is a national treasure. It made the No. 6 spot on the list – American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Laughs.
15. Caddyshack (1980)
Like most classic comedy movies, Caddyshack attained cult-following in addition to the rave reviews. Espn name the American sports comedy film “the funniest sports movie ever made”
16. National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
Otherwise known as Animal House, this American comedy piece did not only make it to the National Film Registry for preservation like most classic comedy movies on this list, it was also first on Bravo’s “100 Funniest Movies” and No. 36 on AFI’s “100 Years… 100 Laughs” list of the 100 best American comedies.
17. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
This comedy film is more proof that Jim Carey was born for comedy. The film has a massive cult following which grows stronger as the years go by.
18. The Hangover (2009)
The American comedy film was so good it became a trilogy, although not as much as previous installments. It shattered box office records at the time and the euphoria hasn’t faded to date.
19. Meet the Parents (2000)
and Ben Stiller team up in this comedy piece which won several awards and saw to the release of two more film projects under it, as a TV show and sitcom.
20. Police Academy (1984)
As the name implies, it follows the activities of cops. Police Academy is filled with side-splitting moments and when it continued to churn out more films in the franchise, we were overjoyed. It is a must-watch on this list of classic comedy films.
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