Laughter is often considered the best medicine, and comedy movies offer the perfect remedy for stressful days and tough times. Whether it’s the absurd situations, witty dialogue, physical humor, or a combination of all three, the best comedy movies never fail to lift your spirits and keep you entertained from start to finish. From timeless classics to modern-day favorites, comedy films provide a much-needed escape while also offering a glimpse into the lighter side of life. In this list of 20 of the best comedy movies, you’ll find a wide array of humor, whether you prefer slapstick antics, romantic comedies, buddy films, or satirical masterpieces. These films are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and keep you coming back for more.
1. Superbad (2007)
Superbad is the quintessential coming-of-age teen comedy that follows two high school friends, Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), as they embark on a quest to obtain alcohol for a party, hoping to impress their crushes before graduation. With its witty dialogue, hilarious misadventures, and over-the-top characters (including a memorable performance by Christopher Mintz-Plasse as “McLovin”), Superbad captures the awkwardness of adolescence and the bond between lifelong friends, while delivering nonstop laughs.
2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Will Ferrell stars as Ron Burgundy, a pompous, chauvinistic news anchor in 1970s San Diego, in this absurdly hilarious film. The movie, filled with quirky characters like Brick Tamland (Steve Carell) and Champ Kind (David Koechner), satirizes the world of broadcast journalism with outrageous humor, nonsensical dialogue, and memorable one-liners. Directed by Adam McKay, Anchorman has become a cult classic thanks to its eccentric sense of humor and quotable moments.
3. Groundhog Day (1993)
In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray delivers one of his most iconic performances as Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The film blends comedy with an existential narrative, as Phil’s frustration turns into personal growth and redemption. Groundhog Day is both hilarious and heartwarming, making it a beloved comedy that transcends time.
4. The Hangover (2009)
The Hangover follows a group of friends who wake up in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night’s wild bachelor party and must piece together the events that led to their chaotic situation. Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms, the film delivers outrageous humor, absurd situations, and a series of escalating mishaps that keep the audience laughing. From a missing tooth to a tiger in the bathroom, The Hangover is a rollercoaster of absurdity that became an instant comedy classic.
5. Airplane! (1980)
Airplane! is the ultimate spoof comedy, lampooning the disaster film genre with its rapid-fire gags, sight gags, and puns. Directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, the film stars Robert Hays as Ted Striker, an ex-pilot who must overcome his fear of flying to save a plane full of passengers. With its deadpan delivery and absurd humor, Airplane! is widely regarded as one of the funniest films ever made, full of unforgettable lines like “Don’t call me Shirley.”
6. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel is a visually stunning, whimsical comedy that takes place in the fictional European country of Zubrowka. The story follows the adventures of Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), a charming concierge, and Zero, his loyal lobby boy, as they become embroiled in a series of madcap escapades involving art theft, murder, and a prison break. The film’s quirky characters, meticulous production design, and Anderson’s signature humor make it a delightful and offbeat comedy experience.
7. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows the fictional Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev as he embarks on a journey across the United States. The film’s use of hidden-camera interviews and outrageous stunts exposes the absurdity of certain aspects of American culture while pushing the boundaries of comedy. Borat is a daring, cringe-inducing, and laugh-out-loud funny film that became a pop culture phenomenon, showcasing Cohen’s unparalleled ability to create uncomfortable yet hilarious situations.
8. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Dumb and Dumber stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dim-witted friends, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, who embark on a cross-country road trip to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner. Along the way, they unwittingly become entangled in a kidnapping plot. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, the film is a perfect example of slapstick humor, with Carrey and Daniels delivering over-the-top performances that have made the film a timeless comedy favorite.
9. Bridesmaids (2011)
Bridesmaids redefined the female-led comedy, proving that women can be just as raunchy and hilarious as their male counterparts. Kristen Wiig stars as Annie, a down-on-her-luck woman whose life spirals out of control as she serves as maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). With a stellar ensemble cast including Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, and Ellie Kemper, Bridesmaids is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, from awkward bridal shower games to an unforgettable airplane scene.
10. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
A cult classic from the British comedy troupe Monty Python, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a hilarious retelling of the legend of King Arthur and his knights on their quest for the Holy Grail. The film is full of absurdity, clever wordplay, and surreal humor, from the infamous “killer rabbit” to the “Black Knight” who refuses to admit defeat. The film’s low-budget charm and irreverent take on medieval history make it a timeless comedy that remains endlessly quotable.
11. Office Space (1999)
Mike Judge’s Office Space is a sharp satire of corporate culture that resonates with anyone who’s ever worked in a monotonous, soul-sucking office job. The film follows Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), an unmotivated office worker who, after a hypnotherapy session, decides to stop caring about his job and live life on his own terms. The film’s deadpan humor, memorable characters (including Gary Cole’s hilariously annoying boss Bill Lumbergh), and critique of the 9-to-5 grind make it a cult classic among fans of workplace comedies.
12. Tropic Thunder (2008)
Directed by Ben Stiller, Tropic Thunder is a satirical comedy about a group of self-absorbed actors who find themselves in the middle of a real-life jungle conflict while filming a war movie. The film features an all-star cast, including Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Tom Cruise (in a memorable comedic turn as a foul-mouthed studio executive). Tropic Thunder hilariously skewers Hollywood and the film industry, with its over-the-top characters and outrageous situations providing plenty of laughs.
13. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a feel-good comedy about a high school student, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), who fakes an illness to skip school and embark on a fun-filled day in Chicago with his friends. The film is a celebration of youthful rebellion and the joy of living in the moment. Broderick’s charismatic performance and the film’s iconic scenes—such as the parade float sequence—make Ferris Bueller’s Day Off a beloved comedy that captures the spirit of carefree adventure.
14. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead is a genre-bending horror-comedy directed by Edgar Wright, blending zombie apocalypse thrills with British humor. Simon Pegg stars as Shaun, a slacker who must step up and save his friends and family when London is overrun by zombies. The film’s clever mix of gore, laughs, and heartfelt moments makes it one of the best examples of how comedy and horror can blend seamlessly. With its witty script and memorable characters, Shaun of the Dead has earned its place as a cult favorite.
15. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Steve Carell stars as Andy, a socially awkward man who, at 40, has never had sex. His friends, played by Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Romany Malco, make it their mission to help him lose his virginity. The 40-Year-Old Virgin, directed by Judd Apatow, balances raunchy humor with a surprisingly sweet and sincere story about love and relationships. Carell’s endearing performance and the film’s outrageous yet relatable scenarios make it one of the best modern comedies.
16. Zoolander (2001)
Ben Stiller’s Zoolander is a satirical comedy that takes aim at the fashion industry, starring Stiller as Derek Zoolander, a clueless male model caught up in a bizarre assassination plot. The film is filled with absurd humor, memorable quotes, and over-the-top performances, especially from Owen Wilson as Zoolander’s rival-turned-friend, Hansel, and Will Ferrell as the villainous fashion mogul Mugatu. Zoolander has become a cult classic thanks to its hilariously dumb characters, deadpan humor, and its iconic “Blue Steel” pose, making it a go-to comedy for anyone looking for laughs.
17. Mean Girls (2004)
Written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls is a sharp, witty comedy that delves into the high school social hierarchy and the dangers of cliques. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a previously homeschooled teenager who finds herself thrust into the world of “The Plastics,” a group of popular yet ruthless girls led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams). With its biting humor, unforgettable quotes, and spot-on depiction of teenage life, Mean Girls has become a beloved teen comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages. It’s a perfect blend of social commentary and pure entertainment, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments.
18. Step Brothers (2008)
Step Brothers pairs Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two middle-aged men who are forced to live together when their parents marry. What follows is a series of increasingly ridiculous and hilarious situations as the two man-children struggle to get along. Directed by Adam McKay, the film is a masterclass in absurd humor and physical comedy, with Ferrell and Reilly’s over-the-top performances making for some of the most memorable comedic moments in recent memory. From their epic “bunk bed” scene to the Catalina Wine Mixer, Step Brothers is a riot from start to finish.
19. Hot Fuzz (2007)
Directed by Edgar Wright, Hot Fuzz is the second film in his Cornetto Trilogy, following Shaun of the Dead. This buddy-cop comedy stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two police officers in a seemingly peaceful English village that harbors dark secrets. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, an overly serious and skilled police officer, while Frost plays his lovable but clumsy partner, Danny. The film blends action, comedy, and mystery with sharp writing and impeccable comedic timing. Hot Fuzz is both a hilarious parody of the action movie genre and a thrilling mystery in its own right, making it a must-watch for comedy fans.
20. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Directed by the Coen brothers, The Big Lebowski has become a cult classic, thanks in large part to Jeff Bridges’ unforgettable performance as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, an aging slacker who is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name. This case of mistaken identity sends The Dude on a bizarre journey filled with quirky characters, including John Goodman as his unhinged friend Walter and Steve Buscemi as their mild-mannered bowling buddy Donny. The film’s offbeat humor, quirky dialogue, and eccentric cast of characters have made The Big Lebowski one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Its laid-back philosophy and absurd situations make it a perfect movie to watch over and over again.
These 20 comedies span a wide variety of styles, from the absurd and slapstick to sharp satire and clever wordplay, but they all have one thing in common—they’ll keep you laughing from start to finish. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like Airplane!, a raunchy romp like Bridesmaids, or something with a little more heart like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, this list has something for every comedy lover. Comedy movies are an essential escape from reality, offering a chance to relax and enjoy life’s absurdities with a good laugh. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a marathon of belly laughs!