by JoeInSouthernCA

Counting down the best comedy movies of all time is an exceedingly difficult task, and one that is impossible to get universal agreement on. No matter how many criteria you put in place for picking the funniest films personal taste by those who read the list will ultimately trump your hard work and research. For this reason I decided to make this list of the top comedy movie 20 spots deep. That way I figured at the very least I would be able to cover most, if not all, of the best films that absolutely deserved a spot. Rank is another matter, and one that is certain to be hotly debated. Some film buffs would put A Fished Called Wanda ahead of The Holy Grail, while diehard John Cleese or Monty Python fans would be absolutely aghast at the notion. I’ve also tried to fairly represent all sub-genres of comedy films, so you’ll find some funny romantic comedies, gross out humor films, teen movies, British comedy movies and more. With all that in mind, here are my picks. Disagree? Leave a comment to tell me what you’d change on the list:

20 – Harold and Maude – Another classic marks our entry into the top 20 funniest movies of all time. Harold and Maude stars Bud Cort (Harold) and Ruth Gordon (Maude) as one of the unlikeliest pairs in cinematic history. Almost 60 years separate the pair. Harold is only 20 years old, obsessed with death and entertains himself by faking suicides and attending funerals. It is at one of these funerals where he meets Maude, shockingly vivacious despite being just shy of her 80th birthday. Ultimately, fed up with his mother’s attempts to manipulate his life and find him a mate, Harold pulls his ultimate stunt, attempting to make his mother take notice by proposing to Maude. Harold and Maude is quirky and constantly funny despite the often morbid subject matter. However, in sharp contrast to many of the movies on the list there is a moral message contained within, and there are lessons about life and love to be learned here as well.

19 – Raising Arizona – The Coen Brothers make another appearance on the list of the best comedy films ever made with Raising Arizona a delightfully twisted movie about a criminal and a barren policewoman who decide to kidnap a child when they discover they are unable to have one of their own. Not wanting to cause too much upset they decide to take one of a set of recently born quintuplets. However, much to their chagrin the fifth baby is actually strongly missed by its family and the millionaire patriarch Nathan Arizona hires the Lone Biker of the Apocalypse to track down and return his missing child. Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas, The Rock, Con Air) and Holly Hunter (The Piano, The Incredibles, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) star as Ed and Hi, the unlikely matched convict and policewoman who perpetrate the crime. Like any of the Coen Brothers movies there are plenty of twists and turns, and lots of gems to be found as you watch the film time and again. Like The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink or Fargo, Raising Arizona might not appeal to all tastes, but those who get it will likely count it among their favorite comedy films of all time.

18 – Animal House – Though Old School is a great college fraternity comedy movie it can’t come close to competing with the ultimate film from that particular sub-genre. I am speaking of course about Animal House, the 1978 comedy starring John Belushi about the Delta House Fraternity and Dean Wormer’s (John Vernon) attempts to have said fraternity disbanded and its members expelled. Wormer enlists the aid of another frat house to take on the disreputable band at Delta, but his strategy doesn’t exactly work out as planned. There are so many great scenes in this movie from toga parties to John Belushi’s Bluto helping himself to a bite of just about everything in the cafeteria food line. Tim Matheson (Fletch, Up the Creek, Drop Dead Fred) is great in a lead role as Otter. Ironically, in the movie Van Wilder Matheson plays the goofy college prankster Van Wilder’s very straight laced father in an obvious tongue in cheek homage to Animal House. Mark Metcalf turns in one of the iconic performances in comedy film history with his portrayal as the militaristic Doug Neidermeyer. Metcalf would go on to reprise the role in Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It music video. If, perish forbid, you have not seen this movie, or even if you haven’t seen it in a long time then you definitely need to refresh your memory. One of the greatest college campus comedies ever made.

17 – Shrek – This movie from Dreamworks would easily challenge for the top spot on the list of the best animated movies of all time, and few who’ve seen it could challenge its appearance in the top 20 of this funniest movies list either. When Shrek hit movie theaters in 2001 Pixar (Toy Story, Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille were the undisputed leaders in CGI animation. However, a cantankerous yet loveable green ogre, and his irritating, yet equally loveable sidekick donkey threw down the gauntlet with this smash hit. Mike Myers of Wayne’s World and Austin Powers fame is perfectly cast as the voice of Shrek, an ogre who grudgingly agrees to go on a quest to rescue a princess so he can have his beloved swamp to himself again. Equally well cast is Eddie Murphy (The Golden Child, Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor) as Donkey, who accompanies Shrek on his mission to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and ultimately throw a wrench in the machinations of the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Puns, one liners, and slapstick abound in this incredible animated film, and the animation itself is absolutely top notch, challenging Pixar films of the same vintage for supremacy. Shrek was a monstrous success at the box office, raking in more than 7 million domestically. With so much money on the line, sequels were a no-brainer, and Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third raked in even more money than the original. With added star power from Justin Timberlake, John Cleese, Antonio Banderas, Larry King, Rupert Everett, Eric Idle and Ian McShane the Shrek franchise boasts enough acting talent to compete with the biggest live action movies. Look for the gang to reprise their roles in 2010 in the upcoming Shrek Goes Fourth.

16 – Brazil – If you made a list of the top 10 weirdest movies of all time, there is no doubt that Terry Gilliam’s Brazil would challenge such strange cinema as The Naked Lunch, Delicatessen, A Clockwork Orange and Donnie Darko for the title. However, just because it is beyond strange doesn’t mean that it isn’t funny. With Terry Gilliam involved it has to be hilarious, doesn’t it? The movie stars Jonathan Pryce (Glengarry Glen Ross, Haunted Honeymoon) as Sam Lowry, a bureaucrat in a futuristic world who tries to clear up a clerical error that has resulted in the wrongful arrest of an innocent man and ends up himself getting wrongfully accused of terrorist acts. Robert De Niro plays the part of Harry Tuttle, who is the real criminal, and Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) , Michael Palin (A Fish Called Wanda, Monty Python’s: The Holy Grail), Katherine Helmond (TV’s Soap and Who’s the Boss?), and Ian Holm (Bilbo from Lord of the Rings) also star. If you don’t mind convoluted plots, and don’t get frustrated when you can’t understand every last nuance of a movie then definitely give Brazil a watch. There are plenty of great laughs to be had amongst all the head scratching.

15 – Some Like It Hot – Talk about a movie packed with star power, how about Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon? Yes, Some Like It Hot certainly doesn’t lack when it comes to seeing some of Hollywood’s biggest names in one place. However, this movie doesn’t just rest on the reputation of its stars. It is a genuinely hilarious film and worthy of its high spot on this list of funny movies. Just the plot description is enough to elicit a laugh. Lemmon and Curtis witness the St. Valentine’s Day massacre and the only way they can think of to avoid the mob is to take a job performing in an all girl’s band. Two guys in an all girl’s band would be enough difficulty for most, but Lemmon’s Daphne and Curtis’s Josephine complicate matters further. One falls in love with band mate Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe) while the other becomes the object of affection for another man. Both must try and manage their untenable situations without revealing their gender and thus jeopardizing their lives. As you can clearly see there is more than enough fuel for a laugh out loud comedy, and Some Like It Hot is certainly one of the funniest films not only of its day, but of all time.

14 – Tootsie – In The Graduate Dustin Hoffman found out just how much trouble women can get you in, in Tootsie he finds out just how much trouble you can get in as a woman. Yes, Hoffman joins legions of other men (Robin Williams – Mrs. Doubtfire, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon – Some Like It Hot to name a few) who’ve dressed up in drag to get a laugh from movie audiences. Hoffman’s motivation might not be as desperate as Curtis’s and Lemmon’s – he doesn’t witness a mob hit, he just wants to land a role on a soap opera – but he finds himself dealing with many of the same difficulties, including falling in love with one of his female cast mates on the show in which he stars. Dustin Hoffman, who has given so many great performances in films like The Graduate, Rain Man , Midnight Cowboy and Kramer vs. Kramer again shows his incredible versatility, and two time Oscar winner the beautiful Jessica Lange is equally good in a supporting role. Though it is showing its age now Tootsie is still one of the best movies of the 80s in any genre, and is well worth a rent.

13 – Planes, Trains and Automobiles – If this was a list of my favorite comedy films, rather than an objective list of the best comedy movies then Planes, Trains, and Automobiles would be significantly higher than even #13 on the list, and was easily the top comedy movie of 1987. John Candy and Steve Martin form one of the best comedy teams of all time as overbearingly friendly shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith and uptight family man Neal Page, who only wants to be left alone as he tries in vain to make it back home for Thanksgiving. The affable but annoying Griffith almost immediately begins to grate on Page, and it is only a matter of time before the two are at each other’s throats. Like many of these great comedy films there are plenty of quotes to keep audiences roaring, including everyone’s favorite, “Those aren’t pillows!” Planes, Trains and Automobiles even manages to sneak in a moral message on friendship and compassion for your fellow man without interrupting the laughs at all. It is a fantastic family film from start to finish and if you are trying to build a collection of comedy DVD movies this one absolutely must be on the list.

12 – Fast Times At Ridgemont High – This 1982 comedy classic would merit a high spot both on a list of the best high school movies of all time, and a list of the top 10 stoner movies, and though some might find the subject matter somewhat dark and depressing there is plenty of humor to counterbalance that. Sean Penn, who is best known for dramatic roles in films like Mystic River, I Am Sam, Milk and Dead Man Walking is almost unrecognizable as stoner and slacker Jeff Spicoli, and his ongoing battle with strict teacher Mr. Hand provide many of the film’s best laughs. Judge Reinhold (Beverly Hills Cop, Ruthless People, Gremlins) and Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hitcher, Miami Blues, Single White Female) also star in this movie about high school students growing up and experimenting in Southern California. Fast Times At Ridgemont High has no shortage of memorable scenes, from Spicoli ordering pizza in the middle of Mr. Hand’s class to Brad Hamilton (Reinhold) getting busted pleasuring himself in the bathroom. Though the subject matter may be a bit risqué for high school students, for those of us who can still remember those days it is a funny trip down memory lane.

11 – Superbad – The funniest movie of 2007 just narrowly misses cracking the top 10 best comedy movies. Michael Cera of Arrested Development and Juno fame and Jonah Hill (Knocked Up, Evan Almighty, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) star as high school seniors and best friends who get into a plethora of amusing adventures in their attempt to procure alcohol and get to a party where a pair of hot girls are waiting for them. Cera brings the same awkward nice guy demeanor that worked so well for him as George Michael on Arrested Development and Paulie Bleeker in Juno. Jonah Hill, on the other hand, is brash and crude, yet somehow still charismatic despite his many flaws. The pair are joined by newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Role Models) in the role of the nerdy Fogell, who they grudgingly spend time with due to the fact he has the fake ID that will help them get the alcohol they need. Unfortunately that same fake ID bears the name McLovin, the 25 year old Hawaiian organ donor. However, they don’t spend much time with Fogell, who is quickly picked up by the cops following a robbery at the liquor store where he is attempting to buy booze. The cops, officers Michaels and Slater played by Seth Rogen and Bill Hader respectively, take Fogell under their wing, get him drunk, teach him how to shoot a gun, help him blow up a police car, and ultimately make him a high school legend. As you can tell there is plenty going on in this teen comedy, and this brief description only scratches the surface. The dialog is the best part of the film, particularly the banter between Hill and Cera, but there is plenty of physical comedy to enjoy as well. If you somehow missed this in 2007 definitely pick it up. Superbad is easily one of the best comedy films to come out in years.

10 – The Party – It is only fitting that an acting legend would mark the entrance to the top 10 funniest movies of all time. Peter Sellers, best known for his work as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther and its sequels, once again plays a bumbling character, unaware of the chaos that is going on in his wake. This time Sellers plays Hrundi V. Bakshi, a clumsy film extra who is supposed to be fired after causing an incident (to put it mildly) during shooting. Instead of getting his walking papers, however, Bakshi is the recipient of an invitation to an exclusive party. Perplexed but excited Bakshi attends, and continues to sow the same seeds of chaos that caused such turmoil on the set. The Party is a treat for those who like sight gags, and humor based around misunderstanding and confusion. Sellers is so good in the role you will literally find yourself cringing at his antics, and when you hear him say “Birdie num-nums over the house intercom you’ll be laughing so hard you’ll have tears running down your face. I’ve never met anyone who saw this movie and didn’t like it, and I’m betting your reaction will be the same.

9 – This Is Spinal Tap – If you like parodies and mockumentaries then chances are good you’ve already seen This Is Spinal Tap, but if you’ve somehow missed it then make sure you rectify that in short order. The film stars Rob Reiner (All in the Family, Mixed Nuts, Sleepless in Seattle) as a documentary filmmaker who travels with and chronicles the life of times of British heavy metal supergroup Spinal Tap, the world’s loudest band. The film is done so well that an unsuspecting audience might confuse it for a genuine rockumentary. However, for those in the know this spoof of the music scene, and the hilarious behind the scenes footage and the fake concerts will keep both hardcore music fans and comedy aficionados alike entertained throughout.

8 – There’s Something About Mary – Though well known for hits like Kingpin and Dumb & Dumber there can be little question that the Farrelly brothers’ signature hit is the 1998 comedy smash hit There’s Something About Mary. Cameron Diaz (Charlie’s Angels, The Mask, Shrek) stars as Mary, the object of everyone’s affection, and it is for love of her that Ben Stiller (Ted), Matt Dillon (Healy), Lee Evans (Tucker), Chris Elliott (Dom), and even Brett Favre all sacrifice their pride and their sanity in order to win her hand. Not just a love triangle, There’s Something About Mary is a love hexagon, and the Farrelly brothers and the actors involved do a masterful job of juggling all the sub-plots, and of making sure each character in the film is relevant. Like all Farrelly brothers movies there are definitely some moments where the movie crosses the boundary of both political correctness and common decency, and there are moments with strong sexual content, however it is much tamer than a film like Borat in this regard, and less likely to offend. If you are a fan of the Farrelly brothers’ work, and are searching for a smart comedy with a bit of dumb humor then this film is more than worth the rental fee.

7 – Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – Wow, that is a mouthful of a title, but a classic comedy film of this caliber deserves such a lofty description. From the warped mind of director Stanley Kubrick (Spartacus, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, The Shining) comes this war movie comedy about a U.S. general who goes completely nuts and sends bombers to take out the U.S.S.R., acting under the belief that the Soviets are conspiring to pollute the precious bodily fluids of the American populace. The Soviets, when informed of the impending attack, warn that any such attack will trigger a “Doomsday Machine” that will destroy all animal and plant life (an ultimately every man, woman and child) on the globe. Obviously, the subject matter is far darker than your usual light, airy comedy, particularly considering that this movie came out in 1964, at the height of the Cold War, but that is par for the course with a director like Kubrick. Peter Sellers works overtime in this one, playing three parts as Colonel Lionel Mandrake – the only man who might be able to talk the insane general Jack Ripper out of his mad plan, U.S. President Merkin Muffley – who must break the news of the impending attack to the Soviets and soothe their understandable outrage, and Dr. Strangelove – the former Nazi and scientific genius with a bionic hand. Sellers manages to juggle all three roles with his usual aplomb, giving the audience plenty of laughs along the way. Though the movie is almost half a century old and the conflict that inspired it is long since over this film doesn’t suffer in the least, and audiences watching today will laugh just as hard at the antics in the war room as folks did back in 1964.

6 – Annie Hall – This 1977 classic absolutely cleaned house at the Oscars in 1978, capturing awards for Diane Keaton (The Godfather, Manhattan, The Family Stone) as best actress in a leading role, and Woody Allen (The Purple Rose of Cairo, Mighty Aphrodite, Vicky Christina Barcelona) for best director, and nabbed the big prizes for best screenplay and best picture that year. Like most Woody Allen screenplays there is plenty of wit and lots of depth to this picture about a New York comedian and his relationship with his girlfriend. The screenplay is described as semi-autobiographical, roughly paralleling Woody Allen’s and Diane Keaton’s time as a couple in 1970, and is considered by many to be Allen’s breakthrough film. Perhaps Annie Hall’s biggest claim to fame, however, is the fact that it defeated George Lucas’s massively popular space opera Star Wars for best picture that year. If you are a fan of Woody Allen’s work then you have no doubt seen this film by now, but if you are among those who’ve only seen his recent films and have been less than impressed then give this classic romantic comedy a try for a true sampling of Allen’s genius.

5 – The Producers – Surprise, surpise, Mel Brooks is back as we enter the top 5 funniest movies of all time. The Producers (the 1968 original, not the 2005 remake with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick) stars Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder as producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who come up with a scheme to pocket a bundle by delivering a guaranteed box office flop. Their musical of choice is the hilariously titled Springtime for Hitler The film landed director Mel Brooks the only Oscar of his career for best original screenplay, and Gene Wilder also landed a nomination for best actor in a supporting role. Much like Woody Allen Mel Brooks did his best work early in his career, and if you’ve only caught stinkers like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Dracula: Dead and Loving It then you owe it to yourself to check out The Producers and see for yourself why Mel Brooks commands so much respect as a comedic director.

4 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail – If this was a list of the best British comedy movies then this would be the undisputed number one choice. Some may prefer Life of Brian or even The Meaning of Life, however I think the vast majority of Monty Python fans would agree that The Holy Grail trumps those other two films by a wide margin. Python legends Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin are all involved in perhaps the least accurate, but certainly the most entertaining, film made about the legend of King Arthur and his knights. There are so many great scenes in this film it is hard to know where to start from Arthur’s battle with the never-say-die Black Knight, to Lancelot’s assault on the castle, the Knights who say Nii, the siege of the castle of the rude Frenchman, and the story of Brave Sir Robin the movie just leaps from one hilarious scene to another, and there is barely time to catch your breath between waves of laughter. No matter what your taste in movies I challenge anyone to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail and not enjoy it. Classic, funny British comedy at its absolute best.

3- The Big Lebowski – Though I said I be keeping this list as objective as possible, I cannot avoid sneaking in this choice, because, if truth be told, it is my favorite movie of all time. That being said, I think there are plenty of legitimate objective reasons to give this hugely popular Coen brothers cult comedy a high spot on the list of the top 20 funniest movies ever made, and those that disagree have probably only seen the film once and just don’t get it. The dialog absolutely sparkles throughout and though there is plenty of foul language the wordplay between Jeff Bridges (The Dude – Jeff Lebowski), John Goodman (Walter Sobchak), and Steve Buscemi (Donny) is absolutely hilarious throughout the movie. However, the interaction between characters is hardly limited to these three. Julianne Moore’s Maude Lebowski, Philip Seymour Hoffmann’s Brandt, Tara Reid’s Bunny, and David Huddleston’s Big Lebowski all provide great support and the convoluted web that ties all these characters together might have people scratching their heads, but once they finally figure it out they will be applauding the Coen brothers for their genius in making this fantastic film. As good as the main characters and the rest of the supporting cast are in the film none is as memorable as John Turturro (Miller’s Crossing, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Mr. Deeds) as the Dude’s creepy bowling nemesis Jesus Quintana. Fans of the film have literally dozens of great quotes to choose from, and though it has been 11 years since its release the rabid fan base for this movie has only grown larger. The best evidence of this is the annual Lebowski Fest that takes place in Kentucky every year. Attended by legions of fans Lebowski Fest brings like minded individuals together for a night of bowling and drinking White Russians. The event has even grown so large that it has broken off to separate regions and Lebowski Fest West has graced such major cities as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle. If you haven’t seen The Big Lebowski or you’ve only seen it once, and walked away confused, then definitely give it another rent. Better yet, buy it! Once you’ve figured out what’s going on and you’ve become privy to all the ins and outs and what have yous you’ll find that this movie about a slacker who only wanted to get his rug back truly belongs among the best comedy films of all time.

2 – Blazing Saddles – Speaking of quotable films, there are few that can match Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. This spoof could easily make a top 10 list of the best western movies of all time, and though a lot of the humor is pretty low brow even those with sophisticated taste in comedies can’t help snickering. Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder again team up to deliver the laughs, and Cleavon Little is hilarious as Bart, the wild west’s first black sheriff, and Slim Pickens, a former cowboy and rodeo clown who later became a prolific actor, stars as Taggart. Warning, a big part of the humor of the film is based on racial stereotypes, and much of the dialog may shock those who’ve become acclimatized to this age of politically correct humor. However, if you can see past the racial epithets to the spirit of the film I promise you, if you possess a funnybone, you will enjoy Blazing Saddles immensely.

1 – Airplane! – There really was only one choice for the funniest movie of all time, and I doubt anyone is surprised to see 1980’s spoof comedy Airplane! head up the list of funny movies. After an airplane crew gets struck down by food poisoning the fate of the passengers is in the hands of Ted Striker (Robert Hays – Starman), a former Navy pilot who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is afraid to fly. Hays has plenty of company in the humor department from the likes of Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Leslie Nielsen and even basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The one liners don’t stop flying in this parody of airline disaster films, and the film’s classic movie lines like “Don’t call me Shirley” are still widely quoted today. Airplane! was so popular it spawned a sequel, the obviously named Airplane II: The Sequel where Striker once again has to save the day when a computer virus sets a passenger space shuttle on a course for the sun. Hollywood should have left well enough alone on this one, for the movie fell far short of the original classic.

Counting down the best comedy movies of all time is an exceedingly difficult task, and one that is impossible to get universal agreement on. No matter how many criteria you put in place for picking the funniest films personal taste by those who read the list will ultimately trump your hard work and research. For this reason I decided to make this list of the top comedy movie 20 spots deep. That way I figured at the very least I would be able to cover most, if not all, of the best films that absolutely deserved a spot. Rank is another matter, and one that is certain to be hotly debated. Some film buffs would put A Fished Called Wanda ahead of The Holy Grail, while diehard John Cleese or Monty Python fans would be absolutely aghast at the notion. I’ve also tried to fairly represent all sub-genres of comedy films, so you’ll find some funny romantic comedies, gross out humor films, teen movies, British comedy movies and more. With all that in mind, here are my picks. Disagree? Leave a comment to tell me what you’d change on the list:

20 – Harold and Maude – Another classic marks our entry into the top 20 funniest movies of all time. Harold and Maude stars Bud Cort (Harold) and Ruth Gordon (Maude) as one of the unlikeliest pairs in cinematic history. Almost 60 years separate the pair. Harold is only 20 years old, obsessed with death and entertains himself by faking suicides and attending funerals. It is at one of these funerals where he meets Maude, shockingly vivacious despite being just shy of her 80th birthday. Ultimately, fed up with his mother’s attempts to manipulate his life and find him a mate, Harold pulls his ultimate stunt, attempting to make his mother take notice by proposing to Maude. Harold and Maude is quirky and constantly funny despite the often morbid subject matter. However, in sharp contrast to many of the movies on the list there is a moral message contained within, and there are lessons about life and love to be learned here as well.

19 – Raising Arizona – The Coen Brothers make another appearance on the list of the best comedy films ever made with Raising Arizona a delightfully twisted movie about a criminal and a barren policewoman who decide to kidnap a child when they discover they are unable to have one of their own. Not wanting to cause too much upset they decide to take one of a set of recently born quintuplets. However, much to their chagrin the fifth baby is actually strongly missed by its family and the millionaire patriarch Nathan Arizona hires the Lone Biker of the Apocalypse to track down and return his missing child. Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas, The Rock, Con Air) and Holly Hunter (The Piano, The Incredibles, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) star as Ed and Hi, the unlikely matched convict and policewoman who perpetrate the crime. Like any of the Coen Brothers movies there are plenty of twists and turns, and lots of gems to be found as you watch the film time and again. Like The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink or Fargo, Raising Arizona might not appeal to all tastes, but those who get it will likely count it among their favorite comedy films of all time.

18 – Animal House – Though Old School is a great college fraternity comedy movie it can’t come close to competing with the ultimate film from that particular sub-genre. I am speaking of course about Animal House, the 1978 comedy starring John Belushi about the Delta House Fraternity and Dean Wormer’s (John Vernon) attempts to have said fraternity disbanded and its members expelled. Wormer enlists the aid of another frat house to take on the disreputable band at Delta, but his strategy doesn’t exactly work out as planned. There are so many great scenes in this movie from toga parties to John Belushi’s Bluto helping himself to a bite of just about everything in the cafeteria food line. Tim Matheson (Fletch, Up the Creek, Drop Dead Fred) is great in a lead role as Otter. Ironically, in the movie Van Wilder Matheson plays the goofy college prankster Van Wilder’s very straight laced father in an obvious tongue in cheek homage to Animal House. Mark Metcalf turns in one of the iconic performances in comedy film history with his portrayal as the militaristic Doug Neidermeyer. Metcalf would go on to reprise the role in Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It music video. If, perish forbid, you have not seen this movie, or even if you haven’t seen it in a long time then you definitely need to refresh your memory. One of the greatest college campus comedies ever made.

17 – Shrek – This movie from Dreamworks would easily challenge for the top spot on the list of the best animated movies of all time, and few who’ve seen it could challenge its appearance in the top 20 of this funniest movies list either. When Shrek hit movie theaters in 2001 Pixar (Toy Story, Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille were the undisputed leaders in CGI animation. However, a cantankerous yet loveable green ogre, and his irritating, yet equally loveable sidekick donkey threw down the gauntlet with this smash hit. Mike Myers of Wayne’s World and Austin Powers fame is perfectly cast as the voice of Shrek, an ogre who grudgingly agrees to go on a quest to rescue a princess so he can have his beloved swamp to himself again. Equally well cast is Eddie Murphy (The Golden Child, Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor) as Donkey, who accompanies Shrek on his mission to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and ultimately throw a wrench in the machinations of the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Puns, one liners, and slapstick abound in this incredible animated film, and the animation itself is absolutely top notch, challenging Pixar films of the same vintage for supremacy. Shrek was a monstrous success at the box office, raking in more than 7 million domestically. With so much money on the line, sequels were a no-brainer, and Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third raked in even more money than the original. With added star power from Justin Timberlake, John Cleese, Antonio Banderas, Larry King, Rupert Everett, Eric Idle and Ian McShane the Shrek franchise boasts enough acting talent to compete with the biggest live action movies. Look for the gang to reprise their roles in 2010 in the upcoming Shrek Goes Fourth.

16 – Brazil – If you made a list of the top 10 weirdest movies of all time, there is no doubt that Terry Gilliam’s Brazil would challenge such strange cinema as The Naked Lunch, Delicatessen, A Clockwork Orange and Donnie Darko for the title. However, just because it is beyond strange doesn’t mean that it isn’t funny. With Terry Gilliam involved it has to be hilarious, doesn’t it? The movie stars Jonathan Pryce (Glengarry Glen Ross, Haunted Honeymoon) as Sam Lowry, a bureaucrat in a futuristic world who tries to clear up a clerical error that has resulted in the wrongful arrest of an innocent man and ends up himself getting wrongfully accused of terrorist acts. Robert De Niro plays the part of Harry Tuttle, who is the real criminal, and Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) , Michael Palin (A Fish Called Wanda, Monty Python’s: The Holy Grail), Katherine Helmond (TV’s Soap and Who’s the Boss?), and Ian Holm (Bilbo from Lord of the Rings) also star. If you don’t mind convoluted plots, and don’t get frustrated when you can’t understand every last nuance of a movie then definitely give Brazil a watch. There are plenty of great laughs to be had amongst all the head scratching.

15 – Some Like It Hot – Talk about a movie packed with star power, how about Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon? Yes, Some Like It Hot certainly doesn’t lack when it comes to seeing some of Hollywood’s biggest names in one place. However, this movie doesn’t just rest on the reputation of its stars. It is a genuinely hilarious film and worthy of its high spot on this list of funny movies. Just the plot description is enough to elicit a laugh. Lemmon and Curtis witness the St. Valentine’s Day massacre and the only way they can think of to avoid the mob is to take a job performing in an all girl’s band. Two guys in an all girl’s band would be enough difficulty for most, but Lemmon’s Daphne and Curtis’s Josephine complicate matters further. One falls in love with band mate Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe) while the other becomes the object of affection for another man. Both must try and manage their untenable situations without revealing their gender and thus jeopardizing their lives. As you can clearly see there is more than enough fuel for a laugh out loud comedy, and Some Like It Hot is certainly one of the funniest films not only of its day, but of all time.

14 – Tootsie – In The Graduate Dustin Hoffman found out just how much trouble women can get you in, in Tootsie he finds out just how much trouble you can get in as a woman. Yes, Hoffman joins legions of other men (Robin Williams – Mrs. Doubtfire, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon – Some Like It Hot to name a few) who’ve dressed up in drag to get a laugh from movie audiences. Hoffman’s motivation might not be as desperate as Curtis’s and Lemmon’s – he doesn’t witness a mob hit, he just wants to land a role on a soap opera – but he finds himself dealing with many of the same difficulties, including falling in love with one of his female cast mates on the show in which he stars. Dustin Hoffman, who has given so many great performances in films like The Graduate, Rain Man , Midnight Cowboy and Kramer vs. Kramer again shows his incredible versatility, and two time Oscar winner the beautiful Jessica Lange is equally good in a supporting role. Though it is showing its age now Tootsie is still one of the best movies of the 80s in any genre, and is well worth a rent.

13 – Planes, Trains and Automobiles – If this was a list of my favorite comedy films, rather than an objective list of the best comedy movies then Planes, Trains, and Automobiles would be significantly higher than even #13 on the list, and was easily the top comedy movie of 1987. John Candy and Steve Martin form one of the best comedy teams of all time as overbearingly friendly shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith and uptight family man Neal Page, who only wants to be left alone as he tries in vain to make it back home for Thanksgiving. The affable but annoying Griffith almost immediately begins to grate on Page, and it is only a matter of time before the two are at each other’s throats. Like many of these great comedy films there are plenty of quotes to keep audiences roaring, including everyone’s favorite, “Those aren’t pillows!” Planes, Trains and Automobiles even manages to sneak in a moral message on friendship and compassion for your fellow man without interrupting the laughs at all. It is a fantastic family film from start to finish and if you are trying to build a collection of comedy DVD movies this one absolutely must be on the list.

12 – Fast Times At Ridgemont High – This 1982 comedy classic would merit a high spot both on a list of the best high school movies of all time, and a list of the top 10 stoner movies, and though some might find the subject matter somewhat dark and depressing there is plenty of humor to counterbalance that. Sean Penn, who is best known for dramatic roles in films like Mystic River, I Am Sam, Milk and Dead Man Walking is almost unrecognizable as stoner and slacker Jeff Spicoli, and his ongoing battle with strict teacher Mr. Hand provide many of the film’s best laughs. Judge Reinhold (Beverly Hills Cop, Ruthless People, Gremlins) and Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hitcher, Miami Blues, Single White Female) also star in this movie about high school students growing up and experimenting in Southern California. Fast Times At Ridgemont High has no shortage of memorable scenes, from Spicoli ordering pizza in the middle of Mr. Hand’s class to Brad Hamilton (Reinhold) getting busted pleasuring himself in the bathroom. Though the subject matter may be a bit risqué for high school students, for those of us who can still remember those days it is a funny trip down memory lane.

11 – Superbad – The funniest movie of 2007 just narrowly misses cracking the top 10 best comedy movies. Michael Cera of Arrested Development and Juno fame and Jonah Hill (Knocked Up, Evan Almighty, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) star as high school seniors and best friends who get into a plethora of amusing adventures in their attempt to procure alcohol and get to a party where a pair of hot girls are waiting for them. Cera brings the same awkward nice guy demeanor that worked so well for him as George Michael on Arrested Development and Paulie Bleeker in Juno. Jonah Hill, on the other hand, is brash and crude, yet somehow still charismatic despite his many flaws. The pair are joined by newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Role Models) in the role of the nerdy Fogell, who they grudgingly spend time with due to the fact he has the fake ID that will help them get the alcohol they need. Unfortunately that same fake ID bears the name McLovin, the 25 year old Hawaiian organ donor. However, they don’t spend much time with Fogell, who is quickly picked up by the cops following a robbery at the liquor store where he is attempting to buy booze. The cops, officers Michaels and Slater played by Seth Rogen and Bill Hader respectively, take Fogell under their wing, get him drunk, teach him how to shoot a gun, help him blow up a police car, and ultimately make him a high school legend. As you can tell there is plenty going on in this teen comedy, and this brief description only scratches the surface. The dialog is the best part of the film, particularly the banter between Hill and Cera, but there is plenty of physical comedy to enjoy as well. If you somehow missed this in 2007 definitely pick it up. Superbad is easily one of the best comedy films to come out in years.

10 – The Party – It is only fitting that an acting legend would mark the entrance to the top 10 funniest movies of all time. Peter Sellers, best known for his work as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther and its sequels, once again plays a bumbling character, unaware of the chaos that is going on in his wake. This time Sellers plays Hrundi V. Bakshi, a clumsy film extra who is supposed to be fired after causing an incident (to put it mildly) during shooting. Instead of getting his walking papers, however, Bakshi is the recipient of an invitation to an exclusive party. Perplexed but excited Bakshi attends, and continues to sow the same seeds of chaos that caused such turmoil on the set. The Party is a treat for those who like sight gags, and humor based around misunderstanding and confusion. Sellers is so good in the role you will literally find yourself cringing at his antics, and when you hear him say “Birdie num-nums over the house intercom you’ll be laughing so hard you’ll have tears running down your face. I’ve never met anyone who saw this movie and didn’t like it, and I’m betting your reaction will be the same.

9 – This Is Spinal Tap – If you like parodies and mockumentaries then chances are good you’ve already seen This Is Spinal Tap, but if you’ve somehow missed it then make sure you rectify that in short order. The film stars Rob Reiner (All in the Family, Mixed Nuts, Sleepless in Seattle) as a documentary filmmaker who travels with and chronicles the life of times of British heavy metal supergroup Spinal Tap, the world’s loudest band. The film is done so well that an unsuspecting audience might confuse it for a genuine rockumentary. However, for those in the know this spoof of the music scene, and the hilarious behind the scenes footage and the fake concerts will keep both hardcore music fans and comedy aficionados alike entertained throughout.

8 – There’s Something About Mary – Though well known for hits like Kingpin and Dumb & Dumber there can be little question that the Farrelly brothers’ signature hit is the 1998 comedy smash hit There’s Something About Mary. Cameron Diaz (Charlie’s Angels, The Mask, Shrek) stars as Mary, the object of everyone’s affection, and it is for love of her that Ben Stiller (Ted), Matt Dillon (Healy), Lee Evans (Tucker), Chris Elliott (Dom), and even Brett Favre all sacrifice their pride and their sanity in order to win her hand. Not just a love triangle, There’s Something About Mary is a love hexagon, and the Farrelly brothers and the actors involved do a masterful job of juggling all the sub-plots, and of making sure each character in the film is relevant. Like all Farrelly brothers movies there are definitely some moments where the movie crosses the boundary of both political correctness and common decency, and there are moments with strong sexual content, however it is much tamer than a film like Borat in this regard, and less likely to offend. If you are a fan of the Farrelly brothers’ work, and are searching for a smart comedy with a bit of dumb humor then this film is more than worth the rental fee.

7 – Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – Wow, that is a mouthful of a title, but a classic comedy film of this caliber deserves such a lofty description. From the warped mind of director Stanley Kubrick (Spartacus, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, The Shining) comes this war movie comedy about a U.S. general who goes completely nuts and sends bombers to take out the U.S.S.R., acting under the belief that the Soviets are conspiring to pollute the precious bodily fluids of the American populace. The Soviets, when informed of the impending attack, warn that any such attack will trigger a “Doomsday Machine” that will destroy all animal and plant life (an ultimately every man, woman and child) on the globe. Obviously, the subject matter is far darker than your usual light, airy comedy, particularly considering that this movie came out in 1964, at the height of the Cold War, but that is par for the course with a director like Kubrick. Peter Sellers works overtime in this one, playing three parts as Colonel Lionel Mandrake – the only man who might be able to talk the insane general Jack Ripper out of his mad plan, U.S. President Merkin Muffley – who must break the news of the impending attack to the Soviets and soothe their understandable outrage, and Dr. Strangelove – the former Nazi and scientific genius with a bionic hand. Sellers manages to juggle all three roles with his usual aplomb, giving the audience plenty of laughs along the way. Though the movie is almost half a century old and the conflict that inspired it is long since over this film doesn’t suffer in the least, and audiences watching today will laugh just as hard at the antics in the war room as folks did back in 1964.

6 – Annie Hall – This 1977 classic absolutely cleaned house at the Oscars in 1978, capturing awards for Diane Keaton (The Godfather, Manhattan, The Family Stone) as best actress in a leading role, and Woody Allen (The Purple Rose of Cairo, Mighty Aphrodite, Vicky Christina Barcelona) for best director, and nabbed the big prizes for best screenplay and best picture that year. Like most Woody Allen screenplays there is plenty of wit and lots of depth to this picture about a New York comedian and his relationship with his girlfriend. The screenplay is described as semi-autobiographical, roughly paralleling Woody Allen’s and Diane Keaton’s time as a couple in 1970, and is considered by many to be Allen’s breakthrough film. Perhaps Annie Hall’s biggest claim to fame, however, is the fact that it defeated George Lucas’s massively popular space opera Star Wars for best picture that year. If you are a fan of Woody Allen’s work then you have no doubt seen this film by now, but if you are among those who’ve only seen his recent films and have been less than impressed then give this classic romantic comedy a try for a true sampling of Allen’s genius.

5 – The Producers – Surprise, surpise, Mel Brooks is back as we enter the top 5 funniest movies of all time. The Producers (the 1968 original, not the 2005 remake with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick) stars Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder as producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who come up with a scheme to pocket a bundle by delivering a guaranteed box office flop. Their musical of choice is the hilariously titled Springtime for Hitler The film landed director Mel Brooks the only Oscar of his career for best original screenplay, and Gene Wilder also landed a nomination for best actor in a supporting role. Much like Woody Allen Mel Brooks did his best work early in his career, and if you’ve only caught stinkers like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Dracula: Dead and Loving It then you owe it to yourself to check out The Producers and see for yourself why Mel Brooks commands so much respect as a comedic director.

4 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail – If this was a list of the best British comedy movies then this would be the undisputed number one choice. Some may prefer Life of Brian or even The Meaning of Life, however I think the vast majority of Monty Python fans would agree that The Holy Grail trumps those other two films by a wide margin. Python legends Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin are all involved in perhaps the least accurate, but certainly the most entertaining, film made about the legend of King Arthur and his knights. There are so many great scenes in this film it is hard to know where to start from Arthur’s battle with the never-say-die Black Knight, to Lancelot’s assault on the castle, the Knights who say Nii, the siege of the castle of the rude Frenchman, and the story of Brave Sir Robin the movie just leaps from one hilarious scene to another, and there is barely time to catch your breath between waves of laughter. No matter what your taste in movies I challenge anyone to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail and not enjoy it. Classic, funny British comedy at its absolute best.

3- The Big Lebowski – Though I said I be keeping this list as objective as possible, I cannot avoid sneaking in this choice, because, if truth be told, it is my favorite movie of all time. That being said, I think there are plenty of legitimate objective reasons to give this hugely popular Coen brothers cult comedy a high spot on the list of the top 20 funniest movies ever made, and those that disagree have probably only seen the film once and just don’t get it. The dialog absolutely sparkles throughout and though there is plenty of foul language the wordplay between Jeff Bridges (The Dude – Jeff Lebowski), John Goodman (Walter Sobchak), and Steve Buscemi (Donny) is absolutely hilarious throughout the movie. However, the interaction between characters is hardly limited to these three. Julianne Moore’s Maude Lebowski, Philip Seymour Hoffmann’s Brandt, Tara Reid’s Bunny, and David Huddleston’s Big Lebowski all provide great support and the convoluted web that ties all these characters together might have people scratching their heads, but once they finally figure it out they will be applauding the Coen brothers for their genius in making this fantastic film. As good as the main characters and the rest of the supporting cast are in the film none is as memorable as John Turturro (Miller’s Crossing, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Mr. Deeds) as the Dude’s creepy bowling nemesis Jesus Quintana. Fans of the film have literally dozens of great quotes to choose from, and though it has been 11 years since its release the rabid fan base for this movie has only grown larger. The best evidence of this is the annual Lebowski Fest that takes place in Kentucky every year. Attended by legions of fans Lebowski Fest brings like minded individuals together for a night of bowling and drinking White Russians. The event has even grown so large that it has broken off to separate regions and Lebowski Fest West has graced such major cities as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle. If you haven’t seen The Big Lebowski or you’ve only seen it once, and walked away confused, then definitely give it another rent. Better yet, buy it! Once you’ve figured out what’s going on and you’ve become privy to all the ins and outs and what have yous you’ll find that this movie about a slacker who only wanted to get his rug back truly belongs among the best comedy films of all time.

2 – Blazing Saddles – Speaking of quotable films, there are few that can match Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. This spoof could easily make a top 10 list of the best western movies of all time, and though a lot of the humor is pretty low brow even those with sophisticated taste in comedies can’t help snickering. Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder again team up to deliver the laughs, and Cleavon Little is hilarious as Bart, the wild west’s first black sheriff, and Slim Pickens, a former cowboy and rodeo clown who later became a prolific actor, stars as Taggart. Warning, a big part of the humor of the film is based on racial stereotypes, and much of the dialog may shock those who’ve become acclimatized to this age of politically correct humor. However, if you can see past the racial epithets to the spirit of the film I promise you, if you possess a funnybone, you will enjoy Blazing Saddles immensely.

1 – Airplane! – There really was only one choice for the funniest movie of all time, and I doubt anyone is surprised to see 1980’s spoof comedy Airplane! head up the list of funny movies. After an airplane crew gets struck down by food poisoning the fate of the passengers is in the hands of Ted Striker (Robert Hays – Starman), a former Navy pilot who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is afraid to fly. Hays has plenty of company in the humor department from the likes of Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Leslie Nielsen and even basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The one liners don’t stop flying in this parody of airline disaster films, and the film’s classic movie lines like “Don’t call me Shirley” are still widely quoted today. Airplane! was so popular it spawned a sequel, the obviously named Airplane II: The Sequel where Striker once again has to save the day when a computer virus sets a passenger space shuttle on a course for the sun. Hollywood should have left well enough alone on this one, for the movie fell far short of the original classic.

Disney and Christmas are a match made in heaven. Disney movies are always able to bring cheer to a holiday especially during Christmas and inspire good feelings. Below is a list of 20 absolutely must watch Disney Christmas movies.

A Christmas Carol (2009). This is Disney’s latest offering for the Christmas season. A much-often filmed story by Charles Dickens about a miser who hates Christmas and is haunted on Christmas night by three ghosts. Starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge, this animated movie should be entertaining for the whole family to watch.
Santa Buddies (2009). This DVD movie has the buddies travel to the North Pole to save Christmas. Starring George Wednt and Christopher Lloyd.

Santa Clause 3 : The Escape Clause (2006). In this third instalment of the Santa Clause series, Santa has to stop Jack Frost from ruining Christmas. Starring Tim Allen as Santa.
In Search Of Santa (2004). This animated DVD movie with Hillary Duff playing Princess Crystal who wants to prove that the bell that she found came from one of Santa’s reindeer.
Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas (2004). This is the sequel to Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas. There are 5 mini films in this sequel which are Belles on Ice, Christmas:Impossible, Christmas Maximus, Donald’s Gift and Mickey’s Dog-Gone Christmas.
Santa Clause 2 : The Mrs Clause (2002). In this sequel to Santa Clause, Santa has to find himself a Mrs Claus.
Winnie The Pooh : A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002). In this DVD movie, the gang at Hundred Acre Wood is trying to keep Rabbit from leaving by each trying to change something that they think will make Rabbit stay.
‘Twas The Night (2001). A 14-year old boy and his uncle decide to take a joy ride on Santa’s new high-tech sleigh which almost ruin Christmas.
Mickey’s Magical Christmas : Snowed In At The House Of Mouse (2001). Mickey and his friends are all snowed in his house so they decide to celebrate Christmas in the house of mouse.
Recess Christmas : Miracle On Third Street (2001). The Recess gang was blamed when Principal Prickly’s car got stuck in snow but the teachers reminisces the good times they had with T.J. and the rest of the gang.
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1999). This DVD movie showcases three stories about Mickey and his gang of friends.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas (1998). This movie which starred Jessica Biel is about a college student’s difficulty in trying to get home for Christmas.
Beauty And The Beast : The Enchanted Christmas Special Edition (1997). An animated movie about how Belle prepares the castle for Christmas against the wishes of Beast.
Santa Clause (1994). The first instalment of a series of Santa Clause’s movies, this movie is about how a man accidentally killed Santa and unknowingly become the person to replace the dead Santa.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). This Tim Burton’s animated movie is suitable for both Christmas and Halloween. The king of Halloweentown who accidentally discovers Christmas Town, doesn’t quite understand the concept of Christmas when he tries to adapt it to his own town.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). This movie is the muppet’s version of the much-told Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol.
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988). In this movie, Ernest helps Santa find a successor.
The Christmas Star (1986). When an escaped convict hides in a town, two young children think that he is the real Santa Claus.
One Magic Christmas (1985). A movie about how an angel shows a mother the true meaning of Christmas.
Where The Toys Come From (1984).Two toys become curious about their origin are shown how they become toys.

You might also like to see 5 Classic Family Christmas Movies To Enjoy With Your Whole Family

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