The 50 Best Funniest Movies of All Time – Movies to Laugh At

Watch the 55 funniest movies of all time. What are the funniest movies? Humor is very subjective, and many great comedies are loved and hated equally. A handful of films that will make you laugh, however, is something everyone should be able to glean from our top list.

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974)


We start our selection with a true classic! “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” found its way to the big screen in 1975. The British comedy troupe was just in its prime during production. One of these is the film that takes the famous King Arthur saga and puts it in a wonderful light.

The plot, however, is only a thin cloak that serves as a scaffolding for stringing together all the countless jokes and gags we were to quote often later. If you have missed this masterpiece so far, you should definitely put it on your watchlist! The film is not only funny but simply cult!

2. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)


Yeah, Baby, Yeah! Have you had enough of beery James Bond movies? Fortunately, Mike Myers felt the same way and stepped into the “Austin Powers” role in 1997. Then he took us on the journey of the slightly dorky but always brave secret agent Austin, who has to fight the chief villain Dr. Evil (also played by Mike Myers), who wants to stop it.

Of course, there are numerous allusions to the 007 universes, but even viewers who don’t know what to make of the British special agent will enjoy the comedy’s offbeat humor. Although the film flopped in theaters, it became an insider tip over time and was subsequently given two sequels.

3. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)


If you like U.S. comedian Will Ferrell, you’ll love “Anchorman” (2004). The work is set in the 70s of the last century and deals humorously with the issues that were current at the time. We see the intensified competition in the media landscape, the emancipation of men and women, and the sexism problem through the eyes of arrogant and misogynistic news anchor Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell).

The latter is revered as a legend in his hometown of San Diego but subsequently falls out of favor with the masses and has to fight his way back into favor with the audience. After the film was shot, so much footage was left that they could cobble together a complete second film, “Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie”!

4. Superbad (2007)


“Super Bad” from 2007 is not just any “coming of age” comedy. The film deals with many personal experiences of the creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, which they collected during their time in high school. No wonder the main characters, Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), were named after the two screenwriters.

The trio is completed by the clumsy but extremely lovable McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). The story deals with the two title characters’ last year of high school, who have to come to terms with the fact that their deep friendship will soon end.

The road of this last journey together is paved with a lot of heart, humor, and a lot of penis jokes, but also a good pinch of depth. So it can be that one moment is hilarious, and the next brings a large portion of melancholy when you think of your old school friend, whom you could call again.

5. Shaun of the Dead (2004)


Shaun of the Dead” from 2004 proves that a zombie apocalypse can also be funny. While the work parodies the zombie classic “Dawn of the Dead” (1978) hilariously, it also respects the flick it deserves at all times.

Also recommend:   The 27 Best Road Movies of all Time

Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a listless electrical goods salesman whose girlfriend has just dumped. He longs for some action in his bland everyday life, and he shall get it: The apocalypse breaks out, and countless hordes of undead rage bloodthirstily through London. Now it’s up to Shaun, his lazy roommate Ed (Nick Frost), and ex-girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) to get out of this one alive.

Instead of getting into a gloomy doomsday mood, in “Shaun of the Dead,” zombie’s heads are sometimes humorously mashed to atmospheric Queen songs. If the shuffling monsters hadn’t already passed away anyway, they’d be laughing their heads off at this film at the latest.

6. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)


Andy (Steve Carell) is now 40 years old and still hasn’t had sex. When his coworkers find out about this, they decide to free the loner from his secluded world and find him a suitable wife. Of course, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, and we laugh when the following dates turn into disasters, for example, when a dedicated prostitute turns out to be a transvestite. Andy longs for the true, great love much more than for the fast number. After all, you’ll have to find out whether this dream will come true for our virgin main character!

7. Borat (2006)


“Borat” from 2006 went to the limits of good taste for many – and thus hits our humor exactly. Disguised as a Kazakh T.V. reporter, Sacha Baron Cohen tours the U.S., ostensibly to shoot a documentary for his home country. What follows are more than just embarrassing situations in which Borat brings his unsuspecting fellow men in.

Their overwhelmed reactions to Borat’s open anti-Semitism, his more than outdated image of women, and his open confession of incest provide the loudest laughs. But they also provide for plenty of foreign shame, for example, when Borat and his chubby assistant wrestle with each other naked and take on unambiguous poses. Filming for the mockumentary was done by just eight people, some of whom were even mistaken for terrorists by residents due to their strange appearance.

8. Hot Fuzz (2007)


After Simon Pegg and Nick Frost had already entertained us in “Shaun of the Dead” (see number 5), they gave each other the comedy keys again in “Hot Fuzz” from 2007. This time, however, the setting is completely different: Simon Pegg outshines all his comrades as a highly talented elite policeman.

But since his colleagues understandably resent this, he is shipped from vibrant London to a small, remote cow village. His new, dorky colleague Danny (Nick Frost) is more of a burden than a real help to him here. At first, there is not much to do in the quiet village, but one day the unequal duo gets on the trail of a strange case that turns everything upside down.

First and foremost, the witty dialogues and the fabulous leading actors make this British comedy a great pleasure to watch.

9. The Hangover (2009)


In 2009’s “Hangover,” four friends, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis), want to go all out before Doug’s (Justin Bartha) wedding. To celebrate the bachelor party, they go to Las Vegas on an odyssey that was not planned this way. The morning after the party, the friends wake up in their demolished hotel room, completely hungover and with no memory of the night before.

To make matters worse, groom Doug, who was supposed to be getting married in just a few hours, has disappeared. Now it’s up to the remaining trio to reconstruct last night bit by bit and save their friend.

Although the two sequels are no less funny, we decided to watch the original. Not least because the, until then rather unknown, main actors mutated through this film virtually overnight to superstars.

10. There’s Something About Mary (1998)


In 1998 we saw Ben Stiller in the role of Ted, who just can’t forget his childhood sweetheart Mary (Cameron Diaz). That’s why he hires a private detective to track down his former crush. The latter, however, is very fond of the blonde beauty himself and tells Ted scary tall tales about the lady. As fate would have it, Ted nevertheless sets off for Miami to win back the love of his life.

“Crazy for Mary” combines romance and comedy in an extremely successful way. The film likes to take things to the extreme and doesn’t shy away from minorities and cynicism in its jokes. But he’s funny all the same, even if you don’t know whether to laugh or be disgusted in the famous “hair gel” scene.

11. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)


Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) has a problem: he’s madly in love with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) but can only get together with her if he defeats all seven of her ex-boyfriends. So Scott sets out on a journey to gradually clear the way to his beloved.

Also recommend:   The 50 Best Superhero Movies of all Time

What makes the 2010 production so unique from its peers is the visual representation of the protagonist’s emotional world. Some scenes could be straight out of a cartoon or a video game, for example, when a yellow bar empties to match Scott’s bladder while he’s on the toilet. In addition, there are numerous allusions and other side-swipes at famous classics, which always bring a smile to the faces of the audience.

12. 21 Jump Street (2012)


Have you ever had the longing to go back to your old school? This opportunity was granted to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in the 2012 comedy “21 Jump Street”.

As undercover investigators, they are sent back to high school to get to the bottom of the trail of a mysterious new drug. In addition to their investigations, they are confronted with the typical problems of their teenage years, which they had left behind long ago. On the one hand, this offers the opportunity to put his foot in his mouth again, but on the other hand, it also offers the chance to master situations that went wrong in the past better this time around.

In addition to the goofy situation comedy, the flick also comes with a fair amount of heart, which makes the viewer leave the movie with a warm, comforting feeling.

13. The Big Lebowski (1998)


“The Big Lebowski,” from 1998, makes use of an age-old, classic comedy move: the mix-up. While hippie Jeffrey Lebowski, who only gives himself the name “Dude,” really just wants to have his peace and quiet, he is surprised one day by two abstruse bill collectors. They think he’s the real “Big Lebowski,” a wealthy businessman whose wife still owes the two crooks a large chunk of money. So Dude sets out on a quest to find the actually wanted man to whom he owes so much trouble.

The comedy stands out for its wacky characters, who shine with their ironic humor and numerous dialogues worth quoting.

14. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)


Robert Downey Jr. can do more than just “Iron Man” and “Sherlock Holmes.” With his role of “Harry Lockhart” in “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (2005), he also knows how to convince on the comedic track fully.

Originally, Harry was a crook on the run from the law, hiding out in a casting group. Here he unexpectedly gets the role of a detective, for the preparation of which he is supposed to accompany the real investigator “Perry” (Val Kilmer) on patrol. The unexpected career change comes with a lot of black humor, which has numerous side blows to the sinful world of Hollywood at the ready. On top of that, there’s a hefty dose of action thrown in for good measure so that the laughing muscles are allowed to recover in between with monumental, dynamic scenery.

15. School of Rock (2003)


Tenacious D” frontman Jack Black’s love of music is also reflected in “School of Rock” (2003). His character Dewy Finn is himself a member of a rock’n’roll band but is suspended from the group shortly before its most important music competition. In search of a new job, the musician finally hires under a false identity as a substitute teacher in a private school. Consequently, the classroom now becomes the big stage for Dewy, who wants to lead his students to victory in the “Battle of the Bands.”

By the way, the cast kids are musicians in real life, too, and play their instruments themselves in all the scenes. The plot is carried by numerous tart rock sounds, including “Led Zepplin,” “The Who,” and Jack Black himself. The role is tailor-made for the musician and brings his embarrassment paired with amiability to full effect. The bottom line is that it is a rebellious comedy that is hilarious at times.

16. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2011)


“Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” (2010) parodies the bloodthirsty splatter films of yesteryear. Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine slip into the roles of the eponymous rednecks. The two are up to no good but are mistaken for two psycho killers when all they really wanted to do was save two college girls from drowning. Hunted by an angry horde, the two don’t quite know what to make of it. So they can’t be held responsible for the ensuing bloodbath.

This comedy also benefits from the classic misunderstanding, which shows us how macabre, abstruse and funny can be those situations that arise due to a lack of communication.

17. Space Balls (1987)


Since Disney bought the rights to the “Star Wars” franchise, the series is currently experiencing its second springtime. Although the saga began in 1977, hardly any film dared to satirize it. A truly successful exception here is “Space Balls” from 1987. Here we learn that it’s actually about the “juice” and not the “power” villain. “Lord Helmet” is a stubborn one in the literal sense, and “scouring the desert” is sometimes taken literally. We tip our hats to the science fiction parody that Mel Brooks has given us for eternity.

Also recommend:   Rap Movies: The 10 Best Hip-Hop Films of all Time

18. The Nice Guys (2016)


“The Nice Guys” (2016) transports us to the roaring ’70s, with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as investigators trying to find a missing person but uncovering a conspiracy of much greater proportions in the process. The mismatched duo, consisting of a ripped-off roughneck and a dissolute private detective, provides a lot of friction and hilarious situations due to their opposites. The classic detective story again meets fast-paced action, timeless slapstick, and excellent written dialogues. So the best entertainment is guaranteed!

19. The LEGO Movie (2014)


Let’s be honest: Who didn’t like playing with the famous building blocks as a child? If you haven’t stepped on one of the nasty, pointy bricks with your bare foot, the miniature blocks have always enriched our lives. So it’s all the more gratifying to be able to watch the famous characters on the T.V. screen as well.

“The LEGO Movie” was released as an animated film in our cinemas in 2014. We join the mild-mannered construction worker Emmet as he tries to put a stop to the villain Lord Business. At the same time, we dive back into our childhood and enjoy the easy-going gags and the feeling of complete light-heartedness.

20. Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)


Even though “Grand Budapest Hotel” may have moved a bit under the radar in this country, it still deserves a spot on our list. Set in the fictional Polish Republic of Zubrowska at the time of World War II, much of the action takes place in the titular “Grand Budapest Hotel,” which we see primarily through the eyes of a hotel concierge and his lobby boy. We get to meet countless exciting characters and move through the story at an insane pace, which doesn’t detract from the comprehension or the action. The strip is not only funny but also contains a lot of wisdom and a pinch of tragedy that goes straight to the heart.

Before you put on your critic’s goggles and go on an angry rant, yes, there are plenty of other good comedies out there. In principle, everyone decides for themselves what they find funny and what they don’t. But even if tastes are different, there is surely more than one film in the selection that will meet your taste. If you have decided on one, we hope you enjoy watching it.

21. The Dictator (2012)


Also, in “The Dictator,” we see Sacha Baron Cohen. Once again, the British comedian takes on an explosive topic and slips into the skin of an absolutist tyrant who does everything in his power to protect his small country from the “dangerous” democracy. Before the main character knows what’s happening to her, she finds herself alone in New York as a result of kidnapping and, from then on, faces the turmoil of the western metropolis.

The play of contrasts makes “The Dictator” a coherent number. The incomprehensible, dictatorial ideology of the protagonist stands in stark contrast to our modern world and, therefore, repeatedly leads to embarrassing, crude situations.

22. Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008)


If you’ve already seen the first part of “Harold&,” you’ll love it, Kumar” you already know what funny explosiveness is inherent in the ever-smoking, clumsy duo. In the second part of the series, a misunderstanding leads our title characters to the notorious prison Guantanamo Bay. After the protagonists can escape from jail, they are not only on the run from the FBI but also on the search for their true love.

Even if “Escape from Guantanamo” doesn’t always reach the class of its predecessor, the film, which is riddled with political incorrectness, is a safe bet for all friends of cultivated comedy entertainment.

23. Horrible Bosses (2011)


Do you know the feeling when your supervisor drives you up the wall? The protagonists, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day), and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), can also tell you a thing or two about it. The three title characters suffer so much from the everyday tyranny of their bosses that they decide to kill them. To this end, the trio hires a hitman, but his arts are much more unusual than the workers would have ever expected.

“Kill the Boss” is deliberately borderline and aims to provoke its viewers. The film’s humor oscillates between “politically incorrect” and “grotesque” and constantly pokes fun at itself and its characters.

24. The Simpsons Movie (2007)


Homer, you’re a klutz! Due to his unbridled hunger, the yellow family man plunges his hometown of Springfield into chaos so that U.S. President Arnold Schwarzenegger sees no other way out than to shield the community from the outside world under a giant cheese cover. The residents’ anger is understandably focused entirely on the Simpsons family, who, to their own surprise, manages to escape from the glass prison and henceforth seek a way to free the rest of the town’s inhabitants.

“The Simpsons” is simply a cult! Matt Groening’s long-running series was given a worthy feature film in 2007, which survived the leap from the small screen to the big screen unscathed.

25. The Nutty Professor (1996)


The grossly overweight, lovable Sherman Klump wants nothing more than to shed his excess pounds finally. While developing a suitable diet drug, the researcher discovers a way to transform himself into a slim, attractive man. Although Sherman finally lands with his crush Carla, the relationship based on superficialities is by no means the fulfillment of his dreams.

The comedy, in which Eddie Murphy plays four different roles at once, is light humor fare in between and exudes a beautiful lightness.

26. Airplane (1980)

27. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

28. Ghostbusters (1984)

29. Ted (2012)

30. Girls Trip (2017)

31. Billy Madison (1995)

32. Mean Girls (2004)

33. Stepbrothers (2008)

34. Groundhog Day (1993)

35. The Big Sick (2017)

36. Dumb & Dumber (1994)

37. American Pie (1999)

38. Vacation (2015)

39. Back To The Future (1985)

40. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

41. Home Alone (1990)

42. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

43. Men in Black (1997)

44. Police Academy (1984)

45. Zombieland (2009)

46. This is the End (2013)

47. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

48. Spy (2015)

49. Zoolander (2001)

50. Elf (2003)

Leave a Comment