I wanted to make sure to include something for everyone on the list, so I invited my brother, Andrés, to help me in the deliberation process, and as a guest writer for half of the entries on the list. We grew up in the same house, so our comedic tastes crossover somewhat, but we certainly had our disagreements that helped make the list more inclusive to all types of Comedies. You'll find many of the greatest comedic actors, including: Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Jack Lemmon, Peter Sellers, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, and Gene Wilder. If you're a fan of the Behind-the-Scenes comedic geniuses, you'll recognize many of the iconic filmmakers on the list, including: Harold Ramis, Mel Brooks, John Hughes, Nora Ephron, The Farrelly Brothers, The Monty Python Crew, The Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker Team, Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Todd Phillips, Adam McKay, and Judd Apatow. Let's get the laughs going, shall we? Starting with ...
50) Shaun of the Dead (2004) / Hot Fuzz (2007) / The World's End (2013)
(dir. Edgar Wright) (writers: Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and a bunch of Britain's funniest actors
*The "Cornetto" Trilogy, as it's famously known for the ice cream the characters eat in each film, is not a true trilogy, but the films are pretty similar in style and "end of the world" themes. Shaun of the Dead is a "rom-zom-com", Hot Fuzz is a "buddy cop comedy", and The World's End is a "sci-fi apocalypse comedy"
Funniest Characters
-Shaun of the Dead: Shaun (Simon Pegg)
-Hot Fuzz: Danny Butterman (Nick Frost)
-The World's End: Gary King (Simon Pegg)
Funniest Scene / Moment
I'm going with every kill from Hot Fuzz, as it perfectly parodies every action movie ever made, and each one is funnier than the one before.
Funniest Quote
Danny: "Point Break or Bad Boys II?"
Nicholas Angel: "Which one do you think I'll prefer?"
Danny: "No, I mean which one do you wanna watch first?"
(Movie porti)
49) Galaxy Quest (1999)
(dir. Dean Parisot)
Starring: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell, Enrico Colantoni, Justin Long
*A spoof / homage to Star Trek and the "trekkie" culture spawned by the show. This movie also spoofs the TV actors who cling to their past glory at the annual conventions. Features a terrific comedic ensemble cast, proving that Alan Rickman can play any role, and introducing the world to Justin Long.
Funniest Character
Sam Rockwell, one of the ultimate "That Guys", actually plays one here named "Guy".
Funniest Scene / Moment
When Gwen (Sigourney Weaver) asks the aliens if they think that Gilligan's Island is also real. Their response: "Those poor people"
Funniest Quote
Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub): "Hey guys, I just wanted you to know that, the reactors won't take it; the ship is breaking apart and all that ... Just FYI."
(Movie porti)
48) The Nutty Professor (1996)
(dir. Tom Shadyac)
Starring: Eddie Murphy as "The Klumps", Eddie Murphy as "Buddy Love", Jada Pinkett-Smith, James Coburn, Larry Miller, Dave Chappelle
*Say what you want about Eddie Murphy’s career as of late, but there was a time (80s and early 90s) where he was the "go to guy" for great comedies. The Nutty Professor remake was Murphy at his peak, and thanks to a great ensemble cast, all played by Murphy (with a quick shout out to Dave Chappelle as the scene stealing “Reggie Warrington”), it was perhaps Murphy's best work.
Funniest Character: This is a tough one to choose, with all the characters Murphy portrays, but I’m gonna go with “Grandma Klump” thanks to her hilarious give and take with Cletus. (“Come on Cletus!”)
Funniest Scene/moment: Klump family dinner
Funniest Quote: “Spandex, all spandex!” – Buddy Love
(Andrés)
47) Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
(dir. Danny Leiner)
Starring: John Cho & Kal Penn
*Classic stoner comedy. Great buddy comedy. Great road trip comedy. A very simple concept, 2 friends get the "munchies" and drive to White Castle(best product placement ever), that produces hilarious results. Great cameos by Christopher Meloni as "Freakshow", and Neil Patrick Harris as a twisted version of himself that would resurrect his career.
Funniest Character
The aforementioned "Freakshow" ("How 'bout a foursome?")
Funniest Scene / Moment
Riding the Cheetah
Funniest Quote
Kumar: "I forgot my cell phone"
Harold: "You wanna run back and get it?"
Kumar: "No. We've gone too far."
(Movie porti)
46) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
(dir. Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones)
Starring: The Monty Python Crew
* If you’re going to do a list of the greatest comedies of all time there has to be mention of the group that has been called by many “the Beatles of comedy”. In Monty Python and the Holy Grail you find the best of their trademark humor in perhaps the best of their films.
Funniest Character: The French guard played by John Cleese
Funniest Scene/moment: The "Bridge of Death" scene
Funniest Quote: Peasant #1 - “who’s that?”
Peasant #2 - “must be a king”
Peasant #1 - “how do you know that?”
Peasant #2 - “he hasn’t got shit all over him”
(Andrés)
45) The Hangover (2009)
(dir. Todd Phillips)
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Mike Tyson
* The film that took the R-rated comedy to another level. “The Hangover” was a smash hit and is to this day the highest grossing R-rated comedy ever. The Todd Phillips directed film takes us on a wild ride that takes the “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” slogan a little too literal.
Funniest Character: This one is easy… “Alan” (Zach Galifianakis) steals every scene he is a part of.
Funniest Scene/moment: Waking up with the hangover, Classic! The tooth, Alan in the bathroom with the tiger, finding Carlos, etc… all perfection!!!
Funniest Quote: arrghh, so many good ones! but I’m gonna go with: “It’s not a purse, it’s a satchel… Indiana Jones wears one” – Alan
(honorable mention to: “Paging Dr. Faggot!” and the entire “One-man wolfpack” Speech)
(Andrés)
44) Wedding Crashers (2005)
(dir. David Dobkin)
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Bradley Cooper, Isla Fisher, Christopher Walken
* Here’s another one of those R-rated comedies that seemed to take the world by storm when it came out. That opening wedding crashing montage scene should go down in history as one of the greatest scenes in, not just comedy, but movie history! "Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion."
Funniest Character: This is Vince Vaughn at his finest as “Jeremy”, the quick talking, syrup loving, wedding crashing extraordinaire!
Funniest Scene/moment: Wedding crashing montage
Funniest Quote: “What’d you do, you play the motorboat… you motorboating son of a bitch, you ol’ sailor you!” - Jeremy
(Andrés)
43) Austin Powers: International Man of Mistery (1997)
(dir. Jay Roach) (writer: Mike Myers)
Starring: Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Seth Green, Will Ferrell
*A spoof of the James Bond franchise. Created a classic comedic hero and villain, in Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, both played by Myers.
Funniest character
(tie) Austin Powers and Dr. Evil
Funniest Scene / Moment
Austin defeats the "Fembots"
Funniest Quote
Dr. Evil: "One ... Million ... Dollars!"
(Movie porti)
42) Superbad (2007)
(dir. Greg Mottola) (writers: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg)
Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Seth Rogen, Emma Stone
* This movie is packed with hilarious one-liners thanks to Jonah Hill and the officer duo of Michaels and Slater (Bill Hader and Seth Rogen), two characters that are perfect for a spin-off movie in the future if you ask me. You may say it’s just another HS movie tale about kids trying to get alcohol and have sex, but “Superbad” actually did a good job capturing the reality of it all. Instant Classic!
<Movie porti> (Plus it introduced Emma Stone to the world.)
Funniest Character: It goes to the team of Officer Michaels (Bill Hader) and Slater (Seth Rogen)
Funniest Scene/moment: McLovin introducing his fake ID. “I am McLovin”
Funniest Quote:
“By the time college rolls around I’ll be like the Iron Chef of pounding vaj.” – Seth
(Honorable Mention: “you know when you hear girls say ‘ahh I was so shit-faced last night I shouldn’t have fucked that guy’ we could be that mistake!” - Seth)
(Andrés)
41) Animal House (1978)
(dir. John Landis) (writers: Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney, Chris Miller)
Starring: John Belushi, Tim Matheson, Peter Riegert, Stephen Furst, Donald Sutherland
* The original college party movie is so good it stands the test of time and it’s just as good watching it today. And to think it’s nearing 40 years since it’s original release.
Funniest Character: John “Bluto” Blutarsky (John Belushi), Belushi’s iconic role just years before his untimely death
Funniest Scene/moment: TOGA PARTY!
Funniest Quote: (Bluto after chugging an entire bottle of whiskey and then smashing it into a nearby car) “Thanks, I needed that!” - Bluto
(Andrés)
40) School of Rock (2003)
(dir. Richard Linklater) (writer: Mike White)
Starring: Jack Black, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Joan Cusack, and a group of very talented kids
*Features Jack Black in his best performance. The movie is an ode to Rock N' Roll. The kids are great, and the performance at the end goes down as a classic movie musical moment.
Funniest Character: Dewey Finn, of course.
Funniest Scene / Moment: Dewey speaks with other teachers about his philosophy of teaching by quoting "The Greatest Love of All".
Funniest Quote
Dewey: "I have been touched by your kids ... and I'm pretty sure I've touched them."
(Movie porti)
39) Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
(dir. Chris Columbus)
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
* One of Robin Williams' most iconic characters. This movie has a perfect blend of laughs and heart and Williams knocks it out of the park. What amazes me is that yet again this is another iconic comedic role that was snubbed for an Oscar nomination, but gets nominated for a Golden Globe under the ridiculous Best Actor Musical/Comedy (which Williams won) category. That category is like the negro league in baseball before Jackie Robinson came along; just gives the comedy guys somewhere to play (even when they’re better than some of the major players).
Funniest Character: hmmm… guess? The movie’s titled “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Funniest Scene/moment: William’s first meeting with Mrs. Sellner where he does all his voices.
Funniest Quote: Mrs. Doubtfire burns her clothes on the stove and says… “First day as a woman and I’m already getting hot flashes”.
(Andrés)
38) Airplane! (1980)
(dir. Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker)
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Julie Hagerty, Robert Hays, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Otto
* Great spoof comedies are not as easy to do as they seem (just look at “Meet the Spartans”), but “Airplane” was right up there with the Mel Brooks and Monty Python films as one of the best of all time.
Funniest Character: “Dr. Rumack” (Leslie Nielsen). Fun fact, Nielsen was 54 when he landed the role that launched his comedy career.
Funniest Scene/moment: Pilots (Captain Oveur and Roger Murdock) going back and forth saying the “Over, Oveur” and “Roger, Roger” lines.
Funniest Quote:
Striker: “Surely you can’t be serious”
Rumack: "I am serious ... and don't call me Shirley." (improvised by Nielsen)
(Andrés)
37) My Cousin Vinny (1992)
(dir. Jonathan Lynn)
Starring: Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio, Mitchell Whitfield, Fred Gwynne, Lane Smith
*A classic courthouse comedy. Joe Pesci is hilarious as Vincent Gambini, a fish out of water Brooklyn attorney trying to save his cousin from a murder charge in Alabama. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar(you read that right) for her role as "Mona Lisa Vito", Vinny's fiancé.
Funniest Character
My Cousin Vinny!
Funniest Scene / Moment
Miss Vito takes the stand. "I would love to hear this."
Funniest Quote
Vinny: "I did not come down here just to get jerked off." (even funnier in the context of the scene)
(Movie porti)
36) Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
(dir. Mel Brooks)
Starring: Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Rees, Amy Yasbeck, Dave Chappelle, Tracey Ullman, Patrick Stewart, Mark Blankfield, Megan Cavanagh, Isaac Hayes, Eric Allan Kramer
*This Mel Brooks directed spoof of the tale of Robin Hood, primarily the 1991 “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, is laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end. From the great ensemble cast to the hilarious “Men in tights” musical scene, this movie delivers on all levels.
Funniest Character: Tough one to choose from between “Blinkin” (Mark Blankfield) and the “Sheriff of Rottingham” (Roger Rees). But I’m gonna have to go with “Blinkin”, Robin’s family's blind servant.
Funniest Scene/moment: Robin meets Little John and has to pay the toll to cross the bridge (“This ain’t exactly the Mississippi” – Ahchoo). (Honorable mention: Kind of falls under the radar, but that Godfather spoof scene when the sheriff meets “Don Giovanni” is pure gold!)
Funniest Quote: Prince John: “and why should the people listen to you?”
Robin: “because, unlike some Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.” (poking fun at Costner’s Robin Hood)
(Andrés)
35) Zoolander (2001)
(dir. Ben Stiller)
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Christine Taylor, Jerry Stiller
*Ben Stiller's greatest comedic character. This spoof of the modeling industry is pure "dumb" comedy at its best. Ferrell almost steals the movie as "Mugatu". Great cameos, including David Bowie as himself acting as "Walk-off official".
Funniest Character
Tough choice, but I'm going with "Mugatu"("It's that damn Hansel, he's so hot right now.")
Funniest Scene / Moment
Gasoline fight to the tune of Wham's "Wake me up before you go go"
Funniest Quote
Derek: "What is this? A center for ants?!?"
(Movie porti)
34) The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
(dir. Jonathan Lynn)
Starring: Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Michael Clarke-Duncan, Natasha Henstridge, Rosanna Arquette, Kevin Pollak
*Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry (in the midst of his great run on “Friends”) team up to form a dynamite 1-2 comedy team in “The Whole Nine Yards”. Perry in particular excels as the Dentist stuck in a horrible marriage who gets tangled up in the web that is his new neighbor's, contract killer Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (Willis), life.
Funniest Character: Dr. Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky
Funniest Scene/moment: Oz (hating his life) gets in his car, turns it on, off again, and starts hitting and pounding everything!
Funniest Quote: Jimmy: “Do you like living in Canada?”
Oz: “No, I live here with my wife”
(Andrés)
33) Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
(2006) (dir. Larry Charles) (writers: Sacha Baron Cohen, among others)
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen and a bunch of unsuspecting Americans
* When Sacha Baron Cohen introduced the world to Borat Sagdiyev we were all immediately mesmerized. The man, who wrote and produced the film, tried things we had never seen before and maybe weren’t ready for yet, but it sure was entertaining.
Funniest Character: Borat, of course!
Funniest Scene/moment: Borat learns some jokes (“This suit is black not”).
(Honorable mention: Borat sings Kazakh anthem to the tune of "The Star Spangled Banner" at rodeo)
Funniest Quote: choose from any of Borat’s one-liners that took pop culture by storm in 2006… “Very Nicee”, “Sexy Time”, “Oh da baby”, “Wawaweewa”.
(Andrés)
32) South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) / Team America: World Police(2004)
(dir. Trey Parker) (writers: Trey Parker & Matt Stone, among others)
*These films are together on the list, but that was just an excuse to get one more film in the Top 50. They are both equally brilliant, but since they share a couple of things in common, and by couple I mean Trey Parker and Matt Stone, they share a spot on the list. South Park is one of the greatest movie musicals ever made. Team America spoofs American imperialism, Kim Jong Il, and Hollywood, all at the same time, and with puppets. Genius!
Funniest Character
- South Park: Cartman
- Team America: Matt Damon (you won't understand if you haven't seen it)
Funniest Scene / Moment
Very tough choice, but I'm going with extreme puppet sex, after this classic quote: "I promise. I will never die."
Funniest Quote
A tie between the lyrics to "Blame Canada" (Oscar nominated) and "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch"
(Movie porti)
31) The Break-Up (2006)
(dir. Peyton Reed) (writers: Vince Vaughn, among others)
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jason Bateman, Cole Hauser, Justin Long, John Michael Higgins
*The movie everyone who’s in a relationship must watch. The idea of tackling such a serious subject as a couple breaking up with humor was the right way to go about it. While the movie can get a bit serious towards the end, it certainly has its hilarious and real-life moments that we’ve all gone through in our relationships.
Funniest Characters: Gary and Brooke (Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston)
Funniest Scene/moment: Gary gets home from work and wants to watch some ESPN but runs into a fight with Brooke because he only got her 3 lemons instead of the 12 she wanted (“What my baby wants, my baby gets”)
Funniest Quote: “Down time is important” – Gary
(Andrés)
30) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
(dir. Rawson Marshall Thurber)
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Justin Long, Stephen Root, Alan Tudyk, Gary Cole, Jason Bateman, Rip Torn, Hank Azaria, Missi Pyle, Joel David Moore, Chris Williams
*Classic sports comedy. Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and the supporting cast are all excellent. Many iconic characters: White Goodman, Patches O'Houllihan, Steve the Pirate. Many great cameos, including the Lance Armstrong one, which is even funnier now, given the film's twisted sense of humor.
Funniest Character
Very tough choice, but I'm going with Patches O'Houllihan. ("If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."
Funniest Scene / Moment
The Bar confrontation between Average Joe's and Globo Gym
Funniest Quote
Peter: (to Kate) "It's time to put your mouth where our balls are."
(Movie porti)
29) The Out-of-Towners (1999)
(dir. Sam Weisman)
Starring: Steve Martin, Goldie Hawn, John Cleese
*A remake of the 1970 movie by the same name starring Jack Lemmon, “The Out of Towners” stars Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn as a couple, married 27 years, that’s stuck in a rut (as they state) and have a crazy night filled with hilarious hijinks but still manage to fall in love all over again in the greatest city in the world.
Funniest Characters: Henry and Nancy Clark (Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn)
Funniest Scene: Nancy and Henry are caught making love on “Tavern on the Green”by Mayor Giuliani. (“Henry I got grass, grass in my ass!” – Nancy)
Funniest Quote: (rent-a-car place only has 1 car left, Henry looks at sign that says ‘we have cars’ and says) “Ohh look honey, they should change their sign to ‘We have car”.
(Andrés)
28) Captain Ron (1992)
(dir. Thom Eberhardt)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Martin Short
*Great performance by Kurt Russell as "Captain Ron", one of my favorite comedic characters. Martin Short does a great job as well as the lovable patriarch of the Harvey family. Filmed in Puerto Rico, so there's bonus points for that.
Funniest Character
Captain Ron, of course!
Funniest Scene / Moment
Caught in the storm with the "Guerrillas" on board, on the way to San Juan. "No hundir, no hundir." "When we left we had just enough fuel to make it to San Juan, and now ... we are out of fuel."
Funniest Quote
Captain Ron: (to young Ben) "You want a beer, you get your own beer."
(Movie porti)
27) Election (1999)
(dir. Alexander Payne)
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell
*Oscar nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay. This is Alexander Payne's best film, for me. Also contains Reese Witherspoon's greatest performance as "Tracy Flick". Matthew Broderick also gives a great performance as "Mr. M". A great dark comedy about High School politics.
Funniest Character
Tammy Metzler. Her take on school suspensions is brilliant!
Funniest Scene / Moment
Tracy tearing down the posters. Reese Witherspoon at her finest!
Funniest Quote
Mr. M: "Larry, we're not electing the fucking Pope here."
(Movie porti)
26) Billy Madison (1995)
(dir. Tamra Davis) (writers: Adam Sandler & Tim Herlihy)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Bradley Whitford, Norm Macdonald, Josh Mostel, Larry Hankin, and Chris Farley & Steve Buscemi in uncredited roles.
*Adam Sandler is hilarious as Billy Madison, the young man who has to re-do grades 1-12 in order to inherit his family’s Company. While the movie wasn’t a box office hit (the movie had some rough reviews), it became successful after its release to video. It also introduced us to Sandler’s comedic style fans would grow to love.
<Movie porti>(...and eventually hate. Come on, Adam! You were so funny! What happened?)
Funniest Character: Sandler delivers in his first starring role as Billy Madison.
Funniest Scene/moment: Sandler sings his “back to school” song while waiting for the bus.
Funniest Quote: (after Ms. Lippy reads story) “That little boy's gotta think 'You got a pet. You got a responsibility.' If your dog gets lost you don't look for an hour then call it quits. You get your ass out there and you find that fucking dog!”
(Andrés)
25) Meet the Parents (2000) / Meet the Fockers (2004)
(dir. Jay Roach)
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Owen Wilson, James Rebhorn
*Great comedic duo in Stiller(as Greg Focker) & DeNiro(as father-in-law from hell Jack Byrnes), with Hoffman & Streisand added as "the Fockers" for the sequel. Countless laugh-out-loud moments in both.
Funniest Characters
-Parents: Dr. Larry (James Rebhorn) gets the funniest one-liners. "It's only a game Focker!"
-Fockers: Bernie Focker. Dustin Hoffman having a blast!
Funniest Scene / Moment
Both Dinner scenes
Funniest Quote
Jack: "I have nipples Greg. Could you milk me?"
(Movie porti)
24) Elf (2003)
(dir. Jon Favreau)
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner
*A christmas classic and a comedy classic. Will Ferrell's best performance, for me. A great feel-good movie.
Funniest Character
Who else? It's Buddy the Elf. One of the greatest comedic characters ever.
Funniest Scene / Moment
Buddy finds out Santa is coming tomorrow morning at 10 AM. "SANTA!!!!!!!! I know him."
Funniest Quote
Buddy: (to the fake Santa) "You sit on a throne of lies."
(Movie porti)
23) Annie Hall (1977)
(writer & director: Woody Allen)
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton
*<Movie porti> Oscar winner for Best Picture, and Best Director
*While not your traditional comedy, “Annie Hall” certainly has its funny moments thanks to Allen’s wonderful screenplay (Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay). Allen just has an innate way to make us relate to his characters, and that’s exactly what he does here while analyzing the relationship of Alvy and Annie.
Funniest Character: While Keaton gave the better performance as “Annie” (won Oscar), it’s Alvy (Woody Allen) who has us cracking up all movie.
Funniest Scene/moment: Scene in movie theater line when Alvy talks to camera/audience.
Funniest Quote: (after having sex with Annie) “that sex is the most fun I’ve ever had without laughing” - Alvy
(Andrés)
22) High Fidelity (2000)
(dir. Stephen Frears)(writers: John Cusack, among others)
Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lisa Bonet, Lili Taylor
*Great ensemble cast. Great romantic comedy. An ode to music. An ode to "list-making". Awesome screenplay! Extremely quotable.
Funniest Character
It has to be Jack Black's "Barry", a precursor to Dewey Finn in School of Rock. "I never thought I'd say this, but can I go work now?"
Funniest Scene / Moment
Best friend(and real life sister) Liz (Joan Cusack) storms in the store after finding out what Rob did to Laura. "Hi Rob ... You fucking asshole!"
Funniest Quote
Rob: "John Dillinger was killed behind that theater in a hale of FBI gunfire. And do you know who tipped them off? His fucking girlfriend. All he wanted to do was go to the movies."
(Movie porti)
21) Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
(dir. Adam McKay)(writers: Will Ferrell & Adam McKay)
Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Jane Lynch, Amy Adams, Michael Clarke-Duncan, Molly Shannon, Andy Richter, Leslie Bibb, David Koechner, Jack McBrayer
*Will Ferrell's funniest movie, for me. In fact, this entire cast is brilliant. With Amy Adams added to the mix, this could be, pound for pound, the most talented comedic cast ever! So many quotable lines: "Shake and bake." "Dear lord Baby Jesus.""With all due respect...", Ricky Bobby's slogan: "If you ain't first, you're last.", and Reese Bobby's classic response: "Hell, Ricky, I was high when I said that ... you can be 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Hell, you can even be 5th!"
Funniest Characters
Can I say everyone? No? Ok, I'll choose Jean Girard, since I haven't mentioned him yet.
Funniest Scene / Moment
"Faithfully" with Ricky and Susan. "Are we about to get it on? Because I'm as hard as a diamond in an ice storm right now."
Funniest Quote
Ricky Bobby: "I'm the best there is, plain and simple. I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence."
(Movie porti)
20) Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
(writer & director: John Hughes)
Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy
*A John Hughes "adult" classic. Steve Martin and John Candy at their best. Great buddy movie. Great road trip movie. Heartwarming ending, a John Hughes staple
Funniest Characters
These two dominate the screen time, so let's go with both Neal Page (Martin) & Del Griffith(Candy).
Funniest Scene / Moment
Going the wrong way, and then setting the car on fire. Hilarious!
Funniest Quote
Neal: "Those aren't pillows!"
(Movie porti)
19) Liar Liar (1997)
(dir. Tom Shadyac)
Starring: Jim Carrey (No one else is worth mentioning, well, maybe Jennifer Tilly)
*Jim Carrey's tour-de-force comedic performance is his greatest ever! If I need a good laugh, this is the 1st movie I see. A classic courtroom comedy with laugh-out-loud moments from beginning to end. Some of my favorites: "My dad? He's a liar". Fletcher walking through the office(both times) - "Hey Pete, you lose a little weight?" / "What's up Fletcher?" ... "Your cholesterol fatty! DEAD MAN WALKING!"(cruel, but hilarious). "I've had better." "Stop breaking the law, asshole!". "No. I'd have got him 10". His fight with the pen: "Write it or I'll break it off"(unbelievable physical comedy!). Speaking of which, "I'm kicking my ass, do you mind?". The Roast. The final courtroom scene, with a little preview of Carrey's dramatic chops when he confronts the judge. This movie is all the evidence you need that the truth can be HILARIOUS!!!
Funniest Character, Moments, and Quotes: See above.
(Movie porti)
18) The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
(dir. Judd Apatow)(writers: Judd Apatow & Steve Carrell)
Starring: Steve Carrell, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Catherine Keener, Leslie Mann, Elizabeth Banks, Jane Lynch, Kat Dennings, and Jonah Hill
* Judd Apatow teamed up with Steve Carell to co-write “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (it was also Apatow’s first try as Director) and they delivered a comedy classic. Carell plays “Andy”, who, with the help of his friends at work, starts a mission to lose his virginity. Great supporting cast adds to the fun in a movie that has you laughing from beginning to end.
Funniest Character: Andy’s co-workers Cal, David, and Jay who instruct Andy on the ways of love. (Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Romany Malco)
Funniest Scene/moment: Cal and David's “you know how I know you’re gay” scene.
Funniest Quote: “AHHH! Kelly Clarkson!” - Andy
(Andrés)
17) Clueless (1995)
(writer & diector: Amy Heckerling)
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Jeremy Sisto, Breckin Meyer, Dan Hedaya, Wallace Shawn
*Classic 90's teen comedy. Great catchphrases, such as: "As if", "Whatever". Introduced Paul Rudd.
Funniest Character
The one that steals every scene he's in is Cher's dad, Mel(the great Dan Hedaya).
Funniest Scene / Moment
Cher's speech about "Haitians" in debate class. "It does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty."
Funniest Quote
Tai: "You're a virgin, who can't drive."
(Movie porti)
16) Bull Durham (1988)
(writer & director: Ron Shelton)
Starring: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Robert Wuhl, Trey Wilson
*A fabulous, Oscar nominated, screenplay! One of the greatest Baseball Movies ever. A great take on the Minor Leagues. Interesting love story, as well. Great performances from the 3 main stars. Extremely quotable.
Funniest Character
Ebby Calvin "Nuke" Laloosh (Tim Robbins). "Million dollar arm, but a five cent head."
Funniest Scene / Moment
The famous meeting on the mound. "Candlesticks"
Funniest Quote
Millie: (about "Nuke") "Well, he fucks like he pitches, sorta all over the place."
(Movie porti)
15) Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
(dir. Tom Shadyac)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Courtney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, and Dan Marino
* The movie that launched Jim Carrey into stardom, “Ace Ventura” was when we got our first glimpse at Carrey’s comedy potential. He’s hilarious as the pet detective who’s called into action after the Miami Dolphins mascot dolphin, "Snowflake", is kidnapped.
Funniest Character: Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey)
Funniest Scene/moment: Ace is committed to the insane asylum. Also, at Roger Podacter’s murder scene when Ace solves the case.
Funniest Quote: (Ace knocks on door) Ace: “Hi, I’m looking for Ray Finkle”.
(Man points gun at him) Ace: “and a clean pair of shorts!”
(Andrés)
14) Happy Gilmore (1996)
(dir. Dennis Dugan)(writers: Adam Sandler & Tim Herlihy)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Carl Weathers, Frances Bay, Ben Stiller, Richard Kiel, Dennis Dugan, Allen Covert, Joe Flaherty, Lee Trevino, and Bob Barker
*My personal Sandler favorite(<Movie porti> "Mine too"),
“Happy Gilmore” is a sports and comedy movie classic! Sandler is awesome as the failed hockey player turned golf pro, thanks to his 400 yard drives, in order to save grandma’s house. The film’s supporting cast is great as well thanks to the iconic villain Shooter Mcgavin (Christopher McDonald) and club pro Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers).
Funniest Character: Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler)
Funniest Scene/moment: Gilmore’s epic battle with Bob Barker (“The price is wrong bitch!”).
Funniest Quote: (Mini-golf clown spits ball back) Happy: “you’re gonna die clown!” Also, Chubbs: “It’s all in the hips, it’s all in the hips.”
(Andrés)
13) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb(1964)
(writer & director: Stanley Kubrick)
Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens, James Earl Jones
*Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor.
*Stanley Kubrick's dark comedy masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, and it's still as relevant as ever. I mean, we are in conflict with the Russians right now. Peter Sellers is hilarious in 3 completely different roles, including the titular "Dr. Strangelove". George C. Scott is extremely funny as well as "Buck Turgidson": "Mr. President, we must not allow a mineshaft gap!" "Mr. President, I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed. But I do say no more than ten to twenty million killed, tops. Uh, depending on the breaks."
Funniest Character
The aforementioned "Buck" Turgidson.
Funniest Scene / Moment
President Muffley's (Sellers) telephone conversation with Soviet Premier Dimitri.
Funniest Quote
President Muffley: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
(Movie porti)
12) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
(writer & director: John Hughes)
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Charlie Sheen, Edie McClurg, and Ben Stein
*A John Hughes teen classic. Ferris Bueller is one of my favorite movie characters ever. Contains one of my favorite movie quotes: "Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Full of great moments throughout.
Funniest Character
The one who actually gets the most laughs is Principal Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones).
Funniest Scene / Moment
Ferris sings in the shower
Funniest Quote
Ferris: "Pardon my French, but Cameron is so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal up his ass, in two weeks you'd have a diamond."
(Movie porti)
11) Groundhog Day (1993)
(writer & director: Harold Ramis)
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie Macdowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Michael Shannon
*Harold Ramis' masterpiece. A genius concept. Full of philosophical life lessons. One of my favorite movies of all time. "Phil Connors" was the role Bill Murray was born to play. Pretty solid supporting cast, featuring a very young future Oscar nominee, Michael Shannon.
Funniest Character
Surprisingly, i'm not going with Phil. I'm choosing "Needle-nose Ned ... Ryerson!"
Funniest Scene / Moment
Phil kidnaps the Groundhog.
Funniest Quote
"Well, it's Groundhog Day ... again."
(Movie porti)
10) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
(dir. Adam McKay)(writers: Will Ferrell & Adam McKay)
Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Christina Applegate, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell,
* The most quotable comedy in history! (Yeah I said it!)(<Movie porti>Agree to disagree)
Will Ferrell starred in and co-wrote (with director Adam McKay) this movie that will still have you laughing out loud by your hundredth viewing. Everything about it is just genius: The 1970s setting, the supporting cast (Carell, Rudd, Koechner, Applegate, Vaughn, Willard, etc…), poking fun at news reporters, quotable screenplay, and of course the epic battle royale between all the major news stations (love the cameos in this scene).
Funniest Character: This one goes to the entire News Team (Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner)
Funniest Scene/moment: Ron’s conversation with his dog, baxter (“you know I don’t speak Spanish, in English please!”). Also, the “afternoon delight” scene in Ron’s office. Or how about Ron’s run-in with a motorcyclist Jack Black.
Funniest Quote: Ron: “They called it San Diago, which in german means ‘A whale’s vagina.” (Honorable mention, Brian: “They’ve done studies you know, 60% of the time works everytime” Brick: “I love lamp” Champ: “Whammy!”)
(Andrés)
9) Dumb & Dumber (1994)
(writer & director: The Farrelly Brothers)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Mike Starr, Charles Rocket, Karen Duffy
*A Farrelly Brothers classic. Another Jim Carrey classic performance as "Lloyd Christmas". Jeff Daniels is excellent as well as "Harry Dunne". Totally "dumb" comedy that works to perfection. Great buddy movie. Great road trip movie. Full of iconic comedy scenes: Selling "Peety" to the blind kid. The IOUs. The fight by the lake in Aspen because of the extra pair of gloves. "Harry! Your hands are freezing!". Genius!
Funniest Characters
No debate here, it's Harry and Lloyd
Funniest Scene / Moment
Using the Ketchup and Mustard bottles to reduce the heat from the peppers.
Funniest Quote
Harry: "Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!"
(Movie porti)
8) Caddyshack (1980)
(writer & director: Harold Ramis)
Starring: Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe
*Caddyshack has become a pop culture classic generating a cult following in the sports world. Harold Ramis directed and co-wrote the film and thanks to its great cast (Chevy Chase and Bill Murray in particular are brilliant) the movie is a hole in one.
Funniest Character: I’ll go with the trio of Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), Spackler (Bill Murray), and Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield).
Funniest Scene/moment: Spackler’s sharing of his experience with the Dalai Lama. Also, Ty Webb playing at night, "plays through" Spackler’s "home".
Funniest Quote: (after Spackler’s Cinderella story) “It’s in the hole, it’s in the hole”
(Andrés)
7) There's Something About Mary (1998)
(writer & director: The Farrelly Brothers)
Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz(<Movie porti> Never better), Matt Dillon, Lee Evans, Chris Elliott, Lin Shaye, Jeffrey Tambor, Keith David, W. Earl Brown, and Brett Favre
*Perhaps the best of the Farrely brother’s comedies (close call with ‘Dumb and Dumber’), this movie has a little bit more of the full package thanks to its great ensemble cast. Matt Dillon highlights it for me(<Movie porti> me too) as Pat Healy, the “mook” private investigator hired by Ted Stroman (Ben Stiller) to track down his HS sweetheart Mary (Cameron Diaz). With laughs from beginning to end and great acting, “Mary” is truly a comedic masterpiece.
Funniest Character: Pat Healy (Matt Dillon)
Funniest Scene/moment: Healy meets Mary at the driving range. Also, Ted cleans the pipes before his big date; and, Ted’s zipper malfunction (ouch!).
Funniest Quote: Anything Brett Favre related… “What the hell is Brett Favre doing here” – Healy. Also, “What about Brett Fav-ruh?” – Ted.
(Andrés)
6) Major League (1989)
(writer & director: David S. Ward)
Starring: Tom Brenger, Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, James Gammon, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton, Rene Russo, Dennis Haysbert, and Bob Uecker
*My favorite sports movie of all time, like ‘Caddyshack’, ‘Major League’ is a must watch for any sports fan. Thanks to its great ensemble cast the movie takes us inside a Major League Sports locker room like we’ve never seen before. The superstitions (Cerrano’s chicken), unfair advantages (Harris’s vagisil) the stress of spring training, the fans in the bleachers (“it’s too high”), just great stuff throughout!
Funniest Character: The Indians play by play commentator Harry Doyle (played by real life play by play man Bob Uecker).
Funniest Scene/moment: Can we just pick the entire spring training scene when we’re introduced to the players, classic!
Funniest Quote: Harry Doyle: “Just a bit outside, tried the corner and missed. Also, Lou: (to willy) “well you may run like mays, but you hit like shit!” And, Harris: (to cerrano) “Are you saying Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball.”
(Andrés)
5) The Birdcage (1996)
(dir. Mike Nichols)
Starring: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Weist, Hank Azaria, Calista Flockhart, Christine Baranski, Dan Futterman
* A personal favorite of mine, “The Birdcage” is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time (not just comedies). The acting in this movie is superb to go along with the incredible laughs! Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane) are a middle aged gay couple who must prepare to meet their new ultra-conservative in laws. A recipe for disaster for most people, here it’s just an INCREDIBLY funny flick.
Funniest Character: It’s a travesty Nathan Lane was not nominated for an Oscar for his role of “Albert”. Another case of the academy not giving comedies their due, they give Jared Leto an Oscar for his dramatic role but Lane’s was just as good! (Honorable mention to the scene stealing “Agador” played by the eternally underrated Hank Azaria)
Funniest Scene/moment: Agador dancing to Gloria Estefan while cleaning the house (“come on Gloria!”). Also the entire Armand teaching Albert how to act like a man scene. One more (I have to!), Armand’s direction during rehearsal.
Funniest Quote: Albert: “Don’t give me that tone”
Armand: “What tone”
Albert: “That sarcastic contemptuous tone that means you know everything cause you’re a man and I know nothing cause I’m a woman.”
Armand: “You’re not a woman”
Albert: “Oh, you bastard!”
(Andrés)
4) Blazing Saddles (1974)
(writer & director: Mel Brooks)
Starring: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks, Slim Pickens, Alex Karras, Harvey Korman, Madeleine Kahn(Oscar nominated performance)
*Mel Brooks wrote/directed and starred in this old west spoof. As much as I loved ‘Robin Hood: Men in tights’, ‘Blazing Saddles’ will always be his masterpiece. Only Brooks can pull off the incredibly awkward idea of having a black sheriff in the old west, but of course it was perfectly done and hilarious from beginning to end. With his usual great ensemble cast delivering his usual great screenplay, Brooks (and his team of writers, which included the great Richard Pryor) nailed it!
Funniest Character: Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) is the perfect balance of evil and funny in his villainous role
Funniest Scene/moment: Sherriff’s arrival to rock ridge. (man reading] “As honorary chairman of the welcoming committee, it's my privilege to present a laurel and hearty handshake to our new... [looks up and sees Bart] ...nigger.”)
Funniest Quote: Bart: (saying qualifications as villain) “stampeding cattle”
Hedley: “that’s not much of a crime”
Bart: “through the Vatican”
Hedley: (smiles) “kinkyyy, sign here.”
(Andrés)
3) Some Like it Hot (1959)
(writer & director: Billy Wilder)
Starring: Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe
*6 Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor
*Universally regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time. Jack Lemmon is unbelievable in this movie! Marilyn Monroe at the peak of her career. Her singing of "I Wanna Be Loved By You" is an iconic movie moment. Tony Curtis is solid as well, especially when he's wooing "Sugar". A great buddy movie. One of the greatest closing lines in film history: "Well, nobody's perfect."
Funniest Character
Jerry / "Daphne" "I never did like the name Geraldine."
Funniest Scene / Moment
The slumber party on the train
Funniest Quote
Jerry / "Daphne": "Will you look at that! ... It's like Jell-O on springs."
(Movie porti)
2) When Harry Met Sally (1989)
(dir. Rob Reiner)(writer: Nora Ephron)
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Bruno Kirby, Carrie Fisher
*Like ‘Annie Hall’ its not as traditional a comedy as some of the others we’ve seen, but there’s a reason it’s this high on the list. The go-to movie for any couple, this is the kind of movie that the ‘romantic comedy’ label was made for. It analyses that lifelong question we all ask ourselves, “Can men and women be ‘just’ friends?” Directed by Rob Reiner, with the great screenplay by Nora Ephron (nominated for Best Original Screenplay Oscar), and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, there are certainly plenty of laughs to go around.
Funniest Character: Let’s split this one down the middle and go with both Harry (Billy Cristal) and Sally (Meg Ryan).
Funniest Scene/moment: Harry and Jess discuss his divorce during a football game. Also, Sally’s famous fake orgasm scene.(<Movie porti> "Mr. Zero knew before you did?")
Funniest Quote: Harry: “There are 2 kinds of women: High Maintenance and Low Maintenance”
Sally: “which one am I?”
Harry: “you’re the worst kind; you’re high maintenance but you think you’re low maintenance.”
(Andrés)
1) Vacation (1983)
(dir. Harold Ramis)(writer: John Hughes)
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, Randy Quaid, Imogene Coca, Miriam Flynn, James Keach, Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Christie Brinkley
*The comedic masters of this list, Harold Ramis & John Hughes (RIP), take the top spot with this masterpiece. Definitely the best comedic pairing ever! Me and my brother had our disagreements throughout the list, but not here. This was the favorite comedy in our house when we were growing up. My family has always been foul-mouthed, so my parents never had any problems with this R-rated "family comedy". Clark Griswold is one of my favorite movie characters ever. Chevy Chase is brilliant! He actually plays against type here, and in the process he created his most iconic character. The perfectly disastrous road trip. Once aboard the "Wagon Queen Family Truckster", hilarity ensues. Cousin Eddie, Aunt Edna, Christie Brinkley, Dinky the dog ("poor little guy"), Arriving at Walley World ("First ones here"), only to find that the park is closed(funniest movie moment ever perhaps?). Perfection!!!
Funniest Character
Clark Griswold
Funniest Scene / Moment
The whole thing!
Funniest Quote
Clark: "I'm not your ordinary, everyday fool."
- And this is not your "ordinary, everyday" comedy. A MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!
