How (and Where) to Watch the 50 Best Comedy Movies Of All Time

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Ghezal Amiri

Ghezal Amiri

JustWatch Editor

Comedy films have been a staple of entertainment since the earliest days of film. From slapstick comedies to witty satires, these films are adored by audiences all over the world. Some of the best comedies of all time have become cultural touchstones, quoted and referenced for decades after their release. The reason for this enduring popularity is simple: comedies make people laugh. They offer a much-needed release from the stresses of everyday life and allow us to forget our troubles for a little while. Whether it's a raunchy R-rated comedy or a family-friendly title with wholesome humor, these films have the power to bring people together and create shared experiences that can last a lifetime.

There are a number of classic comedy films that have been recognized as being the best of all time including The Nice Guys. These films have gained widespread iration due to their ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences and their continued popularity over time highlights their timeless appeal and universal relevance.

The most memorable comedies also have the ability of combining laughter with poignant moments of truth and insight. They are able to address important societal issues with a light touch, using humor to diffuse tension and offer new perspectives. The best comedy films are able to tap into our collective sense of humor and make us laugh in a way that feels authentic and cathartic. They remind us not to take ourselves too seriously and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Here are 50 of the best comedy movies to watch and where to stream them online.

  1. Airplane!

    Airplane!

    1980

    # 1

    An ex-fighter pilot forced to take over the controls of an airliner when the flight crew succumbs to food poisoning.

  2. Ghostbusters

    Ghostbusters

    1984

    # 2

    After losing their posts at an university, three parapsychology professors go into business as „ghostbusters“ who fight against ghouls, hobgoblins and supernatural pests of all kinds. After they found a gateway to another dimension, the evil gets released upon the city. The three professors now have to save New York from complete destruction.

  3. The Blues Brothers

    The Blues Brothers

    1980

    # 3

    Jake Blues, just released from prison, puts his old band back together to save the Catholic home where he and his brother Elwood were raised.

  4. Caddyshack

    Caddyshack

    1980

    # 4

    At an exclusive country club, an ambitious young caddy, Danny Noonan, eagerly pursues a caddy scholarship in hopes of attending college and, in turn, avoiding a job at the lumber yard. In order to succeed, he must first win the favour of the elitist Judge Smails, and then the caddy golf tournament which Smails sponsors.

  5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

    # 5

    King Arthur, accompanied by his squire, recruits his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Bedevere the Wise, Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot and Sir Galahad the Pure. On the way, Arthur battles the Black Knight who, despite having had all his limbs chopped off, insists he can still fight. They reach Camelot, but Arthur decides not to enter, as "it is a silly place".

  6. The Princess Bride

    The Princess Bride

    1987

    # 6

    In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.

  7. This Is Spinal Tap

    This Is Spinal Tap

    1984

    # 7

    "This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

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  8. The Big Lebowski

    The Big Lebowski

    1998

    # 8

    Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, a Los Angeles slacker who only wants to bowl and drink White Russians, is mistaken for another Jeffrey Lebowski, a wheelchair-bound millionaire, and finds himself dragged into a strange series of events involving nihilists, adult film producers, ferrets, errant toes, and large sums of money.

  9. Groundhog Day

    Groundhog Day

    1993

    # 9

    A narcissistic TV weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer, and his mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.

  10. Annie Hall

    Annie Hall

    1977

    # 10

    New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall.

  11. Some Like It Hot

    Some Like It Hot

    1959

    # 11

    Two musicians witness a mob hit and struggle to find a way out of the city before they are found by the gangsters. Their only opportunity is to an all-girl band as they leave on a tour. To make their getaway they must first disguise themselves as women, then keep their identities secret and deal with the problems this brings - such as an attractive bandmate and a very determined suitor.

  12. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

    # 12

    After the insane General Jack D. Ripper initiates a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, a war room full of politicians, generals and a Russian diplomat all frantically try to stop the nuclear strike.

  13. Animal House

    Animal House

    1978

    # 13

    At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him.

  14. Dumb and Dumber

    Dumb and Dumber

    1994

    # 14

    Lloyd and Harry are two men whose stupidity is really indescribable. When Mary, a beautiful woman, loses an important suitcase with money before she leaves for Aspen, the two friends (who have found the suitcase) decide to return it to her. After some "adventures" they finally get to Aspen where, using the lost money they live it up and fight for Mary's heart.

  15. The Nice Guys

    The Nice Guys

    2016

    # 15

    A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.

  16. Shaun of the Dead

    Shaun of the Dead

    2004

    # 16

    Shaun lives a supremely uneventful life, which revolves around his girlfriend, his mother, and, above all, his local pub. This gentle routine is threatened when the dead return to life and make strenuous attempts to snack on ordinary Londoners.

  17. Tootsie

    Tootsie

    1982

    # 17

    When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego – Dorothy Michaels – in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.

  18. Trading Places

    Trading Places

    1983

    # 18

    A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.

  19. Bridesmaids

    Bridesmaids

    2011

    # 19

    Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.

  20. Superbad

    Superbad

    2007

    # 20

    Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.