The 48 Best '30s Comedy Movies
- 1Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charlie Ruggles
This screwball comedy, directed by Howard Hawks, stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant as an unlikely duo who embark on a quest to find a missing dinosaur bone and an exotic leopard named Baby. Through a series of hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings, the two leads are drawn closer together despite their seemingly incompatible personalities. The witty banter and impeccable comedic timing between Hepburn and Grant make this film a timeless classic that continues to delight audiences.
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- 2Claudette Colbert, Clark Gable, Walter Connolly
In this Frank Capra-directed romantic comedy, Claudette Colbert plays a spoiled heiress who runs away from her father and encounters a charming yet cynical reporter, played by Clark Gable. The pair's adventures across America lead to a series of comedic situations and an eventual realization that they might just be falling in love with each other. This delightful combination of humor and heart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and solidified its place in the annals of cinematic comedy.
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- 3William Powell, Carol Lombard, Alice Brady
This screwball comedy, directed by Gregory La Cava, stars William Powell as a homeless man who becomes a butler for a wealthy, eccentric family and Carole Lombard as the daughter who falls in love with him. Through a series of amusing situations and misunderstandings, the film offers a humorous yet poignant critique of social class and human decency. Its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and memorable performances combine to create an enduring classic that has been enjoyed for generations.
- 4Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
Directed by Leo McCarey, this Marx Brothers classic features Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo in a satirical jab at political power and the absurdity of war. Groucho plays Rufus T. Firefly, the eccentric leader of fictional country Freedonia, who leads his nation into war against neighboring Sylvania. The film's razor-sharp wit, unforgettable gags, and anarchic spirit makes it not only one of the best comedies of its era but also one of the most influential in the history of cinema.
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- 5Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Kitty Carlisle Hart
From the brilliant team of the Marx Brothers comes this hilarious comedy filled with chaotic hijinks, witty wordplay, and slapstick humor. Set in the world of opera, Groucho, Chico, and Harpo attempt to help two young singers find success while causing mayhem both on and off stage. This clever satire of high society and its blend of verbal and physical comedy have made it one of the most beloved comedies to emerge from this era.
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- 6William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan
Adapted from the Dashiell Hammett novel, this witty crime-comedy stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a sophisticated married couple who solve a murder mystery while enjoying their glamorous high-society lifestyle. The film is renowned for its playful banter, delightful chemistry between the leads, and its memorable character, the crime-solving dog, Asta. This enjoyable mix of humor and mystery spawned multiple sequels and solidified the film's place among the best comedies of the era.
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- 7Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy
In this Leo McCarey-directed screwball comedy, Cary Grant and Irene Dunne play a soon-to-be-divorced couple who engage in a series of comedic antics to sabotage each other's attempts at finding new relationships. The film is celebrated for its quick-witted dialogue, outstanding performances, and enduring charm. Its blend of romance and laughter stands as a hallmark of the genre and a masterclass in comedy.
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- 8Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
In this uproarious Marx Brothers comedy, Groucho plays the newly-appointed president of Huxley College, and together with Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo, sets out to improve the football team's dismal reputation. The film is packed with the brothers' signature verbal wit, visual gags, and anarchic humor, including a hilariously chaotic climactic football game. The film's seemingly nonsensical approach to comedy is precisely what makes it timeless and irresistible.
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- 9Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers star in this timeless musical comedy that features iconic dance numbers, glamorous costumes, and a classic mistaken identity plot. Astaire plays an American dancer who falls for Rogers, only for her to mistakenly believe he is married to her best friend. The film showcases the pair's incomparable dancing skills, witty banter, and irresistible chemistry, making it an enduring masterpiece of both comedy and dance.
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- 10Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman
Charlie Chaplin's iconic character, the Little Tramp, faces the challenges of the industrial era in this satirical and heartwarming comedy. From battling assembly line machines to escaping jail, the film highlights the struggles of workers in a rapidly changing society. Its blend of slapstick, social commentary, and memorable scenes, such as the iconic factory sequence, make it a standout classic that continues to amuse and inspire.
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- 11Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy
This delightful screwball comedy stars Spencer Tracy as a newspaper editor who sets up a fake marriage between his fiancée, played by Jean Harlow, and a fellow reporter, played by William Powell, to discredit a libel suit filed against the paper by a wealthy heiress, played by Myrna Loy. The clever plot, sparkling dialogue, and exceptional performances from the leads make this film an enjoyable and sophisticated comedic romp. Its satirical take on the newspaper industry and high society has stood the test of time.
- 12William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart
William Powell and Myrna Loy return as Nick and Nora Charles in this delightful sequel to the classic crime-comedy, The Thin Man. While attempting to enjoy their vacation, the couple becomes ensnared in yet another murder mystery, leading them through a series of humorous twists and turns. The film's charm lies in the natural chemistry between Powell and Loy, the witty dialogue, and the further adventures of their iconic characters.
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- 13William Powell, Myrna Loy, Virginia Grey
The third installment in the Thin Man series sees the return of William Powell and Myrna Loy as stylish sleuths Nick and Nora Charles, this time with a baby in tow. When a family friend is murdered, the couple, along with their trusty dog Asta, set out to solve the mystery amidst a whirlwind of comedic situations and witty banter. The film's blend of humor, intrigue, and sophisticated charm makes it a worthy addition to the beloved series.
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- 14Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
The second Marx Brothers feature film showcases the comedy team's trademark wit, anarchic humor, and hilarious musical numbers. Set at a high society gathering, Groucho plays Captain Spaulding, an explorer whose arrival sets off a series of comedic mishaps and a stolen painting caper. The film's clever satire of the upper class and its numerous quotable lines have made it a beloved classic.
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- 15
Sons of the Desert
Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Charley ChaseStan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star in this slapstick comedy as two friends who devise a scheme to attend a fraternal convention while pretending to be on a medicinal vacation. Their plan goes awry when their wives discover their deception, leading to a series of amusing complications. The charm and comedic chemistry of the legendary duo, along with memorable gags and poignant moments, ensure the film's enduring appeal.
- 16Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Victor Moore
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dazzle once again in this musical comedy featuring expertly choreographed dance numbers and a loveable romantic plot. Astaire plays a gambler who inadvertently falls for dance instructor Rogers while trying to earn money to pay off a debt. The captivating performances, witty repartee, and unforgettable songs, such as "The Way You Look Tonight," make this film an enduring classic.
- 17Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
Another masterpiece from the Marx Brothers, this comedy follows the antics of Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo as stowaways on a transatlantic cruise ship. As they dodge the ship's crew and create chaos wherever they go, the brothers also find themselves involved in a kidnapping plot. The film's blend of sharp wit, infectious energy, and anarchic humor guarantees its spot among the best comedies of the era.
- 18Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart
Frank Capra directs this heartwarming comedy about a wealthy businessman who finds himself at odds with his son's fiancée's quirky, eccentric family. The film features an ensemble cast that includes James Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Lionel Barrymore, who each bring charm and wit to their respective roles. Its message of love and the importance of living life to the fullest resonates with audiences, ensuring its status as a beloved classic.
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- 19Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx
The Marx Brothers return in this zany comedy where they help save a financially troubled sanitarium by using their unique brand of humor and antics. Filled with memorable gags, amusing musical numbers, and an unforgettable horse race sequence, the film showcases the comedic genius of Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. Its continued popularity attests to the enduring influence and appeal of these legendary comedians.
- 20Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, James Finlayson
Laurel and Hardy star in this Wild West comedy as prospector pals on a mission to deliver a deed to a gold mine to a young woman, only to have it stolen by a conniving saloon owner. The slapstick humor, delightful musical numbers, and the duo's inimitable comedic chemistry make this film a standout entry in their collective filmography. With its charming blend of adventure and laughter, the film has earned a special place in the hearts of fans.
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- 21Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell
This dazzling musical comedy, directed by Mervyn LeRoy, tells the story of three struggling showgirls seeking stardom on Broadway during the Great Depression. With catchy tunes, elaborate dance numbers choreographed by Busby Berkeley, and a cast featuring Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, and Ginger Rogers, the film offers a glitzy, comedic escape from the era's economic difficulties. Its combination of humor, glamour, and social commentary has made it an enduring classic.
- 22Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, Roland Young
This supernatural screwball comedy stars Cary Grant and Constance Bennett as a fun-loving married couple who return as ghosts to haunt their uptight friend, played by Roland Young. Their mission: to help him loosen up and enjoy life, leading to a series of comedic misadventures and encounters with the afterlife. The film's unique premise, clever dialogue, and engaging performances make it a whimsical and entertaining classic.
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- 23Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Dame May Whitty
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this mystery-comedy follows a young woman, played by Margaret Lockwood, who becomes embroiled in a search for a missing elderly lady aboard a train. Alongside Michael Redgrave as a fellow passenger and amateur investigator, the pair navigates a series of amusing and suspenseful situations. The film's unique blend of humor, intrigue, and memorable characters make it a standout entry in Hitchcock's filmography.
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- 24Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, Herbert Marshall
Focused on a master thief and his lover first meeting, Érnest Lubitsch's 1932 film provides an effortless blend of wit and romance. Despite their criminal antics, the duo's charm and sophistication keep audiences captivated. As the couple embarks on a series of heists, the film challenges societal norms and expectations while delivering endless amusement.
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- 25Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady
This delightful musical comedy stars Fred Astaire as an American dancer trying to woo a woman he believes is unhappily married, played by Ginger Rogers. Filled with catchy tunes, memorable dance numbers, and the duo's unmistakable chemistry, the film became a major hit and solidified their status as iconic screen partners. The film's infectious charm and timeless appeal make it a treasured entry in the annals of cinematic comedy.
- 26John Barrymore, Carol Lombard, Walter Connolly
In this screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks, John Barrymore plays an egotistical theatrical producer who turns his discovery, played by Carole Lombard, into a star only for her to leave him behind for Hollywood. He schemes to win her back during a chaotic train ride filled with hilarious misunderstandings and rapid-fire banter. The film's sparkling dialogue, manic energy, and exceptional performances make it a standout classic of the genre.
- 27James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, Mischa Auer
This comedic Western stars James Stewart as a mild-mannered deputy who must bring order to a lawless town with the help of a sultry saloon singer, played by Marlene Dietrich. The film humorously subverts the conventions of the Western genre, with Stewart's character preferring brains over brawn in his quest for justice. Its mix of comedy, romance, and adventure make it a unique and entertaining film that continues to appeal to audiences.
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- 28Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire
In this sophisticated romantic comedy, Greta Garbo plays a stern Soviet envoy who finds herself falling for a charming Count, played by Melvyn Douglas, while on a mission in Paris. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the film brilliantly satirizes Communist ideology while showcasing the thawing of Garbo's character as she discovers the joys of love and laughter. Its combination of wit, romance, and political satire make it an enduring and poignant classic.
- 29Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, John Barrymore
Directed by Mitchell Leisen, this screwball comedy stars Claudette Colbert as a penniless American showgirl who pretends to be a glamorous countess to infiltrate Parisian high society. Along the way, she meets a charming cab driver, played by Don Ameche, who becomes her co-conspirator. The film's sparkling dialogue, sophisticated wit, and memorable characters make it a delightful classic that continues to entertain.
- 30Charles Laughton, Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles
In this fish-out-of-water comedy, Charles Laughton plays an English butler named Ruggles who is won in a poker game by an American rancher and taken to his new home in the Wild West. The film humorously explores Ruggles's adjustment to his new way of life, ultimately showcasing his growth in both pride and patriotism. Laughton's brilliant comedic performance, along with the film's heartwarming message, make it a genuine classic.
