26 Silly Movies That Still Make Us Laugh So Hard We Cry

Olivia Peterman
Updated April 15, 2024
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3.2K votes
316 voters
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Vote up the movies that always have you cackling.

Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. In a world that can often seem heavy and serious, the ability to find a little amusement in simple, silly movies is a respite everyone deserves. The beauty of comedy is that even the most outrageous stories can provide a raucous, rib-tickling experience worth revisiting time and again.

From zany characters to slapstick humor to madcap situations, this compilation showcases a hilarious whirlwind of films that aren't above being downright silly to coax out a hearty laugh. These movies may not be Oscar heavyweights, but they're sure to leave you clutching your sides, breathless from laughter and wiping tears from your eyes.

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of AI tools and edited by a human.

  • 1
    276 VOTES

    Airplane! has earned its status as a comedic staple due to its genre-defining sense of humor. The 1980 film breaks pretty much every traditional expectations for comedy with a nonstop barrage of off-the-wall jokes, visual gags, and pun-based humor. It parodies classic disaster movies of the '70s with a caricature-like exaggeration that was daringly original for its time. It isn't afraid to push boundaries or seem absurd as it takes every gag to hilarious extremes.

    The genius behind Airplane! lies in delivering these jokes at such an alarming pace – there's always something new to laugh at just as you're catching your breath from the previous punchline. Writers-directors Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker utilize every form of humor, from slapstick to sharp-witted wordplay threaded throughout the dialogue. Its influence is immense in modern comedies since it helped popularize spoofing genres, which later gave us classics like the Naked Gun and Scary Movie series.

    276 votes
  • The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, released in 1988, is credited with evolving and elevating the parody genre to blockbuster status. The film's endless string of puns, sight gags, and slapstick humor creates a signature brand of comedy that keeps audiences entertained and laughing for years. The fast-paced ridiculousness leaves no room for dull moments or narrative lulls.

    Leslie Nielsen's deadpan delivery as the bumbling Detective Frank Drebin is iconic and plays an essential role in cementing The Naked Gun's status as a classic. Nielsen's unique ability to deliver absurd dialogue with complete sincerity creates some unforgettable comic moments. It may be off-kilter, but rather than being seen as outlandish or eccentric for its own sake, The Naked Gun manages to perfectly blend satirical humor with physical comedy, causing ripples that influenced decades of comedies to come.

    239 votes
  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Photo: EMI Films

    Monty Python and the Holy Grail expands the boundaries of what could be considered comedy at its time by either twisting or entirely abandoning traditional comedic structure without any pretense for subtlety or decorum. The film's unforgettable vignettes, such as the encounter with a French taunter or King Arthur's encounter with the Black Knight, have become firmly embedded within popular culture due to their irreverent take on serious historical and societal topics.

    Beyond its weird and off-kilter comedic style, Monty Python and the Holy Grail effectively redefines comedy by elevating simplicity and silliness into an art form. Each scene offers unexpected turns at every corner that challenge viewers' expectations. This layered brand of comedy enables it to attract both mainstream audiences who find joy in silly slapstick antics but also critical acclaim from those who appreciate its satirical elements.

    264 votes
  • Young Frankenstein is hailed as one of the funniest movies ever primarily due to Mel Brooks' mastery of the slapstick and spoof genres. This 1974 film brilliantly parodies classic horror films using over-the-top physical comedy, deft wordplay, and absurd scenes that escalate in hilarity. Brooks also beautifully preserves the Gothic aesthetics of early 20th-century monster movies, adding an element of authenticity that perfectly contrasts with its humor.

    The combination of Gene Wilder's comedic timing as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen" in his insistence) along with memorable performances by Peter Boyle as the Monster and Marty Feldman as Igor brings life to Brooks' comic vision. Through smart parody, brilliant performances , and a fantastic screenplay co-written by Wilder himself, Young Frankenstein cements its place in cinema history as a pure comedy classic.

    230 votes
  • Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure tells the story of two high school buddies who travel through time in a phone booth to gather historical figures for their school project. The primary reason for its enduring popularity lies in the timeless humor and charm found in both the central characters played by Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter.

    Using history as a backdrop for such an offbeat narrative is an ingenious touch that mines timeless laughs from seeing iconic historical figures interact with modern-day characters. Added to this mix is an underlying theme of positivity - emphasizing friendship and engagement over rigid academic performance - creating deeper relatability.

    174 votes
  • 6
    180 VOTES

    Happy Gilmore packs slapstick humor and memorable characters into an outlandish sports premise that helped build Adam Sandler's comedic empire. The film revolves around the unconventional journey of a failed hockey player turned golf prodigy. Whether battling an alligator or getting into fisticuffs with iconic game show host Bob Barker, the film creates absurd scenarios that challenge typical golf etiquette and create non-stop laughter.

    The eponymous protagonist himself, Happy (played by Sandler), defies conventional norms with his unrefined take on the 'gentleman's game,' creating chaos in every scene. His arch-nemesis Shooter McGavin (played by Christopher McDonald) delivers snobbish elitism, which contrasts brilliantly with Sandler's blue-collar demeanor. Characters like Chubbs Peterson (played by Carl Weathers) deliver timeless one-liners along with gentle character humor to balance out some of the movie's more outrageous scenes. Altogether, these elements have elevate Happy Gilmore to comedy classic status over time.

    180 votes
  • 7
    205 VOTES

    Wayne's World is beloved thanks to the men, the myths, the legends — Wayne and Garth. The ‘90s comedy takes Mike Myers and Dana Carvey’s Saturday Night Live sketch to the silver screen, creating a blend of nonsequiturs, unforgettable catchphrases, slapstick humor, and meta references that stick with fans. The film's innate ability to take seemingly absurd situations such as blatant product placement or a car ride set to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is truly distinctive.

    Wayne's World succeeds cinematically because it skillfully walks a thin line between satirizing early '90s pop culture while also encapsulating it. Besides being funny without the need for overly complex jokes or crass humor, it captures the Generation X malaise of feeling stuck somewhere between childhood dreams and adulthood responsibilities, creating an emotional throughline while being an off-the-wall comedy.

    205 votes
  • Some Like It Hot holds up today thanks to a clever, hilarious script and brilliant performances. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film's blend of humor and risqué subject matter pushed boundaries for cinema during its time of release in 1959. The unlikely plot sees two male musicians disguise themselves as women to avoid the mob, creating opportunities for continuous comic complications. Furthermore, the punchy one-liners and quick-witted dialogue are now iconic contributions to comedic cinema.

    Superb performances from an exceptional cast solidify Some Like It Hot 's status as a comedy classic. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis deliver stellar performances opposite Marilyn Monroe in one of her most famous roles. Their ability to handle both absurdity with earnestness creates situations that teeter between reality and farce, making it all the more amusing to viewers no matter how many years pass from its original release date.

    147 votes
  • Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, featuring the endlessly charming Mike Myers, establishes itself as an instant classic due to its consistently clever satire and flamboyant yet endearing central character. While the humor may seem odd, it manages to parody cultural nuances of both the ‘60s and ’90s in a way that was fresh for its time period.

    The film's absurdist approach finds room for humor that is both genre-challenging and laugh-out-loud funny. Relying heavily on slapstick humor whilst deconstructing spy movie tropes famously popularized by James Bond films adds another layer of ingenuity to it. Austin's awkwardness, combined with his unshakeable confidence, create genuine comedic gold.

    240 votes
  • 10
    183 VOTES

    Tropic Thunder has a reputation as one of the best comedies of the 2000s thanks to its unconventional approach and fearless Hollywood commentary. It offers an irreverent yet spot-on spoof of the film industry that cuts through the glitzy cliches and focuses on its ridiculousness. The film finds failing actors playing soldiers trapped in a real-life war zone, all the while under the illusion that their predicament is part of the production.

    Striking comedic performances further solidify Tropic Thunder's standing as a comedy classic. Robert Downey Jr.'s Oscar-nominated performance as Kirk Lazarus, an overzealous method actor who surgically alters his skin color for a role, exemplifies the lengths to which actors may go for their craft and skewers whitewashing practices within Hollywood casting. Meanwhile, Ben Stiller's portrayal of action star Tugg Speedman provides biting insight into Hollywood's obsession with fame and success at any cost. These bold choices make Tropic Thunder stand out as an audacious exploration into filmmaking itself.

    183 votes
  • 11
    225 VOTES

    Mrs. Doubtfire has timeless humor, a heartfelt story, and memorable performances – notably Robin Williams in the titular role. Appealing to both children and adults alike, the story deals with the serious subject of divorce while expertly weaving in comedic elements that provide plenty of laughter without undermining the emotional core. The movie excellently blends slapstick humor with hilarious dialogue that only gets funnier with multiple viewings.

    The core reason behind the film's lasting popularity is Robin Williams's extraordinary performance. He breathes life into this unconventional character in a way few others could achieve. His comedic timing, coupled with his ability to exude warmth and vulnerability through all those prosthetics, transforms what could have been a ridiculous premise into an engaging story filled with heart and meaningful life lessons about family resilience amidst divorce chaos.

    225 votes
  • Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story somehow successfully takes the absurd setup of a high-stakes and turns it into a perfect twist on sports movies. The characters each bring their unique humor, which contributes significantly to the comedic balance of the film. It's not just about throwing balls; there's an underlying story about how teamwork can triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds.

    Even the most preposterous scenes are delivered with such comedic timing and straight-faced execution that they become incredibly funny moments rather than forced. Additional cameo appearances by unexpected celbrities like Chuck Norris and Lance Armstrong add another level of cheekiness to the outrageous charm. The quirky mix makes for a laugh-out-loud experience that explores banality turned into something extraordinary.

    178 votes
  • 13
    163 VOTES

    The Jerk, released in 1979, is widely considered a comedy classic due to its blend of slapstick humor and satirical  commentary. The film marks Steve Martin's debut as a lead actor, cementing his status as a comic legend in the role of Navin R. Johnson, an innocent and naive man-child who embarks on a series of misadventures after leaving home. His journey from rags to riches and back again distills Martin's impeccable comedic timing and physical comedy skills that stand out even though the plot seems chaotically disparate at times.

    Martin's distinctive character presents humor in what can be considered off-kilter and silly ways – such as the infamous "He hates these cans!" scene – which have since become iconic moments in comedy cinema history. These absurd elements combined with quotable dialogue make the movie hold up better than many comedies of its era. Because of its idiosyncrasies – or maybe just because it's Steve Martin being classically funny – The Jerk earns an enduring place in the pantheon of comedy classics.

    163 votes
  • 14
    161 VOTES

    Tommy Boy lives on as a classic for an array of reasons. The charm of the film lies in the wit and clever humor brilliantly delivered by Chris Farley's bumbling innocence and David Spade's sarcastic cynicism, capturing a comedy dynamic that has been celebrated for decades. The simple premise – a screw-up tries to save his family's auto parts business – is enhanced with well-written dialogue, iconic physical gags, like Tommy setting a car on fire during a sales pitch.

    Farley's Tommy Callahan is absolutely unforgettable. His boundless charm allows viewers to connect with him on an emotional level despite his bumbling gaffe-filled ways. Despite being branded as 'goofy', Tommy Boy showcases themes such as friendship, love, and determination against all odds – albeit packaged in between outlandish jokes.

    161 votes
  • 15
    156 VOTES

    Three Amigos has firmly ingrained itself into the annals of comedy classics due to its biting satire, dynamic performances, and wickedly sharp scripting. The film thrives on the combined comedic capabilities of its three leads: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase. Each uses their distinct style to not only compliment but amplify each other's performances.

    Three Amigos is also a masterclass in comedic writing; it acts as a parody of Hollywood's traditional Western genre while also paying tribute to those very films it mocks. Its irreverence towards convention challenges typical expectations, producing unexpected grins throughout the runtime.

    156 votes
  • Anchorman brings to life the exaggerated world of 1970's local TV news. The film centers on Ron Burgundy, portrayed by Will Ferrell, and his lovably dimwitted crew consisting of Steve Carell's weatherman Brick Tamland, David Koechner's sportscaster Champ Kind, and Paul Rudd's field reporter Brian Fantana. These characters pack broad eccentricities in such unforgettable performances that continually mines from their everyday interactions.

    Anchorman captures a comedic approach that has influenced many comedies that have followed. Its unpredictable nature and freshness eschew traditional narrative logic in favor of hilariously disjointed set pieces like jazz flute solos or gang wars between rival news teams, which make for a surreal viewing experience that keeps audiences laughing and quoting lines from it for years.

    169 votes
  • 17
    161 VOTES

    Released in 2000, Scary Movie takes the tropes of popular horror films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer and turns them on their head to create comedic gold. Fans have an absolute ball laughing at horror classics being refashioned into ridiculous, absurd situations.

    With witty one-liners and unabashed references to pop culture happenings during that period, Scary Movie also succeeds at folding some social commentary into its comedy. Each character was a hyperbolized version of archetypal personalities seen all too often in horror flicks, adding fuel to its satirical power. The hilarity lies within its well-executed ability to be silly yet smart; by drawing out laughs through challengeable movie logic usually taken seriously.

    161 votes
  • 18
    209 VOTES

    Directed by the Farrelly Brothers and starring iconic duo Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, Dumb and Dumber remains beloved for its absurd journey that showcases the comedic talents of its lead actors. Despite its crude humor and thuddingly simple premise of two not-so-bright buddies on a cross-country trip, it still touches on universal themes of friendship, love, resilience, and celebrating life's mundane moments. The well-timed gags combined with clever wordplay produces so many memorable scenes while underscoring an endearing naivety to characters that viewers can't help but root for.

    Carrey and Daniels gaie lively performances that turn stupidity into something charming through their candid humor, which separates it from other comedies of its era. It bends traditional storytelling norms with lovable underdog characters who straight-facedly deliver ridiculous lines in extreme circumstances.

    209 votes
  • 19
    137 VOTES

    Idiocracy is so much smarter than its title implies, earning a cult comedy reputation with sharp social commentary on the modern society's indifference towards intellectual pursuits and rampant consumerism. The film, directed by Mike Judge, uses its bizarre futuristic setting to highlight an extreme version of the direction in which our society could potentially be headed: a world run by complete imbeciles. This dystopian future populated by fools creates a goldmine of humor from mind-numbing absurdities that land with the precision of well-targeted jabs at cultural decay.

    Moreover, Idiocracy's ability to anticipate real-world developments adds an extra layer of hilarity and relevance to its outrageous premise. Several concepts from the movie have found strange parallels in actual events or trends, enhancing its reputation as a prescient piece of comedic art. It's this blend of bold satire, societal critique, and unfortunately hilarious foresight that make Idiocracy resonate with audiences even today.

    137 votes
  • There's Something About Mary reenvisions the romantic comedy with a unique blend of shock-value humor and genuine sweetness. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, it showcases their knack for expertly mixing slapstick humor, comic gross-outs, and character-driven laughs. The movie follows a man searching for his high school crush years after a comically disastrous prom night, involving a zipper mishap that lingers in your memory.

    More than just its comedic approach, though, There's Something About Mary resonates because it has real heart amidst all its raunchiness. Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz draw viewers in with both humor and vulnerability, which has always been an essential part of great comedies. The film also has a memorable cast of supporting characters whose bizarre quirks add more layers to the story's humor. Add this to genuinely funny set pieces (just mention the hair gel scene) and one-liners driven, and it's not hard to see why the film remains a classic.

    152 votes
  • 21
    86 VOTES

    His Girl Friday is generally considered a one of the best comedies ever because of its distinctive blend of quick-witted dialogue, charismatic performances, and brilliant comedic timing. Released in 1940 and directed by Howard Hawks, the film enchants audiences with the rapid-fire verbal sparring between leading characters played by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. The cast's masterful execution of fast-paced script, filled with clever wordplay and banter  results in memorable scenes that evoke laughter even today.

    His Girl Friday broke new ground for the screwball comedy genre because it turned genre conventions on their head with its unique premise - setting a romantic-comedy within the serious framework of an impending execution. It explores themes like gender politics and media ethics without ever losing its comic edge. Additionally, there's an undeniable chemistry between Russel and Grant, who play ex-spouses navigating their professional rivalry and personal history. This balance between serious contexts coupled with humor makes His Girl Friday stand out from other comedies from its era, earning its title as a classic cinema treasure.

    86 votes
  • 22
    140 VOTES

    Zoolander is generally seen as a comedy classic due to its absurd mix of braindead models, fashion world satire, and undeniably meme-worthy moments ("Blue Steel" anyone?). In the titular role, Ben Stiller delivers an unforgettable performance, creating a character who is both endearingly naive and staggeringly conceited. The film's gags are absurd yet funny, with memorable characters that audiences love.

    Through the world of fashion, Zoolander also touches on issues like mindless consumerism, body image standards, and exploitation within the industry. Furthermore, it features perfectly pitched cameos from actual avatars of fashion, such as David Bowie and Tommy Hilfiger, which adds a layer of authenticity. Its audacious weirdness makes it more than just another comedy.

    140 votes
  • 23
    110 VOTES

    Through the kooky adventures of four recently graduated American teens traveling across Europe, EuroTrip presents an outrageous caricature of European stereotypes that not only incites laughter, but serves as a satirical commentary on cultural naivety. Banal events get absurdly escalated (getting drunk in London, visiting the Louvre in Paris or attending a football match), culminating in hilarious situations that stick long after the end credits roll.

    EuroTrip ‘s disparate elements come together to create an experience that just clicks with people who can’t stop quoting “Scotty Doesn't Know” or memorable characters like Vinnie Jones' over-enthusiastic Manchester United fan or Lucy Lawless's dominatrix in Amsterdam. These elements all contribute to an amusing journey which leaves audiences laughing  while simultaneously scratching their heads at its audacious gags, perfect ingredients for a cult classic.

    110 votes
  • Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is often celebrated as an underrated classic because of its ingenious satire and unapologetic mockery of music biopics, particularly specific films like Ray and Walk the Line. Ut exaggerates well-worn biopic clichés such as the underprivileged upbringing, substance abuse issues, infidelities and career struggles, making it a masterclass in parody. This meta-narrative approach elevates the movie from being merely silly to becoming an intelligent comedy that appeals equally to movie buffs, musicians, and casual viewers who appreciate smart humor.

    John C Reilly's performance as Dewey Cox perfectly encapsulates the spirit of numerous music legends while adding his own signature comedic voice. An ensemble cast filled with comedians like Tim Meadows and Jenna Fischer slot seamlessly into this absurd universe. Topping it all off with hilarious original songs that both parody and pay tribute to real-life musical hits, Walk Hard celebrates ridiculousness while maintaining an artful wit, making it widely accepted as a true comedy gem on all counts.

    100 votes
  • 25
    81 VOTES

    Hot Rod puts its characters through intentionally exaggerated sequences to parody the stereotypical tropes of underdog movies. For instance, Hot Rod's protagonist is an inept stuntman instead of a warrior or chosen one. The film embraces absurdity to such an extent that it paints a hilarious caricature of our collective cliched assumptions about storytelling itself.

    Beyond parodying cliches, though, the charm lies in how it is unabashedly self-aware of its oddities without ever pushing too hard on them or seemingly begging for laughs from the audience. The humor is often grounded in brilliant comic timing with dialogue that remains hilariously quotable. The performances are nuanced enough to carry this humor forward convincingly, making it more than just a commotion of silly gags but indeed a modern cult classic comedy.

    81 votes
  • Wet Hot American Summer
    Photo: USA Films

    Wet Hot American Summer earns its status as a cult classic through its clever satire of multiple genres and absurdist humor. This 2001 film takes on the tropes of coming-of-age stories, summer camp flicks, and disaster movies (?) with unflinching conviction. The essence of its comedy lies not just in poking fun at other genres but also in an eccentric narrative style that's loaded with unexpected quirks that are so absurd  that they're hilarious.

    The movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring talents like Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, and Paul Rudd before they were Hollywood A-listers. The hilarious performances by such now-famous actors gives this quirky gem re-watchable appeal. Additionally, Wet Hot American Summer embodies a kind of irreverent nostalgia that resonates strongly with audiences looking for an anti-mainstream comedic experience.

    73 votes