The Ultimate List of 30 Must-Watch Comedy Classics

Planning your next movie night with friends? Here are the top comedy movies to keep the laughs coming. Watch Mike Myers shine in “Austin Powers in Goldmember” or Dudley Moore charm as a tipsy millionaire in “Arthur.” These picks guarantee a fun-filled evening. So, pick one of these movies and grab some popcorn!

21 Jump Street (2012)

“21 Jump Street” hilariously reinvents the classic ’80s show, with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum starring as mismatched cops who go undercover as high school students. The pair stumble hilariously through their new roles, quickly discovering that high school today is nothing like they remembered. 

Duck Soup (1933)

This comedic masterpiece blends wacky humor and sharp political satire as it throws you into the middle of a nutty conflict between Freedonia and Sylvania. With Groucho’s razor-sharp wit, Harpo’s wild slapstick, and Chico’s clever mischief leading the charge, the film’s side-splitting gags have stood the test of time.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Renée Zellweger charmed audiences as Bridget, a bumbling Londoner, finds her thirties, love life, and career with plenty of comedic missteps. Between her embarrassing public moments and the love triangle involving Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” hilariously captures the messiness of single life.

Superbad (2007)

Few high school comedies have the staying power of “Superbad.” Written by Seth and Evan when they were teenagers, this coming-of-age film captures awkward moments. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill star as two best friends trying to enjoy one last wild night before graduation, with unforgettable supporting characters.

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

“Austin Powers in Goldmember” cranks up the absurdity to the max. Mike Myers brilliantly plays multiple roles: the shagadelic spy Austin Powers, his arch-nemesis Dr. Evil, and the peculiar villain Goldmember. This chapter doubles down on parodies and catchphrases. It’s a non-stop laugh fest that shows Myers at his comedic best.

Hitch (2005)

Will Smith shines as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a professional “date doctor” who helps awkward men win the hearts of their dream women—until he meets Eva Mendes’ character, who’s immune to his charms. With sharp writing and undeniable chemistry between the leads, Hitch goes beyond romance.

Modern Times (1936)

Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” may be silent, but its humor speaks volumes. Set during the Great Depression, Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character goes through industrialized society with a series of comedic blunders. The film critiques the mechanization of life while delivering laugh-out-loud slapstick.

Airplane! (1980)

If there’s a gold standard for slapstick comedy, “Airplane!” might just be it. Leslie Nielsen is unforgettable, delivering absurdly funny lines with a perfectly straight face, which only adds to the mayhem. As a spoof of disaster movies, the film spins a wild series of events into comedic gold, where every scene cleverly doubles as a punchline.

American Pie (1999)

A teen comedy that became a cultural touchstone, “American Pie” follows a group of high school seniors trying to lose their virginity before graduation. You would know this movie by the iconic pie scene alone. Its raunchy humor pushed boundaries while capturing the awkwardness of teenage life, creating an instant classic. 

Bridesmaids (2011)

“Bridesmaids” is a standout in modern comedy. Kristen Wiig stars as Annie, a woman whose life spirals out of control as her best friend’s wedding approaches. With an all-star cast and a mix of absurdity and heartfelt moments, the film delivered unforgettable scenes like the infamous food poisoning disaster.

School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black is in his element as Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who ends up teaching music at a prestigious prep school. His unconventional methods and antics lead to hilarious moments as the kids fall in love with rock and roll. Heartwarming, energetic, and full of music, this film presents Black’s infectious performance.

Blades of Glory (2007)

Will Ferrell and Jon Heder star as rival figure skaters forced to team up in this absurd and hilarious sports comedy. Full of outlandish ice-skating routines and over-the-top outfits, “Blades of Glory” creates laugh-out-loud moments in the unlikely world of figure skating. Ferrell’s over-the-top persona pairs perfectly with Heder’s awkward charm.

Annie Hall (1977)

“Annie Hall” is Woody Allen’s iconic exploration of love and relationships, using witty, neurotic dialogue. Diane Keaton shines as the quirky Annie, who became a symbol of offbeat fashion and free-spirited charm. The film offers sharp insights about life, art, and New York, mixing introspective humor with relatable moments.

Arthur (1981)

Dudley Moore shines as Arthur Bach in the film “Arthur,” where he plays a charming yet perpetually inebriated millionaire. His delightful performance earned him an Oscar nomination. Moreover, the movie mixes romance with sharp, witty dialogue, and Moore’s portrayal makes Arthur both hilarious and endearing.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” is a dark comedy filled with bizarre characters and quirky visuals. Michael Keaton delivers an outrageous performance as the obnoxious ghost Betelgeuse, helping a recently deceased couple haunt their home. A unique mix of macabre humor and Burton’s distinct aesthetic made it an instant cult classic.