I’M A PICKY movie watcher. It’s true. And comedies are no exception. I take my comedies very seriously. (is that weird?) If I’m going to spend 2 hours of my life staring at a screen I want it to be worthwhile.
NON-COMEDY EXAMPLE: Silence of the Lambs (obviously not a comedy…and if you think it is then you might want to consider psychotherapy and anti-psychotic medication) was a good movie. It’s sequel, Hannibal (also not a comedy) was a travesty. I’m still mad I’ll never get those 90 minutes of my life back. (shame on you Julianne Moore. shame. on. you.)
THAT BEING SAID, here is my list of 10 comedies that are worth a watch (or 20…but maybe that’s just my OCD talking). Some I’m sure you’ve seen, others may be new to you…and if you’re wondering why some were omitted (like Harold & Maude or Zombieland) I promise it wasn’t an oversight. They were intentionally left off the list because they’re already on one of my other 10 Films That *insert witty phrasing here* posts. So pull up your Netflix or Amazon Instant and get ready to click and queue.
10 Movies That Almost Made Me Pee My Pants
…because they’re that funny…
1) Harvey
JIMMY STEWART is Edward P. Dowd and his best friend is a six foot tall rabbit that no one else can see or hear. This just might be the best comedy of all time. Yup. It’s that good. If you haven’t seen it yet then add it to your Netflix queue immediately. You’ll never questions the reality of imaginary friends ever again…
AND you’re welcome.
*video*
2) This is 40
THE FUNNIEST and most accurate portrayal of married life to ever be filmed. (Brian and I kept saying “Oh my God, that’s us isn’t it?” between giggles) The writing is excellent, the direction is perfect and the acting is superb.
DID I MENTION it stars Paul Rudd? In the event you are unaware Paul Rudd, at least comedically, can do no wrong…at least not that I’ve seen…not even in Clueless.
*video*
3) Arsenic and Old Lace
TWO SWEET elderly Aunts have a few skeletons in their closets…and their basement…and their trunk…
CARY GRANT was never better. This movie has some of the best one-liners I’ve ever heard (sorry, Bob).
A LOT OF PEOPLE think the humor in older films doesn’t translate to today, but you gotta believe me when I tell you it does. Funny is funny. And when it’s well done it withstands the ages. Just ask Shakespeare.
*video*
4) Road to Morocco
BOB HOPE. That is all.
*video*
5) Happy, Texas
TWO ESCAPED CONVICTS wind up posing as a gay couple of traveling beauty pageant coaches. Corny? Yes. Predictable? Absolutely. Hilarious? Damn straight. (no pun intended)
THIS MOVIE actually enraged the real residents of Happy, Texas, who felt it portrayed their town as being filled with poorly educated halfwits and country bumpkins. *eyeroll* It’s a fictional story. I’m willing to guarantee the only reason Happy was chosen is because of the name. Would you want to watch a movie called Ozona, Texas? Yeah. Me neither. So ignore the locals and enjoy watching a redneck felon trying to teach little girls to dance, throw a punch all while deciding what type of stitch is best to use when applying an applique heart to a leotard.
*video*
6) The Hangover
WHEN BRIAN AND I saw this in the theater we actually missed large portions of dialogue because we were laughing so hard. My secret celebrity husband, Zach Galafianakis (don’t tell my other hubby, Bruce Campbell, okay?) , is brilliant. The rest of the cast, as far as I’m concerned is filler. I’ve seen Zach doing his standup many times and my favorite parts are his impersonations…he shines when he’s allowed to be the gifted character actor that he is…and he sparkles like a damn diamond in The Hangover. But you’ve seen it, so it’s not like I’m telling you anything you didn’t already know.
AND THE TRUTH of the matter is, I like movies where babies get hit in the face with car doors. I’m sick and twisted that way. On a completely unrelated note if anyone needs a nanny, I’m available.
*video*
7) Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
A MORE CEREBRAL sort of humor, to be sure. While you don’t have to be familiar with Hamlet to enjoy this existential comedy it certainly helps.
ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN are inseparable, so much so that they don’t know which of them is Rosencrantz and which is Guildenstern…nor does anyone else. The movie is their experience inside Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
I ADMIT this film won’t be for everyone. Some will find it boring as hell, others will think it’s pretentious, but if you dig it, you’ll DIG it. (and it stars Gary Oldman. Hello!)
*video*
8) Clue
THE FIRST (I think?) and most certainly best of the game-turned-movie films. This is a classic. Slapstick whodoneit? Yes, please.
THIS CULT CLASSIC was even spoofed (brilliantly spoofed) on this season of Psych…complete with a good portion of the original cast.
I ONLY WISH the game were as fun as the movie.
SERIOUSLY. That game sucks. Has anyone ever had a good time playing clue? Anyone?
<*video*
9) The Jerk
HE WAS BORN a poor black child. A rags to riches to rags tale as only Steve Martin can tell it. This has been a favorite of mine since I was 6 years old. (Steve was my second childhood crush. What can I say…I have a thing for funny guys.) Since everyone has seen this movie there’s really no point in giving you a synopsis. Let’s just bask in our collective memories of laughing our asses off, shall we?
*video*
10) Heathers
TEEN ANGST reaches a whole new level. Mysterious loner meets disenchanted popular girl and hilarious serial killing ensues amid a backdrop of oblivious adults, croquette, swatches, scrunchies and Corn Nuts. The best roles of Winona Ryder & Christian Slater’s lives, hands down.
I STILL quote the sh*t out of this movie, and have since I was 14. Genius.
*video*
And while My Big Fat Greek Wedding didn’t make the list (but only by a hair), this movie still totally did because it’s just too damn funny to not share:
This is totally how I felt when I met my honey…and I’m pretty sure I looked like that too.
What are your favorite comedies of all time? What do you think should have made the list?
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
images :: all movie stills © their respective studios.
