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This list isn’t about the ten best comedies ever. There are so many different types of comedy movies that any list like this is going to have its fans and huge detractors. What is hard to deny is when an individual actor puts one such a strong showing that the comedy succeeds on their shoulders alone. So this list is of ten of the best comedic performances to remember, performances where the star or stars made the comedy what it was.
Simon Pegg plays the leading role of Shaun, a normally average man, on the verge of being a loser, who is likable and easy to relate to. From the start, Pegg’s personality dominates this great horror/satire/comedy. From the opening scene with his groggy waking up moan to his interaction with his flat mates, Pegg’s performance is commanding, and he consistently steals the scene. This is a fantastic movie, and I can’t imagine any other actor being able to pull this character off to the same level.
Ron Livingston plays a fan favorite in character Peter Gibbons. A hero to many an overworked cubicle white collar worker, Livingston’s portrayal of the hypnotized don’t care you can’t push me around worker helps this film by making every understated joke hilarious, adding depth to every punch line. By not going over the top, by just being normal, Livingston has a gravitas in this film that you usually don’t get from a hero who says I just don’t want to do anything. If he had messed up this character even a little, this movie wouldn’t have worked at all.
Adam Sandler makes this film. This may have been one of his best roles, and probably his best comedy. This character of Happy Gilmore is intense, strange, and has that edge that makes him crude yet likable, rebellious and a little scary. That touch of instability is what makes him work, and this is a popular comedy that doesn’t work with anyone other than Adam Sandler—something that can’t be said about most of his other films.
A lot of people will argue with the statement I’m about to make, but this was a really dumb movie. Still, Ace Ventura is an extremely original character, and this movie has a lot of fans for only one reason: Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey took his slapstick physical comedy to its most extreme levels in this movie, and love him or hate him, the role is an unforgettable performance.
Leslie Nielsen is known for a series of these films, but I really do believe the first one was by far and away the best, since in later movies they kept dumbing his character down more and more. The physical humor and timing of gags were at their funniest here, before a lot of imitators dumbed these types of movies down. While I don’t care for any of the sequels, Leslie Nielsen’s performance here made this movie, and the franchise of sequels to follow.
I remember as a kid watching this Laurel & Hardy movie during the holidays and loving it. Years later I worried it wouldn’t hold up, but I should have known better. Babes in Toyland is Laurel & Hardy at their slapstick best. Every expression, every line, every gag is a joy in this film, and no other duo could pull off the movie the way these two could.
This film has the distinct honor of having two actors who gave amazing, memorable, comedic performances. While everyone knows Jeff Bridges was absolutely amazing as The Dude, and his acting of that character is one of the best comedic performances ever, in my opinion it’s only the second best of the movie.
John Goodman as Vietnam veteran and hilariously dysfunctional person Walter Sobchak takes the cake. From pulling a gun at a bowling alley because he was over the line, to jumping out of a car with an Uzi, to not watching the wind while scattering the ashes: everything has to go back to ‘Nam, and this character gives the movie and extra boost that makes it extraordinary.
I have never seen a movie so affected by the generation gap as this one. If you’re 30 and younger, you generally love it. If you’re older, you generally hate it. John Heder is amazing as the dorky but likable Napoleon Dynamite, coming out as one of the most original characters. He nails the performance, and carries this film on his back. I just can’t imagine this movie being anything but a flop without Heder’s fantastic comedic acting and great portrayal of the poor American dorks. Alas, this movie brought back memories of high school. I feel the pain.
This movie more than any other allowed Steve Martin to display his acting skills in an understated, yet hilarious comedic performance. It may not have been his best movie, but as far as one actor carrying a film, this is Steve Martin putting in a great performance of timing and self-deprecating humor. The end scene especially is one that has me laughing so hard tears roll down my face, and I just can’t believe he pulled it off. As a singular performance, Steve Martin was amazing in this one.
This movie is full of great characters, but John Belushi may hand in the best comedic acting job in history with this incredible performance. Every time Belushi is on screen he is the focus of attention, from his great rants about Germans bombing Pearl Harbor, to the famous ladder scene, Bluto is an unforgettable character who is charismatic, hilarious, and intense. Without him, this is just another forgotten college comedy. With him, this is one of the all time classic comedy films.
Contributor: Shane Dayton
March 18th, 2008 at 9:33 am
John Belushi.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:34 am
This is another one of those lists that everyone will have something to add to. Memorable comedic performances are surprisingly common, but I think you’ve managed to accurately pick out some of the best. Great list.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Anthony: I am expecting quite a battle
March 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Simon Pegg is my hero…!! If you liked ’shaun of the dead’ you will love ‘Hot Fuzz’!! I didnt think that brit humor really made any waves across the pond… Is this a fluke or are we staring to make you guys laugh??
!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I’ve only seen 4 of these… I’m under 30, and I thought Napoleon Dynamite was REALLY overrated. I could barely sit through it. Shaun of the Dead is amazing, but I don’t get how everyone thinks ‘Hot Fuzz’ is the better film. Maybe it’s just because I haven’t seen many of the films it was parodying, but I thought it wasn’t that funny. I actually thought ‘The Mask’ was a better Jim Carrey film than ‘Pet Detective’, and I thought ‘When Nature Calls’ was also better than the first film…
Naked Gun deserves to be at the top of this list I think. It’s one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen, it’s so well written & Neilson is amazing in it.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
napolean dynamite? i don’t think so. i’m 23 and that movie is nowhere near the others on your list. at the very very least it should not have been rated that highly.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Chris Farley in Tommy Boy, it’s one of my favorite comedies, I would have had him on the list.
I’m glad Ace Ventura was on there!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Easily one of my favourite lists Jamie! I have seen every movie on this list and wouldn’t change anything.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Its John Belushi not Jim Belucshi ….
March 18th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Chris is right it is the late John Belushi. Jim is his brother, he is hilarious also.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:47 am
The Jerk is one of the best movies of all time. But what about The Toy, Raising Arizona, Spies Like Us…?
March 18th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I agree with everything dragonironhide said. I’m under 30 too and I really didn’t see what was so great about Napoleon Dynamite. My hubby and I turned it off halfway through. I did happen to catch the ending the other day on TV and all I can say is that he is a pretty decent dancer.
I thought Shaun of the Dead was great, not so much Hot Fuzz, but a decent movie too. Naked Gun is a classic, Leslie Nielsen is the best at what he does! Though his older movies are better, Adam Sandler just makes me laugh for some reason. Never watched Animal House but now I want to watch the Big Lebowski!
Great list Shane! =)
March 18th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I can’t believe that you mixed up John and Jim!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:00 am
any of the guys from Snatch deserve to be there. especially Tommy (the guy who shot himself)
March 18th, 2008 at 10:00 am
jamie/shane – gotta mention Bill Murray in Caddyshack and Ghostbusters (and Ted Knight in Caddyshack)
Groucho in Night at the Opera
Matt Dillon/Ben Stiller in There’s Something about Mary
Jeff Anderson in Clerks 2
Peter Sellers in Dr. Stranglove
Charlie Chaplin in City Lights and the Great Dictator
John Belushi in the Blues Brothers
Jonah Hill/Michael Cera – Superbad
Billy Bob Thorton in Bad Santa
Hanson Brothers in Slap Shot
Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop
Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstien or Fronkenschtien
Chevy Chase in Vacation, Fletch
Sacha Baran Cohen in Borat
Lots to choose from, no arguments from the list.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Hey – it was a typo – the error is fixed
Now, please resume moaning! 
March 18th, 2008 at 10:02 am
i really liked most of these movies, with the exception of napoleon dynamite. awful movie…..i left feeling like someone had sucked a few of my IQ points away from me….
chris farley in tommy boy, as some others have pointed out, is the only real omission i can find.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:03 am
bucslim: man – Bad Santa was an EVIL EVIL film – while it was hilarious in parts, it was so tragic in others (I am referring to parts of the film relating to the fat boy) – what a messed up movie!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
oh – and I really loved Napoleon Dynamite – why all the hatred?!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
OH YES! and cohen in Borat. he lived as his character for that film, that has to be in there. forgot that one.
and ill agree with thorton in bad santa as well.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:05 am
‘puts one such a strong showing’.
I believe it should be ‘puts on such a strong showing’.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
*sigh*… unimaginative list, populated almost exclusively with films made after the mid-70s. Come on Shane… wake up to the fact that great films were made before you were born, and not just ten or 15 years before.
No Marx Brothers on this list… “Night at the Opera” should be here, and/or “Duck Soup.”
No Cary Grant…. he should be here for “Bringing Up Baby” and/or “Arsenic & Old Lace.”
No Harold Lloyd… he should be here for “The Milky Way” at least..
No Buster Keaton… come on… that’s a crime, omitting him. He should be here for any number of films, but at least for “The General.”
Chaplin…. while I’m no huge fan of Chaplin… he too should be here… if “City Lights” is too touching for you to be considered comedic, and “The Great Dictator” too dated, then how about “Modern Times”?
No Walter Matthau… he should be here for “A New Leaf” at least, as well as “The Odd Couple”
Ditto for Tony Randall….
No Carole Lombard…. she should be here for “My Man Godfrey,” at least….
No Peter Sellers… who should be here for “The Pink Panther” and/or “A Shot in the Dark” and/or “Being There.”
I DO agree that Belushi belongs here, for “Animal House.” And Steve Martin. But what about Bill Murray?
But the overrated and gut-wrenchingly hammy (and unfunny) Jim Carrey? No. And the half-the-time-he’s-funny-and-the-other-he’s-not Adam Sandler? No.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
jfrater – know what you mean – and that’s exactly what they were trying to accomplish. Make you think twice about all the stupid things we do during the holidays.
BTW – I thought Napoleon Dynamite was brilliant. Mainly because I knew guys back in HS who were exactly like that.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Prolly should be some women in here too – Diane Keaton in Annie Hall?
March 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
’scuze me, I messed up….. I meant to say:
Ditto for Jack Lemmon (for it was he who starred with Matthau in the film version of “The Odd Couple” while Tony Randall was the TV Felix Unger… but Lemmon should be here also for “Mr. Roberts,” and Randall should be here for any number of great supporting comedic roles.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Can’t quite agree with most of these – not that any of the performances are *bad*, they’re certainly enjoyable, but there are so many more that are so excellent – George C Scott in Dr Strangelove, Wilder and Mostell in The Producers, Bill Murray in Rushmore (or everything), Will Ferrell in Zoolander (“They’re breakdance fighting” is not a line that should work but it does), Buster Keaton in The General…
Just my opinion, of course. While both Office Space and Shaun of the Dead are anchored by strong central performances, I don’t think they would be so good without the excellent support from the ensemble. And I’ve never really rated Sandler or Belushi.
And no women? Off the top of my head I’d say Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles, Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Ooh! Yes, Jack Lemmon in The Apartment! Billy Wilder really had a way with actors. The entire cast of Some Like It Hot are excellent. Monroe especially stood out for me, she was much more talented than given credit for.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Also…Gene Wilder in “The Producers” should be here.. along with Zero Mostel…
March 18th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Mac:
I see a posting of mine crossed with yours…. we have the same taste in comedy. Billy Wilder was fantastic.
“The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.” Great film.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Good list – I’m (way) over 30, but I liked napoleon Dynamite – Not in the top 10, however…
Bucslim points out several big omissions. True, true on most.
But as a pure comedic performance, I will have to agree with EricB – Sacha Cohen in Borat fits “the comedy succeeds on their shoulders alone” more than anyone else.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Oh and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, classic!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I thought Jonathan Winters in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Mad World was pretty damn funny too – but that was more an ensemble effort.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Jfrater: Belushi is still misspelled
March 18th, 2008 at 10:34 am
I agree that Bill Murray is a notable omission (Stripes or Ghostbusters) and although I am quite capable of laughing at fart jokes, I cannot recommend Pet Detective or Dumb and Dumber, or pretty much any Jim Carey comedy (Mask was OK). I like Bruce Bigelow Male Gigolo better than Pet Detective. Also the original Odd Couple could have made this list, or even Grumpy Old Men. (Its newer, more widely seen maybe?)
What? No Blues Brothers?
What about the original Chevy Chase Vacation? Hilarious
The Naked Gun was great, I have a fondness for Leslie Neilsen. Good Pick.
Shaun of The Dead was terrific! Should have beaten out Ace Ventura, thats for sure.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
And that would be Randy Quaid’s performance in Christmas Vacation, and I forgot about Bill Murray in Stripes, funny!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Overall, I think you did a great job on this list. I haven’t seen “Babes in Toyland”, but I have seen the other 9 on this list and I loved them all. I have to agree with Jackie (#7) in putting Tommy Boy (or Black Sheep) on this list. Chris Farley was great in those and David Spade played a great asshole sidekick in them. Raising Arizona would have been a great choice too.
Alot of people didn’t like Napoleon Dynamite, but I thought it was an original film with its owm style. To me, it was unique…they seemed to create their own world. The characters were great, from Napoleon himself to his brother Kip, his uncle, Pedro and Deb.
Ace Ventura was hilarious. This was Jim Carrey’s first starring role and I thought he was great in it. Although I have to admit, I got tired of him doing the same over-the-top character movie after movie. I’ll always remember the opening scene where he’s the UPS guy, kicking the package down the street…I couldn’t stop laughing.
I know that you stated that the first NAKED GUN was the best and and that Leslie Nielson’s performance in it paved the way for the franchise, but I’m pretty sure the whole idea for THE NAKED GUN came from a TV show called POLICE SQUAD.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Napolean Dynamite..no..i’m 22 and it’s terrible.
Airplane! is the best comedy ever.
either that or Blazing Saddles- both of those still hold up today and I’ll watch them anytime.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Bill Murray should be on this list….What About Bob? was great, as was Groundhog Day, Rushmore, Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
p.s jfrater I have a huge talent crush on you. Just to let you know
March 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
never seen animal house, but I’m glad to see the big lebowski on this list!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Callie #37;
nice call on ‘Blazing Saddles’. One of my all time favorite. Airplane is great too, I love that type of humour
March 18th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Hardest thing about making a list for comedic performances is everybody thinks diffrent things are funny. Not a bad list though…chris farley as others said could always a carry a movie in his short lived career
March 18th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Randall #22:
With the Marx brothers, Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Carey Grant…it looks like you have the start of a ‘classic comedic performances’ list. Just a thought.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Young Frankenstein
March 18th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Napoleon Dynamite was a comedy movie?!? Ugh! I lost a couple of IQ points over that one!
March 18th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I was surprised to see “Babes in Toyland” on this list, I always thought it was a porno…
March 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Caddyshack & Airplane didnt even make the list?!
Im not a fan of the humor represented but in that vein, Caddyshack & Airplane trump them all (although glad to see The Jerk as high as 2).
My choice: BEST IN SHOW
March 18th, 2008 at 11:14 am
kevin smith!!
clerks 1+2
mallrats
dogma
jay and silent bob
March 18th, 2008 at 11:17 am
My friends and I agree. Napoleon Dynamite is an incredibly strange movie in that it’s absolutely awful to sit through, but it’s hilarious when you talk about funny moments once the film is done. (We’re 20-22).
Another great list overall, though. As much as it pains me, where’s Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation? Seriously, it’s his only good movie. I think some props are in order.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:22 am
SUN #47: I forgot about the Christopher Guest Mockumentaries. They’re all great. He wrote,starred in and directed all but the first one on this list:
-This is Spinal Tap (directed by Rob Reiner)
-Waiting for Guffman
-Best in Show
-A Mighty Wind
-For Your Consideration
March 18th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Kinda weird to me how Napoleon Dynamite is so polarizing. Even between my kids – oldest daughter 19 hates it, my son 18 loves it.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Overall this is a wonderful list. I’m also glad someone mentioned Raising Arizona. Nick Cage’s performance in that movie was simply outstanding. IMHO, this movie is FAR superior to the other Coen Bros. movie you mentioned (Big Lebowski.)
BTW, you are absolultely correct: Ace Venture IS a really dumb movie, but you’re correct that Carey was wonderful. At the time there was really nothing like it out. In contrast, Dumb and Dumber is also an idiotic movie, but no performance could have saved it.
And like about half the posters, I don’t understand the hatred for Napoleon Dynamite. Odd, quirky, funny, and original. Seems like most of the people who hated it nominated Farley in “Tommy Boy” instead… which I thought was mainstream, uninspired, and lowbrow. I guess it’s just that comedy is so personal and relative.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Nice list. I would really love to see a list of lesser known must see comedies…
March 18th, 2008 at 11:39 am
i thought napoleon dynamite was original too.
the marketing for it was too much, however.
i think paul rueben’s performance in “peewee’s big adventure”
was pretty fantastic.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I like the fact that you went back to Laura & Hardy days even though that was not my favorite film of theirs. This is one of those lists that would be impossible to make everybody happy. This list could easily be a top 100 list. Thanks for taking the time to put these clips together Shane.
They were great.
Just incase there are any Danny Kay fans out there. This one of my favorites. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS75NtlH3gI
March 18th, 2008 at 11:45 am
The movies listed are great (except for Sandler–no actor has ever done more with less than Sandler)…the added comment movies are great, too. Love the Marx Brothers! But where is the love for Mel Brooks? Blazing Saddles, yes…Young Frankenstein, absolutely…but why not The Producers, High Anxiety, and History of the World Part I, To Be or Not To Be, and Silent Movie…Mel knew how to spoof and tell a story (something most spoofs miss today)!
And speaking of spoofs Naked Gun is good…but Airplane is the Granddaddy of the All–great spoof, fun story, and it was the first of its kind. Sorry for the rant…I just picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue!
March 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
when i think of a performance to remember there has to be moments of uncontrollable laughter for me to rank it high. getting me to smile or chuckle doesn’t quite do it.
and randall, are you going to be “that guy”? calling someone’s list unimaginative just because he doesn’t agree with your taste. then you nominate a bunch of old movies that most people have not seen nor care to see. he gave you a 70 year time frame of movies (take out babes in toyland and it is still 26 years). cut him some slack.
the movies you mentioned are worth seeing and are interesting but not the kind of comedy that causes raucous laughter.
for the record, i thought i was going to have a heart-attack laughing at napoleon.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I think you might need to extend this list,wayyy to many left out.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I strongly disagree with The Jerk and The Big Lebowski. Movies like The Jerk are a reason these “Stupid-guys-doing-stupid-stuff” movies thrive today. That’s reason enough to choke Steve Martin until he hits the floor. And The Big Lebowski, know what I got out of the whole movie? “Dude. Man. Shut the fuck up Donny! Dude. Man. Sarsparilla. Dude. Man. Shut the fuck up Donny! I’m The Dude!” SNORE.
This list really could have used a Kevin Smith movie. I say Clerks, the most popular one, namely for pretty much everything Randal says. I also think Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs should have been here. Why? “What’s the matter Colonal Sanders? Chicken!?” “It’s Megamaid sir. She just went from Suck to Blow!”
March 18th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
monty python and the holy grail. The black knight who just won’t quit, the ‘monster’ gaurding the caves entrance, the horse trotting sound effects…but like anything else, people either love it or hate it.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
to me, Spaceballs is a classic (it was made over 20 years ago)….damn that makes me feel old
March 18th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
dear lord, what about
CADDYSHACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Wow I don’t want to add to the comments cause everybody has their own opinion of comedy but While Shaun and Young Frankenstein are my tops for movies and I am above 30, I’m surprised no one has mentioned 40 year old virgin. Steve Carell was so great as a meek, understated virgin. How many times have I sat at night painting soldiers pants. It’s funny cause it’s true…..oh and I didn’t get Napoleon Dynamite. I just didn’t get it…
March 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I’m a huge Kevin Smith fan, I couldn’t name just one performance from any of his movies that is “the best”
…I’m sorry Jamie, I grew up around people like Napoleon Dynamite. I have a whole family of them (I kind of was one myself) and I hated it. The only funny scene was when they did the cow slaughter in front of the school bus.
I was shocked as well that Bill Murray wasn’t on the list.
Al Pacino in Dick Tracy is his best and funniest performance (I know I’ll get some Godfather retorts for this one)
And I have to say that Robin Williams should be on here too- Dead Poets Society, Death to Smoochy (Ed Norton’s performance in Death to Smoochy too), and one of the best movie performances of all time Armand Goldman in The Birdcage.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
christmas vacation should definately be on the list i laugh so hard every year when i see it. the sled, dumping the chemical toilet,and beating up a plastic santa classic.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I actually think European Vacation was FAR better than Christmas vacation.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I agree with everyone!! So much was left out… however this list could go on forever cuz everyone thinks different things are funny.
Kevin Smith movies could have been added. Clerks 1, Clerks 2, Mallrats, Dogma, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Also on a sidenote: If anyone wants to see the best comedy to come out lately, look for Death at a Funeral. I laughed from start to finish!!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
DiscHuker; I agree with you. Very few folks over the age of 40 are the least bit interested in Buster Keaton or Harold LLoyd. I like old movies too but other than Laurel and Hardy or The Three Stooges; slap-stick is ageless; they certainly don’t pop into my mind. Blazing Saddles, Stripes, Clerks (just the first one, the funeral scene), Shaun of the Dead, Vacation, Spinal Tap (I forgot, made me cry, sooo funny).
Most definitely no clomplaint about the number 1 pick. Animal House is classic Belushi, who can compare?
And yes, Napoleon Dynamite had me falling off my chair. I loved the cops. Freakin’ Hilarious!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
the jerk is my favorite movie of all time. i still laugh….
March 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
zeppelingod: i have to agree with you. Spaceballs is a classic!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
hey ill take vegas vacation!
im not going to add any of my choices, just too many id go with, so lets just add 1 older one for people who dont like all the recent choices: cantiflas as passpartou(?) in around the world in 80 days
March 18th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
i can’t believe so many people hated napolean, the movie was so good. You can’t take it literally though or else it just comes off as stupid. Good list btw.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Oh yeah, Vegas Vacation reminded me of something else. I love Vegas Vacation, but Christmas Vacation was the greatest in the series. European Vacation and the original Vacation were awful, but Vegas and Christmas Vacations were great.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Dischuker:
And who said a comedy had to engender “raucous laughter” for it to be valid?
And I love that good ol’ ignorant and intellectually lazy, closed-minded attitude: “movies that most people haven’t seen and don’t care to see.”
I’ve got news for you Disc. Life is short. You’re only here for a while. The world and human creativity are unimaginably rich realms. Dive in to some of it, instead of limiting yourself to tunnel vision. There’s a huge amount of stuff out there to experience, including old movies… AND YOU NEVER KNOW—you might actually like a few of them. You might even find you love them more than the crap in the theaters now.
But no, people with your attitude would rather take the lazy way out, saying that they “don’t care” to see something old, or something that takes time to grasp, or effort to understand or enjoy…. never realizing that sometimes the work of art or work of entertainment that *does* take a little time can actually be a LOT more rewarding than the junk that you can just plug into your brain, with no effort from you.
But most of the stuff I cited doesn’t even require effort—just being open minded to something other than the latest piece of shit that Hollywood threw at you.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
There’s no chicks on this list!
Grr
March 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
shaun of the dead is easily one of my favourite movies ever…and no one seems to understand why.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Oh, and by the way… I freakin’ LOVED Napolean Dynamite. As well as most of the other movies on this list.
But the point is… I know there are things out there that are just as good, or BETTER. And there’s something wrong when people’s taste only allows for stuff made in the last 10 years or so.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I FREAKING LOVE ALL THESE FILMS! My favorite is Animal House though, it truly is an all-time classic!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
BHO- your comedy has ALWAYS made me laugh! My grandmother is British and we used to watch Mr. Bean and The Thin Red Line. They always cracked me up! And Hot Fuzz was hillarious.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Randall:what kind of films ddo you mean.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Oh man, Mr. Bean…I was laughing my ass off to him since back in the day. The thing I seem to recall most was the running gag of the funny-looking blue car he always seemed to be running off the road (pushing out of a parking spot, cutting off on the highway, etc.)
March 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
randall is like grandpa guitar
March 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Office space should be higher.
It’s been a while since I’ve been here…Hey everybody.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
joe pesci in my cousin vinny was hilariouos
March 18th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
randall: aren’t you just espousing that which you condemn? you define modern movies as “hollywood shit” and “current crap” in favor of the older fare. aren’t you getting on to me and the list maker for exactly the opposite?
March 18th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Randall; The point Buc is trying to make, I think, is that you are unbelievably dismissive of other peoples tastes and opinions. Almost without fail you denigrate anything that is modern or does not reflect your sensibilities. Disagreeing is one thing, but you are unnecessarily nasty and patronizing at times. Not always, some people do need to be beat around the head and neck, but a little too often. Just because its new, doesn’t mean its crap. Sometimes it does, Ace Ventura and the plethora of mostly crap it spawned come to mind, but not always. Also, remember that not everyone has had your advantages in life, nor experiences, or are they likely to.
The fact that I like you, agree with you often, enjoy milking some of that knowledge out of your Great Big Brain, and love your sense of humour does not mean you don’t make me feel squirmy sometimes. Shane might be some 15 year old trying his hand at this you know. A little more worry for other people’s feelings might be good.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
DiscHuker:
Huh?
I SAID I liked most of the movies on this list. My point wasn’t that all new stuff is shit–I can appreciate the new stuff, and do… I was getting on YOU for dismissing the old stuff out of hand–saying that you don’t care to look into it.
But yes…. a LOT of new stuff IS shit. A lot of old stuff was shit too. But MORE shit is being made THESE days than used to be.
My point was, look into more than just the new stuff that Hollywood pukes up at you.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
remember folks – the contributor was listing comedies in which one actor carried the movie in a way no other actor could (in their opinion).
that leaves out a number of great comedies that are ensembles or buddy movies.
#75 erin: get used to it. listverse (admin and contributors) are very male-centric (and white-centric) when it comes to listing general groups of people (including the list and comments above – all white men). On occasion they will feature a list of “best women…” but they don’t seem to feel its necessary to consider them in general lists.
in this case – a woman carrying a comedy – there are notable omissions that would easily outrank the likes of Shaun of the Dead and Office Space. Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality comes to mind.
Granted, most women in a comedy films are in a “Romantic Comedy” – but that shouldn’t be any worse than a “frat-boy comedy” like Happy Gilmore or Ace Ventura.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Randall; (apologies for the double post- I’m a scatter brain)
Sorry if I offended you the other day. I was actually going to use it as further proof against esp. (You know what I’m talking about? The Pretentious Thread?) I actually worried about it. Talk about having no life.
Now, could you please answer my question on the emerging thing over on the ghost thread?
Thanks
March 18th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
also – what about blacks or asians or hispanics?
Eddie Murphy – Beverly Hills Cop
Jackie Chan – Shanghai Noon
Cheech Marin – Born in East LA
March 18th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Mom:
Sorry, I like you and I respect you—I just don’t react well to lectures.
One thing that irks me though… even you just plain and simple haven’t listened carefully to what I’ve said.
I NEVER said that just because something is new, it must be crap. I said quite clearly that I liked most of the movies on this list. But yes, A) I think it’s absurd to limit a list like this mostly to films made in the last 10 years or so. Don’t you? It’s like saying there was no such thing as comedy before the 90s, except for the few exceptions cited. But more to the point, B) I was responding to DiscHuker, who used the argument that “people don’t care about old movies and don’t want to see them.” I attacked that attitude, because I find it to be narrow-minded.
I’ll grant you I’m abrasive at times. I know it. It’s not always my intention. Other times it is. Time restrictions don’t always grant me the luxury of being diplomatic. I worry more about not seeming pedantic than worrying about being rude, perhaps. Maybe I fail on both counts.
I’ll give you one point–Shane might be some 15 year old, you’re right about that… I do sometimes make the assumption that I’m talking to adults.
Bottom line is, I’ll grant I may have been a bit too nasty to Shane when I first posted–though when I look back on it, I don’t find it so terrible. But to DiscHuker–well, I was a tad nasty, but that “movies nobody cares about” line of his got me going.
People not knowing something–of course I can handle that–that’s why we’re all here, to share experience. But being unwilling to look into things, merely because they’re old (or whatever the excuse is) is something that irks me.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
randall: and you should read my original post. i said “the movies you mentioned are worth seeing and interesting”. in an effort to prove your mental superiority, like mom was referencing, you missed the forrest for the trees.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Copperdragon; Thanks for the reminder, I almost forgot about Up in Smoke, it is worth mention. Beverly Hills Cop was funny as hell, but I wouldn’t put it on the list. It’s the reason we have the Klumps, Nutty Professor, and a whole host of tragedies.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Maybe its just because im a fan of it, but there is no Monty Python on this list, or Faulty Towers. Those films, and that show arn’t even from my generation and I still find them funny the Life of Brian, and Holy Grail ar jems.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Mom:
You have never offended me, probably never will. I’m a bigmouth at times with harsh opinions.
You may have shamed me once or twice…. sure.
I didn’t know you wrote me a question on the ghost thread.. I haven’t been in there lately. I’ll go look.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Joe Dirt anyone??
March 18th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
i keep hearing this fat lady next to me talk about cake with mayo. that is so gross i forgot what asinine comment i was going to post
March 18th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
fivestring: that would be #11 in my opinion. David Spade was hilarious in that.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
pookyb; and I’m eatin’ home-made spaghetti, you damn near put me off my feed.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
# 86 – Mom, wasn’t me poo-poohing Randall this time, but yes I thought he was a bit nasty.
I have to sharpen my wit and make sure I have time to read his term paper replies if I’m going to take on Randall.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
And I’ve noticed people mentioning their fav comedy movies here, I thought it was comedic performances.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
BTW Randall, are you ever going to get around to replying to my Brunette comment? I wrote it just for you sweetie pie!
XOXO
March 18th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
buc: it is – apparently
March 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
a couple more comments and I’ll be the only one featured on the recent comments side bar!
March 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
bucslim: hehe
March 18th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Oh what the hell – should be re-named bucslim’s recent comments.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
copperdragon; you are the ‘ist’ troll on this site. Sorry there aren’t all that many movies of substance with decent roles for minorities. This is an apology for hollywood and the major studios. Not listverse subscribers and contributors. Even today most black comedies produced are nothing but stereotypical and patronizing and god damn awful garbage. Quite frankly, romantic comedies do not appear to belong on this list, not a one. Maybe Shane doesn’t like romantic comedies (got my vote if thats the case). Don’t you understand how this site works? Many contributors, many different points of view/tastes. C’mon get over it. And Contribute!
March 18th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Sorry BucSlim; forgive me I’m old. And I read too fast, and I talk often before I think. I haven’t just put my foot in my mouth in the past, but the whole damn leg.
Sorry Disc, for not giving credit where it was due.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Love this list.
You’re gonna die, clown!
Stay away from the cans!
Shut the fuck up Donnie.
Are we allowed to say fuck on here?
March 18th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
chershey: yes, you are allowed to say fuck here
March 18th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Shame on you… Peter Sellers in “Dr. Strangelove”. For shame, sir.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Great list, I think it would have more complete with Airplane. It was done by the folks who brought you but Naked Gun but eight years earlier. Both are great movies but Airplane was the mold for the latter.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Oh – Kevin Klein in A Fish Called Wanda:
Otto: You pompous, stuck-up, snot-nosed, English, giant, twerp, scumbag, fuck-face, dickhead, asshole.
Archie: How very interesting. You’re a true vulgarian, aren’t you?
Otto: You are the vulgarian, you fuck.
So, yeah, we can say fuck.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Good list.
But I must say… I’m 21 and I hated Napoleon Dynamite… Perhaps its because I’m not american and that dork/nerd culture is very american.. I don’t know.. I do realise some americans my age didn’t like it either. I’m not generalising here.
Dr. Strangelove is indeed hilarious.. the ending is priceless.. “MEIN FUHRER! I CAN WALK!”
March 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I really like this list,
especially Shaun of the Dead! (Although, I was surprised because most people like Hot Fuzz better)
And I have to say,
I was 12 when I first saw Napoleon Dynamite,
and still don’t particularly like it.
But I will admit that his performance was very good.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Mom424: Beverly Hills Cop being followed up by Klumps, Norbitt, etc. is no worse than Happy Gilmore being followed by Little Nicky or any other Sandler trash, nor worse than Carrey’s trash. The poster was looking for outstanding individual comedy roles – not careers – and in that vein, Eddie Murphy in BHC certainly supercedes Shaun of the Dead, at the very least.
as far as “ist” folks go, i’m certainly no worse than other regular contributors who have a singular point-of-view and have no qualms about pounding it mercilessly. (i could mention names, but you – and they – know who they are.)
March 18th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Great, great list. Also, your comments on Ace Ventura are spot on.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
sad to see not too many votes for chris farley movies. he is down right hilarious in tommy boy, he is the only reason that movie is great! who else wouldve worked so well with david spade?
no one thats who
“if i sent a picture of your mom to the guys back at college shed deffinetely be boner of the month”
hahaha
it doesnt get any better then tht
March 18th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Copperdragon; point taken, but I was just joking about the Eddie Murphy movies. I’ll remember the smiley face next time. But I am correct about most of the movies geared towards the black community; they are almost uniformly awful. The Jerry Springer of Modern Cinema, they seem to only celebrate the lowest common denominator. That is the true shame.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
ps; don’t tell anyone, I laughed my ass off at Little Nicky. It was awful, but the tit-head thing, and the smack on the side of the face thing, and the ozzy osbourne thing. I got a smirk on just thinking about it.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Neat list Shane, I have seen most of these films, and I like the cohesiveness of the list. Mostly films that are career defining and starring actors that truly carry the movie.
Just for fun, here are some films I would have included -
Tommy Boy – Chris Farley and David Spade. Such a funny movie.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights – great performances by Carey Elwes and Dave Chappelle. I’d pick it over Princess Bride because it is more straightforwardly comedic.
I also immediately thought of Beverly Hills Cop with Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. And another Murphy movie, Coming to America, is perhaps even more deserving.
Oh, and because I’ve seen a couple posts about the lack of women on this list… How about Mean Girls? Now, no comments if you haven’t seen it. Lindsey Lohan has hardly impressed us lately, but that is actually a really funny movie (and no one went into it more skeptical than I). It has a lot of hilarious performances by women in it, Lohan, Tina Fey, Rachael McAdams, and Amy Poehler are all great. Randall also mentioned “Bringing Up Baby,” which is a fabulous showcase of Katherine Hepburn’s comedic talents.
Randall – If you don’t like being lectured, perhaps you should consider toning it down yourself.
And Animal House is always #1, funniest movie I’ve ever seen.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
napolean dynamite was by far the most retarded movie i have ever seen. it was NOT funny at all.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
mom: no harm, no foul
nelia: forgot about Men in Tights (and I just watched it the other day). Cary Elwes DID carry that movie (because he can speak with a British accent!). I also liked Mean Girls (an updated “Heathers”). That and “Parent Trap” are the only two things of Lindsay’s worth watching (except for her ta-tas).
Jim Carrey in Mask should be in top 5. No one else could have pulled that off.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Jim Carey in Ace Ventura absolutely cracks me up, especially when he’s at the loony hospital.
I would also say Dave Chappelle and Ali G
March 18th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Nelia; I loved Robin Hood; Men in Tights, and the Princess Bride, and Coming to America. That’s the best thing about these lists, reminds me of all the movies I must re-visit.
On a side note; I know many purists are going to hate me for it, but I think Peter Sellers over-rated for the most part. Most particularly The Pink Panther. It was funny, but not that funny, if you get my drift.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
i think everybody in the big lebowski is absolutely amazing. Buscemi, stormare, turturro, and everybody else in the film is wonderful.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Sorry – I’m usually a “everyone has his own opinion” type guy … but any comedy list that doesn’t include Spinal Tap carries no weight with me ….
March 18th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
bwmyers18: hey – we did a whole list on Spinal Tap – it is certainly an appreciated “documentary” here!
March 18th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Thepennymachine: I agree – The Big Lebowski is a triumph in comedy – truly brilliant!
March 18th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
no not at all I’m 21 and still hate napolean dynamite, retarded movie with no concept, Jon Heder is terrible in everything he does because napolean is all he knows
March 18th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
youve got some big balls to put that at 3 and shaun of the dead at 10.. tisk tisk, go sit in the corner and think about what you did
March 18th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I know 3, 7, 8, 9, & 10 but I’ve never heard of the others. I love Shawn of the Dead. Waiting is funny, too.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
How could you include Nake Gun, but leave off Airplane?????
Surely you jest!!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I think any of the Austin Powers movies are funnier than most on this list
March 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Animal House is overrated i think.
but the lack of Monty Python (I personally like Holy Grail best) is a problem, a major problem.
Same goes for Mel Brooks’, Young Frankenstein, (Blazin’ Saddles just isn’t as good I think)
Napoleon Dynamite, im sorry that movie sucked.
Marx Brothers are good too, and so are The Three Stooges, but the latter were more shorts and not so much movies.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Obviously these are up for interpretation, because most of them are from the past 20-25 years. Some are classic, but I will have to say Billy Madison is much better than Happy Gilmore. Anyone who is a true Adam Sandler fan knows Happy pales in comparison to Billy.
Also the original Vacation is a classic. Not Christmas Vacation. Again a lot of the younger set knows Christmas Vacation because it is played during the holidays, but anyone who has seen the original knows there is no comparison.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
great list, ive got to say im more than happy with your choices, great variety. If i had to add anything im thinking the waterboy and the drugged guy in death at a funeral. Maybe austin powers for good measure
March 18th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Wow, it took until post 134 to bring up Austin Powers. Mike Myers carried those, coming up with a creative spoof of spy movies and portraying so many of the characters.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
What once again no Monty Python. Holy Grail blows these movies out of the water. Tommy Boy should be here too.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Wayne’s World, again carried by Myers, also was an incredibly funny movie.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
remember the qualifications for this list, a movie that was carried by a singular performance. while i love holy grail, “who are the britons?”, airplane, “i am serious and stop calling me shirley”, and blazing saddles, “where are all the white women?” these movies had more than one to help carry the load. this list is about individual performances.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
An excellent list. The only change that can (and should) be made is the removal of Napolean Dynamite. That movie, in a word, SUCKED!!!! These are the movies that could easily take its place…
1. Blazing Saddles
2. Tommy Boy
3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
4. Super Troopers
5. Spaceballs
6. Dumb and Dumber
March 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Elf! hilarious
March 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Tough list to narrow down to ten. But imho on no list of comedies I would make would a Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, and Naked Gun movie be in the top 10 except maybe top grossing comedies.
I agree with those that believe Monty Python and Mel Brooks films should be on this list somewhere. Pretty big oversight.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
If people want to say “These Are My Favorites”, fine. But, then people say things like, “Why The Hatred?”, and suggest starting a “Classic List”, when great artists like Buster Keaton, Marx Brothers, etc. are mentioned. This is after using terms like “The Best or One of the Best Ever”, on the list. I think I can be objective enough to say that there are a number of people today(Some on this list), who would have had trouble getting extra work at one time, but make millions, and are considered brilliant. Will Ferrel, Sandler, and others. Comedians used to have a lot more talent in the past, than they do now.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Bill Murray in Caddyshack
March 18th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
If the qualification to be included is on single performances alone then “Babes in Toyland” shouldn’t be included as Laurel & Hardy were a comic team. Since the Author of this list broke his own criteria with it’s inclusion, Comedy Teams of all sizes are fair game. As such, Brilliant Comedy follows…
Dudley Moore & Peter Cook – Bedazzled (Original 1967)
Jane Fonda – Barbarella
Woody Allen – Sleeper
Bruce Campbell – Army of Darkness
Jack Lemmon – How to Murder Your Wife
John Belushi & Dan Akroyd – Neighbors
Tim Roth & Gary Oldman – Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead
Entire Cast – Noises Off
Entire Cast – Rocky Horror Picture Show
I agree Groucho Marx should be on this list for any number of Marx Bros. Classic films, an oversight of epic proportions, and I would argue that he carried every Marx Brothers film.
The entire group of Monty Python for both “Life of Brian” and “Holy Grail”
Oh yes, Napoleon Dynamite SUCKED! More to the point – the Acting sucked, the dialog sucked, the Character development sucked, the script sucked, the costuming and makeup sucked. I believe the only reason this got made was that the person who “pitched” the film sucked. Being over thirty I may be biased, but my girlfriend is under 30 and she hated it too.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:31 am
HEY! I’m 50 and I love Napoleon Dynamite…
March 19th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Sacha Cohen deserves a spot on a “best” list only if Tom Green is right above him, seeing as ole Tommy did the same act 10 years ago. Not funny then…not funny now.
O, and VikingBerserker-
I jest alright, and don’t call me surely!:)
March 19th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Is Napolean Dynamite put in this list to keep it “purely American” Only that can explain the absence of Monty Python and the Holy Grail or any Rowan Atkinson works.
March 19th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Val Kilmers performance in Top Secret!
March 19th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Nice list though I would put Schindlers List above Napoleon Dynamite it sucked… also have to agree with the Monty Python team getting a mention, also Bruce Willis in The Last Boy Scout that movie makes me do wees in my pants.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:20 am
cool list..you missed out Jesus from the Big L thou
March 19th, 2008 at 2:31 am
@flgh – Rowan Atkinson, much as I love the guy, hasn’t been able to carry a movie as a leading performer. The Mr. Bean movies were pretty weak compared to the TV series, and nothing comes close to Blackadder goes Forth. He is a master of scene stealing though.
I think Too many people are nominating movies they like instead of performances. Airplane is brilliant, but the comedy doesn’t come from a single main performance. The same can be said for the Monty Python movies (except life of Bryan). My additions:
Gene Wilder for young Frankenstein
Mike Myers for Austin Powers
Audrey Tatou for Amelie
Matthew Broderick for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Will Ferrel for Ron Burgundy
March 19th, 2008 at 3:24 am
I’m surprised that no-one’s mentioned any of these:
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean
Peter Finch, Network
Raquel Welch, The Three Musketeers
Fay Dunaway, both Network and The Three Musketeers
Val Kilmer, Real Genius
March 19th, 2008 at 3:25 am
the only thing i think missing from this list is chris farley in tommy boy.
March 19th, 2008 at 3:41 am
I see that others have pointed out the lack of Python here, so I shall point out another GLARING omission…
The scene…
A man reads a newspaper, while a dog lounges at his feet. Our main characters enters, and asks, “Does your dog bite?”
The man replies, “My dog does NOT bite.”
The main character reaches down to pet the dog, who snarls and snaps at his hand. He pulls his hand back sharply, and says to the man, “I thought you said your dog does not bite!”
“That,” replies the man, “Is not my dog.”
How can any list of comedic geniuses, and any long list of comments, possibly omit the immortal Peter Sellers, as Inspector Jacques Clouseau of the Surete? If you are a fan of slapstick comedy, you cannot help but see how the rubber-faced antics of Jim Carrey pale in comparision to the subtle timing and motions of Sellers. Another terrific Sellers movie is “The Mouse that Roared”, in which he plays 3 different characters.
But to leave The Pink Panther series of the list is almost criminal. I should sic Kato, my little yellow friend, on you.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:06 am
jfrater: So glad you included Shaun of the Dead on this list! Everyone I ask thinks this film is rubbish! The writing is so comical – have you seen Hot Fuzz yet? It’s right on par with SotD, Pegg and Wright make a great team both on and off screen. Oh, they also did a series called “Spaced” in the late 90s, check that out if you can.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:40 am
If you want comedy performances instead of movies… how about Eddie Murphys “Raw” and any of the Jeff Foxworthy stage shows??
March 19th, 2008 at 5:05 am
I agree Airplane is much funnier than Naked Gun. And Bill Murray should be on here…..Stripes, or What about Bob? What about Bob was funnier than hell!!
I like seeing Babes in Toyland on here. I remember watching that movie with my father when i was a kid it was really funny and The Jerk those are both great picks.
A couple of these I haven’t seen so I can’t really say.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Haha, I love that Napoleon Dynamite was on this list. I still imitate him all the time…people either love it or hate it.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I think JOhn Turturro as “Jesus” stole the movie in Big Lebowski…
March 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Glad Big Lebowski made the cut. I would have mentioned something about how great John Turturro was (although his part was small) as bowling extrodinairre “Jesus.” Another to include (in my opinion) would be Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria from The Birdcage. I’ve seen that movie twenty or so times and it still floors me when Robin Williams is trying to teach Nathan Lane how to act like a man (“get the goddamned pinky down!”).
March 19th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I love how there’s this giant group of people saying this movie sucked or that movie was better blah blah. This list is about performances, not the movies as a whole…
March 19th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I have to agree that Napoleon Dynamite shouldn’t have been on this list. It was an alright movie, but not great by any means, and in my opinion the supporting cast steals the movie. Most of the laughs for me came from Rico and Kip. So in that I don’t believe that he carried the film on his back.
I am a bit amazed that not one Marx Brothers film made this list. That must be a crime in some country I’m sure.
I’m one of the few that thinks Shaun Of The Dead was much better than Hot Fuzz. I thought Hot Fuzz was a good movie, but it just didn’t move as well as Shaun. Everything about Shaun seemed perfect.
Maybe it’s just me but I think Dumb and Dumber was a better movie for Carrey than Ace Ventura. Besides not being such a stupid premise for plot, Daniels and Carrey worked well off of each other and years later it’s much more watcheable multiple times than Ventura.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Someone mentioned Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove. Good mention but in my opinion, George C. Scott was the man in that film.
I loved Sellers but George C. Scott makes me laugh so damn hard when I watch that movie.
“I don’t know exactly how to put this, sir, but are you aware of what a serious breach of security that would be? I mean, he’ll see everything, he’ll… he’ll see the Big Board!”
March 19th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I really liked this list. You’ve got a a lot of great performances here and the actors listed truly carried the films. The only ones I would have liked to see added would be:
Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstien and
Chris Farley in Tommy Boy.
And I must defend your choice of Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura – Mask was nowhere near as funny.
I can’t believe how many people hate Napolean Dynamite. I’m 30 years old, and I thought the movie was really original, funny and underrated at the time it came out.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:20 am
What’s funny about Napolean Dynamite is that it was underrated when it came out. It opened and closed here in South Florida within a few weeks and played only at the smaller indie theaters. Then about a month later it was released again and suddenly it had every lame tie in merchandise marketing scheme you can think of.
Napolean Dynamite chapstick for god sake.
Then it became overrated.
I just don’t think the film was the life altering event that people made it out to be.
And as far as performances go, rather than the movie as whole, the duo of Rico and Kip carried that movie. Heder was in no way “amazing”. Adequate is probably the better word. Heder had his moments but he didn’t carry the film.
Since age seems to be playing some part in this discussion, I’m 31 now, so 28 or 29 when I saw it.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I think this is a great list. Ace Ventura I agree was dumb but Jim Carrey is amazing! Alot of people don’t get Napoleon Dynatmite, but I think it is hilarious if you see anything else Jon Heder has done..his acting is awesome in it, it makes the movie so funny! There are a few I think should be one the list:
Spaceballs…Mel Brooks is a genius
Old School…Will Ferrall is hilarious in this movie!
Dumb and Dumber…Jim Carrey and Jeff Bridges..amazing!
Mallrats…Jason Lee, Jay & Silent Bob…hilarious!
there are so many hilarious movies out there but this is a great list.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:42 am
No Anchorman?!?
March 19th, 2008 at 10:48 am
i think the list as a whole holds some wieght and does show some of the great comedic movies.
The Jerk = an absolute classic
however as many others have mentioned there are some movies that got snubbed (imo)
Airplane – Leslie Nielsen
Caddyshack – bill murry
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – john candy
Space Balls & Blazing Saddles – Mel Brooks
Liar Liar – Jim Carrey (i felt his physical comedy was far better in that movie than in Pet Detective, although i love that movie too)
March 19th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Shaun of the Dead is an instant classic. Can’t wait to see Run Fatboy Run!
March 19th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
the hound:I saw a preview of it online, I am so going to see it.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
This should be more of a Top 50 lists, rather than a Top 10 list. Good job though.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Chevy Chase in FLETCH
March 19th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
John Candy – Planes, trains, and automobiles, he and steve martin, probably the funniest movie i’ve ever seen. I still laugh so hard I start crying when they John Candy turns into the devil during the scene they drive between the semi’s and then they turn to skeletons lol, hell I’m starting to laugh just thinking about it.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
where is meet the spartans? that was real funny
March 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
any jerry lewis movie could be on this list for one person carring the load. my vote in that line would be rock-a-by baby. the martin and lewis movies were funnier but then it took both guys to pull it off. over all a good list anyway.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Here’s my addition: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
Now that, my friends, is a classic funny movie. Part comedy. Part tragedy. Totally hysterical!
Not sure it should be on this list or not but Royal Tanenbaums. Comedic drama? It’s difficult to say. Both of my suggestions are not really outright comedies. But they are both funny as poop in places.
I had to watch Napoleon Dynamite twice before I got it. The first time I could barely sit through it. Then I watched it again and got it. Love the movie.
Anchorman is a movie I recently came into. It’s funny as all get out. A classic.
All the movies on the list are good. Almost all of the comments have great movies in there as well.
March 20th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Old School – Vince Vaughn, Wil Ferrell
Caddyshack – Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase
underrated – Kingpin – Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Bill Murray.
I thought Napolean Dynamite was an original. Sandler was great in Happy Gilmore especially the fight scene with Bob Barker.
Can’t disagree with number 1.
March 20th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Anyone who uses the words “Adam Sandler” and “comedy” in the same sentence clearly needs to be savagely beaten with a 20lb clue-stick.
And I also have a theory about why “Animal House” erroneously pops up on these “comedy” lists. It appeals to boorish louts, who believe that they themselves are hysterically funny, and this disaster validates their delusion. I’ve known hundreds of frat-rats in my life. I have little use for any of them. None have any discernible sense of humor that rises above the level of beer-barfing fart-jokes.
This is another case of kids with VERY limited cultural exposure compiling a list glutted with recent crap and ignoring true masterpieces. Oh, they’ll toss in a “Laurel & Hardy” (not even one of their bests) just to APPEAR knowledgeable, or “The Jerk” (which probably does belong on the list) because they read it on someone else’s list.
Never heard of Chaplin? Lloyd? W.C. Fields? Marx Brothers? What about Zero Mostel in “The Producers”? Marty Feldman in “Young Frankenstein”? Danny DeVito in “Ruthless People”? Kevin Kline in “A Fish Called Wanda”? Peter Sellers in “Dr. Strangelove” or any Pink Panther movie? Donald O’Connor in “Singing in the Rain”? James Stewart in “Harvey”? Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day”? Woody Allen in most any of his early stuff. Almost anyone in “Something About Mary”? “Spinal Tap”? Argggghhhhh!
March 20th, 2008 at 5:52 am
late: i’m surprised you can laugh with all that arrogance and pompousness stuffed so far up your ass. it is fine if you think there are other funny movies/performances. list them and make your case.
if you are going to say that at no time during any sandler movie did you laugh then you exclude yourself from this list for being totallly out of touch.
two notable exclusions
Ferrel in Anchorman – “it’s a formidible scent. it stings the nostrils”
Chase in Fletch – “playing for the lakers, fletch, 6′4″ – 6′9″ with the afro”
March 20th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Pedro Lacks Political Experience.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:34 am
DiscHuker:
You know, we had a similar conversation in this same thread, and I got bitched at for being nasty… and at the time I was feeling a tad sorry for having been thus to Shane… but here’s an example again where *you’re* stepping in with just as nasty an attitude, and what? You get away with it.
First of all, I don’t read “arrogance and pompousness” in anything “Late O’Day” said. In fact, I agree with him/her, except about “Animal House,” which I always found hugely funny. (But yes, it IS pure “dumb” comedy–there’s nothing subtle and witty about it… it’s low-grade humor). I don’t find Adam Sandler particularly funny, though funnier than “Late” finds him…. but nevertheless, I acknowledge that as far as I’m concerned, he’s only funny about half the time, if that. He fails as often as he succeeds.
But none of this is the point. I’m tired of people like you accusing myself and others of “arrogance” and “pompousness” simply because we have standards. Or standards that differ from yours. It isn’t “arrogance” to point out that a list like this should include far better films/performances than it did. This list was woefully inadequate and that’s a simple fact. It focused almost exclusively on films made after 1990… which was an error, given the vast history of film comedy that exists prior to then. There’s no way around this, no way to “excuse” it…. it clearly indicates a lack of research and knowledge on the list author’s part, and there’s nothing wrong with pointing that out and offering corrections and criticism.
Your hostile attitude to “Late” is no better than the tone I took earlier, either. In fact it’s worse, because you have no point to make, whereas I *did,* as does “Late.”
And in fact “Late” DID list films and DID make a case… so your throwaway remark about that is meaningless.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:53 am
randall: good morning. you don’t read arrogance or pompousness?
-needs to be savagely beaten with a 20lb clue-stick.
-boorish louts
-I’ve known hundreds of frat-rats in my life. I have little use for any of them
-VERY limited cultural exposure
-recent crap
-just to APPEAR knowledgeable
but about your main point. i agree. i did jump out of nowhere and blast him. my apologies.
i think what mom and i were getting at earlier was that this *seems* to be a recurrent theme with your posts. you take offense at something said or the percieved poor quality of a list and immediately begin with negative comments. i guess when i came across your first post earlier in these comments i was having a bad day. i addressed it poorly, but don’t miss the message because the messenger is an idiot.:)
March 20th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Jack Lemmon and/or Peter Falk in The Great Race!!! anyone else see that? It’s my all-time favorite movie (hmmm I think I may have even mentioned that on another list…)
Late O’Day you listed a number of great ones! The Marx Brothers, Gene Wilder OR Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein, Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day….
March 20th, 2008 at 7:05 am
DiscHuker:
“…you don’t read arrogance or pompousness?”
No. I don’t. I read humor in some regards (the cue stick comment), a little bias (the frat boy thing, though I too have and had a low opinion of my fellow fraternity lads)… and as for the rest, I agree with what “Late” said and find it to be totally valid and accurate criticism. (limited cultural exposure, recent crap, appear knowledgeable).
As for your take on my posts, I think in large part you’re simply wrong. People don’t like to hear negative criticism (even when not directed AT them) often because it sparks some sense in themselves of their inadequacy or other failing which they don’t wish to face. I know this to be true, because I feel it myself from time to time–it’s a human reaction. But you face it, you don’t turn around and react to and attack the critic for saying what’s on his/her mind regardless of its harshness (though yes, I acknowledge that in THIS context it’s possible to be a little too harsh, and I’ve been guilty of that on occasion).
March 20th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Sorry, but this just confirms my worst fear: That most Americans have bad taste. Someone said that a lot of people don’t get Napolean Dynamite, so don’t think it’s funny. There’s nothing to get. One day someone’s going to yell, “Hey, The Emperor Has No Clothes!” I mean, look at the re-make of the Longest Yard. That was a good example of comparing a lot of the work of today’s comedic stars with the past. The original was great. The re-make sucked. Even someone like the Kramer charactor. There was some good work. But anybody that knows any tv history can tell that he got a lot of his stuff from the Ed Norton charactor from the Honeymooners. Yet, so many people thought it was brilliantly original. I definitely will remove the bookmark for this site. I’ve always loved lists, and found most who do are are educated and creative. But, it seems to be for people who like reality tv.
March 21st, 2008 at 8:32 am
You gotta be kidding me…Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther series!
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 am
I just truly can’t understand what people like about Napoleon Dynamite so much. It is slow…and just depressive.
-Kyo
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
The Guy who wrote this is right: Ace Ventura is a fucking retarded movie!
March 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I like Ace Ventura :]
Good list
March 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Napoleon Dynamite was so stupid.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I was 18 when I watched Napoleon Dynamite and it was possibly the worst movie I have ever seen. It was boring, to start things off and then just progressively got worse. Its the first movie that made me contemplate suicide. This is probably just a personal thing, but I dislike Jim Carrey to the point that, well, I don’t watch his movies unless there is an awesome cast to back him up (as in anybody but him). Other than that I like the rest of the list. Although I haven’t actually seen The Big Lebowski I have seen the scene where Goodman is destroying the car with a tire iron and couldn’t stop laughing the whole time.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:31 am
@ mike 170
Anchorman is way overrated.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 am
dude you obviously haven’t seen MunnaBhai MBBS, cuz if you had, it would definitely be on your list. It’s one of the best comedies out there. Here’s the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munna_Bhai_M.B.B.S.
May 30th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
What no “Tommy Boy” com’on Chris Farley was one of the best.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:57 am
There are so many good comedy roles, the only one I would remove from the list for sure is Napoleon Dynamite. Napoleon Dynamite is the most overrated piece of shit movie ever! I was excited to see it then I basically turned it off 30 mins in. I think the likes of Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn (Swingers, Wedding Crashers, or old School), and Mike Myers could make this list. I think that Mike Myers hilarity in both Waynes World, and Austin Powers perhaps has been forgotten. Mike will always have street cred in my book.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:15 am
There is so much hating on this forum. I love many older comedy movies and respect their quality. I get the sense that their is a lot of scrutiny being placed on people for proposing newer comedies as classics. I see nothing wrong with defending even the most DUMB of comedies because what is funny is funny. Everyone has a different preference for what is funny, a persons intelligence level is not measured by the things they find hilarious. I think farting is still hilarious, it does not make me an idiot. I think if anything is flawed in this forum is that it lists very low amounts. When someone is making a list such as this they are going to have some compulsion to mix it up a little bit, in order to keep it universally relevant. I think if their were more than people would be more satisfied.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:18 am
ace ventura oh man the best for me
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
randal from clerks
brodie from mallrats
August 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am
What about Mel Brooks’s movies!!!!??????
Napoleon Dynamite was the most retarded film ive ever seen, it wasnt even funny!! shitty list, sorry
August 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
no kung pow? i agree with the person above. crap list
August 24th, 2008 at 5:22 am
I think this list was brilliant. He was talking about the performances. Not whether, based on your opinion, it was a good movie or not. Read the title, then bitch.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Only ommission I can see that you made would be for Bill Murray in “Kingpin,” if only for watching his comb-over slowly and tragically unfurling. High-larious!
And just for one that I don’t think anyone else mentioned- and because he “Accidentally” made the list from the beginning, how about Jim Belushi in “Return to Me?” Not a great comedy by any stretch of the imagination- really only a decent romantic-comedy- but his character not only was the basis for his character on “According to Jim,” but when my mom told him at a blues concert she loved the part when he had his shirt off in the movie, he re-enacted it for her on stage. Kind of creepy, sure, but still freakin’ funny!
September 6th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Kevin Kline as Otto in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’. Brilliantly unhinged. Also, Peter Sellers in ‘The Pink Panther’, and Robin Williams in ‘Good Morning Vietnam’.
Napoleon Dynamite was a very strange film, but it is a good performance.
An earlier comment mentioned ‘Night at the Opera’. Groucho in ‘Duck Soup’ is a brilliant performance, as is Chaplin in the ‘Great Dictator’.
I can’t really argue with the list too much, as I either agree wholeheartedly or haven’t seen the film so can’t comment.
September 20th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Kevin Kline in “a fish called wanda” was one of the best comedic performances ive ever seen. Any of peter Sellers work could be included.
October 9th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Two Words: Kung Pow
October 17th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
how about borat???!?!?!?!?!!!?!?
October 28th, 2008 at 5:59 am
no fucking way is napoleon dynamite evn close 2 top ten let alone 3rd n happy gilmore shud b 1st :L tht film neva gets old
January 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Sorry, man… Not feeling it.
George C. Scott, Dr. Strangelove?
Peter Sellers, Being There?
Bill Murray, Groundhog Day?
Frances McDormand, Fargo?
Sean Penn, Fast Times at Ridgemont High?
Also, I know it’s recent, but I think Robert Downey Jr. was classic in Tropic Thunder.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Dumb and dumber should be on the list instead of Napolean Dynamite.jim Carrey is soo funny.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Toga! Toga!
March 30th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I am 50 and I loved Napoleon Dynamite. Watched it on cable and went out and bought the DVD. I also bought the Big Lebowski based on the rep of the Coen Brothers and couldn’t get 20 mins in to it before I fell asleep. I have tried 3 times to no avail. The only one I have not seen was Office Space. I absolutely hated Ace Ventura Pet Detective, way too stupid and juvenile for me. It almost cost Jim Carey a fan. The Jerk is one of my all time favorites. I love it when he leaves home and by night fall he made it down to the end of the fence.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
brain donors
April 16th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
no tootsie?
April 17th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Good list, but it ain’t complete without Bill Murray.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
This is almost perfect, but I think I would include Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe from Some Like it Hot, and the 1 & 2 would be reversed.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
i agree, bill murray certainly shoulda been up here somewhere.
john goodman is brilliant in everything he does…i even feel like watching ‘kind ralph’.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
(‘king ralph’…sorry.)
September 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Are you kidding
I’m not even twenty, but when I see a list entitled “Comedy Performances To REMEMBER,” I expect something older and better than Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler. This is a culturally deprived list, comprised of only the most recent “comedy” hacks. Next we’ll be seeing Dane Cook on a “Best Stand-Up List!”
How about the performances that already HAVE been remembered, hmm? Where are the Marx Brothers and Monty Python, just for starters?
October 14th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Gotta b honest. I hated Napoleon Dynamite. I just didnt get it. I was aware of the parts of the film that were perceived or intended to b funny but it just didnt do it for me. it was like watching a snail race Usain Bolt. U know the snail is not gonna win (or even make it look close) but u watch anyway hoping to b proven wrong.