The Funniest Comedies Ever

Tenure
      2008 | USA | Laughs: 2.5 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 6.1
      wikipedia | who was involved?

A professor at a small college is up for tenure, and discovers with anxiety that he will be competing with a recent hire from an ivy-league school.

This movie takes so long to get going that for a moment I had to wonder if it was Canadian—no disrespect implied, I enjoy Corner Gas as much as the next northerner.

I nearly gave up, but there was just enough to keep me watching (decent cast, endearing characters), and the second half was far superior to the first, starting with the sales seminar scene. Overall, probably not worth your time, not because the movie is bad, but because there are better ones to choose from. (Last viewed: April 2018)

More About Tenure:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Tenure

Brad's Status
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 0.1 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 6.5
      wikipedia | who was involved?

This movie was probably classified as a comedy because Ben Stiller is in it, but in fact it should properly be tagged as a light-hearted drama.

As a result, don't expect laughs here. Nevertheless, the movie is solid and contemplates a time in a person's life (the years around fifty) that rarely seems to be the object of a film's attention.

As he takes his son around Boston to college interviews, the main character is led to examine his life, and sees his place in life in a poor light compared with the achievements of his former peers. Stiller does a great job, and the actor who plays the role of the son does even better—perhaps chiefly because his face is less well-known. (Last viewed: April 2018)

More About Brad's Status:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Brad's Status

Forrest Gump
      1994 | USA | Laughs: 0.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 8.8
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

If the focus of this site were light-hearted movies rather than laugh-out-loud comedy, this film would rank pretty high, although it does get heavy at times, especially towards the end. On the laughter dimension, I came out empty-handed on this second viewing after a twenty-odd year gap, although I did chuckle once.

The movie shows us the world through the eyes of a man with a low IQ (I'll refrain from adding "but high sensitivity"). At first I got the impression that the film was going to be about the wisdom of the fool—the eternal theme of the simple man having a deeper understanding of life than his brethren. Fortunately, there was more to it than that, otherwise the nearly-three-hours of reels would have been unbaringly preachy.

Part of the comedy lies in the fact that unwillingly, our character gets to play a part in frontline events and achieves some outstanding deeds—without seeming to care one bit about the ensuing glory. By and large, he does things because he feels like doing them.

Although the movie is sappy at times, it is a real treat in other moments. Overall, I would place it on the shelf of the guilty pleasures of American cinema. Let the record state that I am glad that shelf exists. (Last viewed: May 1994 April 2018)

More About Forrest Gump:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Forrest Gump

Down Under
      2016 | Australia | Laughs: 0.0 (Broken Comedies) | imdb: 5.8
      wikipedia | who was involved?

If you've bought the propaganda according to which Australia is a paradise, this movie is probably the right medicine. The topic is the race riots that took place south of Sydney pitting "white Australians" against Australians of Middle Eastern extraction (also "white", mind you, just not blond). After failing to even smile after close to twenty minutes, I gave up on it as I was in the mood for comedy, but the movie doubtless has documentary value. (Last viewed: April 2018)

More About Down Under:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Down Under

The Other Woman
      2014 | USA | Laughs: 0.5 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 6.0
      wikipedia | who was involved?

A wife and two mistresses team up to punish their unfaithful man. I decided to watch this movie because of an imdb review from someone stating that they couldn't stop laughing. It saddens me, then, to have to report that I couldn't start laughing. The theme is certainly perfect for comedy, and I would love to watch it properly executed. Perhaps that film already exists in the vast repository of world comedies—I hope to hear about it someday from someone writing from a place such as France, Italy or Egypt. (Last viewed: December 2017)

More About The Other Woman:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for The Other Woman

Brigsby Bear
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 1.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.3
      wikipedia | who was involved?

From Voltaire's Candide to Forrest Gump, from Dostoevsky's Idiot to Dumb and Dumber, there's nothing new, in film or literature, about the theme of the naive person having something to teach the jaded. But in this adaptation of the theme, the premise was particularly original. Abducted as a baby, a man has lived through the bubble of a TV series tailor-made just for him. Delivered into the real world, he longs to continue his relationship with the fantasy world he has known. I guess much of the movie was predictable, and some of it was weak, but the premise and some of the execution were so appealing that the movie will surely be one of the most memorable of the year. If you're looking for laughs, though, this is the wrong movie—this is comedy of the light-hearted persuasion. (Last viewed: November 2017)

More About Brigsby Bear:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Brigsby Bear

Ingrid Goes West
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 2.5 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 6.6
      wikipedia | who was involved?

A disturbed young woman works herself into the life of a social media star. This was not a laugh-out-loud comedy, but it may have been a worthwhile watch for the glimpse it offers into a world that I'm grateful not to be a part of. (Last viewed: November 2017)

More About Ingrid Goes West:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Ingrid Goes West

The Big Sick
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 2.5 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.6
      wikipedia | who was involved?

A stand-up comedian of Pakistani origins cannot tell his family about his "white" girlfriend because he is expected to go along with his mom's wish for an arranged marriage. Although this sweet movie had no laughs, it had a lot of humor and a fine script. I relished spending more time with one of the actors from the TV show Silicon Valley—in fact the entire cast did a fine job. (Last viewed: September 2017)

More About The Big Sick:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for The Big Sick

7 Days in Hell
      2015 | USA | Laughs: 6.0 (Watch Once) | imdb: 7.1
      wikipedia | who was involved?

This mockumentary purports to tell the story of two men who fought a seven-day match at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Sometimes crude, sometimes subtle, this 45-minute film probably has enough to make most people laugh. Actual tennis celebrities such as John McEnroe make guest appearances. (Last viewed: September 2017)

More About 7 Days in Hell:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for 7 Days in Hell

Tour de Pharmacy
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 7.0 (Watch Once) | imdb: 7.1
      wikipedia | who was involved?

This forty-minute mockumentary alleges to document the 1982 Tour de France and the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs on that event. It's uneven—sometimes fairly subtle, sometimes awfully crass—but there should be enough in there to keep you entertained for the length of this short film. (Last viewed: September 2017)

More About Tour de Pharmacy:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Tour de Pharmacy

The Hitman's Bodyguard
      2017 | USA | Laughs: 2.0 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 6.9
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Seeing that Eastern European assassins have connived with an Interpol mole to kill a world-class hitman before he can testify in court against a dictator, an Interpol officer hires her ex-boyfriend (a world-class bodyguard) to accompany the hitman to court. Tired already?

Apart from the fake imdb ratings, there isn't much to recommend this movie. There were (a few) funny moments, but overall the script is pathetic and the movie one big yawn, even if you usually enjoy Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, as we do. (Last viewed: September 2017)

More About The Hitman's Bodyguard:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for The Hitman's Bodyguard

A Shock to the System
      1990 | USA | Laughs: 4.0 (Laugh and Smile) | imdb: 6.7
      wikipedia | who was involved?

An executive discovers that making people disappear is a pleasant and easy way to remove the various hurdles in his life. Michael Caine's performance was delightful. One of those tight comedies which, although it probably won't make you laugh, may leave you with a glow from smiling for ninety minutes. (Last viewed: August 2017)

More About A Shock to the System:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for A Shock to the System

Blazing Saddles
      1974 | USA | Laughs: 1.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.7
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

I know that for some Mel Brooks is a big reference in comedy, but I just don't seem to like any of his movies. This one is a little less chaotic than others I'd attempted, and at least I was able to make myself watch it till the end. I had to—Blazing Saddles is something of a cultural icon.

On the verge of being destroyed by bandits, a town telegraphs the governor asking for a new sheriff. Being black, the one who is appointed must overcome the citizens' prejudice. He is soon joined by a skillful sidekick, played by Gene Wilder.

The movie still failed to make me laugh, but it has some redeeming qualities, not least of it its sweetness. If this is the effect even Blazing Saddles has on me, I won't be trying to watch (and review) other films by Mel Brooks. For the most part, my impression has been that they are best suited to the mindset of thirteen year-old boys, from the mixture of grand phrases with crassness to the interplay of various levels of reality.

Lucky for us, there are movies to suit just about every sense of humor. If Mel Brooks fits yours, please enjoy. (Last viewed: July 2017)

More About Blazing Saddles:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Blazing Saddles

Be Kind Rewind
      2008 | USA | Laughs: 1.5 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 6.4
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

All the tapes at a struggling video rental store get erased. To limit the damage, the staff start shooting their own versions of blockbuster movies and meet unexpected success. This was sweet and well-intentionned but fairly boring. (Last viewed: July 2017)

More About Be Kind Rewind:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Be Kind Rewind

Why Him?
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 5.0 (Laugh and Smile) | imdb: 6.2
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Flying to California to spend Christmas with their daughter who is studying at Stanford, a prim couple (and their teenage son) discover that their daughter (and sister) is living with a foul-mouthed video game millionaire. The theme is a welcome echo to the now classic Meet the Parents, and although the laughs are not as forthcoming, the movie is funny and probably memorable. As long as you don't expect to crack a rib laughing, you probably won't be disappointed popping this in for a bit of mindless Sunday night entertainment. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Why Him?:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Why Him?

War on Everyone
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 0.0 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 5.8
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Two cops behave violently. Apart from that, I can't tell much about this movie as we gave up about fifteen minutes. Not only did we not once laugh, we had a hard time with the actors' diction. If Americans are needing subtitles in order to understand an American movie, maybe someone is going a bit too far. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About War on Everyone:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for War on Everyone

Shallow Hal
      2001 | USA | Laughs: 2.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 5.9
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

A man who only judges women on their looks is hypnotized into seeing their inner beauty, and starts dating a large woman whom he believes to have a model-like figure. This was a sweet movie, and it could be recommended as a Sunday night rom-com to watch with your honey. I didn't laugh, but it certainly wasn't torture as I like Jack Black and Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld). (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Shallow Hal:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Shallow Hal

Doug Stanhope: No Place Like Home
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 0.2 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 7.5
      who was involved?

In this set Doug had a few good points. I do appreciate good points, but there's a whole world of non-fiction writing that can supply enough of those. The main reason I watch stand-up is to laugh, and the set didn't make me laugh—not once—which saddened me as I thought Doug had done a surprisingly good job of staying in funny shape on the last tape that I'd watched, Beer Putsch Hall. I hope he bounces back as I would hate to lose him as the lone star that he is on the stand-up skyscape. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Doug Stanhope: No Place Like Home:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Doug Stanhope: No Place Like Home

Mindhorn
      2016 | U.K. | Laughs: 0.0 (Broken Comedies) | imdb: 6.3
      wikipedia | who was involved?

After fifteen minutes, there was no sign that this movie was going to make either of us laugh, so I pressed eject. To me the film seemed to be scripted according to the all-too-common assumption that if you're loud enough and silly enough, people will think you're funny. Some may say that you have to be English—but as a fairly solid fan of U.K. comedy, I'm not sure I buy that. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Mindhorn:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Mindhorn

Fast Times at Ridgemont High
      1982 | USA | Laughs: 3.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.2
      wikipedia | who was involved?

This comedy explores the attitudes of a San Diego high school's pupils to relationships, drugs, study, work—and surfing. Although I found the movie funny, it didn't really make me laugh. But that's alright. First, for anyone who was approximately that age in the 1980s, the texture is a delight. Second, you'll recognize young actors who went on to have a long Hollywood career. The character of Sean Penn as a dopehead surfie dude might by itself make the movie worth a watch. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Fast Times at Ridgemont High:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The Change-Up
      2011 | USA | Laughs: 6.5 (Laugh Out Loud) | imdb: 6.3
      wikipedia | who was involved?

This movie came highly recommended by a reader. After expressing the wish they had each other's life, two best friends wake up to a big surprise: they have swapped bodies! Dave is a work-focused lawyer and father of three, Mitch is a dilettante and a playboy. This movie made me laugh hard. It's not afraid to stir the pot with taboo subjects such as everyone's "perfect" babies. It contains adult themes on a similar level to Bridesmaids and Harold & Kumar, but it is almost never crass. The opening sequence does feature the grossest shot I've ever seen on film, but it's funny. If you can take a bit of foul language and minor nudity, this is a must-watch.

Edit: upon watching a second time five years later, I was a bit disappointed as the movie didn't make me laugh as much as I expected. Still a pleasant watch, but this may be my last visit. (Last viewed: Feb 2012 June 2017)

More About The Change-Up:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for The Change-Up

Masterminds
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 5.5 (Laugh and Smile) | imdb: 5.8
      wikipedia | who was involved?

An armored car driver gets seduced into robbing his employer. The cast is excellent and the script gives them plenty to work with. One of the legacies of Meet the Parents is that it is always a pleasure to revisit Owen Wilson as a jerk. The movie entertained us and gave us a few laughs: don't let the low imdb rating put you off, this is a decent little comedy. (Last viewed: June 2017)

More About Masterminds:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Masterminds

Gregory's Girl
      1980 | U.K. | Laughs: 2.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.1
      wikipedia | who was involved?

A high-school senior becomes infatuated with the young woman who replaces him on the football team. This Scottish movie is just delightful. It is full of humor, but with a light touch—so even though we didn't laugh, we chuckled and smiled a lot. (Last viewed: May 2017)

More About Gregory's Girl:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Gregory's Girl

Withnail and I
      1987 | U.K. | Laughs: 1.0 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 7.6
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Two unemployed actors living in squalid conditions escape to a rural retreat, soon to realize they are unsuited to country life and ill-equipped to relate to the local characters. Parts of the movie were loud and loudly acted (I'm not one for theatrical performances), but I enjoyed the character of the quirky uncle. This is probably a memorable movie, but not one I'd recommend if you're looking for a laugh. (Last viewed: May 2017)

More About Withnail and I:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Withnail and I

Absolutely Anything
      2015 | U.K. | Laughs: 1.5 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 6.0
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Thanks to an alien power, an ordinary man suddenly receives the gift of making any of his wishes come true. I warmly recommend you watch absolutely anything in which Simon Pegg or Eddie Izzard they appear—except for this film, which is a waste of their talents. The voices of the Pythons used for the aliens are not a redeeming feature. For a similar premise that has a chance of actually making you laugh, try Bruce Almighty. (Last viewed: May 2017)

More About Absolutely Anything:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Absolutely Anything

The Big Year
      2011 | USA | Laughs: N/A (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 6.2
      wikipedia | who was involved?

Three birding enthusiasts compete to be the one who will spot the most bird species in a calendar year. The commitment to the competition takes a toll on their professional and family lives.

Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson made a balanced triangle, and the story-line was unusual. While this is certainly not a laugh-out-loud comedy (the rare bird that this site aims to spot) this was a very cute movie that made me smile a lot. (Last viewed: November 2016)

More About The Big Year:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for The Big Year

School of Rock
      2003 | USA | Laughs: 5.0 (Laugh and Smile) | imdb: 7.1
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

A destitute musician impersonates his roommate to get hired as a school teacher at a prep school, where he undertakes to instruct his class in Rock'n Roll.

The premise reminded me of Fck You Goethe (which this movie predates by ten years). Although there were no hard laughs, the movie was consistently funny, thanks both to the kids and to Jack Black, who saved no energy putting on this impressive performance. A fun watch. (Last viewed: November 2016)

More About School of Rock:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for School of Rock

Happiness
      1998 | USA | Laughs: 4.0 (Light-Hearted) | imdb: 7.7
      wikipedia | dmoz | who was involved?

The lives of three sisters and connected characters are placed under the microscope in this intimate movie which makes you both cringe and smile. In that way, it is in the line of some of Woody Allen's films and can be seen as a precursor to TV series such as The Office. No laugh-out-loud moment, but a hypnotic and entertaining watch.

Happiness is the origin of the famous line "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you." It is one of the movies that helped establish Philip Seymour Hoffman, who will be missed. (Last viewed: Mar 2000 November 2016)

More About Happiness:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Happiness

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 6.0 (Watch Once) | imdb: 6.0
      wikipedia | who was involved?

If you can stomach some foul language and adult themes, this movie will probably give you a few good laughs. Given the task of finding suitable dates to bring to a wedding in Hawaii, two brothers advertise on Craig's list and recruit two young women who turn out to be as much of a disaster as they are. The movie is uneven but has enough good moments to make it worth a watch. (Last viewed: September 2016)

More About Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

Everybody Wants Some!!
      2016 | USA | Laughs: 1.0 (Don't Bother) | imdb: 6.9
      wikipedia | who was involved?

In the days leading up to the start of the college year, the players of the school's baseball team get acquainted and do their best to meet the ladies. High marks for the soundtrack and the 1970s texture, zero on laughs. (Last viewed: August 2016)

More About Everybody Wants Some!!:
=> Read what people say on Amazon
=> Add your own Review or Comments on
      laughDB's full page for Everybody Wants Some!!