As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and classic comedies have been delivering moviegoers with unending injections of laughter for decades. The clever scripts, exquisite execution, and memorable characters in these movies have allowed them to endure the ravages of time. Whether slapstick or parody, these movies have an everlasting charm that keeps them funny years after their debut. In this article, we will be taking a look at five of the best comedy classics of all time. Get comfortable and ready to chuckle your way through these never aging gems.
Airplane (1980)
Released in 1980 and starring the likes of Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Karim-Abdul-Jabbar, this Jim Abrahams masterpiece is considered one of the funniest movies to ever grace our screen.
Picture this: a commercial flight from sunny Los Angeles to the Windy City of Chicago. All seems well until disaster strikes – the flight crew falls ill with food poisoning! Yikes! It’s up to the passengers to save the day, but who will step up to the plate? Enter former fighter pilot Ted Striker, who must face his fear of flying and take control of the plane to land it safely. This movie is not your typical disaster flick, though – it’s chock-full of rapid-fire jokes, puns, and visual gags that will have you in stitches. The cast is also top-notch, with Leslie Nielsen, Lloyd Bridges, and Peter Graves delivering sardonic portrayals that add to the hilarity. Trust us; this comedy classic is an absolute must-watch!
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Released in 1988, starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Kline, “A Fish Called Wanda” is often hailed as a true comedic masterpiece.
The movie revolves around a couple of crooks trying to get into a vault to retrieve a precious stone. However, things go wrong when they start turning on one another. The film’s smart utilization of jargon and puns is a major contributor to its comedic success. The movie is packed with humorous situations brought about by confusion and misinterpretation. Curtis and Kline are superb as the squabbling, plotting pair, whereas Cleese gives his signature caustic humor and a great rhythm to the part of Archie Leach. The film’s openness to experiment and break conventions is another aspect that helps it stand out from other flicks of its time. The movie’s comedy is typically gloomy and controversial, and it is not hesitant to broach controversial topics like sex and death. Still, the plot never lets go of its primary objective, which is to make its viewers giggle.
Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004)
“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” is a 2004 movie directed by Adam McKay and stars legendary Hollywood actor Will Ferrell in the lead role.
The movie puts the audience into the shoes of Paul Burgundy and his dimwit broadcasting staff as they struggle to keep their audience ratings up. The film’s media crew is caught up in increasingly far-fetched situations, such as covering a panda’s delivery that pans out to be something else, as well as a high-octane pursuit between competing media crews. Burgundy’s pride and naiveté often throw him into conflict, resulting in a string of comedic and cringeworthy mishaps. The film’s dedication to its unique ridiculousness helps it stand out from contemporary comedy. The movie is packed with outrageous, off-the-wall comedy, with Burgundy spouting a plethora of ludicrous quips and the remainder of the ensemble following suit own special styles. The movie is filled with notable sequences and instances, such as the “bear brawl” and the dramatic and decapitating battle among the camera crew.
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)
Make no mistakes; the movie is every bit of good as its title. The movie was released in 1964 and is still considered to be a masterpiece of its genre. Starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, and Sterling Hayden, “Dr. Strangelove” is a satirical masterpiece that pokes fun at the nuclear weapons race and the Cold War. The story revolves around Commander Jack D. Ripper, a renegade U.S. Air Force commander who thinks the communists are plotting to render American males impotent. Ripper authorizes a nuclear assault on Russia to counter this danger without consulting the cabinet beforehand. Notwithstanding the seriousness of the subject matter, the movie manages to strike a perfect mix between comedy and moral satire. All of the actors do a great job, but Peter Sellers, who portrays many different characters, really amps up the ridiculousness with his acting. The movie’s most memorable moments, such as Slim Pickens carrying a warhead to its intended location, have made their way into the cultural lexicon.
Modern Times (1936)
“Modern Times” is a 1936 classic helmed by legendary silent film actor Charlie Chaplin. The movie also stars Poulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, and Tiny Sanford in supporting roles.
The movie is a critique of the way in which the modernization of the contemporary economy has affected regular people. The narrative centers on the Tramp’s (Charlie Chaplin) plight as he tries to make ends meet in a dystopian society where automated machines are increasingly replacing humans. Following a string of unfortunate events at the plant where he works, he is laid off and is now trying to secure another job to sustain himself. As the movie progress, Tramp makes good friends with a woman, and the two join forces to make their way through life together despite their dire circumstances. With a well-plotted story, the movie effectively conveys its point of view about the hardship of the labor class in a society that prioritizes technology above humans.
There’s a solid explanation for why it’s hailed as one of cinema’s greatest offerings. The movie is filled with hilarious scenes owing to Chaplin’s flawless acting and emotions. Its parody and criticism of contemporary culture are conveyed in an easy and amusing manner, making it not only enjoyable but also provocative.