My Favourite Comedies of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as the comedy. Since the 1960’s, the comedy genre has produced strong movies. Whether it’s bachelors facing hangovers, war soldiers or comical news reporters, the genre has created strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best comedies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Graduate

The lives of graduate students are often aimless. Several years ago, my life lacked a clear purpose when I graduated from university. Unable to find a stable job, employment or purpose, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent most of my time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate student as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Ever since its release in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest comedy ever made. Mike Nichols is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making comedies, and “The Graduate” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker clearly. Nichols effectively used sequences of silence to capture the awkward situation faced by a graduate student falling in love with an older woman. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin faces an awkward situation when he is seduced for the first time by Mrs. Robinson remains one of the greatest moments of the comedy genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied an aimless graduate student seeking direction. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” the greatest comedy ever made is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most comedies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains relevant today. Nearly 60 years following the release of a groundbreaking comedy about aimless graduate students whose lives without a clear purpose deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies audiences appreciate.

2. The Hangover

Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a close companion endure consequences of alcohol addiction. I remember a classmate addicted to drugs that was constantly facing the state of having a hangover. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend that enjoyed having a hangover, I adored “The Hangover”. Released in 2009, Todd Phillips’ comedy captured consequences faced by men with severe alcohol addiction. Todd Phillips uses energetic montages to capture a pair of friends experiencing hangovers with consequences that are terrifying. For instance, the scene in which the friends wake up following a night of heavy drinking to find a tiger in the bathroom causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the comedy genre. At the centre of it all is a captivating performance by Bradley Cooper, creating a compelling alcohol addict. Ultimately, what makes “The Hangover” a comedic classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about alcohol addiction which would resonate with everyone. A hilarious depiction of individuals enduring a hangover that’s dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made timeless films audiences consider precious.

3. Home Alone

House burglaries are terrifying events that have always scared my mother. Ever since I was a young child, my mother has always been afraid of home invasions. A paranoid woman without a doubt, she would lock the doors of our house whenever she stepped out. She would be afraid to leave me home alone as a child in the fear that burglaries would occur.  As someone treasuring a mother that never left me home alone, I adored “Home Alone”. Released in 1990, Chris Columbus’ comedy classic captured children left home alone by parents facing adversity. Columbus is one of those filmmakers that has always thrived at working with children, and “Home Alone” showcased his comedic talents as a director. For instance, the scene in which Kevin attempts to scare off burglars attempting to invade his home through playing a television clip of guns firing is one of the finest moments of the comedy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Macauley Culkin, who embodies a child excited by the prospect of staying home alone. Ultimately, what makes “Home Alone” a comedic classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about burglaries which would resonate with everyone. s strong as Kevin’s desire to be left at home alone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a well-known genre that has made movies in a league of their own.

4. Mrs. Doubtfire

Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I formed a powerful bond with a housekeeper giving an inspiring message. A dedicated housemaid, she was devoted to doing her job regardless of how much money she was paid. A person my family came to adore, she would pour her soul into every chore. As someone treasuring a housekeeper that I grew up to admire, I adored “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Released in 1993, Chris Columbus depicted the lives of housekeepers assisting families. Unlike most movies in the comedy genre, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” stand out is its depiction of cross-dressing. Columbus uses sharp writing to capture the humour of a father that engages in cross-dressing. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Doubtfire puts cake icing on her face to avoid being caught when her house is inspected is one of the finest moments of the comedy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who embodies a cross-dressing housekeeper. Ultimately, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” a comedy classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about housekeepers which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as chores performed by Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire producing movies audiences admire.

5. Tropic Thunder

Comedies have always meant the world to my brother. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a brother that loved the comedy genre. During my childhood, one of the ways I bonded with my brother was by watching comedies together. We enjoyed watching all kinds of comedies that made us howl with laughter, but our favourite was always “Tropic Thunder”. Released in 2008, Ben Stiller’s movie forever changed the comedy genre through offering a satirical depiction of the film industry. Stiller has never been afraid of tackling serious subjects with humour, and “Tropic Thunder” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Les Grossman has an intense argument with Vietnam war soldiers facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the comedy genre. Ultimately, what makes “Tropic Thunder” a comedy classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about teamwork that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships endured by actors in Hollywood, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has stood the test of time by depicting characters that are misunderstood.

6. The World’s End

Humor is a rare quality seldom seen in disaster movies. Through its depiction of disasters that are dangerous, the genre has adopted a tone that’s serious. There’s nothing funny about watching a doomsday catastrophe. In a genre depicting the end of the world without humour, it’s worth praising “The World’s End”. Released in 2013, Edgar Wright’s movie offered a comedic depiction of disaster catastrophe. Unlike most movies in the comedy genre, what makes “The World’s End” stand out is its witty dialogue. Wright used sharp dialogue to depict a doomsday disaster causing terror. Assisted by Simon Pegg who is hilarious, Wright created a comedy that’s precious. A hilarious depiction of a doomsday causing friendships to fall apart, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that always holds a precious place in every movie-goer’s heart.

7. The Terminal

Airports are settings that I have always hated. As far back as I can remember, I have always hated travelling. With their large crowds of people, strict rules and dilapidated bathrooms, I have found airports to be painful. As someone that hates being stuck in an airport terminal, I was surprised by how much I loved “The Terminal”. Released in 2004, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured immigrants stuck in an airport terminal. Spielberg used the confined location of an airport terminal to create laugh-out-loud humour. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg created a comedy about airports that’s remarkable. As strong as Viktor Navorsky’s desire to survive an airport terminal, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced timeless movies which audiences always consider special.

8. Deadpool

Deadpool is a cool superhero that built a lasting legacy. Following creation in the 1990’s, Deadpool has appeared in several movies. With his offbeat humour, strong character and heroic qualities, Deadpool has earned a huge following. In 2016, Tim Miller honoured the cool comic-book hero in his movie “Deadpool”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Deadpool” stand out is its risks. Miller took a huge risk by creating a comic-book movie filled with profanity, but it paid off tremendously. Miller effectively used profanity to create a rule-breaking comedy. Assisted by Ryan Reynolds who is hilarious in the lead role, Miller created a captivating comic-book comedy. As strong as missions achieved by Deadpool, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that has thrived by breaking every rule which audiences have always considered cool.

9. The Breakfast Club

High school is a time in life that impacted my identity. A socially awkward teen, I often struggled fitting in with students in clubs. As someone treasuring fond memories of my high school experience, I adored “The Breakfast Club”. Released in 1985, John Hughes’ coming-of-age comedy captured teenagers facing adversities. Unlike most movies in the comedy genre, what makes “The Breakfast Club” stand out is its strong depiction of teens. Hughes showcased his strengths by capturing teens through comedy. Hughes used humorous dialogue to capture realistic interactions between teenagers. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Judd Nelson, who created an iconic teen character. As strong as Bender’s bond with teens in detention, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies that deserve celebration.

10. Airplane!

Few comedies ever made about an airplane are as beloved as “Airplane!”. Since its release in 1980, Jim Abrahams’ movie has become a comedic classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, there’s no denying the impact the movie had on the genre. The film laid the foundation for modern comedies. However, the film’s slapstick humour has aged poorly. When I first saw the movie, I couldn’t understand the jokes which I didn’t find funny. Although it’s my least favourite comedy, I recognize “Airplane!” captured the enduring appeal of the genre. As strong as Stryker’s desire to achieve an airplane landing, it’s a soaring reminder of a genre that has built a lasting legacy leaving audiences laughing through engaging films which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.