The following is a list of comedy movies that did not make it into my top 100 funniest movies not they aren't funny but they simply did not score enough points. There are 2 sections to the Best of The Rest list.
1. The first group had been on the list but have now been bumped off based on their score.
2. The second group are those movies that didn't score enough laughs at the 40-minute mark to have a chance of even making it onto the top 100 list and are therefore not scored.
This doesn't mean that movies in either group are "bad movies." They might be great, fun movies but I simply didn't find them to be laugh-out-loud funny enough to make it to the top 100 funniest comedies of all time. There is some really incredible competition making up my top 100 funniest movies of all time!
BUMPED OFF THE TOP 100 LIST
Mean Girls (2004) - 68 Points
Chuckles 56, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: This movie was recommended to me by friends and co-workers when they heard I was scoring and compiling a list of top comedies and I'm glad it was. To be honest, this movie wasn't on my radar. I had no idea so many quotes and references came from this movie, never having watched it before. This comedy is set in high school and it feels pretty true to life, especially at that age where we're all trying to figure out who we are and where we fit in with an every dizzying array of groups/cliques. There are very funny lines in this movie. Among my favorites are: "OMG Karen! You can't just ask people why they're white!" "Seeing a teacher outside school is like seeing a dog walk on it's hind legs." "You smell like a baby prostitute!" "My breasts can tell when it's going to rain. Well, they can tell when it's raining." Lindsay Lohan is amazing as is the entire cast. Love Amy Poehler as "the cool mom" and Daniel Franzese ("he's almost too gay to function") and Rachel McAdams is is stellar. Great script, very funny movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Austin Powers (1999) - 67.5 Points
Chuckles 39, Laughs 30, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: The first time I watched this Mike Myers extravaganza (in 1999), I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. I've watched a couple of times since then but not for a few years. It's still fun to watch, especially the scenes with Dr. Evil's son (Scott). It's way more enjoyable if you've never seen it before though I will say it was still fun to watch again. This movie (series) is a spoof of the James Bond movies of the 1960's and is a joy to watch.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
City Lights (1931) - 67 Points
Chuckles 38, Laughs 27, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I'm a fan of Charlie Chaplin and have seen several of his movies at the historic Tampa Theatre, which opened 5 years before this film and would have shown it when it was originally released. To see these silent films with an expert organist who provides not only the music/soundtrack but the sound effects is truly a special and I'd highly recommend it as your thrown back to another era. Everyone knows who Charlie Chaplin is but few have seen his films. I'd argue that Charlie Chaplin is to comedies, what the Beatles are to rock music. This is actually one of the first romantic comedies ever made. The fact that it scored 67 points without a single word being uttered is incredible. The comedy in this film comes in the form of facial expressions, funny situations and clever choreographic with perfect timing. I watched this movie on HBO + and loved it.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
The Princess Bride (1987) - 66.5 Points
Chuckles 55, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: This is one of the great, underrated comedies of the 1980's. "Meathead" (Rob Reiner) really hit a home run with this film that features Andre The Giant and Billy Crystal but the true star is a less familiar name to most; Cary Elwes, who also starred in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, which was made 6 years after this movie. This is a very funny movie throughout without, the often sub-par acting that plagues many comedies. Lots of great quotes including: “Life isn't fair, it's just fairer than death, that's all.” “We’ll never survive!” “Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.”
Would I watch it again? Yes! I really enjoyed watching this movie.
Dracula: Dead and Loving it (1995) - 66.5
Chuckles 51, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: A Mel Brooks film starring Leslie Nielson, what a great combo! This dracula spoof is entertaining and quite funny. I had been looking forward to watching this movie though I was hoping that it would score the type of points that Mel Brooks did in Young Frankenstein or that Leslie Nielson did in the Naked Gun series. Unfortunately, it didn't get close to them but it was still funny but in more of a "chuckling" way. Interesting, it co-starred Peter MacNichol, who was in the Mr. Bean movie I watched/scored recently and I found him extremely funny.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) - 66.5 points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 21, Belly Laughs 10
Notes: I had never seen this movie before. I think it was really the name that caused me not to want to watch it and if it hadn't appeared on so many other lists for top comedy movies, I don't think I ever would have seen it although I rather doubt that I'll ever watch it again. This movie was ranked as high as #10 on another "expert" comedy list, which was a little shocking. I'll admit that Jamie Lee Curtis is delightful and Kevin Klein is oddly entertaining. It's better than I expected overall. Wanda to Otto: "To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people. I've known sheep that could outwit you. I've worn dresses with higher IQs!"
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) - 66.5 Points
Chuckles, 29, Laughs 25, Belly Laughs 9
Notes: I watched this movie with my wife since it has been nominated for so many awards. I had zero expectations because I'd never heard of this film before and as it started, the only thing I knew is that it took place in or near Ireland and it starred Colin Farrell. It seemed very slow (make with the feckin' Banshees, like!) with a plot that I didn't think could carry the film or keep my interest though I loved the beauty of the land. Even though I could catch most of the dialog and get the gist of things, I turned on the subtitles (which I would highly recommend) and the movie really came to life for me. I laughed a lot. I found the dialog to be brilliantly written and executed. Since it seemed like a drama, I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or not but I couldn't help it. This is quintessential Irish storytelling; sometimes dark, often tragic with just enough comedy to make it bearable (Angela's Ashes). Every scene with Dominic (played brilliantly by Barry Keoghan - "Feck the Godshites!") is pure gold! "Mad-eye Moody" (Brendan Gleeson) delivers the unflinching performance you'd expect of him. Though the film features funny dialog, this is really not a feel-good comedy. It's more of a tragedy with humor thrown in to keep the balance. Lord only knows how a tragic drama with a simple plot can score more points than pure comedies but The Banshees of Inisherin does exactly that. I didn't see that coming!
Would I watch it again? For the love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; ye know I would, like. Yes!
Kung Fu Hustle (2004) - 66 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 18, Belly Laughs 10
Notes: When this movie first came out, I was mesmerized by the Asian guys in the black suits dancing in unison with axes (The Axe Gang) and when I watched this fantasy, martial arts-comedy starring, directed and written by Stephen Chow, I was incredibly delighted. I grew up watching and loving martial arts movies and this is unlike any that I'd ever seen. There is violence, gore, otherworldly kung fun and laughs. It's like a live action cartoon....
Would I watch it again? Yes. I heard there's a sequel coming out and can't wait to watch it as well.
We're the Millers (2013) - 66 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 19, Belly Laughs 10
Notes: I'd seen this movie a few years ago and liked it. It stars Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Ed Helms and two actors I wasn't familiar with but really liked in Will Poulter and Emma Roberts. Fun to see Ed Helms as a drug kingpin who just purchased an aquarium with a shark eating orca and Jennifer Anniston as a stripper with good heart. After watching this movie, I think that Jason and Jennifer would make a great couple for real. Kathryn Hahn is always a delight and I love Nick Offerman. I feel like the casting was fantastic, good acting and funny premise. My favorite character was Kenny, played by Will Poulter.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) - 66 Points
Chuckles 58, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: Mel Brooks strikes me as the kind of guy who just never "grew up" which would explain why his movies have always been especially popular among teens and that could be good or bad depending on your point of view. For me, seeing this movie as an adult, it's more of a "chuckler" than a laugh out loud, hilarious comedy. I watched Naked Gun 2 1/2 immediately after this movie and it is funny on a whole different level even though both are kind of silly, mindless comedies - both in the Airplane style of comedy. It totally works in the Naked Gun series and it kind of works in this movie and most of Mel Brook's movies. Dave Chappelle is in this movie and he was incredibly under-utilized. Missed opportunity for sure. Still, I'm glad I watched it.
Would I watch it again? No.
The Three Amigos (1986) - 65.5 Points
Chuckles 48, Laughs 20, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: Steve Martin and Lorne Michaels wrote the movie and it's directed by John Landis. This movie stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase, three huge comedians in the 1980's. The premise is 3 out of work actors are hired by a Mexican village that is threatened by bandits. This is a pretty funny movie and I'm definitely a fan of the 3 stars. My favorite scene is the scene in the song/dance scene in the bar. It's a cute/feel good movie and it's especially fun to see Martin Short so young.
Would I watch it again? Quite likely I would.
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) - 65 Points
Chuckles 44, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 10
Notes: Peter Sellers at his best as as Chief Inspector Clouseau! This film is very funny, in fact, I found it hilarious until about half way through when it slowed considerably. If it could have kept up the laughs all the way through, this movie would have landed in the top 20.The way that Clouseau just absolutely destroys everything, everywhere he goes, just absolutely loved it. There are 11 Pink Panther movies in all and this is the funniest with Peter Sellers and is second only to the first Steve Martin Pink Panther movie.
Would I watch this movie again? Yes.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) - 64 Points
Chuckles 48, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 9
Notes: George Clooney is brilliant in this movie and his comedy is both verbal and non-verbal. It's fun to see him and John Turturro in these types of unexpected roles (in this case, escaped prisoners in Mississippi). Tim Blake Nelson is hysterical and completes the trio of "Soggy Bottom Boys!" This is a genuinely great movie directed by the Cohen Brothers who love to cast Holly Hunter and John Goodman in their films. Although this movie isn't a top 10 in terms of laughs, it does have plenty of humor throughout and is one of the best movies on the list and I hope it has the staying power to remain on list as one of the top 100 comedies of all time. My grandfather loved this soundtrack when he saw the movie just after it's release and listening to it again, it's easy to see why. First rate.
Would I watch it again? Absolutely!
Blazing Saddles (1974) - 64 Points
Chuckles 60, Laughs 25, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: This movie is rated as among the best of the best on a number of other movie websites as a top comedy so I fully expected it to score high and land in the top 20. In fact it's #11 of all time on two different top comedy movies. I watched it many years ago and remembered it being very funny but I don't know if it's the times/social climate that we're living in now but it was underwhelming for me and that was a shocker. The premise of the movie is a corrupt politician sends a black sheriff to a racist town. There are many quotable lines that have stood the test of time from this 1974 movie but hearing the "n-word" repeatedly was "nails on a chalkboard" for me, especially when it's spoken by racist white people. I believe Mel Brooks was trying to demonstrate the absurdity/stupidity of racism and he makes the object of that racism the hero, which I applaud him for. My favorite scenes are with Mongo and I loved Mel Brooks playing homage to Looney Tunes with a telegram delivery. This movie is funny but it wasn't nearly as funny as I'd hoped and expected it to be. I remembered it being way more hilarious and if you watch it again, you may feel the same way. In my opinion, it's not even close to being as funny as Young Frankenstein, which also stars Gene Wilder and is my top rated Mel Brooks movie.
Would I watch it again? Everyone tells me that they're shocked at my score and that I should watch it again. Maybe I will. Maybe all of you should watch this again and tell me if you still think it's as funny as you remember it being. I bet it isn't.
Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers (1984) - 63 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 25, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: This is a departure from Cheech & Chong's "stoner movies" and I didn't know it until afterwards but a lot of their family members (wives & daughters) had roles in the film, which is pretty cool to see. Although there are funny parts and great scenes, I found myself wishing I was watching Up In Smoke (which is on the Coming Soon list).
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Up in Smoke (1978) - 62.5 Points
Chuckles 41, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 9
Notes: This is the movie that really launched Cheech & Chong's careers and a whole comedy genre of drug/stoner comedies that are still prominent over 40 years later. I'd seen it many years ago and I remember it being a hugely funny movie. I definitely did (mostly) chuckle throughout. Love Cheech performing at the Rock Battle of the Bands in a tutu. Hilarious! Will this remain funny when marijuana is totally legalized and is no longer taboo? I'm curious to see.
Would I watch it again? No, I think I'm good.
Bringing Up Baby (1938) - 62.5 Points
Chuckles 35, Laughs 30, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: This is the second Cary Grant movie that I watched/scored and, as with the first, I was quite entertained. Although most coming of age movies these days revolve around sexual/party themes, the premise of many earlier movies like this are much less predictable/more original. This film's story revolves around a paleontologist on the verge of marriage who encounters a most unusual woman (who turns his life upside down) and her leopard (named "Baby"). It's wild! Although Katharine Hepburn is beautiful (and a wonderful actor), I'd have wanted to kill her character if I were Cary Grant. This is a sometimes stressful, often frustrating and constantly funny film. I loved it and was surprised to find it on HBO+.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
The Mask (1994) - 62 Points
Chuckles 46, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: I'd almost forgotten about this comedy from the 90's but it's worth remembering. Jim Carrey is incredible and the movie debut of Cameron Diaz - SMOKIN'! Like seriously, she looks amazing and it's no wonder that Jim Carrey's eyes pop out like the cartoon wolf and he makes that antique car horn sound of "ah-oohh-ga!" Shy, mild-mannered Jim Carrey comes across a Norse mask of mischief that brings out the inner you when you put it on. His character loves cartoons and when he puts on the mask, he turns into a super amazing cartooney version of himself who is confident, playful and heroic. Even though it didn't land on the top 100 movies of all time, this is one of my all time favorite roles for Jim Carrey.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997) - 62 Points
Chuckles 44, Laughs 25, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: Stupid premise, poor acting but I love Ninjas and I love that Chris Farley... he's a funny sonofagun! He really IS the movie and the only reason to pay attention though Chris Rock does have a bit part (they missed opportunities not making him more of an integral part of the movie in my opinion). If you love Chris Farley, watch it. Just his facial expressions are worth it.
Would I watch it again? No. There are better Chris Farley movies.
Dumb and Dumberer - When Harry Met Lloyd (2003) - 61.5 Points
Chuckles 39, Laughs, 21, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: At first it's a little difficult to watch this movie because you're used to seeing Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels who were incredible, iconic, well-known actors who were simply magical in the original Dumb and Dumber movie. Without them, it feels like a cheap knock off but if you can let go of that, this is a genuinely stupid and funny movie with jokes and laughs throughout. Though it doesn't compare to the original, if you never saw the original Dumber and Dumber movie, I think this one would be able to stand on it's own pretty well and earned quite a few points.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Super Bad (2007) - 60.5 Points
Chuckles 49, Laughs 18, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: Super Bad is super-funny. In fact, it scored so many points/laughs so early in the film that I thought for sure that it would make the Top 100 but it didn't. Even though it didn't (make the top 100 list), it's worth watching but you have to understand that this is a coming-of-age movie set just prior to graduation, senior year of High School about 3 unpopular friends trying to lose their virginity so be prepared for adult language (the "F-word" is used 176 times) and sexual themes throughout much like American Pie, Blockers, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Booksmart. This is a Judd Apatow movie with a star-studded cast that includes Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogan (who also co-wrote it), Bill Hader, Emma Stone and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as the infamous "McLovin!" "All right, you look like a future pedophile in this picture, number 1. Number 2, it doesn't even have a first name, it just says McLovin!" I felt like the actress that played Becca (Martha MacIssac) was really underrated as Michael Cera's "crush."This movie has become extremely iconic and is one of many really good comedies that did not score enough points to make the Top 100 list.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Office Space (1999) - 60 Points
Chuckles 52, Laughs 19, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: Oh! Oh! Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays! This is another movie I hadn't seen in a decade. It's so iconic and you can see why when you watch it. I'd forgotten Jennifer Anniston was in it and she was great. Michael Bolton... awesome! LOL! Having seen it previously, it wasn't quite as funny as I'd remembered but if you haven't seen it yet, you should. You're missing out. Super bummed that it wasn't able to stay on the top 100 list for funniest movies but remains one of my favorite comedies.
Would I watch it again? Yes. Even thought it didn't score really high, it's a fun movie to watch and super iconic.
The Other Guys (2010) - 58.5 Points
Chuckles 59, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: I've seen this movie at least once but maybe twice and liked it every time. I remember it being funny but had no idea how many points it would actually score. Marky Mark and Will Ferrell are the "odd couple" cops and are fun to watch together. I love the idea of using a Prius as a cop-car. I love that "Gator" was a pimp but is now a forensic accountant. This is a good, fun movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
BASEketball (1998) - 57 Points
Chuckles 57, Laughs 20, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: This movie stars the South Park creators; Trey Parker and Matt Stone (Trey actually does "Cartman's" voice at one point). This movie is a satire of professional sports. The idea of combining baseball and basketball sounded stupid to me until they explained the game and then I was like, "well, when I was a kid, I could see us making up something similar." I'm a little shocked that it scored higher than Ace Ventura - lots of chuckles but no belly laughs for me. I hadn't heard of this movie until a few years ago and it's been "in cue" for 3 years and well, I finally watch it and it was a little better than I would have expected. It features really most of the popular sports announcers of the time (Al Michaels, Bob Costas and the guys from ESPN) as well as Jenny McCarthy, Ernest Borgnine (surprised by that one). I feel like Dian Bachar stole the show.
Would I watch it again? It's hard to say. Likely no but it doesn't mean that it's not worth checking out.
Ace Ventura, Pet Detective (1994) - 56.5 Points
Chuckles 41, Laughs 24, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: Jim Carrey is a comedy genius. When this movie came out everything about him; his facial expressions, his mannerisms, it was all unique, fresh and new. He literally talks out of his butt. That being said, Jim Carrey IS the film. There would be no reason to watch it if he weren't carrying it. The first time I saw this movie, I died laughing. Seeing it all these years later, it didn't quite hold up the same way for me. I still enjoyed it but wasn't dying laughing. If you like Jim Carrey and haven't seen it before, I think you'll really like it a lot.
Would I watch it again? It's definitely a maybe. All righty then! (probably would)
Senior Year (2022) - 56 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: If you fell into a coma for 20 years, how different would the world be? That is the premise of this Netflix film that my friend, Mike recommended to me. It started slow and I wanted to stop watching after 20 minutes but that's when Rebel Wilson appeared on the scene and I have a rule that I'll give any comedy at least 40 minutes before I decide to stop watching unless it's completely horrendous. The movie really sprang to life at that point and I found it to very funny from that point forward. The world was so different (both better and worse) 20 years ago and it would be a huge adjustment for someone that fell into a coma in 2002 to wake up in 2022. People have become addicted to their phones and the world is so social media-centric at this point (which I truly abhor). It was much fun to see Alicia Silverstone (Clueless). Great premise, good acting, lots of laughs. I'd recommend this movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Coming To America (1988) - 55.5 Points
Chuckles 41, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: I hadn't seen this since 1988 and I had forgotten how funny it was. Eddy Murphy is one talented, comedian. He plays a number of roles including that of an older white (Jewish?) man in a barbershop. I was shocked to see a very young, Samuel L. Jackson in this movie and Louie Anderson. There are lots of funny lines like, "There's a very fine line between love and nausea" and the funniest line of the movie was dropped by John Amos who played JJ's dad on the TV show, Good Times as he met the queen for the first time; "I don't know if I should shake your hand or kiss it or bow or what. I feel like breakdancin'!"
Would I watch it in the future? Perhaps.
Coneheads (1993) 55.5 Points
Chuckles 33, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 8
Notes: Almost every comedian from the 90's is in this movie. Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtain, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, David Spade, Sinbad, George and Kramer from Seinfeld, Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman, Kevin Nealon and more. I mean the list is extensive. I remember this movie being funny and watching it again, I wasn't disappointed. My favorite scene takes place at the dentist (played by Jon Lovitz).
Would I watch it again. Yes. It's a lot of fun.
Kung POW! Enter the Fist (2002) - 55 Points
Chuckles 50, Laughs 24, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: This comedy film is a kung fu parody. It's both stupid and funny. I would have sworn that the protagonist was Kevin Nealon from SNL but it's actually Steve Oedekerk, who also wrote and directed this film. I'm like, "Kevin Nealon got ripped!" I'd never seen Steve Oedelerk before but I think he did a really good job. I later learned that he wrote or directed many blockbusters including Ace Ventura, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor and several others. The score suffered as there were only 2 really strong belly laughs in the movie but plenty of chuckles throughout and I love kung fu flicks so I love the idea of combining comedy with kung fu.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Semi-Pro (2008) - 55 Points
Chuckles 40, Laughs 14, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: Will Ferrell is on the top of his game as an owner, coach and player of his ABA Basketball team, "The Detroit Tropics" in this very funny comedy set in the 1970's prior to the NBA merger. Those were the days when the ABA was doing ANYTHING to get fans in the stands and in some ways, this movie wasn't far off from the incredible spectacle that was the ABA back in the day. Andre 3000 does a great job acting and Woodie Harrelson is always stellar. Very funny movie. EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY - COME ON!!! Oh, Will Arnett steals the show in my opinion!
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Shrek 2 (2004) - 55 Points
Chuckles 42, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: Just as is the case with Horrible Bosses 2 and the exact reverse of the Wreck-It-Ralph sequel, Shrek 2 scored about half the points as the original. It doesn't mean it's not an enjoyable movie or isn't funny. It is both (enjoyable and funny) but the original movie came out of nowhere and blew me away the first time I saw it. In Shrek 2, many of the original characters return and although it's fun to see the story continue, there's just not the "wow" factor because you now know what to expect (more or less). Although there are fewer surprises one new character made this movie especially fun; Puss in Boots! Also funny to see the Fairy Godmother singing "I need a hero" at the end. Pinocchio is always hilarious and I enjoyed watching him dancing like Michael Jackson.
Would I watch it again? Maybe but I don't think so.
Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) - 54 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: This sequel is almost exactly half as good as the original (based on points scored) but that said, it still has it's moments and is entertaining. Most sequels can't match the original. I actually watched this movie immediately after the original and it seemed that the characters were written slightly more stupid in the sequel than the original. In comedy films, more stupidity can be amazing ( (like Dumb and Dumber) but that isn't the case here. Still, it's a funny movie over all and is ranked ahead of other, good movies based on the number of laughs. The shower scene on the morning news segment was by far the funniest and really boosted the score.
Would I watch it again? No.
Bruce Almighty (2003) - 53 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I don't believe I'd seen this Jim Carrey film before but I'm not sure why. I found it was funny throughout and I am a fan of Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman and Steve Carrell. I guess I just missed it somehow. The funniest scene was when Steve Carrell was doing the news broadcast and Jim Carey was causing him to speak gibberish. I was surprised to see the little chubby kid from Nacho Libre (a few years younger) make an appearance. Not great animation or special effects by today's standards but who cares? It was still entertaining.
Would I watch it again? Probably.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) - 53 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 21, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: Wreck-It Ralph is a sweet, feel-good and very funny animated film that is truly entertaining for kids aged 3-103. Ralph is voiced by the very funny, John C. Reilly (Step Brothers, Talladega Nights) with Sara Silverman and John McBreyer. Although it's not top 10 in terms of laughs, it is very enjoyable with just the right amount of laughs to keep it fun.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Clerks (1994) - 52 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 14, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I've heard a lot about this movie but had never seen it until now. It was pretty original, shot basically in a convenience store without any "big name" actors on a low budget. It's pretty innovative and it made me laugh although I found the Randal character often annoying. I think the thing about this movie is many of us know people like Randal and Dante and may even have parts of those characters in us, especially when we were in our early 20's, working jobs we didn't love.
Would I watch it again? No but I'll watch Clerks II, which I've heard might be funnier.
Pure Luck (1991) - 52 Points
Chuckles 40, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I'd seen this movie some time in the 90's and had totally forgotten about it. I had a hard time finding it streaming but eventually found it on Amazon Prime for rental at $0! I really love so much about this movie. The premise is the wealthy father of a young woman who has the worst luck in the world goes missing on her vacation and he hires someone from his firm (Martin Short) with equally bad luck to try and find her. He's accompanied by a legitimate detective (Danny Glover) and this is a truly hilarious movie. Martin Short in one of my favorite roles ever!
Would I watch it again? YES!
Clifford (not the big red dog) - (1994) - 51 Points
Chuckles 28, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: First, I'm a huge fan of Martin Short and remember him back in his SCTV Days and yet, somehow I missed this movie but I saw it on a list and couldn't wait to watch it. It was weird because Martin Short is either seriously, not tall, or they did something weird with the camera as he plays kid (can't even begin to guess his age) who is a "Dennis The Menace" type of character who is hell bent on going to Dinosaur World and making the life of his uncle (played by Charles Grodin) hell until he gets what he wants. I found it interesting that once again, there's man-child coming out of the blue for Mary Steenburgen to step-mother, just like in the movie, Elf. It's a funny, weird movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story - (2022) - 51 Points
Chuckles 76, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 1
I was really looking forward to this movie because I became a fan of Weird Al in my teens. I purchased at least 2 of his albums, really liked his first movie (UHF) and I respect anyone who can make money, making others laugh because we could do with a lot more laughing and a lot less unhappiness. This movie has a lot of stars and Weird Al is played by Daniel Radcliffe and co-stars Rainn Wilson as "Dr. Demento." I love it that Daniel Radcliffe made so much money from Harry Potter that he now only wants to play interesting characters (Swiss Army Man, Guns Akimbo, etc...)! The movie itself is a parody of a biopic and I'd characterize it more as a "chuckler" than a gut splitting/laugh-till-you-cry type of comedy. If you like Weird Al's music, it's likely that you'll like the movie.
Would I watch it again? No.
Trading Places (1983) - 50.5 Points
Chuckles 43, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd are a power combo in the comedy universe and specifically in this movie which features two rich brothers who try to settle a bet on Nature vs. Nurture by toying with the lives of two people on opposite ends of the economic spectrum (which, in the case of Dan Ackroyd's character, reminded me of the Bible story of Job where God allowed Satan to ruin Job's life/world to see how he'd react). Looking through today's lens, this movie does have a few surprisingly racist and homophobic language/themes and it also keeps with the theme of gratuitous nudity, which was also common in movies 40 years ago. Jamie Lee Curtis is gorgeous (and hysterical in her "prostitute wig"). Eddie Murphy was becoming a huge star at this time and he certainly shines throughout the picture (almost all of the big laughs in this movie were his). I hadn't seen this movie for many, many years and it's still quite funny. This movie was a huge hit when it came out.
Would I watch it again? No.
A Bugs Life (1998) - 50.5 Points
Chuckles 33, Laughs 22, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This wasn't on my list but a friend suggested I might want to include it, so I did. I hadn't seen it in many, many years. The animation from Disney/Pixar still looks fantastic and holds up despite being almost 25 years old. Many of the laughs came when Flik went to the bug city. Very creative and very funny! I didn't realize that Julia Louis-Dreyfus voiced the princess. How 'bout that? I feel like this animated gem is kind of forgotten and overlooked but it shouldn't be.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Sons of the Desert (1933) - 50 Points
Chuckles 38, Laughs 22, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: This actually wasn't the Laurel & Hardy movie that I thought it was but that was ok because I'd never seen this one before and I enjoyed it. It didn't score as high as I'd hoped that it would but there's never been a time that I watched a Laurel & Hardy film and regretted it. "Here's another fine mess you've gotten me into!"
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Uncle Buck (1989) - 49.5 Points
Chuckles 45, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: John Candy and Macaulay Culkin headline this underrated John Hughes comedy, which again is set in Chicago and it looks like the same house used in Planes, Trains and Automobiles that Steve Martin lived in. I honestly like Macaulay Culkin more in this movie than the Home Alone series and this is one of my favorite John Candy roles as well. Jean Louisa Kelly plays the annoying teenager so well, you honestly can't stand her. My favorite scene is where John Candy goes to visit the principal who has a crazy mole on her face. "My friends call me Melanoma Head!" Ok, Laurie Metcalf plays the nosy neighbor from across the street and she is amazing - very funny as well! Uncle Buck's car is hilarious and my parents had a car like that. It didn't have all the smoke in the back but it made hugely embarrassing sounds in public and I was a teenager at the time so I can totally relate to the horror! It's not my favorite John Hughes movie but I truly did enjoy it.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) - 49.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 10
Notes: Richard Pryor and and Gene Wilder - what a dynamic duo! Richard Prior plays a blind man and Gene Wilder's character is deaf, the two are accused of a crime they didn't commit and they try to bring the bad guys (lead by Kevin Spacey and his horrible boil - man, that must hurt). There are some great lines and this movie had an usually high number of belly laughs but just didn't score enough total points to make it on the top 100 list. Still, it's worth checking out! "Fuzzy Wuzzy was a woman? Are you serious???"
Would I watch it again? Yes, I probably would.
American Pie (1999) - 49 Points
Chuckles 28, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: The one time at band camp... Yep, that line is from this movie. It's a mostly awkward teen movie about 3 guys who are friends, trying to lose their virginity before graduating high school. You'll understand why the film is named American Pie when you watch it (one awkward scene specifically).
Would I watch it again? No.
Moana (2016) - 48.5 Points
Chuckles 43, Laughs 12, Belly laughs 5
Notes: I honestly didn't want to watch this movie very much initially but I'm glad that I did. This is the second time I've watched it and I find it one of the funniest Disney movies. It's a great story, beautiful animation and just a really well-done, enjoyable movie to watch. I find it very endearing. Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson is hilarious and I'm a huge fan of Jermaine Clement who plays a giant crab. It's tough to make it on the top 100 list because, after all, it is The top 100 funniest movies of all time so it's full of incredible comedies. That being said, even though this movie did not score high enough to make it on the top 100, I can't say enough great things about it. Really loved it! If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.
Would I watch it again? Absolutely!
Blockers (2018) - 48.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 18, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: I'd never seen this movie to me and it felt like a female take on American Pie to a degree, with three girls that set out to lose their virginity on prom. The twist is that their parents are doing everything possible to stop that from happening and one of the girls is a lesbian. I hope to get the John Cena scene out of my head one day.
Would I watch it again? Nope. I think once is enough.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985) - 48 Points
Chuckles 46, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: Pee Wee was a HUGE deal in the mid 1980's and this was his first movie. This was also the first movie ever directed by Tim Burton who hired Danny Elfman for the soundtrack. Elfman had his own band at the time called Oingo Boingo (probably best known for the song "Weird Science"). I saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure when it came out originally this is the third time overall. When it was released, it was totally fresh and unique. Nobody had seen anything like Pee Wee Herman. Watching it many years later, I still enjoyed it and chuckled throughout but it's different seeing it now. You may notice at the top of this page, there's a photo of a Charlie McCarthy mannequin sitting next to a Pee Wee Herman doll, taken of my antique sofa. Interestingly, there's a scene early in the movie where Pee Wee picks up a Charlie mannequin and plays with him. I'd totally forgotten about that and had paired them myself on my office sofa truly by accident so that was a surprise to see. The first time I saw the scene with "Large Marge" and the scene where Pee Wee jumps on a motorcycle and crashes through the billboard at the biker bar made me cry laughing. It doesn't quite have the same effect on me now but they are still great scenes! The Tequila dance is still iconic. Favorite line by Pee Wee: "Everyone I know has a big but.. Come on Simone, let's talk about your big but!" Cute movie. Lots of chuckles throughout., Family friendly. RIP Paul Reubens/Paul Reubenfield.
Would I watch it again? I'm sure I will one day.
Old School (2003) - 48 Points
Chuckles 30, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: Although this is the lowest rated comedy that I've scored featuring Will Ferrell (Luke Wilson is the protagonist and Will Ferrell is in a featured supporting role), this comedy does have its hilarious moments like the tranquilizer dart scene at the birthday party. This movie feels like a remake of Animal House in many ways and actually scored higher than Animal House. Both are iconic comedy films though neither scored enough points to remain on the top 100 list of funniest comedy movies of all time. This film also features Vince Vaughn but doesn't really take advantage of his comedy talents as I'd have hoped.
Would I watch it again? No but I'd watch the tranquilizer scene on youtube a hundred times
School of Rock (2003) - 47.5 Points
Chuckles 17, Laughs 18, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I had to chuckle when I totaled the points and saw that it scored almost the exact number of points as Old School. I love it when weird things happen like that .... awesome coincidence! This is an example of a very good, entertaining movie that didn't score a hundred points but is totally worth watching. If ever a movie was custom made for Jack Black, School of Rock is that movie and he's brilliant in it! I'd love to see him on stage with Cheech Marin playing guitar together for the pure entertainment factor, especially if Cheech was in the pink tutu. Also, would love to see Jack Black playing guitar with Jack White.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
The Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978) - 45 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 14, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: This is a funny movie and is the last in the series that featured Peter Sellers as the Chief Inspector. It scored the second highest total point of the Peter Sellers' Pink Panther movies (The Pink Panther Strikes Again was the funniest for me). There is funny dialog including this exchange between the Inspector Clouseau and the ex-girlfriend of a mob boss.
"My hands are shaky."
"Do you know what it is?"
"I'm just not used to being killed."
"When you've been killed as many times as I have, it gets easier." " Who were the 2 men trying to kill you?"
"Killers!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"Perhaps...." "I think he has received a faint!"
LOL! Great stuff!
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Scary Movie 2 (2001) - 45 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 9, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: This movie isn't as funny as the original but it has funny scenes (the projectile vomiting scene, the basketball scene, the wheelchair headspin, etc...). I didn't love the first one and oddly, I liked this one slightly more than the first even though it scored fewer laughs (chuckles).
Would I watch it again? No.
Spaceballs (1987) - 45 Points
Chuckles 48, Laughs 18, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: You'd figure that Mel Brooks, John Candy and Rick Moranis would rack up the laughs. I love all 3 of them so much but Spaceballs didn't do much for me and I really wanted it to. I watched this movie when I was a kid and remember it being a lot funnier. Parody's can be funny but this one wasn't for me. I was really surprised that Tesla's "Ludacris Speed" and "Sleep Mode" came from this 1987 movie, which clearly was ahead of it's time in some ways. This movie was more of a "chuckler" than a hearty laugh out loud comedy with only one Hearty/Belly Laugh though it does have it's moments. Would I watch it again? No.
Ghostbusters (1984) - 44.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This movie was a giant blockbuster hit when it came out in the summer of 1984 and it inspired 3 additional Ghostbuster movies and a short-lived cartoon (all of which I've seen). It's a fun movie with lots to love including Sigourney Weaver's make up when she become possessed (seriously, she looks great) and the campy 80's special effects. I know Bill Murphy is the star of the show but Rick Moranis supplied most of the laughs for me. This movie landed where I thought it would, just half-point ahead of another huge, mainstream hit from the 80's (Big starring Tom Hanks). Would I watch it again? No.
Big (1988) - 44 Points
Chuckles, 32, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: Penny Marshall made a really sweet, nice and funny film and Tom Hanks plays the role of a 13 year old that is suddenly transformed into an adult overnight - extremely well. I'm a big fan of movies with adults that have the innocence of children, like Buddy the Elf and Blue Shirt Guy (in Free Guy) probably because I find them relatable. I wish that we could all exhibit the unabashed enthusiasm, freedom, fun and curiosity we all had when we were younger, before the world made some of us jaded to varying degrees. Although this film didn't score high, it's a gem of a movie that is extremely entertaining.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Beavis and Butthead Do America (1996) - 43.5 Points
Chuckles 37, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This animated comedy scored so much, so early, I thought it might end up being top 20 but the movie seemed front-loaded with most of the laughs in the first twenty minutes. I was a big fan of the TV show featuring these two dorks when it came out in the 90's but I'd never seen this film until now.
Would I watch it again? No. I think I'm good. I might go back and check out a few of the TV show episodes on YouTube though. Yeah, I'm definitely going to do that.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) - 43 Points
Chuckles 52, Laughs 14, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I had never seen this movie before but I enjoyed The Holy Grail so I thought I'd give it a shot. This movie has its moments. I did chuckle quite a bit but very few actual laughs and only one hearty, belly laugh. I wanted to like it more. It didn't let me. It's puzzling that it's ranked so high on so many lists (as high as #3 of all comedy movies of all time on one list and #7 on another one). MINDBLOWING! I liked it but I didn't find it nearly as funny as The Holy Grail.
Would I watch it again? I don't think so but part of me wants to just to see what I may have somehow missed and why the critics ranked it so highly. Maybe my expectations were too high?
A Shot in the Dark (1964) - 42.5 Points
Chuckles 29, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This is a Blake Edwards movie featuring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. This movie came after the original Pink Panther (which I found incredibly boring and I'm not even certain it was a comedy). A Shot in the Dark definitely is a comedy and pretty fun to watch. I feel like it was a precursor to The Naked Gun movies that would come over 20 years later. As the credits played at the beginning of the movie, I was amused to see the name; Turk Thrust, who was also a character in 3 other, unrelated movies (including The Guns of Navarone oddly enough). I loved the early 60's cars and styles featured in the film. I'd never seen this movie before and it's worth checking out.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
The Philadelphia Story (1940) - 42 Points
Chuckles 46, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: I admit that this is the first time that I'd seen this movie and watched it because I saw it atop another "experts" list. I'm glad that I did. This is indeed a fun, funny, entertaining movie with 3 of my favorite actors (Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant). I didn't find this a hysterically funny movie with a laugh a minute or anything but I can say that it's continuously funny throughout with brilliant acting, a fun premise and even a fun surprise or two.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Big Hero 6 (2014) - 42 Points
Chuckles 22, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: This is an animated, Disney movie that is pretty ok. The animators did a good job with "Baymax" who is a robot. The voice, the gait, the mannerisms were really the highlights of the film. How a movie can be unremarkable but still fairly entertaining is a mystery but that's how this movie feels for me. I think kids may really like it. It's a rare animated film that wasn't really created with adults in mind at all, which is surprising these days.
Would I watch it again? Probably not.
Anne Hall (1977) - 42 Points
Chuckles 42, Laughs 15, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: Woody Allen is famous for his intellectual, insecure, fretful humor and that is on full display with this film. Plenty of chuckles but not many actual laughs for me. To be honest, I kind of couldn't wait for it to end as I feel like the movie lost steam down the home stretch. Anyone that would rate this movie as being funnier than "Bananas" has never seen both movies so I'm perplexed that so many "experts" rank this movie as his best. In fact, this movie is ranked as high as #2 on one top 100 list and #4 on another comedy list. It makes me wonder if anyone actually watched it or if they just put it on their list because everyone else did. Seriously, I dare you to watch this movie and tell me it belongs on any lists for the top comedy movies of all time. There are some comedies that are great movies and are fun to watch and maybe a movie doesn't make you laugh out loud that much but it's entertaining. I wish this were that kind of movie. I found it mildly funny and mostly boring.
Would I watch it again? No freaking way.
The Big Lebowski (1998) - 41.5 Points
Chuckles 37, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This is a clever, interesting, quirky, weird comedy made by the Cohen Brothers starring Jeff Bridges as "The Dude" and a myriad of other stars. There are great visuals, iconic lines and more. This is an intriguing comedy that I believe probably has as many "F-Words" as Super Bad (or close to it) - mostly coming from John Goodman. Even though I love quirky and weird comedies, when I watched this movie for the first time years ago, I didn't love it. I did like it more this time though.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Rush Hour (1998) 41.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: This is a classic example of a movie that I'd consider to be a really fun comedy that isn't going to make it on the top 100. The very funny Chris Tucker teams up with with kung fu and comedy legend; Jacky Chan and this unlikely pairing works really well. I've been a fan of Jacky Chan for decades. The man does his own stunts and is simply super human. In fact, the first book that I sat down to read as an adult was "I am Jackie Chan" (no kidding). This movie has laughs, action, drama, kung fu - so much to love!
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) - 41.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 20, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: The movie barely made the cutoff where a movie must score 15 points within the first 30 minutes or I'd have put it automatically in the "Nope" category and moved on. I won't say it wasn't funny - it was pretty funny and Steve Martin and Michael Caine are a fun pairing. This movie was was remade and roles reversed with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson's 2009 movie, "The Hustle."
Would I watch it again? No.
Burn After Reading (2008) - 41 Points
Chuckles 26, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 6
Notes: I'd seen this strange comedy many years ago, written by the Coen brothers and really liked it. Brad Pitt is hilarious and there's an all star cast with George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand. There's so much to unpack but I found the movie as clever and funny as it is dark. Even though it didn't score a ton of points, this is an interesting, entertaining and often funny movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes. I really enjoyed this movie
Shrek the Third (2007) - 41 Points
Chuckles 46, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: What's really strange is that I thought I'd watched all of the Shrek movies but apparently, I'd missed this one somehow. This film finds Fiona's father dying, he'd like Shrek to rule the kingdom but Shrek tries to persuade an alternate (Alfred) who is a distant relative (?) to rule instead. Fiona is pregnant and she's reluctant to tell Shrek who seems against having kids and (Prince) Charming makes a run for the thrown by taking the "bad guys" from all of the story tales and rallying them to his side. I did chuckle a lot but this wasn't my favorite of of the Shrek series and although #4 (Shrek Forever After) didn't score quite so many points, I liked it more but #1 is still the best for me.
Would I watch it again? No.
Rushmore (1998) - 40 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: A friend of mine suggested this movie to me. I've been aware of it since it came out but it just didn't look that appealing. This is a weird, quirky, awkward, coming-of-age comedy about a 15 year old boy (Jason Schwartz) at a private school whose grades suffer despite being an overachiever and his friendship with a parent of classmate (Bill Murray) and his crush on a teacher (Olivia Williams). Sometimes Wes Anderson movies are "almosts" for me but this one hit the mark. Mr. Anderson directed the film and co-wrote it with Owen Wilson. I'm kicking myself for not watching it sooner.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Night at the Museum (2006)
Chuckles 28, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: I'd not seen this movie in many years and I'd forgotten that the premise is a bit like Toy Story where, outside of the watchful eye of the public, things we see (in this case, the bones, taxidermy and wax replicas of heroes from yesteryear) come to life. Love the idea and I'm a huge fan of Ben Stiller and his movies. This movie has a ton of stars including Dick Van Dyke (as a bad guy - how 'bout them apples?), Ricky Gervaise, Robin Williams, Rami Malik, Owen Wilson, Mickey Rooney and more. It's a great story and is fun to watch and I've actually watched all 3 of the films in this franchise and are super cute to watch with kids. It really made me miss Robin Williams - RIP! He did a stellar job of portraying Teddy Roosevelt.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) - 39.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: This is another HUGE, iconic movie that seemingly every teenager in the 80's saw and loved and ranked as one of their favorite movies (along with Animal House and Caddy Shack), largely because of Spicoli (played by Sean Penn), the sex and a really good soundtrack. Fast Times marked the beginning of coming of age, teenage/high school comedies set in California that influenced much of the rest of the country at the time like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Clueless after it. It's also a great snapshot of life in 1982 with girls dressing like Pat Benatar, malls and arcades being a magnet for teens, vans shoes, designer jeans, rubik's cubes, leg warmers and a style of talk that was largely foreign the the rest of the country and world at the time. I was shocked that there was a smoking section in the movie theatre. It also became very clear to me that Timon (the meerkat from The Lion King) is based on Damon (Mike Damone) from this movie. This movie is as sexual as it was funny. Much more sex and nudity than I remember, though those were the hallmarks of comedies in the 80's.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Death Becomes Her (1992) - 39.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: I probably wouldn't have watched this movie if it weren't highly recommended by my young adult daughter and I'm so glad I did. This is a very funny movie starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis. I watched this in October, just before Halloween and although it's good any time of year, it's especially fun around that holiday. The main crux of the movie centers around a rivalry between Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis is stuck in the middle. Oh, Isabella Rosselini is super hot in this movie. I don't want to give too much away but this is a very funny movie.
Would I watch it again? I probably would.
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) - 38.5 Points
Chuckles 29, Laughs 9, Belly Laughs 5
Notes: This is a movie that I had saved (on my Netflix list) for well over a year and finally got around to watching. The title intrigued me. It has an interesting plot line, a report searching for himself (Ewan McGregor) stumbles upon a story that involves a top secret military program to develop solders with psychic powers, who were lead by Jeff Bridges. The main character is George Clooney who reportedly stared at a goat and caused its heart to stop beating. These psychic soldiers call themselves "Jedi's" which is particularly humorous as George Clooney tried to explain to Ewan McGregor what a Jedi is. I found myself chuckling a lot throughout the movie. They referenced the "Dim Mak finger death touch" method of killing, which I found particularly entertaining as I remembered ordering this exact manual as a teen from a classified listing in the back of Soldier of Fortune magazine (though I've never tried it....yet)! Although it clearly was not going to score enough points to make it on the top 100 funniest movies of all time list, it was amusing/compelling enough to watch this all the way through.
Would I watch it again? Probably not but it's worth watching at least once if you like any of these actors and want to see something interesting that you've never seen before.
Incredibles (2004) - 37.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 17, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: This animated gem is so much fun to watch though I found most of the laughs in the second half of the film. It's a story about super heroes navigating the "ordinary world" of marriage and family life. Although it scored under 50 points, this is a very entertaining comedy film and I'm a huge fan of Pixar's pictures. Great voice acting with Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson in addition to Sarah Vowell, Wallace Shawn and Brad Bird.
Would I watch it again? Definitely!
Kung Fu Panda (2008) - 37.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: This animated feature by DreamWorks is so much fun to watch. It features an all star cast with Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Jacky Chan, James Hong and Lucy Liu. It's very funny throughout. I love it that the Panda was a huge Kung Fu geek (fan) and that he's an unlikely hero. Loved the line, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why they call it 'Present'." Great story. Great fun.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Renfield (2023) - 37 Points
Chuckles, 24, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: This is a very funny Dracula premise featuring Nicholas Cage as Dracula and his "familiar" (servant), Nicholas Hoult as Renfield. Renfield attends weekly counseling meetings at a church for individuals who are stuck in abusive relationships. This movie also features Awkwafina as a New Orleans Police Officer and Ben Schwartz (Parks and Rec) as the loser son of a gang leader (his mom). This is a good Halloween comedy so be prepared for a surprising amount of gore that is done in such an absurd way that you find yourself chuckling in some scenes (and kinda feeling guilty about it). Nick Cage is a surprisingly awesome Dracula and it's one of my favorite movie roles for him. Great stuff!
Would I watch it again? Yes.
National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) - 37 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 16, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I know... What the .....??? I can't believe this movie scored this low either! In the 1980's, Animal House seemed to be the gold standard for comedy movies. It seemed like it was everyone's favorite, which that makes me wonder if it was everyone's favorite movie because they found it actually funny/entertaining or if it was because that's what all the "cool kids" said and you thought you were supposed to think/say that. I haven't seen it for many years so I may be remembering it wrong but it seemed so much funnier back then. It just didn't make me laugh the way I expected it to. Before you get upset and discount my opinion, watch it again. John Belushi was a legend and the biggest comedian in the late 70's and early to mid 80's but I found him only mildly funny in this movie. I know that's heresy but I'm just being honest. I will admit that it was amusing to see him stuff an entire cheeseburger in his mouth. I didn't remember Kevin Bacon being in this movie but there he was. I loved Otis Day and the Knights. A different "top 100 list" ranked it #17, which blows my mind. Maybe out of nostagalia? Did they watch this for real (recently) or simply rubber stamp it?
Would I watch it again? No. Sadly, I would not.
Hoodwinked (2005) - 37 Points
Chuckles 38, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: This is an animated film that I saw years ago when it first came out with my kids. Although the graphics aren't as polished as Pixar, this is a fun take on the Little Red Riding Hood story with voice acting by Glenn Close, Anne Hathaway, Patrick Warburton (Elaine's on again, off again love interest in Seinfeld), Andy Dick, David Ogden Stiers, Cory Edwards and others. Although I still found it entertaining, I remembered it being more funny than I did watching it now. This movie was so hard to find. None of the streaming services had it and I literally had to buy a DVD to view it.
Would I watch it again? Probably. I'm going to watch Part II later this year.
Mystery Men (1999) - 36.5 Points
Chuckles 47, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is one of my cousin Jon's favorite movies and I can see why. I love the premise of super heroes who have powers that just aren't that super (fluctuance, the ability to throw forks, using a shovel) to try and fight crime. I will say that Janeane Garofalo's dad's skull in a bowling ball is pretty cool. This is a classic "chuckler." There is comedy enough to provide chuckles throughout the film but it wasn't a huge laugh or big laugh movie for me despite an all star lineup including Ben Stiller, Jeaneane Garofalo, Paul Ruebens, Hank Azaria, Greg Kinnear and William H. Macy. There seems to be a theme - when I have to pay extra to purchase a movie, it either doesn't make it on the list or doesn't score enough points to stay on the list, which kinda sucks.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Billy Madison (1995) - 36 Points
Chuckles 36, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: I'd never seen this movie before, which surprised me. This comedy features Adam Sandler as a rich kid who wants to prove that he's not a total idiot to his dad and goes through every grade of school in order to inherit his father's hotel business. It was fun to see Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi in this movie. Although it didn't score as high as other Adam Sandler movies, it's ok.
Would I watch it again? No.
Safety Last (1923) - 35 Points
Chuckles 26, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: Safety Last is the oldest comedy movie on the list, released exactly 99 years ago. If you've ever seen the iconic black and white photo of a man in a suit hanging from a large clock on a side of a building, that Harold Lloyd in this movie. This is a silent film that is quite funny and entertaining. Seemingly everyone knows Charlie Chaplin, quite a few people know Buster Keaton but few know Harold Lloyd, who was making silent movies at the same time as Chaplin and Keaton. I'm not sure why he wasn't as famous because he is known for doing amazing stunts and he is really hilarious. This is a wonderful movie.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Bean (1997) - 35 Points
Chuckles 32, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This movie is weird, awkward, moronic and mostly uncomfortable to watch. Those ingredients can work when everything is "right" but it only sort-of does in this movie. Mr. Bean doesn't talk throughout the movie, just mumbles perceptively and uses sometimes amusing facial expressions to convey his thoughts. The story features a 4-Star General who graciously donates $50M for the Art Museum in Los Angeles to obtain the famous painting, "Whistlers Grandmother." I've never heard of anyone in the military at any level with that kind of cash so that was amusing (the General played by Burt Reynolds). Anyway, there are a fair share of chuckles and a few belly laughs. Mr. Bean did blow up a barf bag (with barf in it) and popped it over a sleeping passenger in an airplane.
Would I watch it again? Nope.
Slap Shot (1977) - 35 Points
Chuckles 18, Laughs 5, Belly Laughs 7
Notes: I've heard about this movie most of my life because my last name is Hansen and all I heard about when I'd say my name is, "oh, Hanson, like the Hanson brothers in Slap Shot. I love those guys!" I bought the DVD years ago and I FINALLY for the first time watched it. This movie stars Paul Newman as the player/coach of a minor league hockey team playing in a mining town in PA. It looks pretty much the way I remember that time, kinda... ugly and depressing. This movie would be totally depressing if it weren't for the Hanson brothers who really make the movie fun. In the 20th anniversary DVD you can watch ONLY their scenes with the actor's commentary and it's freaking fabulous and worth checking out.
Would I watch it again? Just the Hanson brother's highlights and that's it.
Galaxy Quest (1999) - 34.5 Points
Chuckles 19, Laughs 13, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: I'd never seen this movie but thought I'd give it a go when I saw it on an "experts" list so I thought I'd watch it, hoping to like it. And I did like it. It was funny. Alan Rickman, RIP! Would I watch it again? Yes.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) - 34 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is my wife and daughter's favorite movie and I'd seen parts of it here and there over the years as they watched and re-watched it. I can see why they enjoy it so much. Overall, it is an endearing Romance/Comedy with funny/awkward situations and Renee Zellweger is brilliant.
Would I watch it again? I probably would.
The Cable Guy (1996) - 33.5 Points
Chuckles 29, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: This is one of the few Jim Carrey movies that I missed in the 90's. This is a stalker comedy with the techno dork Chip (Jim Carrey) who desperately wants to be friends with the cooler Steven (Matthew Broderick). This film has a ton of comedians throughout including a young Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Janene Garafalo, Owen Wilson and Bob Odenkirk. My favorite scene is Jim Carrey singing (karaoke) Somebody to Love.
Would I watch it again? No. It's not a bad movie and I hoped it would score more points with this cast but I think once is enough.
Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) - 33.5 Points
Chuckles 43, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: The second of the 3 Bill & Ted movies made me laugh the most although sadly, not enough to make it on the top 100 funniest movies of all time. My favorite part is when Ted possess his dad and when they challenge Death to a game of Battleship. Very fun to see Keanu Reeves in this role and hard to imagine that he'd become Neo or John Wick.
Would I watch it again? No. I think twice in a lifetime is probably enough.
Fargo (1996) - 33 Points
Chuckles 40, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I had to see this movie again because when I saw it in the theatre originally, I didn't enjoy it but through the years, I've heard so many speak so highly of it and there's a series spin off with the same name so I thought, maybe I was wrong and should at least give it another try. I know the world finds the Minnesota accent cute, endearing and sometimes hilarious. Since moving away from there many years ago, I "get it" (especially when exaggerated) and chuckled throughout the movie at the Minnesota flavor. Only one hearty, belly laugh kept the score low. I love Steve Buscemi. Is this a comedy? My wife doesn't believe it is and maybe it's not... I'm not sure. I did chuckle quite a bit.
Would I watch it again? No. Twice is enough.
The Disaster Artist (2017) - 33 Points
Chuckles 17, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: This is a weird movie. I saw it was leaving Netflix soon so I rolled the dice and watched it. I'm glad I did! When two aspiring actors meet in an acting class and travel to LA to become stars - sounds like an all-too-familiar story. But in this one, one of them has talent, the other one (without talent who and is from God-only-knows-where-in-the-world with that crazy accent) doesn't make it, he takes things into his own hands and writes a movie. This film stars James Franco in really my favorite role ever. James is also the director. It also stars Dave Franco (who I was not familiar with) and features Seth Rogen. This is an A24 Film. Need I say more? Whowsa! I can see how it created a cult following. Weird.
Would I watch it again? Yes. I feel like I need to just to take it all in and see it in all it's splendor.
Shrek Forever After (2010) - 32.5 Points
Chuckles 37, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 3
Notes: In this Shrek sequel, Shrek longs for the days when he was a fierce and feared ogre. You have to be careful what you wish for, you might just get it and... regret it. This is a cute, endearing, sweet animated movie even if it didn't score nearly as many points as the original Shrek movie. There is an extremely funny scene featuring the Pied Piper that had me rolling with laughter (featuring the Beastie Boys song, "Flute loop") that I freaking loved.
Would I watch it again? Yes! I would.
Fletch (1985) - 32 Points
Chuckles 40, Laughs 9, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: Chevy Chase was huge on Saturday Night Live and was a fan favorite in Comedy movies in the 80's, in particular his role in Caddy Shack and National Lampoon's Vacation. My youngest sister loves this movie and reminded me of it when she heard I was undertaking the mission of rating all of the best comedy movies. The synth-heavy background music throughout the film is akin to that in Beverly Hills Cop. This movie was more of a "chuckler" than a "laugher" for me. Would I watch it again? No. I don't think so but it was fun to watch it this time, after all these years.
Friday (1995) - 32 Points
Chuckles 28, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 4
Notes: The world got it's first look at Chris Tucker with this movie and found out he was extremely funny. I like this movie a lot because it showcases the interesting people and situations that existed in the neighborhood. It's a great story and they rarely left their front porch. Ice Cube is a talented guy. This movie ranked as high as #19 on a different top 100 list, which surprised me. I like it but come on...
Would I watch it again? Probably.
Clueless (1995) - 31 Points
Chuckles 28, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: I feel like they could make a coming of age type of movie every 5 years and it would provide great snapshot of life at that time with totally different ways of talking, fashion and music but kids are kids and there's always the "cool kids" and everyone else. This movie was fun because it was such a great time capsule with Ren & Stimpy, Beevis & Butthead, Beepers, Cranberry CD's, paper maps (no GPS yet). Markey Mark was still Markey Mark and they said things like "As if" and "Retard," which in 2022 almost made me swallow my gum in shock. There are lots of funny lines. Among them, "Why am I even listening to you? You're a virgin who can't drive." Even though it didn't score a ton of points, it was still an enjoyable movie because of Alicia Silverstone and a very young Paul Rudd and other really fun actors.
Would I watch it again? Probably. It's an entertaining movie.
Earth Girls Are Easy (1989) - 29.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: I'd heard of this movie and had never seen it. This is a really.... out there (pun intended?) comedy. The movie was released in 1989, the end of a decade of amazing music, fashion and a decade where sexy was seemingly part of every movie, whether it's a comedy or drama. Geena Davis has never looked so great and probably the same can be said for Jeff Goldbloom. The movie also features Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans two years before In Living Color and they are amazing. The basic plot: Geena Davis is on the verge of marrying a no-good cheating doctor when aliens arrive on earth and so begins the weirdest rom-com that you might ever see. The beach scene featuring "Cuz I'm a Blonde" song, sung by Julie Brown (who was also a writer) is hilarious and is the pre-curser to the stupid-sexy that makes half of Tik Tok.... tick (sorry) these days. There's a lot to process in this movie. I always thought of Geena Davis as cute but never sexy until this movie. Also, I've heard people say that Jeff Goldbloom got better looking as he aged but... I don't know, check him out in this film and you can be the judge. I can't stop thinking about how hot Geena Davis looked because I've never thought of her that way.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Hubie Halloween (2020) - 29.5 Points
Chuckles 37. Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: Adam Sandler is once again playing the dimwitted, hapless but kind-hearted character who lives in Salem, MA, the Halloween Capital of the US. This is a sweet, chuckler of a movie and is enjoyable overall. Adam plays Hubie who lives next door to Steve Buscemi and lives with his over protective mom. Lots of cameo's in this one including Ben Stiller, Shaq, the radio voice that narrated The Warriors movie, Ray Liotta (RIP) and more. This is a cute Halloween movie that, although it has crude humor in parts, is a family-style movie.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Shaun of the Dead (2004) - 29 Points
Chuckles 30, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: If you're looking for a zombie comedy other than Zombieland, this is a great one! Although it didn't score a ton of points, I've enjoyed watching this movie several times throughout the years and although it may not make me laugh quite as hard as the first time, I still find it very funny. This film features the British comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and although they don't score as many points as they did in Hot Fuzz, they're great together in this movie as well.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Tangled (2010) - 28.5 Points
Chuckles 37, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I saw this animated movie with my daughter years ago when it first came out and didn't remember much about it other than I thought it was surprisingly funny. I feel like it's one of those really rare Disney movies that is kind of forgotten about or at least it's overshadowed by other, newer Disney movies and that's a shame because this is actually a good flick. It is funny, there are tender moments and it's enjoyable. It didn't score enough points to make it on the top 100 but if you've not seen it before and you like animated Disney movies, it's worth checking out. This is quite a contrast to the movie that I watched last night (Expend4bles).
Would I watch it again? Yes.
One Crazy Summer (1986) - 28 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I've been searching for a really funny John Cusack comedy from the 80's that was set on an island - that I hadn't seen in years. I thought this might be it but I don't think it is because this movie was only mildly funny. This looks like a movie that my friends and I could have made in the 80's and when I look at the name of the gentlemen who wrote and directed, I see that it was someone by the name of Savage Steve Holland, whom I had never heard of before. This movie features the comedy oddity that was known as Bobcat Goldthwait (who has a....unique verbal delivery) and "Booger" from Revenge of the Nerds (Curtis Armstrong) and a very young and attractive Demi Moore who plays a singer who is trying to raise enough money to save her families house on Nantuckett. I am a big fan of John Cusack (who plays a character named "Hoops" who sucks at basketball but is a good artist) but this isn't my favorite of his movies.
Would I watch it again? No.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) - 27.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is a cute, weird and funny animated movie by Wes Anderson that is enjoyable to watch. Lots of stars voicing characters including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe and others. Despite the movie not scoring a ton of points, I'd recommend it.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975) - 27.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 9, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This movie was ok and probably would have scored more points but it started out quite slow and didn't really catch momentum until about mid way through. This movie features the very funny Peter Sellers as Chief Inspector Clouseau.
Would I watch it again? No. There are several funnier Pink Panther movies.
Legally Blonde (2001) - 26.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: Even though this movie didn't score a ton of points and doesn't make the top 100, it was worth watching. I'd consider it a good movie overall. Reece Witherspoon is awesome in her role as the rich, California girl that changes her focus from fun/fashion to going to Harvard Law School to prove that she's good enough to belong long-term to her boyfriend. I might watch it again one day, I don't know but if you've not seen it, it's pretty cute/funny.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) - 26.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 12, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I'm not a huge fan of stoner comedy but I'd seen this movie listed on a list rated pretty highly. There are laughs but it's more of a "chuckler." I did break my own rule by watching it more than 40 minutes even though it wasn't scoring enough points to warrant it. I'm kinda glad I did because I would have missed them riding the cheetah and hang gliding. More than anything, it made me hungry for a White Castle hamburger which I've not had in many years.
Would I watch it again? No.
Despicable Me (2010) - 25.5 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 10, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: It's a cute kids movie. I think 11 years later, I'm a little burnt out on Minions due to over exposure but I'm sure kids still love them that are seeing them for the first time.
Would I watch it again? Never say never... so probably. It's pretty funny.
Idiocracy (2006) - 25 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: This movie stars Luke Wilson and Maya Rudolph who are frozen in time and wake up hundreds of years in the future to find that humans have de-evolved and are literally stupid idiots. I feel like that's the future that we're heading for based on the last decade of living in the United States where manners, common sense, decency and respect for our fellow man are at an all-time low and self-indulgence and "rules don't apply to me" are at an all time high but I digress... This is a funny movie, directed by Mike Judge. It's fun to see a future with Terry Crews as President of the United States and I feel like Dax Shepard is especially funny (and stupid)!
Would I watch it again? No... I feel like I'm living it.
Four Lions (2010) - 24 Points
Chuckles, 32, Laughs 8, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I'd never heard of this movie but saw it on several "expert" comedy websites so I thought I'd watch and grade it. Comedy takes many forms and this is one I'd never seen before. The idea of four idiotic, inept jihadists living in Britain is an interesting one and I guess it makes sense as there are idiots in every culture around the world. There are chuckles and a few laughs but it was a mostly uncomfortable, dark comedy that left me feeling sad at the end. I don't think I've ever felt that way after watching a comedy. This movie was ranked as high as #20 on another top 100 list, which blows my mind. Maybe you should watch it yourself and see what you think.
Would I watch it again? No.
Toy Story (1995) - 23.5 Points
Chuckles 35, Laughs 3, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: Wow, I can't believe this year came out so long ago! This movie really was a game changer. The animation was unlike anything I'd ever seen. It was creative and endearing and watching it again reinforced that I felt the same way. It didn't make it high on the list but it does have quite a few chuckles. I love the songs and enjoyed great voice acting by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen (among others). This is a timeless story and probably is the best out of the 4 Toy Story movies made. I'm not sure. I'm going to watch all 4 at some point and render my opinion after that time.
Would I watch it again? Yes!
Scrooged (1988) - 23.5 Points
Chuckles 27, Laughs 4, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: As crazy as it is to admit, I'd never seen this Christmas classic. The movie is another version of the Charles Dicken's, "A Christmas Carol" and it's played well by Bill Murray who was a super hot actor in the 1980's and a good choice. This movie is also referenced with the current reboot "Spirited." I enjoyed seeing Bobcat Goldthwait (kinda forgot about him). I found the movie mildly funny with mostly chuckles. I'm glad to have seen it.
Would I see it again? No.
Monsters Inc (2001) - 23 Points
Chuckles 30, Laughs 2, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: It's really hard to believe this movie was made so long ago! I hadn't seen it since my kids were very young. I remembered really enjoying it but honestly, I couldn't remember if it was funny or not. This Disney delight is a very cute, sweet movie that features the voice talents of John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi and James Coburn, just before he passed away. If you haven't seen it or haven't seen it in a while, watch it. Although it didn't rack up a ton of points, it is funny and touching and a great movie to watch with kids, as is the case with most Disney movies.
Would I watch it again? Absolutely!
Super Troopers (2002) - 22.5 Points
Chuckles 21, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 2
Notes: I'd heard good things about this movie. This movie starts great and I love the first 15-20 minutes but the movie loses steam for me and by the end, I honestly couldn't wait for this movie to end. I almost stepped watching but soldered through. There are laughs. Kinda funny as the troopers chug maple syrup. I think that Afghanimation is a funny idea but the movie is pretty much flat with super mediocre acting. The theme of the movie is troopers who don't take anything seriously and are just into practical jokes compete with local cops for the right to "stay in business' (one will be shut down). I would not recommend this movie.
Would I see it again? Not for less than $500... well, maybe $250 but...
The Pink Panther 2 (2009) - 22.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I really enjoyed the first Pink Panther movie starring Steve Martin and had high hopes for this one but I'm afraid this one was not nearly as funny. In fact, as much as I love Steve Martin, this is my lowest scoring Steve Martin comedy (that I've reviewed) by far. It's a mostly boring moving despite also staring John Cleese and Andy Garcia among others.
Would I watch it again? No.
Jumanji (1995) - 22 Points
Chuckles 16, Laughs 11, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is the original Jumanji movie and it's very different than the two newer incarnations. Robin Williams is amazing and seeing him on screen really makes me feel happy and sad at the same time (RIP). This is more of an adventure than a comedy where the newer versions are more comedy than adventure though all 3 movies have elements of comedy and adventure. It's fun to see the campy 1990's animation.
Would I watch it again? Maybe, but I do prefer the two newer movies released in 2017 and 2019.
Spirited (2022) - 22 Points
Chuckles 24, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I had high expectations when I saw the trailer with two of my favorite comedy actors starring in this Apple + movie. As you know from my top 100 list, Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell score really well and I love their humor. This movie is an updated version of the "Scrooge" Christmas movies. The story is good. I'm just not a fan of musicals and I didn't realize this was a musical and nearly stopped watching during the first singing/dancing but thought I'd give it a chance. I watched this with my wife who disliked it more than I did. I found it a bit of a rollercoaster; starting off liking it, then disliking it, liking it again and disliking it again and at the end, I kind of liked it. On a scale of 0-10, she gave it a 3 and I gave it a 6. I feel like it underperformed in the comedy department unfortunately. If you're a fan of musicals, you may give it a much higher score.
Would I watch it again? No.
Puss in Boots - The Last Wish (2022) - 21.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I believe this is the last of the Shrek and related/spin off movies, which marks the end of a pretty long run of cute, funny, feel-good movies that started in 2001. A 20 year run is pretty amazing! This animated movie again stars Antonio Banderas as "Puss" and Salma Hayek as "Kitty Softpaws." It's a cute, funny movie and I can say that it's enjoyable to watch, even if it didn't score a ton of points for laughs. My favorites in the movie are Goldilocks and the 3 Bears (watch it and you'll see why). It did score higher than the first Puss in Boots (almost twice as many points) so it's worth checking out, especially if you have kids but even if you don't, you'll probably find it entertaining.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1988) - 21 Points
Chuckles 22, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This isn't really a laugh out loud, funny movie. The acting isn't great but still it's entertaining. Who would have imagined that Keanu Reeves would later become an action hero in future movies? Not me, watching him in this one. Cool to see George Carlin (RIP) and the time-traveling phone booth, not unlike Dr. Who's TARDIS. This movie is an incredible time capsule showing what the world looked like in the mid to late 80's; the hairstyles, clothes and the vernacular. It's worth watching for that alone. I could be wrong but I seem to remember the sequel (Bogus Adventure featuring Death) being funnier and the 3rd movie in the trilogy being agonizing. The ending of the movie reminds me a lot of Napoleon Dynamite with their presentation in the auditorium.
Would I watch this one again? No, but it makes me want to see if I can find cartoon somewhere online first.
Harold and Maude (1971) - 20 Points
Chuckle 22, Laughs 9, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I was wondering why I had never heard of this movie before. Honestly, the title doesn't scream "watch me" but it was on so many "top comedy movie" lists that I had to see what I was missing. What I found was a weird, dark, interesting and sometimes funny movie about a young man (seems to be between 18-22 years old) and an older woman (about to turn 80 years old). My favorite line: Priest (to Harold). "I would be remiss in my duty if I did not tell you that the idea of intercourse with your firm young body comingling with the withered flesh, sagging breasts and blabby buttocks make me want to vomit."
Would I watch it again? Yes. I almost feel like I should just to try and make sense of what I just saw. It definitely strikes me as the kind of movie that could be funnier the more times you watch it.
Home Alone (1990) - 20 Points
Chuckles 30, Laughs 2, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is a Holiday favorite for lots of people and it's yet another movie that I'm embarrassed to say, I've never watched before. I'd seen parts of it here and there. I saw the iconic Macaulay Culkin face with the two hands on his face and I knew that Joe Pesci was in it but it just didn't seem very appealing to me. The movie is written by John Hughes who wrote so many famous comedies that will live on forever. It's directed by Chris Columbus so it has quite the pedigree. Also, kids (and adults) still seem to love it so I made time to watch it to see what all the hubbub was about. There are quite a few chuckles and I can see why kids dig it. It's not the funniest holiday movie but as long as there are new kids watching it every year, it likely will likely endure for years to come.
Would I watch it again? No. Not unless I was watching it with a grandchild and even then, it would be to watch their reactions to the movie as they see someone like them getting the best of "bad guys."
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) - 19.5 Points
Chuckles 21, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I had been looking forward to this one because it has such an interesting film title and even though I have just about every streaming service, I had to pay to rent it since it isn't available on any of my streaming services, not unlike Bull Durham, which also meant that even though the film did not meet my minimum expectations by scoring at least 15 points in the first 30 minutes, I felt compelled to continue watching. Interesting Plot - Boring Movie. I guess it's on all of the "expert's" lists because it's a Stanley Kubrick film? One top 100 list ranks it as high as #18, which blows my mind after watching it. George C. Scott was amazing. It was also amazing to see a very young James Earl Jones (I thought he was born old) and it was something to see Slim Pickens riding a nuke. This is like a book that everyone tells you that you should read and you read it and you're like, "are you serious? Why did I just waste my time? What did they see in this?"
Would I watch it again? Not a chance.
Pee Wee's Big Holiday (2016) - 19 Points
Chuckles 34, Laughs 2, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: Despite being made 28 years after the prior Pee Wee Movie (Big Top Pee Wee), this movie starts out in a similar way to his other two movies as well as Pee-Wee's hit TV show from the 80's. No surprises there and is fun to see again. I nearly stopped watching about 25 minutes into the movie because I just wasn't laughing but the movie got interesting after Pee Wee embarks on his cross country journey to see a new friend in New York and encounters 3 buxom bank robbers (including Alia Shawkat - who I don't think I've seen since Arrested Development).
Would I watch it again? I think once is enough.
Fun with Dick & Jane (2005) - 19 Points
Chuckles 19, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This movie was leaving Netflix soon so I thought I would watch it for the first time. This movie stars Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni, Alec Baldwin and Richard Jenkins. It was also produced by Jim Carrey so I was pretty excited to watch it. This movie is stressful, maybe more for me than most people because I've hit rock bottom (twice) in my life and I got that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach when Jim Carrey lost his great job and his world spiraled. I almost stopped watching it because it's like being around someone who has a contagious disease - you don't want to "poor" to spread. Yes, there are chuckles and a few funny moments but classifying this movie as a comedy seems like a bit of a stretch. I did enjoy the ending though so there's that.... It's not a fun movie despite the title.
Would I watch it again? No, I had a hard time watching it at all.
Cars (2006) - 18.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 7, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I had seen this movie years ago and liked it but I honestly wasn't super excited to see it again but a friend said that I should re-watch it. Reluctantly, I did and even though this movie isn't a big, laugh-out-loud movie for me, it is really enjoyable to watch. Disney Pixar's animation in 2006 was really amazing. The scenes as they drive through the countryside was brilliant and the water in the mud puddles looked so realistic. Owen Wilson is perfectly cast as the voice of Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater was fun to watch! Really cute, great story about being kind, unselfish and non-judgmental with the importance of taking the time to go off the beaten path is spot on.
Would I watch it again? Yes, sometime down the road I probably would.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) - 18.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I've not watched an Abbott and Costello movie since I was a kid and I'd seen this one listed on a top comedy movie website so I thought I'd check it out. It was cute and fun to see though I'll admit it was hard to keep my attention at the end as I literally found myself falling asleep. I'd forgotten how crabby Bud Abbott was in these movies and was kinda hoping one of the monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein and the Werewolf were all in this movie) would give him what he had coming to him. "Why I atta!" I think this might still be entertaining for younger kids today. Unfortunately, it didn't make me laugh as much I though it might but was still nostalgic fun. I have one other Abbott and Costello movie on my list and we'll see if it scores higher.
Would I watch it again? I don't think so but it did make me want to watch other Abbott and Costello movies.
Army of Darkness (1993) - 18.5 Points
Chuckles 29, Laughs 4, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: Bruce Campbell plays "Ash" and stars in this third installment of the Evil Dead series. He accidently time travels into the middle ages but thankfully he has his shotgun and chainsaw (though they are confiscated but he gets them back eventually). At first he's thrown into the dungeon but he emerges as a hero. He's trying to make his way back to the present times but there's evil and magic afoot. Although this movie didn't score super high, it's pretty funny and would be fun to watch any time but especially around Halloween. I enjoyed the tiny pieces of Ash that appeared from a fragmented mirror trying to kill him.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot (2016) - 18.5 Points
Chuckles 23, Laughs 4, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I need to remind myself not to make assumptions. I saw a Tina Fey/Loren Michaels film and assumed it was a comedy. This is a war drama with funny moments and circumstances. It's interesting and compelling, a really good movie with some laughs. Although it didn't make me laugh a ton, I really enjoyed watching it and I'd recommend it. I'm a huge Tina Fey fan and feel like she's one of the funniest human beings on the planet but she proves that she's a really good, serious actor as well.
Would I watch it again? Probably not, I feel like once is enough but I liked it and would recommend it.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) - 18 Points
Chuckles 26, Laughs 5, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: This movie has the most star-studded cast of any movie I've ever seen. If you were a "hot actor" or comic or screen legend in the 1950's and early 1960's, it's likely you were in this movie. A chase for $350,000 ($3.3M in 2022) that is buried in a park beneath a "W," leads a free-for-all treasure hunt. It's an entertaining movie but honestly, the constant yelling by all parties but in particular by Ethel Merman (who incidentally put out a disco album in 1979, which I own) throughout the film becomes grating. It leads me to believe that in the early 1960, yelling = funny? I loved the scenes where Ethel Merman's son (a beatnik played by Dick Shawn) is twisting the day away with his girlfriend. Maybe they were my favorite scenes because they weren't yelling and she's hyper-focused on the music and he's hyper focused on her body.
Would I watch it again? No.
Back to School (1986) - 17.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 5, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: In the 1980's Rodney Dangerfield was on top of his game. He was a huge stand-up comedian and he stole the show in Caddy Shack. This movie features the guy everyone loved to hate (the arch nemesis of The Karate Kid), William Zabka as well as the late, great Sam Kinison. I'd totally forgotten that Robert Downey Jr. was in this movie and honestly, it's worth watching, just for him in my opinion. Although this movie (as with pretty much all 80's movies) wouldn't fly in this current age of political correctness with the fat jokes, female nudity (albeit it brief), the word "midget" and other "no-no's," this is a pretty funny movie and 80's time capsule. I feel like Rodney Dangerfield worked all of his famous 1-liners into this one and his facial expressions when he delivers them are wonderful to watch. I knew this movie wasn't going to score enough points to land on the 100 but I wanted to watch it anyway just to check out the 80's fashion and again, take a look at "Iron Man" in his New Wave glory. At his commencement speech, Rodney Dangerfield famously says, "to all the graduates, as you go out into the world, don't go. It's rough out there. Move back in with your parents. Let them worry about it!" Sage advice indeed!
Hot Pursuit (1987) - 16.5 Points
Chuckles 15, Laughs 6, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is the John Cusack movie that I'd been searching for. Unfortunately, it's not streaming for free anywhere and it's also the name of a different (Reece Witherspoon) movie but I found it and had to pay to play on Amazon but I'm glad I did. No, it didn't score a ton of points but it's an enjoyable movie. Jerry Stiller and Ben Stiller are in this movie, neither playing comedic parts but it's fun to see a very creepy young Ben as "the bad guy" back in the late 80's! John Cusack plays "Mr. Determined" who is trying to go on winter break with his girlfriend and her family to the Caribbean only he couldn't leave with them and is a step behind them most of the trip, which is frustrating and funny and you end the movie with a smile on your face so it's all good.
Would I watch it again? Probably, if it was streaming somewhere for free.
A Christmas Story (1983) - 16 Points
Chuckles 31, Laughs 1, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I know this is a much loved movie because my neighbor across the street has a giant image of Ralphie in a pink bunny suit with the words, "you look like a pink nightmare" as part of their Christmas decorations for the world to see. That decoration alone piqued my interest enough to watch the movie for the first time, thinking that maybe he was a "Dennis the Menace type." I was wrong. I think my opinion of this movie would be different if I grew up watching it but watching it for the first time as an adult, I found it only mildly funny and mostly boring. The best parts for me involved Ralphie's dad's obsession with the sexy leg lamp and seeing Mickey Mouse getting hassled in the Christmas parade by flying monkeys. Otherwise, it had a few chuckles here and there. Well, at least now I can say that I watched it.
Would I watch it again? No.
Stripes (1981) - 15.5 Points
Chuckles 25, Laughs 3, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: Man, I can't believe this movie scored fewer laughs than A Christmas Story or Home Alone. That was a shocker since I remember watching this in the 1980's and thinking it was a riot. Strange.... It's not that it's not an entertaining movie. I mean, come on, Bill Murry, John Candy, Harold Ramos, John Laroquette, there are amazing comedic actors in this baby but it just didn't make me laugh like it had in the past. It has lots of nudity, like most comedies from the 1980's. It's fun to see Bill Murray young though I thought it was interesting that they didn't buzz his hair or Harold Ramos' hair like they did John Candy. I wish I had that option when I was in basic training!
Would I watch it again? No. I don't think so.
Dickie Roberts: Former Childhood Star (2003) - 14.5 Points
Chuckles 15, Laughs 4, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: Although this is one of the lowest scoring movies on the list, it was good enough to keep me wanting to watch it all the way through and ended up (surprisingly) as a "feel good" movie in the end that I actually liked. David Spade stars in this movie. I heard him interviewed on a podcast and he's very likeable. He plays a childhood star who's career peeked early (as a child actor) and he was robbed of his childhood. To get back a shred of dignity, he desperately needs a part in a movie but has to recreate a childhood that he'd never experienced. It ends up being a cute, sweet movie about midway through.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Big Daddy (1999) - 13 points
Chuckles 20, Laughs 3, Belly Laughs 0
Notes: I usually enjoy Adam Sandler movies but this isn't his funniest. In fact, it's his lowest rated comedy for me. Don't get me wrong, his movies are usually "feel good" films and this one certainly is that for the most part, it's just not "laugh out loud" funny for me. I don't find it amusing to watch people pee nor do I like to see little kids swear but but if that's what you're into, you might like this one. Fun to see Steve Buscemi (although brief) though!
Would I watch it again? No.
The Family Plan (2023) - 11 points
Chuckles 9, Laughs 4, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: This is an action-comedy starring Markie Mark, Mark Wahlberg as a former highly trained killer who settled down in suburbia to raise a family and get away from his past. There's probably equal measure stress and laughs but overall, I liked it. In fact, it's one of those instances of a movie that didn't score a ton of points that I'd recommend because it's entertaining and overall, is funny.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Bull Durham (1988) - 9.5 Points
Chuckles 11, Laughs 1, Belly Laughs 1
Notes: I didn't see this movie when it came out because it looked boring but I saw it on an "experts" top 100 comedies of all time list and thought, I should watch it and maybe I missed a gem. I almost stopped at the 40 minute mark because it was slow and there were just a few laughs to that point but since I had to pay to watch it (couldn't find it on any of my streaming services for free), I felt compelled to see it through and watch the whole thing. I should have trusted my gut. I'm not certain this is a comedy. It's just a rather slow baseball movie though Susan Sarandon looked great and is a wonderful actor. Oh crap! I just realized that it was the movie, Major League and not Bull Durham on that list! Would I watch it again? A swing and a miss. Nope.
NOT ENOUGH LAUGHS (40-MINUTE MARK)
Adams Rib (1949)
I'd not heard of this movie until I saw it on someone else's list for "funniest movies of all time" so I thought I'd check it out. After all, I loved Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby the year before this film was released. The premise: a woman shoots her cheating husband (who survives being shot) and Katherine represents the woman and Kathryn's husband (Tracy Spencer) represents the man who was shot, which creates a fun dynamic. It shines a spotlight on the way society treats women differently than men and overall equality. Although it's a good film and is entertaining, I didn't find it a laugh out loud movie other than a few chuckles here and there.
Bernie (2011)
I'm a huge fan of Jack Black and I was excited to watch this movie but by the 40 minute mark, I'd only chuckled one time so I cut my losses. Is this a comedy? Maybe it gets better, I don't know but I was honestly bored by this point. Jack Black plays a loveable mortician - literally everyone in his small, southern town loves him and he befriends the meanest woman in the area who's husband just passed away.
Broadcast News, 1987
I had no interest in watching this film when it came out probably because the name sounded boring and the previews looked boring. Still, it had been recommended to me by a friend and I'd seen it on an "experts" list so I was hoping that I'd be happily surprised, like I was when I watched, "A Fish Called Wanda." This might be a "good" movie with great performances by talented actors but it seemed more like a drama than a comedy. It just didn't do anything for me. I found it only mildly funny with 6 chuckles, 0 laughs, 0 belly laughs in 40 minutes.
Canadian Bacon, 1995
I wanted to see this movie because John Candy is on the cover of the DVD and he's one of my all time favorite comedians but honestly, I couldn't wait to stop watching this movie. My biggest fear that it got better after the 30 minute mark judging by the first 30 minutes, it seems extremely unlikely. It's a funny premise but also was surprised that Michael Moore was the director. Someone tell me this was a great movie and I'll continue watching!
Due Date, 2010
Despite featuring two actors I love a lot (Zack Gilifianakis and Robert Downey Jr), this movie is a much less funny version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. At the half way mark of the film, it was clear that this movie wasn't going to come close to sniffing the top 100 funniest movies of all time and I pulled the plug. It had scored only 13 points by that point unfortunately.
Evan Almighty, 2007
This movie seems to pick up where Bruce Almighty left off. Steve Carrell's character was Jim Carrey's former rival (news reporter) who has turned politician. He moves to DC where he receives a message from God (once again played by Morgan Freeman) to build an ark. It's not a bad movie. I just didn't find it laugh out loud funny, so I pulled the plug as it only scored 9.5 points in 40 minutes and had no chance to make it into a position were it would remain as one of the top 100 funniest movies of all time.
Jackass: The Movie, 2002
I recently saw the trailer for a new Jackass movie and it piqued my interest on the original, which I'd never seen. There was a lot of "uncomfortable" watching Borat and I feel like Sasha Baron Cohen straddled the line much of the film. Jackass obliterates that line and sends it screaming to hell. Instead of laughing, I spent 30 minutes thinking, "What the......???" Who thinks of these "stunts?" How do they find guys willing to do things that are so moronic and willing to put themselves in real danger of personal injury, humiliation and worse? Walking a tightrope in a jock strap (only) with raw chicken dangling from the back while walking over a small pool of water, full of alligators that are actively launching themselves out of the water to get the chicken? If you like to watch people writhing in pain after having a bowling ball thrown into their unprotected testicles or having their bare testes electrocuted, this is your movie! I'm going to guess the target demographic is 13-25 year old guys, primarily. I am a fan of stupid films but I'm not a sadist. It's the opposite of who I am actually. I'm a big fan of pleasure, not pain and agony! I'm not going to say there weren't scenes that made me chuckle and marvel in wonder but when the guy went to a store that sold toilets shat his pants on the way to the store (they show the feces in his underwear as he looks uncomfortably into the camera) and later went to the store for an actual dump and the camera pans to the inside of the toilet to show he actually did defecate in it, ... I just had to stop. "Check please!"
His Girl Friday, 1940
I saw this movie on a number of top comedy movie lists. It features Cary Grant, who I like a lot. In fact, this is the first Cary Grant that I've watched that did not make my top 100 comedy movies of all time. It's a clever movie with wonderful writing/dialog and it was funny but it did not make me laugh out loud enough to make it on the top 100 list though I believe it's a film certainly entertaining and worth watching.
Identity Thief, 2013
As much as I wanted to love this movie, I just didn't. I love the two main characters and think Melissa McCarthy is generally hilarious. Jason Bateman always plays the responsible, family man who you pull for because he's clean cut and seems like such a nice guy. In literally ever film or series I've seen him in, he plays that character so maybe, like Kevin Costner, he's not acting... that's just who he is. Anyway, I like his films and am a huge fan of Arrested Development so I was hoping this movie would score well. It simply didn't make me laugh very much other than a few chuckles here and there and I got to the point where I just didn't have an interest in watching it any longer and pulled the plug. Bummer.
Johnny English, 2003
I much prefer Rowan Atkinson in the role of Johnny English to Mr. Bean though I'll say, Johnny English scored fewer points at the 40 minute mark than the Bean movie. Johnny English is a parody of the James Bond movies and it wasn't bad. It simply just hadn't registered enough laughs to even have a chance to make it on the list. This would be a fun movie for kids to watch. I was a little shocked to see that two sequels to the original so they must have made some money.
Ladies Man, 1961
Growing up, I loved Jerry Lewis so I expected to love this movie. Unfortunately, it did not keep my attention more than 35 minutes and it simply was not making me laugh out loud more than a couple of chuckles at that point. I have other Jerry Lewis movies in the COMING SOON list and I fully expect that at least one or two will make the top 100 list.
M*A*S*H, 1970
This is the movie that the very popular TV series was based on. It begins with the song "Suicide is Painless," which, is the actual music featured in the opening of the TV series but without the words. Interesting, the actor who played "Radar" was the same one in both the movie and the TV series, though he was the only one to star/be featured in both. I feel like Robert Duvall was miscast as Major Burns but they got it right in the TV series. I saw this movie on several top comedy lists and although I found it entertaining, this isn't a laugh-out-loud movie. It's a "good" movie but it's more of a drama than a comedy. At the 45 minute mark, it had registered only a couple of chuckles and it was clear that it wasn't going to score enough points to land on the top 100 movies of all time so I pulled the plug. I feel that the TV series was both more entertaining and funnier than the movie that it was based on.
Tampopo, 1985
An "expert" had this movie listed on his all-time funniest movies. When I saw it available on a streaming service, I got excited. I was hoping to find this unknown "gem" and looked forward to telling everyone about this hilarious Japanese movie that they had to see. This movie is about two truck drivers who help a widow improve her cooking. Specifically, this movie is all about ramen and eating. I just didn't find it funny aside from a few chuckles. I watched it for 45 minutes and fast forwarded to the end, which was much as the beginning of the film except as the credits roll, there's a shot of a woman breast feeding in a public park with the camera zooming in on the baby on the woman's nipple (side view). I think that "expert" who put this movie on his/her list did so to amuse themselves at the expense of anyone who would take this recommendation seriously. Waste of time unfortunately.
Team America, World Police, 2004
I saw this movie on several "top comedy" lists so I thought I'd watch it and see how well it scored. I don't have anything against marionettes/puppets but I tried to watch this movie twice and I just wasn't finding it funny.
The Pink Panther, 1963
I'm so confused. I remember loving Peter Sellers in a Pink Panther movie growing up but apparently it wasn't this one. At 30 minutes in, I was wondering if this was actually a comedy or simply a boring movie and at the 40 minute point, I pulled the plug. I will watch and score the other Pink Panther iterations and see if any will make it on the top 100 list.
Tootsie, 1982
I never had an interest in watching this movie but I saw it on so many other "top comedy lists" that I thought I'd watch it to see what all the hubbub was about. I do think Dustin Hoffman is a fantastic actor and although I can see this is an interesting movie, this is not a laugh out loud comedy for me. In 50 minutes, it had racked up 14 chuckles and 3 laughs (no belly laughs) for a total of 10 points. I'm not saying it's a bad movie, it just doesn't belong on any top lists for top comedies of all time.
You People, 2023
As someone who is married to a non-white woman and a fan of Eddy Murphy and Jonah White, I wanted to love this movie but honestly, I was super disappointed. It did give me a few chuckles but I found it mostly annoying and uncomfortable. I could go into a big lecture here on race/relationships but I'll skip it. I feel like this was a missed opportunity with talented actors and I stopped watching about 45 minutes into the movie. No bueno.
Withnail & I, 1987
I had never heard of this movie but it was on some other "experts list" so I searched and found it on HBO+. I hoped that I found a hidden gem. My enthusiasm waned when at 30 minutes I'd only chuckled twice and at 45 minutes, I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open so I pulled the plug. I wish it had been funny or entertaining but it was neither for me.
Adams Rib (1949)
I'd not heard of this movie until I saw it on someone else's list for "funniest movies of all time" so I thought I'd check it out. After all, I loved Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby the year before this film was released. The premise: a woman shoots her cheating husband (who survives being shot) and Katherine represents the woman and Kathryn's husband (Tracy Spencer) represents the man who was shot, which creates a fun dynamic. It shines a spotlight on the way society treats women differently than men and overall equality. Although it's a good film and is entertaining, I didn't find it a laugh out loud movie other than a few chuckles here and there.
Bernie (2011)
I'm a huge fan of Jack Black and I was excited to watch this movie but by the 40 minute mark, I'd only chuckled one time so I cut my losses. Is this a comedy? Maybe it gets better, I don't know but I was honestly bored by this point. Jack Black plays a loveable mortician - literally everyone in his small, southern town loves him and he befriends the meanest woman in the area who's husband just passed away.
Broadcast News, 1987
I had no interest in watching this film when it came out probably because the name sounded boring and the previews looked boring. Still, it had been recommended to me by a friend and I'd seen it on an "experts" list so I was hoping that I'd be happily surprised, like I was when I watched, "A Fish Called Wanda." This might be a "good" movie with great performances by talented actors but it seemed more like a drama than a comedy. It just didn't do anything for me. I found it only mildly funny with 6 chuckles, 0 laughs, 0 belly laughs in 40 minutes.
Canadian Bacon, 1995
I wanted to see this movie because John Candy is on the cover of the DVD and he's one of my all time favorite comedians but honestly, I couldn't wait to stop watching this movie. My biggest fear that it got better after the 30 minute mark judging by the first 30 minutes, it seems extremely unlikely. It's a funny premise but also was surprised that Michael Moore was the director. Someone tell me this was a great movie and I'll continue watching!
Due Date, 2010
Despite featuring two actors I love a lot (Zack Gilifianakis and Robert Downey Jr), this movie is a much less funny version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. At the half way mark of the film, it was clear that this movie wasn't going to come close to sniffing the top 100 funniest movies of all time and I pulled the plug. It had scored only 13 points by that point unfortunately.
Evan Almighty, 2007
This movie seems to pick up where Bruce Almighty left off. Steve Carrell's character was Jim Carrey's former rival (news reporter) who has turned politician. He moves to DC where he receives a message from God (once again played by Morgan Freeman) to build an ark. It's not a bad movie. I just didn't find it laugh out loud funny, so I pulled the plug as it only scored 9.5 points in 40 minutes and had no chance to make it into a position were it would remain as one of the top 100 funniest movies of all time.
Jackass: The Movie, 2002
I recently saw the trailer for a new Jackass movie and it piqued my interest on the original, which I'd never seen. There was a lot of "uncomfortable" watching Borat and I feel like Sasha Baron Cohen straddled the line much of the film. Jackass obliterates that line and sends it screaming to hell. Instead of laughing, I spent 30 minutes thinking, "What the......???" Who thinks of these "stunts?" How do they find guys willing to do things that are so moronic and willing to put themselves in real danger of personal injury, humiliation and worse? Walking a tightrope in a jock strap (only) with raw chicken dangling from the back while walking over a small pool of water, full of alligators that are actively launching themselves out of the water to get the chicken? If you like to watch people writhing in pain after having a bowling ball thrown into their unprotected testicles or having their bare testes electrocuted, this is your movie! I'm going to guess the target demographic is 13-25 year old guys, primarily. I am a fan of stupid films but I'm not a sadist. It's the opposite of who I am actually. I'm a big fan of pleasure, not pain and agony! I'm not going to say there weren't scenes that made me chuckle and marvel in wonder but when the guy went to a store that sold toilets shat his pants on the way to the store (they show the feces in his underwear as he looks uncomfortably into the camera) and later went to the store for an actual dump and the camera pans to the inside of the toilet to show he actually did defecate in it, ... I just had to stop. "Check please!"
His Girl Friday, 1940
I saw this movie on a number of top comedy movie lists. It features Cary Grant, who I like a lot. In fact, this is the first Cary Grant that I've watched that did not make my top 100 comedy movies of all time. It's a clever movie with wonderful writing/dialog and it was funny but it did not make me laugh out loud enough to make it on the top 100 list though I believe it's a film certainly entertaining and worth watching.
Identity Thief, 2013
As much as I wanted to love this movie, I just didn't. I love the two main characters and think Melissa McCarthy is generally hilarious. Jason Bateman always plays the responsible, family man who you pull for because he's clean cut and seems like such a nice guy. In literally ever film or series I've seen him in, he plays that character so maybe, like Kevin Costner, he's not acting... that's just who he is. Anyway, I like his films and am a huge fan of Arrested Development so I was hoping this movie would score well. It simply didn't make me laugh very much other than a few chuckles here and there and I got to the point where I just didn't have an interest in watching it any longer and pulled the plug. Bummer.
Johnny English, 2003
I much prefer Rowan Atkinson in the role of Johnny English to Mr. Bean though I'll say, Johnny English scored fewer points at the 40 minute mark than the Bean movie. Johnny English is a parody of the James Bond movies and it wasn't bad. It simply just hadn't registered enough laughs to even have a chance to make it on the list. This would be a fun movie for kids to watch. I was a little shocked to see that two sequels to the original so they must have made some money.
Ladies Man, 1961
Growing up, I loved Jerry Lewis so I expected to love this movie. Unfortunately, it did not keep my attention more than 35 minutes and it simply was not making me laugh out loud more than a couple of chuckles at that point. I have other Jerry Lewis movies in the COMING SOON list and I fully expect that at least one or two will make the top 100 list.
M*A*S*H, 1970
This is the movie that the very popular TV series was based on. It begins with the song "Suicide is Painless," which, is the actual music featured in the opening of the TV series but without the words. Interesting, the actor who played "Radar" was the same one in both the movie and the TV series, though he was the only one to star/be featured in both. I feel like Robert Duvall was miscast as Major Burns but they got it right in the TV series. I saw this movie on several top comedy lists and although I found it entertaining, this isn't a laugh-out-loud movie. It's a "good" movie but it's more of a drama than a comedy. At the 45 minute mark, it had registered only a couple of chuckles and it was clear that it wasn't going to score enough points to land on the top 100 movies of all time so I pulled the plug. I feel that the TV series was both more entertaining and funnier than the movie that it was based on.
Tampopo, 1985
An "expert" had this movie listed on his all-time funniest movies. When I saw it available on a streaming service, I got excited. I was hoping to find this unknown "gem" and looked forward to telling everyone about this hilarious Japanese movie that they had to see. This movie is about two truck drivers who help a widow improve her cooking. Specifically, this movie is all about ramen and eating. I just didn't find it funny aside from a few chuckles. I watched it for 45 minutes and fast forwarded to the end, which was much as the beginning of the film except as the credits roll, there's a shot of a woman breast feeding in a public park with the camera zooming in on the baby on the woman's nipple (side view). I think that "expert" who put this movie on his/her list did so to amuse themselves at the expense of anyone who would take this recommendation seriously. Waste of time unfortunately.
Team America, World Police, 2004
I saw this movie on several "top comedy" lists so I thought I'd watch it and see how well it scored. I don't have anything against marionettes/puppets but I tried to watch this movie twice and I just wasn't finding it funny.
The Pink Panther, 1963
I'm so confused. I remember loving Peter Sellers in a Pink Panther movie growing up but apparently it wasn't this one. At 30 minutes in, I was wondering if this was actually a comedy or simply a boring movie and at the 40 minute point, I pulled the plug. I will watch and score the other Pink Panther iterations and see if any will make it on the top 100 list.
Tootsie, 1982
I never had an interest in watching this movie but I saw it on so many other "top comedy lists" that I thought I'd watch it to see what all the hubbub was about. I do think Dustin Hoffman is a fantastic actor and although I can see this is an interesting movie, this is not a laugh out loud comedy for me. In 50 minutes, it had racked up 14 chuckles and 3 laughs (no belly laughs) for a total of 10 points. I'm not saying it's a bad movie, it just doesn't belong on any top lists for top comedies of all time.
You People, 2023
As someone who is married to a non-white woman and a fan of Eddy Murphy and Jonah White, I wanted to love this movie but honestly, I was super disappointed. It did give me a few chuckles but I found it mostly annoying and uncomfortable. I could go into a big lecture here on race/relationships but I'll skip it. I feel like this was a missed opportunity with talented actors and I stopped watching about 45 minutes into the movie. No bueno.
Withnail & I, 1987
I had never heard of this movie but it was on some other "experts list" so I searched and found it on HBO+. I hoped that I found a hidden gem. My enthusiasm waned when at 30 minutes I'd only chuckled twice and at 45 minutes, I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open so I pulled the plug. I wish it had been funny or entertaining but it was neither for me.
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