Top 10 Comedies That Make Everyday Things Hilarious

Vinyl Records

What do you do when there are zombies in the garden? Shaun and Ed decide to improvise, trying out a few ideas before a loose record gives them inspiration. Surprisingly, the vinyl proves to be a halfway decent weapon against the undead. It also prompts some enjoyable discussions about which records to toss. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are at their comedic peak while chucking albums at their targets. This wacky but inspired sequence is just another example of what makes “Shaun of the Dead” an enjoyable subversion of the zombie genre.

Drum Sets

While they might technically be grown men, the two heroes of “Step Brothers” are essentially children at their core. This really comes out in their war over a drum set. Dale has a strict rule about nobody touching his instrument, but Brennan decides to break it. It all builds up to a hilarious confrontation, an unforgettable prosthetic, and then a vicious fight. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play up this moment like it’s the end of the world. Their use of details such as the kick pedal heightens the fun in this laughable brawl.

Fake IDs

Whether or not you know anything about fake IDs, “Superbad” makes them absolutely hilarious. The character Fogell succeeds in getting a fake Id, one that comes with an incredible name. This kickstarts a sequence about trying to buy alcohol (naturally), with the key prop also setting up Fogell’s run-in with some strange cops. The initial reveal is especially memorable as the main duo have to deal with their friend’s incompetence. It’s also a sign of things to come as the plot takes a turn, transforming the nerdiest teenager into a local legend. The identification card itself gives the movie one of its most entertaining and classic moments.

Windex

This comedy concerns itself with all the feelings we all have about our crazy families. It also delves into the sometimes-eccentric personalities of one specific Greek family, including the patriarch Gus and his views on Windex. He uses the cleaning product for various ailments and skin conditions. It’s a funny and unexpected detail that gives the father a great running gag. He seems to think that it’s a cure-all product, making viewers reconsider the power of the spray bottle. It’s one of the many specific and entertaining jokes that make “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” a modern classic.

Rugs

Through all of the Dude’s misadventures, he’s still mad about his rug getting ruined. It represents one of the darkest and funniest chapters in Jeff Lebowski’s strange life. The household item is much more than a decoration, as it exemplifies the Dude’s main philosophical principle. It’s also a detail that helps to explain the slacker hero’s special personality. After giving you plenty of laughs, the movie makes you think about what a rug can do for a room. There’s no question that after you watch “The Big Lebowski” you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for interior design.

Shadows

In “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” the title spy and his partner find themselves in a tent. This is the setup for a hilarious collection of visual gags. Their shadows end up creating a funny misunderstanding between them and a group of henchmen. The villain’s reactions only make the jokes hit harder as ropes and umbrellas appear, helping the impossible seem possible. They try the same idea in “Austin Powers in Goldmember” as they move the goofy set-up to a medical exam room. Even though you already know where the sequence is going, the sequel makes the idea fresh again with the inclusion of Mini-Me.

Coconuts

In the annals of British comedy history, Monty Python and their movies rank high for their groundbreaking absurdity. This couldn’t be more true than when they use coconuts in “Holy Grail.” Right at the start of the film, the silliness is full throttle as the sound of banging coconuts mimic horse-hoof noises. There’s even an extended and meta commentary about coconuts, including some additional rants about whether or not a swallow could carry one. We’re kind of glad they never used real horses, making the medieval adventure even more memorable. The prop never stops being funny throughout the entire run time.

Printers

In this movie skewering office culture, the workers fight back in an interesting way. This iconic scene has the heroes taking out their aggression on a printer that they hate. With a signature needle drop, the hilarious sequence has them bash the machine to pieces. They even use a baseball bat to help deliver a few key blows. It’s ridiculous, silly, and the perfect revenge against their workplace. The cathartic destruction is enhanced by the Geto Boys track, giving the whole moment the soundtrack it deserves. Anyone that’s ever run into trouble with their printer can definitely relate.

Amplifiers

Nigel Tufnel is one of the most entertaining rockers in movie history and it’s with this scene that Christopher Guest’s character turns into an icon. Showing off his guitar and amplifier collection, he notes that the volume dial goes to eleven, which prompts one of the best quotes in this comedy. Tufnel’s serious and oblivious attitude makes this even better, with his fumbled explanation being the cherry on top. The entire sequence is enhanced by the improvisation from Guest and Rob Reiner. Helping to create one of the most iconic bits in the film, the Marshall gear is an essential part of the band’s essence.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Groundhog Day” (1993), Alarm Clocks
With Help from Sonny & Cher, Phil’s Day Always Starts off with a Bang

“Zombieland” (2009), Twinkies
It’s the Only Food We’d Want to Eat during the Apocalypse

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003), Ferns
Andie Uses the Plant to Embarrass Ben in This Funny Sequence

“The Birdcage” (1996), Toast
Albert Gets Big Laughs Trying to Spread Mustard in a Manly Way

“Bridesmaids” (2011), Tennis Balls
We Can’t Think of a More Intense or Funnier Game of Tennis in Comedy History

Apple Pie

This 1999 comedy takes the coming of age tale to the next level. Unafraid to push the envelope, one scene memorably features the hero Jim and an apple pie. The gross-out humor really works as actor Jason Biggs isn’t afraid to go there. Not dwelling on the actual event, the filmmakers make the excellent choice of dealing with the aftermath. The funniest part of it all might be when Eugene Levy’s character tries to talk about it. It’s peak awkwardness to see a father and son talk through the embarrassment, giving the actors room to sell the moment.

Did we forget another hilarious use of an everyday item? Let us know in the comments below.