Top 10 Comedy Movies: 2000s

This highly entertaining and always hilarious mockumentary set Sasha Baron Cohen loose upon the world as a man from Kazakhstan trying to absorb as much American culture as he can. The comedy has a lot of shock value to it and that’s why it became a classic almost as soon as it hit the big screen. Gaining both critical and commercial success, “Borat” was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Meanwhile, lines from the movie are incessantly repeated in Borat’s trademark accent to this day.

Ben Stiller and the gang are back to poke fun at Hollywood and actors in general in this action comedy about a film crew stranded deep in the jungles of Vietnam. The actors make the best of a bad situation but soon come into conflict with each other and a gang of drug kingpins. In this satire about the lengths to which actors will go to get a great performance, Robert Downey Jr. is especially hilarious as the dedicated thespian who also manages to teach his colleagues a few lessons. Despite arguably offensive content, or perhaps even because of it, “Tropic Thunder” is fondly remembered, quoted and rewatched.

Seth Rogen and friends are at it again and this time the subject is pregnancy. In “Knocked Up,” Ben Stone is your run-of-the-mill slacker and he lacks any kind of ambition. When a one-night-stand with journalist Alison Scott leads to an unexpected surprise, Ben has to clean up his act. Directed by comedy kingpin Judd Apatow, the rom-com has a lot of heart to go with the laughter and Ben’s interactions with his friends are definite highlights.

Ben Stiller is the master of awkward comedy and opposite Robert De Niro in “Meet the Parents,” it’s not surprising that he just can’t catch a break. The comedy’s plot involves male nurse Greg and his girlfriend Pam and their visit to her parents’ home for her sister’s wedding. Unbeknownst to Pam, Greg plans on asking her father for permission to marry her. Things go awry when he accidentally breaks Pam’s sister’s nose, floods the family house and sets the wedding on fire. The comedy introduced a lot of iconic moments that are now a staple of pop culture, like that scene with the lie detector test.

The title says it all: in this romantic comedy, Steve Carell-as-Andy attempts to lose his virginity at the ripe old age of 40. He gets a lot of help from a unique cast of characters, though things are a little bumpy at first. Carell is awkward but lovable throughout, and throws in some physical comedy to boot. The dialogue is sharp and funny, and though there are a lot of cringe-worthy sequences, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” also has a lot of heart.

This is the first installment of what would eventually become known as the “Three Flavours Cornetto” trilogy, which also includes 2007’s “Hot Fuzz” and 2013’s “The World’s End.” Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two best friends who are trying to survive a zombie apocalypse, “Shaun of the Dead” lovingly pokes fun at classic zombie flicks while simultaneously maintaining a tense horror movie atmosphere. Shaun is the center point of the film, and at first, doesn’t seem to notice that something is a little off. But he soon becomes the rallying point as the survivors fight hordes of the undead. The comedy has since endeared itself to both genre fans and general movie watchers alike.

Three thirty-something friends try to relive their college days by starting up a frat – it’s a simple enough premise based on classic college teen films, but “Old School” has a new twist that makes the comedy all the more hilarious. Will Ferrell is especially funny as the bumbling Frank “The Tank” Ricard, who’s just trying to make the grade. In addition to its memorable lines and unforgettable moments, there’s also a lot of good old-fashioned slapstick comedy thrown in there as well.

The wolf pack makes their very first appearance in this installment of what would eventually become a trilogy. In “The Hangover,” the comedy undoubtedly comes from the gang’s chemistry as we follow three completely different people and a baby as they work together to try and find their groom-to-be best friend. Critically acclaimed and a box office success, the flick also boasts a cast that includes Zach Galifianakis as Alan, who constantly impedes his friends’ efforts and is a comic gem, Bradley Cooper as Mr. Play-It-Cool and Ed Helms, who is just trying to stay out of trouble.

Jonah Hill got his first lead role in this coming-of-age comedy about two high-schoolers who are just trying to graduate in style. The result is a series of awkwardly hilarious and sometimes-vulgar adventures as Seth, played by Hill, and Evan, portrayed by Michael Cera, try to score some alcohol and get with the cool kids. Interestingly, the film was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and is based on their own experiences in high school. “Superbad” was a box office hit and well received by critics, along with being one of the most successful high school comedies ever.

Before we unveil our pick for Comedy of the 2000s, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004)
- “Super Troopers” (2001)
- “Mean Girls” (2004)
- “Wedding Crashers” (200)
- “DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story” (2004)
- “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)

What do you get when you throw 4 incredibly inept newsmen from the ‘70s together? Will Ferrell and his cohorts deliver one of the first and funniest flicks in a long line of hilarious comedies starring the same ensemble of actors with “Anchorman.” The comedy has spawned many quotable one-liners and even produced a highly anticipated and sidesplitting sequel. Thanks to an excellent cast, especially Ferrell’s almost-perfect performance as Ron Burgundy, its immature-but-still-funny humor, and tons of gags, the comedy’s scenes are just as re-watchable and fresh as they were when it first hit theaters.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite 2000s comedy? For more hilarious Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.