Top 10 Scenes Where the Laughter Is REAL

“So I Married an Axe Murderer” (1993)
Mike Meyers’ genius is on full display in this 1993 black comedy, where he plays both the protagonist, Charlie MacKenzie, and Charlie’s eccentric Scottish father, Stuart. In one instance, Stuart – ever the conspiracy theorist – launches into a bizarre rant about KFC’s Colonel Sanders, claiming the Colonel added a chemical to his recipe to make it irresistible. Meyers’ performance left co-star Anthony LaPaglia[a] unable to keep a straight face, something the actor said was often the case around his co-star. This flavorful “blend” of Meyers’ improv and LaPaglia’s uncontainable mirth make for a bit that audiences continue to enjoy to this day.

“Better Call Saul” (2015-22)
In a show as intense as this one, brief spots of levity can truly stand out – especially when they’re unplanned. In the season 2 premiere, Saul, played by Bob Odenkirk, shares a night of passions with his colleague Kim, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn[b]. The next morning, when Kim won’t lend him her toothbrush, Saul finds a makeshift one. How Seehorn manages to stay in character during this bit is beyond us, but she finally breaks when Saul says: “Wait ‘til you see what I floss with.” When questioned by a fan on Twitter, Seehorn confirmed that while the clever joke was scripted, Kim’s reaction was not, and she laughed during every take they did.

“Pretty Woman” (1990)
Even those of us who haven’t seen Garry Marshall’s iconic film are familiar with this charming clip. But did you know that Julia Roberts’ tinkling chortle wasn’t scripted? In fact, none of the prank was. When Richard Gere’s Edward presents Vivian with an elegant necklace, he playfully snaps the jewelry box shut just as she reaches for it. Roberts let out a surprised, adorable laugh, which was completely improvised. This scene’s authenticity has cemented it in cinematic history. It’s so memorable that even “Family Guy” gave it a nod – a testament to its lasting sweetness and cultural impact.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
This long-running show is celebrated for its absurdist humor – and the cast’s frequent inability to keep straight faces only adds to the charm. In the episode “Flowers for Charlie,” a chaotic series of events leaves Dee, played by Kaitlin Olson, with her hand stuck in a hole in the wall. The gang devises a questionable plan involving gasoline to free her – but, instead, they end up sniffing it and spiraling into hysteria. Amid the chaos, a fart joke is made and it leaves everyone struggling to stay in character. Unsurprisingly, a few unscripted chuckles made it into the final cut, perfectly capturing the show’s chaotic and unpredictable energy, and the characters’ bond.

“The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005)
This 2005 classic put both director Judd Apatow and star Steve Carell on the map, thanks in no small part to Carell’s showmanship. For the infamous chest-waxing sequence, Carell insisted on undergoing the painful treatment for real, which means all of his screams, grimaces, and outbursts were completely genuine. His castmates, including Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, and Romany Malco[c], tried to keep their composure as Carell triumphed through the agony, holding nothing back. Between his authentic discomfort, quick wit, and colorful commentary, Carell’s dedication undoubtedly paid off, leaving audiences – and his fellow actors – in stitches.

“The Golden Girls” (1985-92)
This acclaimed sitcom follows the lives of four older women sharing a home in Miami, combining sharp writing with top-tier performances. In the first season’s finale, we witness a moment so riotous that even the talented cast couldn’t keep it together on set. Betty White’s Rose compares their living arrangement to the “Great Herring War,” a story that’s perhaps even more preposterous than the name suggests. The script did intend for the others to react to its silliness, but their struggle to stay composed went far beyond what was planned. Their organic breaking highlights the exceptional chemistry between the actresses, and only upped the funny in one of the series’ most hysterical moments.

“Blazing Saddles” (1974)
Here’s another “antique” example: Mel Brooks’ 1974 hit brilliantly mixes outrageous comedy with biting social commentary. Upon introducing himself to the people of Rock Ridge, Sheriff Bart, played by Cleavon Little, faces blatant and harsh discrimination. In an attempt to lift his spirits, Jim, portrayed by Gene Wilder, delivers the perfect one-word summary of the townsfolk. Little wasn’t expecting the punchline, and his real-life response made it into the final cut. Gems like this make “Blazing Saddles” a masterclass in balancing humor and poignancy, demonstrating how Brooks and his cast used satire to confront society’s darkest realities.

“The Usual Suspects” (1995)
Even in one of cinema’s most gripping crime dramas, there’s room for unscripted ridiculousness. The emblematic lineup scene in “The Usual Suspects” was meant to be played straight, but an unexpected culprit changed everything: flatulence. Benicio Del Toro couldn’t stop passing gas, and the other stars, in turn, couldn’t stop cracking up. Director Bryan Singer reportedly grew frustrated with their inability to stay serious, but the natural camaraderie and chaos were too good to cut. What began as an accidental detour became one of the film’s greatest sequences, capturing the irreverence and spontaneity of a cast that couldn’t keep it together.

“The Office” (2005-13)
Steve Carell’s prowess was on full display during his time on “The Office.” There were countless instances where his castmates struggled to handle his antics, such as when Ed Helms literally had to hide behind a plant in season 6’s “Secret Santa”. However, several years before, a certain bit proved even more difficult to complete. Michael grows impatient with his staff’s teasing about prison being better than work, and decides to, as he puts it, “scare them straight” with terrifying tales of incarceration. On several occasions, Jim and others can be seen trying to hold in laughter. John Krasinski plays it off perfectly in character, but we bet it was nice to be able to get some relief in the scene rather than needing to completely hold back.

“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
While it’s sprinkled with some lighthearted “buddy comedy” aspects, this renowned 1997 masterpiece is by and large a serious film. But, even in his bearded (i.e., dramatic) roles, the late-great Robin Williams couldn’t resist brightening the set with his legendary ad-libs. Such was the case when his character, psychologist Sean Maguire, tells an endearing story about his wife farting in her sleep. Williams completely improvised this dialogue, and it was clear that neither Matt Damon nor the crew had any idea it was coming. In fact, you can see not only Damon and Williams but also the camera shaking with laughter. It’s moments like these that immortalize the expert that Williams was.

[a]luh-PAWL-yuh https://youtu.be/cgcuaDAVjHk?si=jTVHH-K4diBzsmj3&t=6
[b]RAY Seehorn - not ree-uh https://youtu.be/5laj2x8UNeo?t=1s
[c]RAWMMA-nee MAL-coh https://youtu.be/ICdGq_XKlV8?t=1