Top 10 Times the Comic Relief Stole the Show

“Office Space” (1999)

Everyone wishes they had an easygoing neighbor like Lawrence. In the cult classic "Office Space," the lead character Peter commiserates with this working-class hero. He's the kind of guy who offers up advice that you can't find in just any book. Among the more underrated performers of his generation, Diedrich Bader disappears into the role and provides a reliable friendship throughout the film. Everything from his hair to his accent adds depth to the character. Next to all of the effective corporate satire, director Mike Judge allows for Bader to bring a whole different energy to the piece.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” Franchise (2014-)

Wrestler Dave Bautista showcases his humorous side in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series. The brawler Drax is one of the highlights of the titular squad, struggling to understand his teammates and delivering dry one-liners in the process. His interactions with the likes of Star-Lord are worth the price of admission alone. Bautista proves himself to be a natural comedian in sometimes subtle, sometimes extraordinary ways (and fights). The brave Kylosian warrior has become a fan-favorite character for his blunt personality in a performance that completely defies the stereotype of athletes-turned-actors.

“A Fish Called Wanda” (1988)

Kevin Kline can do both drama and comedy, and he's never been funnier than in "A Fish Called Wanda." His character Otto is unstable, with a number of violent tendencies that make him unforgettable. The criminal also clashes with his counterparts across the pond, feeling especially superior about his American roots in the face of his reluctant British associates. It's especially evident in a darkly-humorous interrogation scene. Competing with comedy legends like John Cleese and Michael Palin, the performer still ends up winning the day. Kline's dedicated performance earned him an Academy Award and enshrined him as one of the silliest characters in ‘80s comedy.

“The Lion King” (1994)

Timon and Pumbaa energize the second half of "The Lion King" with their antics. They even get to sing a few songs while they're at it, including the legendary "Hakuna Matata." The meerkat and warthog teach the future leader to embrace his freedom, with more than a couple jokes along the way. Nathan Lane brings all of his comedic flair to this Disney film, along with Ernie Sabella's underrated contributions evening out the duo's endlessly entertaining presence. Lane’s ability to switch from a funny song to a comedic aside is especially noteworthy. In a tale as dramatic as this, the unlikely pairing makes for an exciting distraction.

“Home Alone” (1990)

John Candy brightened up every single movie he starred in, even if it was in a supporting part. After a significant chunk of the runtime is over, "Home Alone" welcomes the actor in a role as the Polka King of the Midwest. His character Gus is a charismatic musician who helps reunite Catherine O'Hara's character with her son. Candy brings pure energy to the screen along with an emotional hook, charming us with his humanity. His talents fit perfectly into this Christmas classic, stealing many of the funniest lines in the latter section of the film. He only really needs a few minutes to completely take over the comedy.

“Pitch Perfect” (2012)

Rebel Wilson immediately makes an impression in one of her first major roles. She delivers her trademark dry humor in "Pitch Perfect," while still providing some serious musical chops. The movie shows off Wilson as a truly fearless comedian with some of the best timing of her generation. Defying stereotypes, Amy marches to the beat of her own drum. She's also amazing at playing into the group dynamic, propping up her co-stars with an infectious attitude. It's no wonder that she became a star after the release of this film, providing the comedy world with a much-needed change-up.

“Tropic Thunder” (2008)

It's no wonder that some people didn't realize Les Grossman was Tom Cruise. The loudmouth executive seems like the complete opposite of the movie star, who usually steers clear of villainous characters. This producer is so outrageous that you can't help but laugh at his vicious rants. The actor owns the role like it's one of his death-defying stunts, giving it his all in an uproariously funny turn. He even finds time to tear up the dance floor in a credit sequence to rival them all. While Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. received acclaim, it’s still Cruise as Grossman leaving his own mark on this hilarious comedy.

“Ghost” (1990)

Whoopi Goldberg was entertaining audiences for years, but it was this film that finally landed her an Oscar. Her role as Oda Mae Brown is both an essential link to the central love story, and a source of many hilarious scenes. The psychic has a few… unorthodox ways of communicating with the dead, which creates just a bit of comedic tension. Goldberg's charisma turns this fantastical drama into an all-out comedy in her highly-entertaining scenes. Throughout her screen time, the performer manages to steal the spotlight away from the prodigious talents of Swayze and Demi Moore.

“Bridesmaids” (2011)

Melissa McCarthy was the real breakout movie star of the modern comedy classic "Bridesmaids," In an incredible cast of amazing comedians, McCarthy easily steals every scene as the unfiltered character Megan. For anyone doubting her absurdist talents, look no further than her mannerisms in the airplane scene. This doesn't even include the famous food poisoning scene, which is another stellar moment for her as a performer. The actress holds her own in one of the more gross-out comedies in recent memory. One thing is for sure, we’ll never look at a sink the same way again.

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

Ken Jeong Steals Our Hearts as the Wild Gangster with a Colorful Vocabulary

Billy Crystal Brightens Up the Fantasy Classic with a Few Comedy Routines

The Former Child Star Brilliantly Plays with His Image in a Raunchy Cameo

Patrick Warburton Shines in a Perfect Voice Performance as the Goofy Henchman

The Unpredictable Relative Never Leaves a Dull Moment in This Holiday Staple

“Aladdin” (1992)

The Genie represents one of the funniest characters in all of Disney animation, all courtesy of Robin Williams’ genius. He largely improvised his dialogue, and the animators created imagery to accompany him. It might be the only role to truly capture the performer's audacious style, considering it wasn’t limited by live-action, or actual physics. The gifted actor was born to play the part as the magical friend to the lead hero. It still ranks among Williams's most famous and iconic contributions to film, providing just the right amount of comic relief and controlled chaos in this classic fable.