Top 30 Comedy Movies NO ONE Expected to Be Good

This ended up being the very definition of not judging a book by its cover – or in this case, a movie by its trailer. When “Paddington” was first announced, many assumed it would end up like others focused around CGI animals – largely forgettable. The promotions didn’t help either, as they focused on physical comedy rather than jokes. However, “Paddington” ended up defying all preconceived notions. The quips were charming and wholesome, and the human cast played perfectly off the animated bear. While it’s undoubtedly made for children, the plot wasn’t dumbed down in the slightest, which led to adults enjoying it. “Paddington” serves as proof that just because something is made for kids, doesn’t mean it can’t be funny as well.

“Friday” helped push the boundaries of what a comedy could be. Audiences were skeptical about it at first, due to its low budget and seemingly violent plot. However, “Friday” ended up being so much more than people expected. It portrayed life in rough neighborhoods in an entirely new way. While other films showcased darker elements of those areas, this one chose to highlight the more casual and light-hearted aspects of it. The amusing lines and endless hijinks are enough to keep anyone entertained. It also gave Ice Cube the chance to flex both his acting chops and his script writing skills. With classic lines that are still quoted today, this has gone on to become one of the most iconic comedies of all time.

On paper, a film about three middle school boys replacing a drone and going to a party doesn’t seem like it has much going for it. However, “Good Boys” proved that a simple premise doesn’t have to drag the final product down whatsoever. Equal parts chaotic misadventures and heartwarming moments, it ended up being a touching story about growing up and apart from childhood friends. While adults writing for kids can often come across as out of touch, the dialogue and modern references were both handled perfectly, creating the ultimate Gen Z coming-of-age flick. Between drug deals gone wrong and adult situations being seen through the eyes of innocent kids,”Good Boys” hits a perfect sweet spot between wholesome and hysterical.

With humor being as subjective as it is, making a comedy of any kind is a huge risk. When your narrative is centered around one specific kind of joke, then you take the chance of the audience either loving or hating it. As Bill and Ted both have a particularly unique way of speaking, the director was worried that it would be polarizing. However, the gamble paid off, and the time-traveling extravaganza became a hit. From the sheer hilarity of seeing historical figures in modern times to the constant one-liners, this has something for everybody. The best part is that the film knows it’s silly and doesn’t take itself seriously — making it the ideal comfort watch.

When thinking of the superhero genre, humor isn’t usually the first thing to come to mind. Considering how Deadpool was first introduced in the “X-Men” series, fans were doubtful that they’d be able to get his character and absurdity correct in his solo cinematic debut. Luckily, the creators understood the assignment. From the opening credits, the fourth-wall breaks were apparent, and they remained consistent throughout the plot. Everything from the music to the slapstick comedy came together to create one of the funniest films featuring a Marvel hero. Ryan Reynolds deserves special credit, delivering a stellar performance that makes it clear that he was born to play the vigilante.

Parodies are an often overlooked form of comedy. When done correctly, they serve as a love letter to the original work while also poking fun at various tropes. “Galaxy Quest” hit the nail on the head with their caricature of science-fiction properties, particularly “Star Trek.” The tongue-in-cheek film wasn’t afraid to take shots at the property and its fanbase, while also including small details that proved the writers’ superfan status. Despite containing inside jokes, it still holds up well on its own — meaning you can go in knowing nothing about the source material and still have a good time. “Galaxy Quest” has become widely beloved among comedy lovers in general, and is a prime example of a spoof done right.

Biographies about musicians have always been popular, but they can have the tendency to blend together. “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” pointed this out by lampooning the major points that occurred in several different biopics. This was a daring move, as the incessant references could have come across as too much. However, the film struck a perfect balance between homage and originality. The musical performances alone are enough to set it apart from other spoofs about the industry. The subtle allusions to musical icons like Johnny Cash and Ray Charles are just the cherry on top. While it’s considered a parody, the movie is so well written that you can still enjoy it even if you don’t know all of the artists included.

While Seth MacFarlane had already made a name for himself in television with shows like “Family Guy,” his involvement in film was minimal. That all changed when he directed, wrote, and starred in“Ted,” a movie about a teddy bear who comes to life. Expectations were low from the beginning. Many anticipated it would have the same comedic style as “Family Guy.” However, the end result was better than anyone could have imagined. The crude wit juxtaposed with the ridiculous concept resulted in a chaotically funny story. What’s more impressive is that it managed to maintain its momentum without a single dull moment. The success of it helped people see MacFarlane and his work in an entirely new light.

Satire is one of the hardest forms of comedy to get right. You have to commit enough to pull it off, but you can’t go so far that the audience thinks you agree with the position you’re mocking. Sacha Baron Cohen took a huge chance with this showcase of what became one of his most iconic characters. Between the unscripted interviews with real people and his dedication to the outrageous bit, the whole project was a huge balancing act. His risks paid off in spades. Incorporating both biting commentary and plenty of shock humor, it ended up becoming a hit among the very people it was making fun of. It’s the ultimate evidence that dark jokes can be hilarious if done right.

“Blockers” sounded like an outright disaster. It’s a sex comedy, which aren’t often critical darlings. It was directed by a writer/producer making her directorial debut, so things were likely to be rough around the edges. It starred John Cena, which seemed more like a meme than anything else. And even the title itself is derived from a dirty term. But the movie ended up being adored - not only for its humor, but also for its themes and tone. It flipped the teen sex comedy on its head by focusing on the parents, and it treats the characters with empathy and respect, lending the story an undeniable sweetness. These are people, not caricatures, and that is all too rare within the genre.

Thanks to that silly title, audiences knew exactly what they were getting into. This sounded like just another goofy “guy comedy” that would come and go without much fanfare. Even the lead billing of John Cusack seemed questionable, as he’s not really the type of actor audiences would expect to lead a movie like this. But the script was surprisingly dexterous and intelligent, using its main characters as targets of satire. The characters were also far richer than anyone thought they would be: everyone was well-cast, and the sci-fi flick often leaned into its own ridiculousness. These aren’t things viewers typically see in a gross-out comedy such as this, and it took critics and audiences by surprise.

Some movies catch lightning in a bottle. This one had the odds stacked against it, as it was coming out among a slew of other buddy comedies such as “Dirty Grandpa” and “Ride Along 2.” The competition was steep, and it seemed like it wouldn’t stand out. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe were an unconventional comedic duo, and many wondered if they would play well off one another. That answer ended up being a resounding yes. Between their chemistry and the tight script, “The Nice Guys” ended up stunning both audiences and critics. It’s a pastiche of 1970s film with its own modern twist. It has the perfect blend of edginess and action, creating an experience that delighted audiences.

Tim Burton’s eccentric, colorful and somewhat morbid approach to comedy has resulted in a number of critical and box office successes. But back in 1988, the prospect of getting big laughs with a story about a deceased couple haunting their house was far from a done deal. Given that Michael Keaton’s most recent films hadn’t set the box office on fire, and Winona Ryder wasn’t yet a recognizable name, expectations for Burton’s follow-up to “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” weren’t high. But the sensibilities of this cast and director were perfectly in tune, resulting in a quirky film that gets laughs from unexpected places.

At the time of “Zombieland’s” release, many felt the zombie craze was dying down. Could a zombie comedy with an odd Twinkie fascination really resurrect the genre? Add to that the fact it was director Ruben Fleischer’s first feature film, and expectations weren’t exactly sky high. Yet this offbeat flick became one of the genre’s biggest hits - and was hilarious to boot. Credit sharp writing, a solid cast, and some funny action sequences for its success. And, of course, that Bill Murray cameo was a major plus. Mix it all together and you get a comedy that defies expectations.

Deft direction and a strong cast can turn a standard comedic premise into a really good movie. And as premises go, a group of friends going on a road trip is about as standard as you can get. But Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish and Jada Pinkett Smith made their characters believable and fresh - with Haddish stealing the show as the hilarious Dina. Their friendship felt so real that audiences were only too happy to laugh along with them, and “Girl’s Trip” was a huge critical and commercial success. The result: a trip that’s surprisingly fun to take.

It was written by Tina Fey, produced by Lorne Michaels, and had Tim Meadows in the cast - so it’s easy to assume this would be a run-of-the-mill SNL movie. Turns out this teen comedy bucked the trend and was an original, thoughtful, and funny flick. The real surprise, though, is this 2004 film’s cultural impact. While “Mean Girls” is an apt title, “Meme Girls “would have worked as well; more than a decade later, the film’s characters and one-liners live on in numerous memes. Endlessly quotable, relatable, and hilarious all at once, “Mean Girls” is timeless.

Turning an old TV show into a big screen action comedy has been done so many times that it’s about as commonplace as ... well, as the undercover cop trope. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s adaptation of “21 Jump Street” involves both those things, yet it turned out to be incredibly entertaining - in no small part thanks to the on-screen chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. It also had solid character development, just the right amount of self-referential humor, and one hell of a comedy- and action-packed limo chase. In fact, the movie was such a hit that it spawned a solid sequel and ALMOST a “Men in Black” crossover.

On the surface, this might look like your standard stoner comedy and road trip movie. But “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” is so much more than a one- or two-note jokefest. Instead, it’s a comedic odyssey through various communities that deals with some serious social issues, such as bigotry and racial profiling. It also offers an abundance of twists and turns along the way. As two friends who just want to reach White Castle, John Cho and Kal Penn are well-defined and sympathetic enough to keep the audience rooting for them, even if their goal IS a fast food restaurant. The movie launched their careers and led to a sequel.

The premise seems simple: a competitive couple participate in a game night with their friends, and unusual hijinks ensue. But despite sounding like a cookie-cutter comedy, this 2018 film is far from it. Instead, the team behind “Horrible Bosses” delivers enough twists and turns to keep the audience constantly guessing. The charismatic ensemble cast manages the difficult trick of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, while also making them laugh. With popular party games incorporated into the characters’ attempts to foil a kidnapping, this is genuinely a game night to remember!

The spy genre is one of the most easily-spoofed. As such, audiences have been given countless spy parodies throughout the years, with seemingly diminishing returns. But the winning magic of Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy resulted in what is arguably the freshest and funniest spy spoof in recent memory. Much of the praise stems from Feig’s writing-directing and McCarthy’s lead performance, but much can also be said for the supporting roles. Rose Byrne’s comedic timing and line delivery are spot on, and Jason Statham provides a self-aware performance that was gleefully outlandish and surprisingly hilarious. “Spy” made the spoof genre funny again.

“Clerks” was shot on a paltry budget of about $30,000, which was rounded up by Kevin Smith taking money from his college fund, maxing out credit cards, and selling his comic books. It was also shot in black and white, and the story concerned the slacker employees of a convenience store just going about their business. In no world should this barebones movie have worked. But Smith’s assured direction and sharp dialogue, combined with the winning performances of the inexperienced cast helped turn “Clerks” into a cult classic. Many people saw themselves in the characters, and Smith was praised for capturing the general malaise of lost and directionless twentysomethings.

“Home Alone” is now a Christmas classic, but very few people had faith in the film back in 1990. Warner Bros. seemingly couldn’t care less and shut down production over budgetary concerns, and Fox picked it up with a still-measly $18 million budget. And even though it managed to get made, no one was expecting it to perform particularly well. At least, not as well as it did. For some reason, “Home Alone” really resonated with general audiences, and its gross slowly ballooned over the Holiday season and beyond to an insane $476 million. It stayed at number one for twelve consecutive weeks and at the time, became the third highest grossing movie ever, behind only “Star Wars” and “E.T.” It was the little Christmas movie that could.

The original “Jumanji” starring Robin Williams is a classic, so audiences could have been forgiven for viewing this belated sequel with trepidation. But with a fresh modern twist on the premise, it was a surprisingly fun and side-splitting movie. While in 1995’s “Jumanji,” a brother and sister get sucked into a board game, “Welcome to the Jungle” puts an entirely new cast inside a video game instead. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart all give great performances and the fast-paced comedic action really works. It’s since spawned a sequel of its own and is poised to become a franchise.

Much like spy comedies, the cop spoof genre is ancient and seemingly played out. But, like “Spy,” “The Other Guys” proves that sheer talent - both behind and in front of the camera - can overcome even the most overplayed of genres. Adam McKay and Will Ferrell make for a great team, and they provided a stellar one-two punch with “Step Brothers” and “The Other Guys” - two movies that work far better than they had any right to. This buddy cop flick gleefully parodied the genre in numerous inventive ways (including the absolutely stellar opening sequence), and Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg made for an unexpectedly delightful duo. In a sea of cop spoofs, “The Other Guys” is the “other” movie - the rare great one.

“Bridesmaids” was a monumental success, effortlessly crossing demographics and grossing nearly $300 million worldwide. The movie could be enjoyed by anyone, as it deftly mixed seemingly disparate genres. It was a raunchy comedy, a sentimental chick flick, and a touching buddy story, with each aspect given equal importance. It wasn’t just a “gross-out comedy with women” as it was so often billed. It was also an intelligently written and wonderfully performed film that took an honest look at its characters’ lives and situations, crafting rich and mature themes amongst all the farting, puking, and pooping. It also helped launch Melissa McCarthy’s comedy career, which led to future Feig-McCarthy collabs like “The Heat” and “Spy.”

“Tropic Thunder” is one of the smartest and funniest comedies of the 2000s, but no one really expected it. Yes, the cast was stacked with the likes of Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr., but the general concept of an action spoof had been well-trod, and Ben Stiller’s directorial filmography was spotty at best. “Tropic Thunder” proved his first big hit as a director, scoring nearly $200 million and earning critical praise for its send-up of conceited Hollywood culture. Actors, producers, studio executives, the movie industry in general - nothing was safe from the biting and wide-reaching satire of “Tropic Thunder.” While many of the film’s jokes wouldn’t necessarily work today, there’s no denying that Downey and Tom Cruise’s performances are simply legendary, with Downey even scoring an Academy Award nomination for his efforts.

This one could have been so bad. Based on the title, viewers could have been forgiven for expecting vulgar low-brow humor and stereotypes. The late Roger Ebert sure thought that’s what he was in for and was delighted to instead find it “surprisingly insightful”, with “a good heart and a lovable hero.” Most moviegoers concurred and the film became a substantial hit. Steve Carell was previously best known for his contributions to “The Daily Show” and this film put both him and director co-writer Judd Apatow firmly on the Hollywood map - for good reason.

Talk about coming out of nowhere. This quirky small-town comedy made for $400 000 by a team just out of college went on to make $46 million and become a cult hit - complete with merchandising and a bronze statue at 20th Century Fox studios. With an unknown director and no known stars, no one expected much - and so were surprised by the film’s heart and originality. It was director Jared Hess and star Jon Heder’s first feature film - and boy did they knock it out of the park. This simple, personal story about ordinary high school students, told with irreverent humor, struck a chord with audiences and is still quoted today.

Made for just $35 million, “The Hangover” starred Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, none of whom were particularly popular at the time. It was directed by Todd Phillips, who was known for his raunchy but somewhat underwhelming comedies, and the story came across as “Dude, Where’s My Car?” in Vegas. But the finished product was far more than the sum of its generic parts, as it was well-shot and written, impeccably acted, and genuinely hilarious. The comedy turned its relatively unknown actors into movie stars, many of its scenes and lines became iconic, and it became the tenth-highest grossing movie of 2009 with $467 million. The “Hangover” series would see diminishing returns, but the first is a bonafide comedy classic.

Today, “Superbad” is fondly remembered as one of the greatest comedies of the 2000s. It helped launch careers, it revitalized the raunchy teen comedy, and it is unyieldingly hilarious from beginning to end credits. But no one would have guessed it. Made for a miniscule $20 million, “Superbad” starred Michael Cera, who no one had really previously paid much attention to, and Jonah Hill, who was then only a minor part of Seth Rogen and Apatow’s movie gang. Not to mention, the script was written while Rogen and Evan Goldberg were teenagers. Nothing against teenage creativity, but they don’t often pump out acclaimed, million dollar-grossing Hollywood comedies. But “Superbad” captured the high school experience in all its awkward and zany glory, and it became one of the most important and cherished comedies of our time.