Top 50 Comedy Movies NO ONE Expected to Be Good

The works of William Shakespeare being adapted into film isn’t new, with some dating back to the early 1900s. While his comedies were groundbreaking, it’s hard to tell which ones will respond the best to a modern translation – especially one that’s been reworked several times already. “10 Things I Hate About You” may have been the 19th iteration of “The Taming of the Shrew,” but it was adapted in a new and different way. The film took several risks, both by setting it in a modern-day high school and casting relatively unknown actors. It seemed set up to fail and be at best a generic teen film, but its combination of sharp, tongue-in-cheek humor and sincere moments made it an instant classic instead.

How do you satirize an event that already leans into how ridiculous it can be? For decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has provided the world with a blend of cultural references and campy performances, with the more extravagant numbers often being more successful. Given how extra the show is, a movie amplifying those aspects alone had the potential of coming across as gaudy or even offensive. “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” paid homage to the event rather than lampooning it, creating an unapologetically goofy film that helped fill the void left by the cancellation of the 2020 contest. The hilarious original tunes impressed even the most diehard Eurovision fans, with the soundtrack charting in several countries overseas.

Comedy is a hard artform to truly master, especially with everyone’s sense of humor being slightly different. This is especially hard to pull off when a film throws everything at the wall and hopes it sticks. “EuroTrip” seemed destined to fall into that trap but managed to narrowly avoid it. Centered around a friend group’s European vacation, it seemed to merely be a rehashed fish out of water narrative. Once it found its stride, though, it proved to be so much more. Genuinely clever jokes were interwoven with more crude ones, creating a comedic blend that appealed to audiences of varying tastes. Though it was hit or miss with critics, it ended up being beloved by viewers, cementing its status as a cult classic.

Turning a monologue into a feature-length film is no easy feat. The original work by Nia Vardalos attracted notice, earning the recognition of several higher-ups in Hollywood. The adaptation process nearly led to its demise, with several huge changes suggested to supposedly cater to wider audiences. Vardolas fought for her original vision, running the risk of alienating viewers. Her intuition paid off. Audiences loved the authentic portrayal of her relationship to her culture and the playful, hysterical jabs at her family’s quirks. Its aberrant sense of humor and earnest tone made it easy to connect to. Its success led to multiple sequels and a nine-digit box office yield, proving that artists don’t always have to listen to executives to achieve success.

Satire is hard to pull off, even with seasoned vets like Trey Parker and Matt Stone at the helm. Though they had perfected political humor in “South Park,” infusing that into a movie was a gamble, especially in the form they envisioned. Not only did they want to call out America’s military-industrial complex and its effects on foreign policy, they wanted to do so using puppets. While creative, the use of puppets necessitated considerable rewriting to establish the proper humorous tone. Despite constant production issues that left them racing against the clock, the finished product was a hilarious, scathing critique of American politics and performative activism that still rings true today.

On paper, a movie about a sorority girl getting her law degree doesn’t seem to have much comedic potential. Though the concept is simple, “Legally Blonde” manages to be a breath of fresh air, subverting several stereotypes along the way. When it was first approved by the studio, it was assumed that it would rely on crude quips and sex jokes, only for the writers to pull a 180 and deliver a more progressive plot. Given the popularity of raunchier films at the turn of the century, this in itself was a risky path. It ended up being the right one to make, with the smart humor and empowering message resonating with audiences, particularly younger women.

Though the “James Bond” franchise has undoubtedly helped keep the spy genre alive, it has also caused a tonal shift. What was once a blend of humor and seriousness leaned more towards the latter. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was created to bring back some levity into the category, and it succeeded. Though audiences had come to expect a sense of realism, this film abandoned that in favor of amplifying the more ridiculous aspects of Bond movies. Everything was made more gratuitous, from the violence to the innuendos. The final result was pure fun bottled up into a two-hour picture, providing the perfect foil to the more traditional films in the genre.

Like animated films such as “Toy Story,” this film deals with everyday objects having their own lives and emotions. However, this one went about it in a much more adult way. “Sausage Party”-- a film focused around supermarket food trying not to be eaten – was vulgar to the point of excess. It seemed to go out of its way to be as crass as possible, running the risk of circling back around to being juvenile. Though it walked a thin line between hilarity and cringe-inducing, they were able to stick the landing. The result was a hilariously animated and written film that didn’t take itself too seriously.

Not every movie is set up for commercial success; some are so hard hitting that they’re sabotaged at every turn. With a focus on the rise of anti-intellectualism, consumerism, and other widespread issues, it was clear that “Idiocracy” wasn’t going to pull any punches. Its scathing take on the state of American society called out everyone from corporations to everyday citizens. Its focus on the former led to intense studio interference. The premiere was put on an indefinite hold, it was hardly promoted, and wasn’t even screened for critics, practically ensuring its failure. Yet, it persevered and made an immediate impact upon release. So many of its jokes and themes still remain relevant today, making it one of the best-aged flicks of the 21st century.

Silly jokes can provide a reprieve from some of the more crass humor found in comedy movies, but one chock-full of them isn’t without its own risks. With plenty of puns and deadpan delivery, “Airplane!” could have been an hour and a half long dad joke. They also made the decision to cast actors that had never taken on comedic roles up until that point– and one wrong delivery from them could’ve spelled disaster. Their performances ended up enhancing the humor, with every joke landing perfectly. Though it doesn’t have the most intricate plot, its ability to laugh at itself and not take itself too seriously made it enjoyable to audiences everywhere.

Not every topic lends itself easily to humor. Teen parenthood in particular is hard to pull off, as it has the potential to become preachy or come across as though it’s being promoted. “Juno” struck a perfect balance, creating a story that was clear about the risks while also remaining sympathetic toward the protagonist. It was a coming-of-age story for a new generation, with a quirky and sardonic sense of humor that appealed to younger audiences. Though it was accused of glamorizing teen pregnancy by some critics, that did nothing to harm its popularity at the box office. It ended up exceeding all financial expectations, and went on to be nominated for several Academy Awards, even winning one for its screenplay.

With the abundance of crude teen movies over the years, it may be easy to think that the themes have been exhausted. When “Booksmart”-- a film centered around two friends trying to cram four years of fun into one night – was first announced, it didn’t seem like it would be able to stand on its own. Not only did it manage to do exactly that, it also elevated the subgenre to heights that hadn’t been reached in years. It managed to weave together classic tropes and progressive humor seamlessly, proving that both could co-exist in a comedy without punching down or becoming preachy.

Even the best films can have a bad day at the box office. Given The Lonely Island’s prowess when it comes to comedic songs, it only made sense for them to create and star in a project that would allow them to write as many as possible. “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” gave them the liberty to lampoon several tropes found in modern day music, from performative activism to bragging about being humble. While it ran the risk of merely coming across as an extended sketch, they were able to hit a sweet spot between well-executed bits and genuine bops. They bit off more than they could chew with their budget, resulting in a box-office flop, but their top-tier satire earned them a well-deserved cult following.

The ability to laugh at yourself can take you far. While there are plenty of apocalypse movies showing the effects on everyday civilians, it isn’t often that you get one focusing on the rich and famous. “This Is the End” delved into that idea, focusing on a group of celebrities after they’re left behind during the Rapture. The leads were playing exaggerated versions of themselves, a creative choice that could’ve spelled disaster had they not fully committed. The screenplay was ambitious, stuffing as many crude and over-the-top jokes in as possible. While it teetered on the edge of obscene, its lighthearted tone managed to balance out the more questionable bits.

Some premises may seem too thin for a major motion picture, and while some flounder, others find a way for the cream to rise to top. “Zoolander” is silly at its very core, serving as both a parody of the fashion world and a chance for Ben Stiller to whip out his face card at a moment’s notice. While the plot wasn’t anything revolutionary, its focus on the smaller details and comedic value more than made up for it. It was unapologetically campy, but never came across as stupid, hitting a perfect sweet spot that delighted viewers. It’s simply timeless, leaving no question as to how it manages to entertain new audiences to this day.

“Saturday Night Live” has introduced many iconic characters since its inception, with several getting their own film adaptation. As the first to do so, “The Blues Brothers” had a lot to prove. It was unclear how well the premise would translate from a short-form sketch into a feature length film. John Belushi’s behavior off the set also complicated the shooting process, leading to assumptions that the film would be a failure. It managed to defy those expectations, thanks to its chaotic brand of comedy and stellar soundtrack. Its unexpected success helped pave the way for those that followed, setting a standard that only a few have been able to reach.

Some risks are worth taking. He may be a household name now, but in the 1990s, Jim Carrey wasn’t known for much else other than his recurring role on “In Living Color.” When he had the opportunity to make his mark in Hollywood with “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” he knew it was a make-or-break role. As such, he took huge swings with the script, vying to be as over-the-top as possible. His efforts landed the film in hot water with critics, who accused it of being unnecessarily offensive. The same couldn’t be said for viewers, many of which adored the shock humor. The latter ended up having more of an impact, making it a box office hit and launching Carrey’s career into the stratosphere.

This was proof that comedies aimed at children could be just as hilarious as their more adult contemporaries. “The Lego Movie” was met with pushback as soon as it was pitched, as several executives reportedly felt the toy brand didn’t need the extra exposure. Even when it was greenlit, it still wasn’t clear whether it would stick the landing or merely be seen as an extended Lego commercial. To both the creator and audience’s relief, it was the former. A perfect blend of heartwarming and hilarious, its many cultural references helped it appeal to adults as well as children. Though insistently positive, it never became grating, and its earnest tone helped cement it as an immediate favorite.

Even the most mundane parts of life are ripe for comedic interpretation. Though a movie centered around the drab aspects of working an office job sounds like a snooze-fest, “Office Space” proved to be anything but. From annoying bosses to non-functioning equipment, every detail of white-collar jobs was lambasted. Its realism ended up being its secret weapon, as it was able to resonate with millions of viewers across the country. While it may not have been a financial hit, its impact on pop culture— particularly memes— has been invaluable. Some elements of office work it critiqued are still prevalent in workplace culture today, making it a truly timeless piece of art.

Like “Kingsman: The Secret Service” some years later, “ Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” helped revitalize the spy parody subgenre, serving as a love letter to 1960s era “James Bond” movies. With the subject matter being so iconic, Mike Myers had some big shoes to fill, and it wasn’t clear if he’d be able to bring it off. Pulling references from several different Bond films at once also ran the chance of the jokes becoming repetitive or muddied. Myers managed to incorporate each with ease. The campy humor mixed with the flawless 60s pastiche set it up for success, spawning a beloved series and even changing the tone of the Bond franchise.

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.


#27: “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989)

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.

#23: “Ted” (2012)

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.

#15: “Mean Girls” (2004)

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.

#12: “Game Night” (2018)

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.

#10: “Clerks” (1994)

“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.

What comedy movie’s quality shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments below!