The funniest movies of all time, from "Anchorman" and "Superbad" to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Blazing Saddles."
Troy L. Smith, Cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Humor is a subjective thing. Except when it’s great.
Movies have managed to deliver funny moments that resonate across race, culture, gender and generations.
Some of that has been accomplished with recent gems like “Deadpool,” “Trainwreck,” “Top Five” and other films.
Meanwhile, classic comedy moments go all the way back to the first half of the 20th century up to and through the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, Mel Brooks and the great (and not so great) movies based on SNL sketches.
We tried to cover it all in ranking our 100 funniest moments in movie history. We limited it to one scene per movie. Feel free to disagree. But please laugh while doing so.
(Photo: Warner Bros.)
100. 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective'
It seems a bit dated as this point. But, at the time, Jim Carrey's "Ace Ventura" shtick was such a winning formula; he could literally talk out of his butt and get laughs.
99. 'Clueless'
Much of the humor in “Clueless” now seems dated. But the debate scene holds up, because it’s so ridiculous, as Cher’s argument for immigrations makes absolutely no sense. It doesn’t help that she mispronounces Haitians as “Hay-tee-ans.” Amber’s rebuttal? A big, fat “Whatever!”
(Photo: MGM)
98. 'Bull Durham'
“Bull Durham” is one of the most realistic, profiling a bunch of guys in the minors who are, well, dealing with a lot.
(Photo: Universal Studios/Pictures)
97. 'The Money Pit'
Tom Hanks has Oscars to his name thanks to some of his more dramatic roles. But he always had a great sense of comedic timing. It takes center stage in the bathtub scene from “The Money Pit” where his character has reached his breaking point and all he can do is laugh.
96. 'The Cable Guy'
Jim Carrey’s insane performance carries “The Cable Guy” throughout. In fact, it borders on creepy, which I suppose is the point. It works best during the Medieval Times fight scene that Carrey absolutely owns in only the way he can.
(Photo: YouTube)
95. 'Best In Show'
Sometimes a scene is driven by one actor’s ability to deliver certain lines. Who knew naming nuts could be as hilarious as it is in “Best In Show.”
(Photo: YouTube)
94. 'Broadcast News'
“Broadcast News” features some of the best writing of its time. But it’s the performances that drive everything home, like the ensemble work in the scene where the news team is racing against a tight deadline.
(Photo: CBS)
93. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
Who ordered the double cheese and sausage?
Sean Penn is such a serious figure these days, it’s funny just to remember his breakthrough role was as stoner/slacker Jeff Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” ordering pizza right in the middle of class.
92. 'Hitler's Car'
You may not be willing to give “Rat Race” the credit it deserves for being a funny movie. But the Hitler’s car scene hits all the right marks and is hilarious on so many levels.
91. 'I Love You, Man'
“I Love You, Man” wasn’t a blockbuster comedy when it came out in 2009. But every now and then you might hear a quote or two from the film around the office like, “You got it, Jobin.”
90. 'Can't Hardly Wait'
“Can’t Hardly Wait’s” introduction to the character of Special K is so obvious you probably feel like you could write it. But that’s only because it’s so dead on. Seth Green nails that guy we all knew in high school and the Busta Rhymes song playing in the background is pure gold.
89. 'I'm Gonna Get You Sucka'
A young Chris Rock steals the show in a short, but memorable scene from “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka,” ordering just one rib.
(Photo: Sophie Giraud)
88. 'Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle':
Neil Patrick Harris’ cameo as himself
His role on “How I Met Your Mother” takes some of the sting out of it. But at the time, Neil Patrick Harris’ cameo in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” was shocking. After all, he was high on ecstasy and willing to talk about all the sex he had on the set of “Doogie Howser, M.D.”
87. 'The Avengers'
“The Avengers” might be the strangest movie on this list. You wouldn’t expect the kind of comedy it delivers. But it has some humorous moments, none better than when the Hulk shockingly goes into smash mode on Loki.
86. 'Swingers'
“Swingers” is the kind of indie film that centers on the raw talents of its stars. One of them is writer/actor Jon Favreau, whose best scene involves an epic answering machine meltdown that doesn’t go as planned.
85. 'Happy Gilmore'
Are you too good for your home?
Many aspects of Adam Sandler’s 1990s comedies don’t hold up. But there’s something about his obscene anger in “Happy Gilmore” that will always work. Especially when he’s going to town on a golf ball when it just won’t go in the hole.
(Photo: Suzanne Hanover)
84. 'Talladega Nights'
This isn’t the first time you’ll see Will Ferrell. His one-man tour de force in “Talladega Nights” is fantastic with lines you just don’t see coming like “Help me, Tom Cruise!”
83. 'Steamboat Bill Jr.'
A house falls on Buster Keaton
When classic comedy works well, it’s timeless. Though it’s in black and white and silent, it’s easy to understand the funny factor of Buster Keaton’s character in “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” narrowly surviving a house falling simply because he managed to be standing in the exact right place.
(Photo: YouTube)
82. 'Clerks'
Watching a video clerk recite a vulgar array of porn titles in front of a mother and her young child is deplorable. But just try not to laugh. I dare you.
(Photo: YouTube)
81. 'Django Unchained'
Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to deliver a scene where a group of KKK members plan to kill a black man and turn it into hilarity when none of the masks (or bags with holes in them) fit.
80. 'Trading Places'
As you’ll see with several of the picks on this list, sometimes a scene is all about one actor. That’s the case when Eddie Murphy goes off during a jail scene in “Trading Places” that you can watch time and time again and never get sick of.
79. 'Moonstruck'
Cher’s performance in “Moonstruck” is amazing. So much show that it earned her an Oscar. And it only takes one scene to see why. Her timing and the power of her slap on Nicholas Cage is absolutely perfect.
78. 'Half Baked'
It’s funny enough that a woman mistakes a comment to a horse as an insult. It’s even funnier when the scene ends with a horse dying from scarfing down junk food. “This horse is a diabetic!”
(Photo: YouTube)
77. 'Mrs. Doubtfire'
In some of Robin Williams’ best roles, all you had to do was let him lose, like in the scene from “Mrs. Doubtfire” where his character improvises a face cover up in order to conceal his identity.
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
76. 'Ted'
Mark Wahlberg does some of his best comedic work of all time next to a CGI teddy bear. And their best joke comes with the Thunder Buddy song that’s as surprisingly vulgar as it is catchy.
(Photo: YouTube)
75. 'Tropic Thunder'
Tom Cruise has rarely been better than when he put on a fat suit and plays hotshot movie producer negotiating a hostage situation, but thinks he’s negotiating a contract, in “Tropic Thunder.”
74. 'The Wolf of Wall Street'
No matter how many movies he stars in, there will always be a part of “Alright, Alright, Alright!” stuck inside Mathew McConaughey. That’s the case with the odd nature of his chest-beating scene in “The Wolf of Wall Street” where you can almost see Leonardo DiCaprio about to break.
(Photo: Touchstone Pictures)
73. 'Good Morning Vietnam'
Robin Williams’ first broadcast in “Good Morning Vietnam” is the comedian at his finest. You almost don’t see it coming. It’s proof Williams and nothing more than a microphone was enough to entertain throughout his lifetime.
72. 'Wedding Crashers'
There are a lot of funny scenes in “Wedding Crashers.” But it’s Vince Vaughn’s shocking motorboat that spawned a new catchphrase and had way too many bros shaking their lips at parties.
71. 'Raising Arizona'
The chase scene in “Raising Arizona” is a perfect representation of the Coen Brothers’ humor. The entire think is bonkers to the point where you’re taken back by the ability to squeeze quite the joke into the midst: “Son, you got a panty on your head.”
(Photo: Nels Israelson)
70. 'Super Troopers'
“Super Troopers” is so much fun because it takes a bunch of cops and makes them seem just like you and your friends goofing around on a Saturday afternoon. Don’t act like you haven’t done something along the lines of the “Shenanigans” scene.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
69. 'Silver Streak'
The bathroom scene in “Silver Streak” just feels wrong. But you can’t look away as Richard Prior is teaching Gene Wilder how to walk and talk black.
(Photo: Universal)
68. 'American Pie'
The opening to “American Pie” is every teenage boys worst nightmare. Masturbating to nature show (aka a porn) only to have your mother come in and catch you in the worst position imaginable.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
67. 'Team America World Police'
Not only does “Team America” showcase two dolls having sex. But they’re put in sexual positions that would even make the boldest of directors blush.
66. 'A League of Their Own'
There’s no crying in baseball!
Tom Hanks might be the best actor of all time, simply for his ability to switch from comedy to drama at ease. And his best monologue comes in “A League of Their Own” when he flawlessly explains there’s no crying in baseball.
65. 'Animal Crackers'
Even way back in 1930, the Marx Brothers were doing amazing work. The silverware bit in “Animal Crackers” is so groundbreaking and influential in its writing and execution. It never gets old.
(Photo: Orion Pictures Corp.)
64. 'Three Amigos'
There’s nothing especially unique about the canteen scene in “Three Amigos. Just three comedians knowing how to sell a scene. It’s the punch line that will get you when Chevy Chase offers them some lip balm.
63. 'Dazed and Confused'
“That's what I like about these high school girls. I get older, they stay the same age.”
62. 'The Producers'
Springtime!
From Mel Brooks' 1986 film, it's springtime for Hitler (and Germany)! It still stands as the best version of this classic theatre bit.
61. 'The Naked Gun'
It’s just one line. But it comes with at the exact perfect moment with the perfect backdrop.
(Photo: YouTube)
60. 'Wayne's World'
If there’s one scene that embodies the humor of “Wayne’s World” it’s the “bow to any sponsor” bit, which is also the scene that holds up best (other than the “Bohemian Rhapsody” sing-a-long).
59. 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'
Jason Segel’s performance in the Dracula song scene was so amazing; it helped him earn his leading role and writing gig on 2011’s “The Muppets.”
58. 'Billy Madison'
“Mr. Madison, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
(Photo: YouTube)
57. 'National Lampoon's Vacation'
Christie Brinkley in a red Ferrari
Not much of an explanation for this one, as it’s one of the most iconic comedy moments from any movie of the 1980s.
56. 'Beverly Hills Cop'
Rolling Stone magazine Axel Foley
“Beverly Hills Cop” doubles as a comedy and action movie. The former part owes all its success to Eddie Murphy, who essentially does one of his best comedy bits in claiming racism at a hotel.
55. 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'
This “Raiders of the Lost Ark” scene is a true throwback to classic comedy. It’s the kind of bit that’s been done and copied time and time again, because it never gets old.
54. 'Old School'
We were very close to going with the streaking scene. But the dart in the neck that Will Ferrell takes is an even better example of how great he is in this movie.
(Photo: Plain Dealer Historical Archives)
53. 'City Lights'
Charlie Chaplin is probably the most important movie star in comedy history (This isn’t the last time you’ll see him). And some of his finest work is his most simple, like when he spends an entire boxing match hiding behind the referee.
52. 'Dodgeball'
‘Dodgeball’
I suppose it makes sense. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball. Right?
(Photo: YouTube)
51. 'The Naked Gun 2 1/2 : The Smell of Fear'
The pottery scene in “Ghost” was just begging for a parody and “The Smell of Fear” delivered it brilliantly.
50. 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me'
“The Spy Who Shagged Me” is a perfect example of what puns coupled with editing can do for an iconic scene.
49. 'The Gold Rush'
Dinner rolls
It doesn't get much more simple and classic than movie icon Charlie Chaplin in this early clip.
48. 'Shaun of the Dead'
Jukebox heroes
There's no better zombie battle than Shaun and company going to town on a pack of biters scored by Queen.
47. 'Trainwreck'
Amy Schumer delivers some fantastic one-liners in “Trainwreck.” But it’s her physical comedy (which she isn’t known for) at the movie’s end that producers the biggest laughs, especially when she goes for the slam dunk and face plants.
46. 'Friday'
You got knocked the f*** out, man!
Had “Friday” come around over the past few years, just think of how many Vines and other social media memes and gifs if would have spawned. Heck, even though it came out in the early 1990s, the “You got knocked out” scene still shows up quite often in your feed.
45. 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'
May I go to the bathroom first?
The entire dinner scene is a showcase for Steve Martin and it just builds and builds until he actually pees his pants.
44. 'Zoolander'
School For Kids That Can’t Read Good
You could easily go with the runway battle or several other scenes in “Zoolander.” But this is the one that holds up the best. Upon first viewing you actually think Derek Zoolander might be wising up. Not so much.
43. 'The Big Lebowski'
There are a few scenes that won’t steer you wrong form “The Big Lebowski.” But its’ hard to be the introduction of John Turturro’s Jesus. Dude can roll man.
42. 'Groundhog Day'
Nothing embodies the frustration of living the same day over and over again than when Phil has to see Ned yet another time.
(Photo: YouTube)
41. 'Monty Python's Life of Brian'
“Oh come, let’s go to the stoning!”
40. 'Jackass: The Movie'
The entire “Jackass” franchise had a way of grossing you out. But some of its best moments were the simple pranks that drew the biggest reactions. You know how seriously people take gold, don’t you?
39. 'Annie Hall'
The beauty of the cinema scene in “Annie Hall” is that we’ve all been there. Woody Allen’s writing is genius in how he keeps dual conversations going, both drawing you in as you wait for the punch line.
38. 'Meet the Parents'
The dinner table scene in which Ben Stiller explains milking a cat sets the tone for a movie with so many memorable scenes. And it’s Robert DeNiro’s committed delivery that gets you laughing every time.
37. 'Little Miss Sunshine'
Super Freak
The dance scene in "Little Miss Sunshine" is great, because you don't see it coming. The laughs quickly become endearing when the family joins Olive in her celebratory spectacle.
36. 'Kung Fu Hustle'
Physical comedy works best when its at its most ridiculous and after party commits. That’s the case with the failed knife throw you don’t see coming in “Kung Fu Hustle.”
35. 'Bruce Almighty'
Evan’s botched newscast scene in “Bruce Almighty” was so hilarious, it inspired a sequel with “Evan Almighty.”
34. 'The Naughty Nineties'
Who's on first
It's one of the most famous sketches in comedy history that has stood the test of time.
33. 'Step Brothers'
The onscreen chemistry between Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly is virtually unmatched in every movie that team up for. But “Step Brothers” is the top choice, especially for the fight scene it’s been building towards the entire film.
32. 'Animal House'
Easily the most iconic scene in one of the funniest films of all time and testament to the genius of John Belushi.
31. 'Ghostbusters'
Bill Murray is such a genius. It’s not just what he says in this scene. But it’s the way he says it, pacing himself perfectly to deliver an amazing punch line.
30. 'Fargo'
Understand the humor of “Fargo” is to understand how authentic the Coen Brothers’ movie is. It’s brilliantly written like the scene where two women describe how funny looking one of the guys they had sex with is.
29. 'Napoleon Dynamite'
The dance scene in “Napoleon Dynamite” is its best big probably because it’s the thing you least see coming at any point.
(Photo: Paramount)
28. 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'
Lots of swearing and lots of travel frustration leads to one of Steve Martin's most memorable movie moments.
27. 'A Night at the Opera'
The Marx Brothers’ best scenes exist in their own world and seem like mini movies themselves. That’s never more than in this classic scene in “A Night at the Opera.”
(Photo: YouTube)
26. 'Pulp Fiction'
Few movies are less violent and vulgar than “Pulp Fiction,” which makes the scene where Marvin gets shot so shocking that you have nothing more to do than laugh hysterically.
25. 'Elf'
It doesn’t take long to truly grasp how insane Will Ferrell’s character is in the movie “Elf.” But no matter how many times you watch it, the excitement he displays over Santa’s pending arrival never stops being funny.
24. 'Airplane'
As a whole, “Airplane” might just be the funniest movie of all time, which makes it hard to choose just one clip. But the best has to be the jive talk scene that makes a hilarious play on race relations. “Cut me some slack, jack.”
Troy L. Smith, Cleveland.com
23. 'Dr. Strangelove'
"Now then, Dmitri. You know how we've always talked about the possibility of something going wrong with the Bomb. The Bomb, Dmitri. The Hydrogen Bomb!"
22. 'The Hangover'
The shock of it all has worn out over the years. But that doesn’t take away from just how awesome it is to see Mike Tyson drumming along to a Phil Collins classic before delivering a devastating blow.
21. 'Some Like It Hot'
For this one, the bulk of the work was done before the movie began filming. It just takes one line, which just so happens to be one of the best in film history.
20. 'Coming to America'
It might be Eddie Murphy’s best movie. But it’s Arsenio Hall who steals the funniest scene in the movie thanks to a dress and a wig.
19. 'Young Frankenstein'
The humor in “Young Frankenstein” is so well paced and timed, culminating in the laugh fest that is the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” music number.
18. 'The Princess Bride'
You’ve seen the battle of the wits scene from “Princess Bride” copied time and time again. It’s the kind of humor that never gets old.
17. 'The Jerk'
No one ever played stupid quite like Steve Martin in “The Jerk.” You could choose any number of scenes. But, perhaps, none holds up as well as the motor oil can scene.
16. 'Tommy Boy'
If you were simply to describe it to someone, the “Fat guy in a little coat” bit doesn’t seem all that funny. But just try not to laugh when Chris Farley works his magic. David Spade once admitted he laughed every time he saw it. And he saw it more than anyone else.
15. 'Superbad'
“What are you trying be, an Irish R&B singer?”
14. 'Caddyshack'
Now, let’s enjoy the true brilliance of Bill Murray.
13. 'Dumb and Dumber'
Make no mistake. This is lowbrow humor. But that doesn’t make it any the less funny thanks to some of the best physical comedy you will ever see from Jeff Daniels.
12. 'Office Space'
This is just great filmmaking, scoring a scene of three guys destroying a printer to some hardcore gangsta rap. You just can’t turn away.
11. 'Blazing Saddles'
It’s the most notorious line from a movie full of notorious lines. It’s also the moment that proves how far ahead of its time “Blazing Saddles” was.
10. 'This Is Spinal Tap'
The famous involves the band commissioning a set piece of Stonehenge that comes as an 18-inch model, rather than an 18-feet. And the film’s documentary style just puts such a moment over the top.
9. 'There's Something About Mary'
This is one of the longest scenes on this list. And it works for every second, from “I got in stuck” to “Franks and beans!” It’s absolutely unforgettable with the perfect ending – “We got a bleeder!”
8. 'Spaceballs'
Everything that happens now is happening now
It doesn’t get more ridiculous than the “Spaceballs” scene where the guys are watching the movie while it’s going on. The commitment of the actors is so dead on and the back and forth is perfect. It’s hard to stop laughing so you can enjoy the brilliance of it.
(Photo: YouTube)
7. 'The 40 Year Old Virgin'
Certain scenes become instantly iconic. That was the case with what still stands as Judd Apatow’s best film and his most memorable scene, when Steve Carell gets a wax. It was not a good look for him.
6. 'When Harry Met Sally'
Meg Ryan owns this scene, which works best because the audience knows what’s going on before Billy Crystal realizes it. Then there’s the finishing touch, a one liner for the ages from the mother of director Rob Reiner.
5. 'Duck Soup'
It happened way back in 1933. But the Marx Brothers’ mirror scene in “Duck Soup” still feels like one of the most original and genius things ever done in comedy. This was groundbreaking stuff at a time when no one else was pulling it off.
4. 'Bridesmaids'
Food poisoning
"That dress is so pretty it makes my stomach hurt." Spoiler alert: It wasn't the dress. The food poisoning scene in "Bridesmaids" combines a lot of fantastic comedy bits from the past into one epic stretch, driven by several comedy geniuses showcasing their skills.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
3. 'Borat'
Depending on your taste level, the naked fight scene in “Borat” might be hard to watch. But if you’re one of those people that can sit through it, you know it never gets old. A lot of things Sacha Baron Cohen does in the film are bold. But nothing is more daring that the fight scene that invades an entire hotel. The scene where they walk into the elevator is priceless.
2. 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail'
It’s one of the most famous movie comedy scenes of all time and showcases the surreal sense of humor Monty Python perfected long ago. This slapstick laid a blueprint for a lot of comedy that would follow. It was so simple yet effective.
1. 'Anchorman'
The newscasters brawl in “Anchorman” has it all. It embodies the amazing humor of the film more than any other scene and incorporates guest stars that add to the entertainment. The brawl in might be the most re-watchable scene on this list. You notice something new each time, like Brick switching sides, a random guy on fire or him holding the grenade. Okay, so anything Brick!
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