Looking for some laughs? Whether you’re in the mood for clever wordplay or slapstick silliness, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 25 best comedy movies ever made! Since the birth of cinema, comedy has been a staple genre, and narrowing down this list was no easy task. The IGN editors cast their votes, aiming to deliver a balanced selection that spans decades of hilarious films. While we could have easily filled this list with multiple films from legends like Mel Brooks, Will Ferrell, or Mike Myers, we wanted to spread the love and highlight the very best from different eras and comedic styles.
These movies have stood the test of time, earning their place among the all-time greats. From timeless classics to modern gems, each of these films delivers unforgettable laughs. Whether you prefer spoofs, road trip shenanigans, or witty dialogue, these thigh-slappers have it all: aliens, zombies, vampires, and a lot of pratfalls. So, let’s get started! Here’s our list of the 25 best comedy movies of all time
25. Groundhog Day (1993)
Where to Watch: Netflix Bill Murray stars as a weatherman who’s forced to relive the same day—Groundhog Day—over and over again. Harold Ramis’ genius direction ensures that the repetitive premise never gets old, delivering endless laughs through clever gags, heists, and philosophical reflection. Murray’s grumpy charm and eventual redemption make this one of the most ingenious and funniest films ever made.
24. Mean Girls (2004)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Paramount+ Written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls is a biting satire of high school cliques, starring Lindsay Lohan as an outsider navigating the cutthroat world of American high school. It’s endlessly quotable and became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring a Broadway musical. Featuring memorable performances from Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Fey herself, this film is fetch—and we’re not stopping anyone from saying it!
23. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms Chevy Chase shines as Clark Griswold, a dad whose dream of a perfect family road trip turns into a nightmare. While some jokes haven’t aged well, the dark humor around the slow death of the American Dream is timeless. The Griswold family’s cross-country disaster paved the way for many more iconic family comedies.
22. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this mockumentary about vampire roommates is a hilarious blend of fish-out-of-water and horror-comedy. As ancient vampires try to navigate modern life, the humor is both charming and dark, filled with brilliant gags that turn supernatural creatures into lovable oddballs.
21. Bridesmaids (2011)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Peacock Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids proved that women could lead raunchy, side-splitting blockbusters. Kristen Wiig stars as a maid of honor navigating the chaos of her best friend’s expensive wedding, with an unforgettable Oscar-nominated performance from Melissa McCarthy. The film balances absurd comedy with real-life struggles of friendship and social status.
20. Game Night (2018)
Where to Watch: Hulu This dark comedy follows a group of friends whose game night spirals into a real-life kidnapping mystery. Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman lead the cast in this sharp, witty film that’s filled with twists and laugh-out-loud moments. The strong supporting cast and clever plot make this a modern classic.
19. It Happened One Night (1934)
Where to Watch: N/A This film essentially invented the romantic comedy genre. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert’s snappy, bickering chemistry set the stage for countless rom-coms to come. The film won all five major Academy Awards and remains as charming and funny today as it was when it premiered.
18. The General (1926)
Where to Watch: The Roku Channel, Freevee, Tubi Buster Keaton’s silent film showcases his incredible physical comedy and daring stunts as a train conductor who embarks on an epic Civil War chase. The gags and stunts are jaw-dropping and hilarious, proving that silent films can still deliver timeless laughs.
17. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Where to Watch: Max Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play two of the dumbest characters ever in this riotous road trip comedy. Packed with gross-out gags, slapstick humor, and unforgettable one-liners, Dumb and Dumber cemented Carrey’s place as a comedic powerhouse.
16. Coming to America (1988)
Where to Watch: Netflix Eddie Murphy shines in this fish-out-of-water comedy as a prince from a fictional African nation who travels to Queens, New York, to find true love. The film’s sweet, silly, and raunchy humor—and Murphy’s multiple characters—make it an enduring favorite.
15. The Princess Bride (1987)
Where to Watch: Disney+ A fairy tale adventure that blends romance, action, and comedy, The Princess Bride is an endlessly rewatchable gem. With witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a storybook plot, this movie is beloved by generations of fans.
14. City Lights (1931)
Where to Watch: Max Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights blends comedy and emotion in a touching story about his Little Tramp character falling for a blind flower girl. Chaplin’s masterful pantomime and slapstick humor make this silent film one of the greatest comedies ever.
13. Ghostbusters (1984)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms Ivan Reitman’s supernatural comedy about a team of ghost hunters treats their job like pest control, creating a hilarious contrast between the fantastical and the mundane. With Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd leading the charge, Ghostbusters is a timeless classic packed with iconic lines and moments.
12. Borat (2006)
Where to Watch: Hulu Sacha Baron Cohen’s mockumentary-style comedy pushed the boundaries of cringe humor as fictional Kazakh journalist Borat encounters real Americans. Equal parts hilarious and uncomfortable, Borat became a cultural touchstone and introduced cringe comedy to the mainstream.
11. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Peacock Edgar Wright’s zombie apocalypse comedy blends horror and humor perfectly. Simon Pegg’s character arc—from slacker to hero—grounds the film’s wild premise, and the witty, fast-paced direction makes this one of the most beloved horror comedies ever.
10. This is Spinal Tap! (1984)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms Rob Reiner’s mockumentary about an aging British heavy metal band hilariously spoofs rock documentaries and band dynamics. Spinal Tap’s absurd antics, like their amps that go up to 11, make this one of the best (fake) rock movies ever.
9. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Paramount+ This love letter to Star Trek and sci-fi fans sees the washed-up cast of a space TV show thrust into a real alien adventure. With a stellar cast including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman, Galaxy Quest is a hilarious, heartfelt tribute to fandom.
8. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Where to Watch: Paramount+ Will Ferrell leads a stellar ensemble cast in this absurd comedy about a sexist 1970s newsroom. With ridiculous one-liners and unforgettable scenes, Anchorman solidified itself as one of the silliest and funniest films of all time.
7. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Where to Watch: Max Mel Brooks’ spoof of the Frankenstein movies perfectly blends slapstick and homage. Gene Wilder leads an all-star cast in a film filled with quotable lines and iconic moments, including the hilarious “Puttin’ on the Ritz” scene.
6. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Where to Watch: Peacock Jeff Bridges stars as The Dude, a laidback bowler who gets tangled up in a bizarre kidnapping conspiracy. This Coen Brothers cult classic is a masterclass in absurdity, with unforgettable performances from John Goodman and Steve Buscemi.
5. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms A parody of summer camp movies, Wet Hot American Summer features a cast of actors far too old to be playing teenagers, absurd plotlines, and surreal humor. It’s a cult classic that revels in its ridiculousness.
4. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Where to Watch: Rentable on most platforms Mike Myers’ spy spoof gave us two iconic characters—Austin Powers and Dr. Evil—and became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s playful send-up of 1960s spy films is packed with quotable lines and over-the-top comedy.
3. Airplane! (1980)
Where to Watch: Max Airplane! is a non-stop barrage of jokes, from visual gags to wordplay. This spoof of disaster movies is packed with so many jokes that it requires multiple viewings to catch them all. Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan delivery elevates the ridiculousness to another level.
2. The Naked Gun (1988)
Where to Watch: Paramount+ Leslie Nielsen once again shines in this police spoof filled with slapstick and absurd humor. The Naked Gun series is a laugh-out-loud comedy that still holds up, thanks to its barrage of jokes and Nielsen’s perfect comedic timing.
1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Where to Watch: Netflix This absurdist take on the legend of King Arthur is filled with surreal humor, breaking the fourth wall, and classic bits like the Black Knight and the killer rabbit. Monty Python and the Holy Grail has earned its place as one of the most beloved and quotable comedies of all time.
