RLLMUK's Top 20 Comedy films of all time!

[Camel]

Same. My dad loved it too and led me to it. I watch it most years on his birthday in remembrance.

[tonymg]

20. The Grand Budapest Hotel
19. Knocked Up
18. Porky's
17. Annie Hall
16. Trading Places
15. Grosse Pointe Blank
14. The Princess Bride
13. Ruthless People
12. Dumb and Dumber
11. Superbad
10. Stir Crazy
9. Uncle Buck
8. Heathers
7. Game Night
6. The Big Lebowski
5. Scott Pilgrim vs The World
4. The Wedding Singer
3. Groundhog Day
2. When Harry Met Sally
1. The Sure Thing

[Nick R]

One comedy that was very popular at the time, is extremely highly regarded by critics, and led to one of the most successful TV series of all time... but which (correct me if I'm wrong) no one here has included on their lists:

 

M*A*S*H.

 

I have to admit, when I saw that film over ten years ago, I wasn't at all impressed with it. Ooh, they're talking over each other and they said "fucking" for the first time in a major studio picture! Innovative in 1970, but unremarkable today.

 

When it comes to military comedies, I preferred the Catch-22 movie that came out the same year, even though that's far from a great adaptation of the book.

[smac]

8 hours ago, tonymg said:

20. The Grand Budapest Hotel
19. Knocked Up
18. Porky's
17. Annie Hall
16. Trading Places
15. Grosse Pointe Blank
14. The Princess Bride
13. Ruthless People
12. Dumb and Dumber
11. Superbad
10. Stir Crazy
9. Uncle Buck
8. Heathers
7. Game Night
6. The Big Lebowski
5. Scott Pilgrim vs The World
4. The Wedding Singer
3. Groundhog Day
2. When Harry Met Sally
1. The Sure Thing

 

Ruthless People is actually pretty good, and relatively obscure. One of the few comedy movies I first saw in the cinema. And I forgot to call out When Harry Met Sally.

 

Ugh. Did anyone have Gremlins? Back to the Future?

[smac]

1 hour ago, DualSense said:

Bah never managed to get round to this but I’m shocked at the lack of any of the Carry On films..the early ones are brilliant.

 

 

Khyber, Screaming and Cleo are great comedies - the earliest ones are also pretty good social commentary. No Ealing Comedies, either - Kind Hearts and Coronets, Man in the White Suit, Passport to Pimlico, Lavender Hill Mob.

[Ork1927]

2 hours ago, DualSense said:

Bah never managed to get round to this but I’m shocked at the lack of any of the Carry On films..the early ones are brilliant.

 

If you can get it done today then I can add your list as I’m out all day so won’t be finishing the spreadsheet.

[Masterbeef]

12 hours ago, smac said:

And even then, I forgot Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Blazing Saddles and the first Austin Powers movie.

 

Edit: and Gilliam. Brazil, Time Bandits.

I re-watched a few of my past favorites to prepare my top 20. Previously, I would have put Blazing saddles in my top 10, but sad to say that I didn't find it particularly funny at all on this occasion.  

 

And how on earth did I forget Time Bandits!

[Paulando]

2 hours ago, smac said:

Ugh. Did anyone have Gremlins? Back to the Future?

I started cobbling a top 20 of my own together, and although I love Back to the Future I don’t think I’d include it. I’d rank them all purely based on their ability to make me laugh, not necessarily whether they’re great movies or not. Back to the Future is wonderful, exciting, one of the best family/adventure/sci-fi of all time, and it certainly is funny in places, but I don’t see it as a comedy as such. Tricky one.

 

Same with Ghostbusters I think. Again, very funny in places, but it takes a back seat to the sci-fi/fantasy stuff for me. It’s a better ‘movie’ than others I’d put on my list, but they make me laugh more.

[Ork1927]

29 Lists - 227 films.

 

All checked and list created.

 

I'm going to do the entire list of 227 films in order, but only brief comments on most of them.

 

I've seen everything in the top 20, but there are a couple in the top 50/people's 1st place picks that I want to watch this week.

[JPL]

Is it too late to throw After Hours in there, seeing as not a single person seems to have mentioned it and its exclusion would make me sad?

 

I wish I’d have noticed this topic earlier. I would have definitely put a list together.

[Timmo]

11 hours ago, Ork1927 said:

29 Lists - 227 films.

 

All checked and list created.

 

I'm going to do the entire list of 227 films in order, but only brief comments on most of them.

 

I've seen everything in the top 20, but there are a couple in the top 50/people's 1st place picks that I want to watch this week.

I think the best idea might be for you to post your opinions on each. Like even if you hate whatever is at number 6 write what you don’t like about it. Will be more fun that way!

[Ork1927]

7 minutes ago, Timmo said:

I think the best idea might be for you to post your opinions on each. Like even if you hate whatever is at number 6 write what you don’t like about it. Will be more fun that way!

 

I'll do decent comments on the top 20 (or more), but not #212

 

1 hour ago, JPL said:

Is it too late to throw After Hours in there, seeing as not a single person seems to have mentioned it and its exclusion would make me sad?

 

I wish I’d have noticed this topic earlier. I would have definitely put a list together.

 

I am going to do a notable films without any votes section as we get nearer to the final 20.

[jon_cybernet]

Way too late I know, but I had a few on my list that hadn’t been mentioned already so thought I’d post it anyway:

 

1. Spinal Tap

2. Monty Python’s Life of Brian 

3. Harold and Maude 

4. Mean Girls

5. Bringing Up Baby

6. The Producers

7. UHF

8. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

9. Matterhorn 

10. The Castle

11. Liza the Fox Fairy

12. The Hunt For The Wilderpeople

13. Office Space

14. Galaxy Quest

15. Muriel’s Wedding 

16. Four Lions

17. Borat

18. Spider-Man: Enter the Spiderverse

19. Jacky in the Kingdom of Women

20. The Guard

[Ork1927]

Let's get some results in  

 

Part One - Films 223 to 178

 

1 Point (1 Pick) - Films 223 to 215

 

We kick off with films that appeared on just one list at #20 and there is some really good stuff here.

 

Michael Winterbottom directs Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in film within a film, A Cock and Bull Story (2005).  John Cleese writes and stars in A Fish Called Wanda (1988) with Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline.  Coogan has a second film as his most famous creation gets a turn on the big screen in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013).  Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes star in one of the most recent films on the list, the rather excellent and, I suspect underseen, Dolemite Is My Name (2019) as Murphy goes back to ‘proper’ Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes comes back from being in jail.  Wes Anderson directs George Clooney and Meryl Streep in Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox (2009).  Rick Mayall and Ade Edmondson bit the shit out of each other in Guest House Paradiso (1999). Paul King directs Ben Whishaw and Hugh Grant in the brilliant Paddington 2 (2017).  Wes Anderson again as he directs Bill Murray and everyone else in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) and finally, Maren Ade directs Sandra Huller in German film, Toni Erdmann (2016) Spoiler, but we will see a lot of the directors and actors mentioned above later in the list, some much later in the list and/or more than once.

 

2 Points (1 Pick) – Films 214 to 209

 

6 Films that appeared on just the one list in 19th.

 

Stephen Merchant directs WWE tale, Fighting with My Family (2019) with Florence Pugh,  Dwayne Johnson and Vince Vaughan. First appearance for Judd Apatow and his crew and he directs Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Katherine Heigl in his hit rom-com Knocked Up (2007).  Bill Forsyth directs Peter Riegert and Peter Capaldi in charming fish out of water comedy, Local Hero (1983). First appearance for the Cohen Brothers as they direct Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter in Raising Arizona (1987). Two films I hadn’t heard of finish this section with Jody Hill directing Danny McBride in martial arts comedy, The Foot Fist Way (2006) and Robert Day directs Peter Sellers and Bernard Cribbins in Two Way Stretch  (1960).

 

 

3 Points (1 Pick) Films 208 to 203

 

Lord and Miller direct Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in the very enjoyable buddy cop sequel, 22 Jump Street (2014). I’m going to assume that next up is Marx Brothers film, Animal Crackers (1930) rather than John Krasinski and Emily Blunt in a (2017) animation. Akiva Schaffer directs Andy Samberg and Isla Fisher in Hot Rod (2007).  Another films from the 30s and a Best Film, Actor, Actress, Director and Writer Oscar winner no less, as Frank Capra directs Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night (1934). Sean Foley directs Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby (who both also wrote the film) in Mindhorn (2016).  Bob Clark directs Dan Monahan and Mark Herrier in sex comedy, Porky’s (1981).

 

 

3 Points (2 Picks) Film 202

 

A bit of an anomaly here as it’s the only film to get less than 9 points, but appear in more than one list.  Possibly the most recent film and an absolute gem as Max Barbakow directs Andy Samberg, Cristin Miloti and J.K Simmons in the brilliant time warp tale, Palm Springs (2019).  Easily one of my favourite films of the last few years.

 

4 Points (1 Pick) – Films 201 to 196

 

Mike Leigh directs Karin Cartlidge and Lynda Steadman in Career Girls (1997). Chevy Chase does his thing in Michael Ritchie’s book adaptation, Fletch (1985).  Our second Python directed film as Terry Gilliam directs Michael Palin in fantasy adventure, Jabberwocky (1977).  Ack Ack Ack, Mars Attacks (1996). P.J. Hogan directs Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths in Muriel’s Wedding (1994). Finally, The Spongebob SquarePants Movie (2004) nicely transitions to the big screen as Tom Kenny goes on an enjoyable adventure.

 

5 Points (1 Pick) – Films 195 to 190

 

Jean-Pierre Jeuet’s lovely, feel good rom-com Amelie (2001) with Audrey Tautou is our first 5 pointer. A first appearance for Steve Martin as he stars in Frank Oz’s Musical/Horror/Comedy Little Shop of Horrors (1986) with Rick Moranis. E. Elias Mehige directs John Malkovich in Shadow of the Vampire (2000), which I didn’t realise was part comedy and a film I’ve re-remembered as something I was going to watch. Mark Burton and Richard Starzark give us some enjoyable Aadman animation with Shaun the Sheep: The Movie (2015).  Peter Weir directs Jim Carrey in The Truman Show (1998) which would likely be a lot higher up the list of ‘best’ Jim Carrey films, but is one of the great films on this list without a lot of love, because it is hard to clasify as a comedy. Finally, John Francis Daley and Jonathon Goldstein direct Ed Helms and Christina Applegate in requel, Vacation (2015)

 

6 Points (1 Pick) - Films 189 to 185

 

James Signorelli directs Cassandra Peterson in Elvira (1988). The Cohen Brothers do Old Hollywood in Hail Caesar (2016) with George Clooney and John Brolin. Mel Brooks sends up Hitchcock with High Anxiety (1977). Michael Ritchie directs James Wood and Louis Gossett Jnr. in underseen boxing conman tale, Midnight Sting (1992) and rounding out the 6 point section is Gen Saks directing Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon in The Odd Couple (1968)

 

7 Points (1 Pick) Films - 184 to 178

 

Barry Sonnenfeld directs Angelica Huston and Christina Ricci in sequel, Adams Family Values (1993). Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud direct Steve Carell and the Minions in Despicable Me (2010).   Reginald Hudlin directs Christopher Reid and Robin Harris in House Party (1990). Reese Witherspoon is Legally Blonde (2001) in Robert Luketic’s hit.  Jeremiah S. Chechik directs Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) and our first film written by John Hughes. John Smith directs short film, The Girl Chewing Gum (1976) and Here’s to you Mrs Robinson as Mike Nichols directs Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate (1967) which landed Nichols the Best Director Oscar.

 

 

[Ork1927]

Slight amendment to first results post as The Three Amigos was listed twice so I've tidied up the numbering above and edited the film from the 5 point list for it to appear a bit later.

 

Part Two - Films 177 to 148

 

8 Points (1 Pick) – Films 177 to 167

 

Rawson Marshall Thurber directs Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughan in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004). The last of the 3 Python films is the first to appear on the list as Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam direct themselves and the rest of the Pythons in The Meaning of Life (1983).  Robert Moore directs Peter Falk and Alec Guinness in Murder by Death (1976). Our first Zucker Brothers/Jim Abrahams film as Bette Midler and Danny Devito are Ruthless People (1986). Judd Apatow has a hit with his first film as Steve Carrell is the 40 Year Old Virgin (2005). Todd Phillips directs Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis suffering a darker (and nowhere as near as good as the first one) Hangover 2 (2011). I’m going to assume this is Blake Edwards, The Pink Panther (1963) with Peter Sellers and not the Steve Martin remake. Noah Baumbach directs Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney in The Squid and the Whale (2005). A Taika Waititi gets let loose on a big budget superhero film and does a great job as he directs Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Mike Clattenburg directs TV to the big screen flick, Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day (2009).   Robert Bierman directs Nicholas Cage and Jennifer Beals in Vampire’s Kiss (1988).

 

9 Points (1 Pick) – Films 166 to 160

 

Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directs Paul Giamatti playing comic book writer, Harvey Pekar which also stars Pekar himself in American Splendour (2003).   A paring of Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy at the end of the 80s would have been a dream team for a comedy, by the end of the 90s it was potentially a bit of a nightmare as both men’s comedy film output had diminished considerably.  However, Frank Oz’s tale of movie making proved to be a great and funny return to form for both men in Bowfinger (1999) although arguably Murphy wouldn’t then make another truly decent comedy film for 20 years with Dolemite and Martin wouldn’t make one at all until switching to the small screen with Only Murders in the Building.  Anther great 80’s comedy pairing sees Walter Hill direct John Candy and Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions (1985).  It isn’t a classic, but it was just outside my own top 20, and it’s a great fun high concept comedy with a political message that resonates today. None of the Above indeed!.  Robert Townsend directs himself in Hollywood Shuffle (1987). Chris Sanders and Dean Debois give us some Disney alien anarchy in Lilo and Stitch (2002). I’m assuming this is Laurel and Hardy in The Music Box (1932). Finally, Gene Wilder directs himself and Kelly LeBrock in The Women in Red (1984).

 

And now we start to get to films on multiple lists.

 

9 Points (2 Picks) – Films 159 and 158

 

Lord and Miller take an old 80’s TV cop/High school drama and turn it into a very funny comedy with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in 21 Jump Street (2012) and Hill appears again a year later in Martin Scorsese’s tale of stockbroker excess (and then some) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).  That makes 6 films for Jonah Hill so far (counting a brief cameo in 40 Year Old Virgin)

 

9 Points (3 Picks) – Film 157

 

Ben Palmer directs a successful transition to the big screen for The Inbetweeners (2011).

 

10 Points (1 Pick) - Films 156 to 152

 

John Landis sends John Belushi to college in Animal House (1978), Viggo Mortensen is Captain Fantastic (2016) in a film written and directed by Matt Ross. Kevin Smith takes on religion with Ben Affleck and Mat Damon in Dogma (1999). Danny Leiner asks Seann William Scott and Ashton Kutcher, Dude, Wheres My Car? (2000) and Louis Leterrier directs Sasha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong in Grimsby (2016).

 

10 Points (2 Picks) - Films 151 to 148

 

Jonathan Lynn directs the magnificent madcap murder mystery, Clue (1985) with Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd. Next is Quentin Tarantino’s brilliant WW2 tale Inglorious Basterds (2009) with Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz.  Some Disney animation as Mark Dindal directs The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Ron Shelton directs Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes in White Men Can’t Jump (1992).

[Ork1927]

Part 3 - Films 147 to 104

 

11 Points (1 Pick) - Films 147 to 143

Mike Judge directs Beavis and Butthead Do America (2006), James Gunn takes the MCU into space and full on comedy as Chris Pratt and Zoe Saladana are the Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).  Taika Waititi directs and plays Hitler in Jo Jo Rabbit (2019) alongside Scarlett Johannsen and Sam Rockwell. Mark Waters directs Lindsay Lohan and, co-writer, Tina Fey in High School comedy, Mean Girls (2004) and Isao Takahata directs animation, My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999).

 

12 Points (1 Pick) - Films 142 to 138

Jason Segel writes and stars in Nicholas Stoller’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) with Kristen Bell. Jeff Wadlow directs Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Nicolas Cage channelling Adam West in Kick Ass (2010). Eric Idle writes, stars and co-directs, with Gary Weis, Beatles send-up, The Ruttles: All You Need is Cash (1978). Nick Park and Steve Box direct Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005). Our first film, directed by John Hughes (and the 2nd on the list written by him) sees Anthony Michael Hall and Kelly LeBrock involved in some Weird Science (1985).

 

12 Points (2 Picks) Film 137

 

George Armitage directs John Cusack, Minnie Driver and Dan Akroyd in cracking Hitman/High School reunion flick, Grosse Point Blank (1997).

 

13 Points (1 Pick) - Films 136 to 127

 

Paul Feig has a big hit with Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids (2011). Taika Waititi directs his first film, B) which he stars in and co-wrote. Loren Horsley is the other co- writer and the Shark to Jermaine Clement’s Eagle. F, Gary Gray directs Ice Cube and Chris Tucker in Friday (1995).  Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates deal with Gremlins (1984) in Jo Dante’s 80’s classic. Christian Slater and Winona Ryder star in Michael Lehmann’s High school black comedy, Heathers (1989). Robert Stevenson directs Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in beloved Disney classic, Mary Poppins (1964). Gore Verbinski sends Christopher Walken and Lee Evans on a Mousehunt (1997). James Gunn writes and directs Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page in Super (2010). Damon Beesley and Ian Morris deliver a decent 2nd big screen adventure for The Inbetweeners 2 (2014). Finally, Pixar changes the path of animated films forever as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen star in Toy Story (1995)

 

13 Points (2 Picks) -  Films 126 to 125

 

Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer direct and star alongside Andy Samberg in the very funny and criminally underseen, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016).  I’m assuming this is the original as Mel Brooks makes his directorial debut with The Producers (1967) starring Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel.

 

13 Points (3 Picks) - Films 124

Woody Allen directs himself and Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977) which won the best film, director and actress awards at the Oscars.

 

14 Points (1 Pick) – Films 123 to 119

 

Alfred J. Goulding directs Laurel and Hardy in A Chump at Oxford (1940).  Christopher Guest directs himself, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara in mockumentary, Best in Show (2000). John Francis Daley and Jonathon Goldstein directs Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams in Game Night (2018).  Hal Ashby directs Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail (1973) and Ron Underwood directs Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward in classic monster horror comedy, Tremors (1990).

 

14 Points (2 Picks) – Film 118

 

Richard Donner updates a Christmas Carol as Bill Murray is Scrooged (1989) with Karen Allen.

 

15 Points (1 Pick) – Films 117 to 114

 

Sylvian Chomet directs French animated comedy, Belleville Rendez-vous (2003).  I’m going to assume this is Buster Keaton’s Civil War train comedy, The General (1926) and not a Brendon Gleeson crime story. Danny Devito directs and co-stars with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in The War of the Roses (1989) and David Gordon Greene directs Danny McBride and Natalie Portman in Your Highness (2011).

 

15 Points (2 Picks) – Films 113 to 111

 

Jay Roach has a big hit as Ben Stiller stars in Meet the Parents (2000) facing off against Robert DeNiro. Another massive hit as Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis suffer from The Hangover (2009) in Todd Phillips very funny Vegas comedy. Nick Park directs the second adventure of Wallace and Gromit in The Wrong Trousers (1993) with voice work from Peter Sallis.

 

16 Points (1 Pick) – Films 110 to 106

 

The newest film on the list is the wonderful multiverse comedy directed by Daniel Dwan and Daniel Scheinert as Michelle Yeoh and a returning, Ke Huy Quan are Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022). Todd Phillips directs Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughan and a memorable turn by Will Ferrell in frat comedy, Old School (2003). Stephen Chow directs and stars in Kung Fu football comedy, Shaolin Soccer (2001). Alan Parker directs BAFTA winning music comedy, The Commitments (1991). Shane Black casts Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as The Nice Guys (2016) in very enjoyable buddy comedy.

 

16 Points (2 Picks) – Films 105 to 104

 

Adam Mckay directs Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate in Anchorman 2 (2013) which doesn’t live up to the first film, but has its moments. Sacha Baron Cohen trolls most of America as Larry Charles directs him in massive hit, Borat (2006).

 

 

[Ork1927]

Part Four - Films 103 to 77

 

17 Points (1 Pick) – Films 103 to 98

 

James L. Brooks directs Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt to Best Actor/Actress Oscars in As Good as it Gets (1997). Warren P Sonoda directs Canadian comedy Cooper’s Camera (2008) starring Jason Jones and Samantha Bee. Yosuke Fujita writes and directs Fuku-Chan of FukuFuku Flats (2014). Jonathon Dayton and Valerie Faris have a surprise hit with Little Miss Sunshine (2006) which won Oscars for writer Michael Arndt and supporting actor, Alan Arkin. Wes Anderson directs Owen Wilson (who co-wrote the script with Anderson), Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller and lots of other actors in The Royal Tenebaums (2001)  Terry Gilliam directs fantasy adventure Time Bandits (1981), co-written with fellow Python, Michal Palin who also stars alongside John Cleese and Sean Connery.

 

17 Points (3 Picks) – Films 97 & 96

 

Chris McKay directs Will Arnett, Michael Cera in The Lego Batman Movie (2017).  Martin Short, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase are The Three Amigos (1986) in this John Landis’ comedy Western.

 

17 Points (5 Picks) – Film 95

 

Matt Stone and Trey Parker take their foul mouthed kids to the big screen and make it a musical in South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999)

 

18 Points (1 Pick) – Films 94 to 89

 

Josh Wheddon directs Robert Downey Jnr, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johannsson in The Avengers (2012). Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter suffer Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991). Tim Burton directs Johnny Depp in Ed Wood (1994). Stephen Frears directs John Cusack in an adaptation of Nick Hornby’s book in High Fidelity (2000) including a break-out role for Jack Black. James Franco and Jackie Chan star in the Lego Ninjago Movie (2017). Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano direct Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy in French film, The Intouchables (Untouchable) (2011).

 

18 Points (2 Picks) – Film 88

 

Dennis Dugan directs Adam Sandler in golf comedy, Happy Gilmore (1996).

 

19 Points (1 Pick) – Films 87 to 85

 

Terry Gilliam directs Johnny Depp in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). Pete Doctor directs Amy Poehler and Bill Hader in one of Pixar’s finest films in Inside Out (2015).  Woody Allen directs and stars in Take the Money and Run (1969)

 

19 Points (3 Picks) – Film 84

 

Jon Favreau directs Will Ferrell to create what has become a Christmas classic, in Elf (2003).

 

And as we hit 20 points – we get out first 3 first place picks – all though only picking up votes from the one participant.

 

20 Points (1 Pick) – Films 83 to 81

 

Kevin Smith’s second film, and a sort of Captain Marvel sequel, stars Jason Lee and Ben Affleck as Mallrats (1995) (Favourite comedy of Azrael). Stanley Donen directs Gene Kelly (who co-directs) and Debbie Reynolds in what is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time in Singing in the Rain (1952) (favourite comedy of Benny).  Finally, very difficult to watch anywhere so I had to pirate it, is Rob Reiner’s second film as John Cusack tracks down The Sure Thing (1985) (Favourite comedy of tonymg).

 

20 Points (2 Picks) – Films 80 to 78

 

Scott Sanders directs Michael Jai White in blaxploitation comedy, Black Dynamite(2009). Olivia Wilde has a great directorial debut as Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are Booksmart (2019). Kevin Smith directs himself, Jason Mewes and pretty much everyone from his previous films in his 5th film,  Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

 

20 Points (4 Picks) – Film 77

 

Trey Parker and Matt Stone take a break from South Park and give us puppet comedy, Team America: World Police (2004) not exactly staring Matt Daaamon.

[Ork1927]

Part Five - Films 76 to 50

 

21 Points (2 Picks) – Films 76 to 74

 

An excellent three films here. Sam Raimi remakes his first film with a bigger budget and more comedy to go with a lot of horror as Bruce Campbell faces off against the Evil Dead 2 (1987)  A live action Paddington (2014) film didn’t sound like a great idea, but Paul King directs Ben Wilshaw, Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville in one of the best, warmest and funniest family films in decades.   Matthew Warchus directs Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton in a wonderful true tale of Gay and Lesbian activists from London supporting Welsh Miners during the 80’s in Pride (2014).

 

21 Points (3 Picks) – Film 73

 

Stephen Chow co-writes, directs and stars in Chinese action-comedy, Kung Fu Hustle (2004).

 

22 Points (2 Picks) – Films 72 to 71

 

Spike Jonze directs John Cusack, Catherine Keener and, erm, John Malkovich in crazy puppeteering, portal comedy,  Being John Malkovich (1999). John Hughes writes and directs John Candy in one of the great, great 80’s comedy performances as he looks after Macaulay Culkin in Uncle Buck (1989).

 

23 Points (2 Picks) – Films 70 to 69

 

And we go straight to another John Hughes/Culkin/Candy film as Hughes writes the massive, mega popular hit, Home Alone (1990) as Christopher Columbus directs Macaulay Culkin to stardom alongside Joe Pesco and Daniel Stern. Even more John Candy as he co-stars with Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis in Mel Brook’s very funny Star Wars send-up in Spaceballs (1987).

 

24 Points (2 Picks) – Films 68 to 67

 

Jonathon Lynn directs Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei (who won a best supporting actress Oscar) in court-room comedy, My Cousin Vinny (1992). Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as Woody and Buzz in a worthy sequel  to Pixar’s first film in Toy Story 2 (1999) which was originally planned as a direct to video sequel.

 

24 Points (3 Picks) – Film 66

 

Armando Iannucci more of less takes The Thick of It to the big screen as Peter Capaldi, Tom Hollander and Anna Chlumsky do politics in Washington In the Loop (2009).

 

25 Points (4 Picks) – Film 65

 

Brett Ratner directs Jackie Chan and Christ Tucker in a surprise hit buddy action-comedy, Rush Hour (1998).

 

28 Points (2 Picks) – Film 64

 

Ed Bye directs Harry Enfield and Kathy Bates as their memorable sketch show teenagers go to the big screen in Kevin and Perry Go Large (2000).

 

28 Points (3 Picks) – Films 63 to 61

 

Christian Bale is an American Psycho (2000) in Mary Harron’s adaptation of Brett Eason Ellis’ black comedy.  Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter travel through time in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) Taika Waititi directs his 4th film as Sam Neill and Julian Denninson star his Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016).

 

29 Points (2 Picks) – Film 60

 

Robert Zemekis directs his groundbreaking live action/animation ‘toon whodunnit as Bob Hoskins and Kathleen Turner try to find out Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).

 

29 Points (3 Picks) – Film 59 to 58

 

The Farrelly Brothers direct Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray in bowling comedy, Kingpin (1996). The highest rated animated film on this list is one of Pixar’s very best and stars two very funny leads as Pete Doctor directs Billy Crystal and John Goodman in Monsters Inc (2001).

 

30 Points (2 Picks) – Film 57

 

Jared Hess directs Jon Heder in Napoleon Dynamite (2004) which I’ve just realised I’ve never seen all the way through.

 

31 Points (4 Picks) – Film 56

 

Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor team up for the second time as they go Stir Crazy (1980) in Sidney Poitier’s prison comedy.

 

32 Points (2 Picks) – Films 55 to 54

 

Peter Cattaneo directs a massive (and BAFTA winning) UK hit as Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy do The Full Monty (1997) (Favourite comedy of Made of Ghosts). The top rated Adam Sandler film in this list is his most mainstream/popular as he stars opposite Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer (1998).

 

33 Points (2 Picks) – Film 53

Jason Segel and co-writer Nicholas Stoller do a great job of bringing back The Muppets (2011) as Segel stars alongside Amy Adams, Chris Cooper and Gonzo in an enjoyable musical come back.

 

33 Points (3 Picks) - Film 52

 

Indie director, Richard Linklater directing a family comedy with Jack Black  and a load of kids seemed like an odd combination, but School of Rock (2003) turned out very well  Funny, enjoyable and really nailing the end with the closing song/performance.

 

33 Points (5 Picks) – Film 51 

Tim Burton directs Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice (1988), Beetlejuice, Beetleju….. supported by Winona Ryder and Geena Davis in a brilliantly inventive and chaotic horror comedy.

 

35 Points (5 Picks) - Film 50

Stanley Kubrick originally set out to make a serious drama about the threat of nuclear war, but then decided a black comedy would work better as he directs Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964).

 

[Benny]

Not enough John Candy.

[Ork1927]

10 minutes ago, Benny said:

Not enough John Candy.

 

He was in 3 films in that latest update - but if you mean not enough John Candy is going to be higher up in the list then I agree, but he does appear again later.

 

[Benny]

mcbain.jpg

[Don Wiskerando]

The Muppets is my go to film when I need something that is guaranteed to make me grin for 90 minutes. 

[Ork1927]

Part 6 - Films 49 to 37

 

36 Points (2 Picks) – Film 49

 

Adam McKay directs Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as idiotic man-child Step Brothers (2008) (Favourite film of Steely) with hilarious results and a great supporting cast. Fun fact, the fictional Catalina Wine Mixer at the end of the film is now a real annual event.

 

36 Points (3 Picks) – Film 48

 

Martin Brest directs Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in the great, under-seen bounty hunter action comedy, Midnight Run (1988).

 

36 Points (5 Picks) – Film 47

 

Armando Iannuci puts together a ridiculously good cast, including Michael Palin and Steve Buscemi for a very black comedy history lesson in the excellent, The Death of Stalin (2017).

 

37 Points (1 Pick) – Film 46

 

Jay Roach directs Mike Myers sending up Bond as Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) with Elizabeth Hurley and Seth Green. It was a decent hit at the time, but slowly grew to spawn two massive sequels  (1 good 1 bad) and a bazillion bad impressions.

 

38 Points (3 Picks) – Film 45

 

Ivan Reitman directs iconic comedy/horror smash hit, Ghostbusters (1984) (Favourite film of Waggo) as Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Earnie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver star in a eighties classic. Can’t really see any other film on this entire list that comes close to its longevity/iconic status(certainly live action)– obviously boosted by the recent release of Afterlife, but the various other projects over the years through different sort of media and the title song always being around. The film was released in the U.S on the same day as Gremlins!

 

39 Points (3 Picks) – Film 44

 

The Cohen Brothers re-imagine The Odyssey as a folk music comedy of escaped convicts in 1930’s Mississippi as George Clooney and John Turturro star in O Brother Where Art Thou (2000) (favourite film of spatula).

 

40 Points (3 Picks) – Film 43

 

Carl Reiner directed 4 films back to back starring Steve Martin and the 3rd of which makes the list as Martin is The Man with Two Brains (1983) (favourite film of Don Wiskerando) co-starring Kathleen Turner and David Warner. This Is the only time Carl Reiner appears on the list, but the Reiner family is well represented as well as Martin.

 

41 Points (3 Picks) – Film 42

 

John Hughes directs his 4th film, and for me the 2nd best film he wrote or directed as Matthew Broderick and Alun Rudd stars in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). A brilliant High School and not going to High school comedy with a star turn by Broderick supported by a great rest of the cast, tons of great, memorable scenes and the absolute blueprint in terms of wish fulfilment for skiving of school or work or anything.

 

41 Points (4 picks) – Film 41

 

An 90’s Indy classic with quite a legacy as Jon Favreau writes and stars in struggling actor comedy, Swingers (1996). Directed Doug Liman, which launched his directing career in Hollywood, it’s a very funny, super cool with a great soundtrack <insert line about it being money, here>. It launched co-star Vince Vaughan into a massive star, was the first role for Ron Livingstone (who will be the lead in a film further down the list) and then Favreau would go on to have a hugely influential career behind the camera  as well as some memorable on screen roles.

 

41 Points (5 Picks) – Films 40 to 39

 

And another Indy classic as Kevin Smith writes, directs and stars in a low budget film shot in the convenience store that he worked in, the very funny Clerks (1994). Not a film you’d predict would end up having 2 sequels and another 5 feature films in the same universe, of which the 2nd and 3rd of Smith’s films would help launch Ben Affleck’s career.  Greg Mottola directs Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse in the very funny High school party film, Superbad (2007).  Produced by Judd Apatow, this is the first film written by Seth Rogen (who also stars) and writing partner Evan Goldberg who have had a big influence on comedy and then comic book TV.  Very funny throughout and the 8th and final Jonah Hill film on this list.

 

42 Points (4 Picks) – Films 38

 

Jim Abrahams and the Zucker Brothers follow up Airplane! to send up spy films and Elvis Presley musicals as Val Kilmer tries to keep everything Top Secret (1984).

 

44 Points (4 Picks) – Film 37

 

I suspect this next film suffers a bit on its placing on this list by not being perceived as a comedy.  Certainly, it is one of my favourite films, but I didn’t have it in my list. Rob Reiner directs his 4th film adapting a William Goldman screenplay and book as Robin Wright is The Princess Bride (1987) alongside Cary Elwes, Mandy Painkin and Andre the Giant. A timeless, funny, classic with a great cast and many, many funny memorable scenes and characters and one of the greatest ‘punch the air’ bad guy get’s their comeuppance  scenes of all time.

[Couch Corpse]

Great stuff @Ork1927

[Ork1927]

Part 7 - Films 36 to 21.

 

Right, final chapter until we hit the actual Top 20.

 

46 Points (4 Picks) – Film 36

 

And it is Rob Reiner again, as he follows up Princess Bride to direct a Nora Ephron scripted Rom-Com classic as Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in When Harry Met Sally (1989). The diner scene became one of the most famous movie scenes of all time and Meg Ryan began her reign as queen of the rom-coms.

 

47 Points (4 Picks) – Film 35

 

Ben Stiller directs himself, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell in very silly fashion model comedy, Zoolander (2001) which was Stiller’s third film as a director.

 

47 Points (5 Picks) – Film 34

 

Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement write, direct and star in excellent vampire mockumentary, What We Do in the Shadows (2014) which would go on to spawn an excellent TV Series of the same name.

 

48 Points (4 Picks) – Film 33

 

First appearance on the list for Edgar Wright as director, but instead of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost its an insanely stacked young cast as he directs comic adaptation Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010). Cast includes Michael Cera, Chris Evans, Brie Larson and Mary Elizabeth Winstead and despite being a brilliant vehicle for Wright, very funny with great performances, it did poorly at the box office with Universal having no clue how to market a video game/music/action/rom-com based on a comic.

 

49 Points (3 Picks) – Film 32

 

Shin’ichiro Ueda writes and directs zombie comedy, One Cut of the Dead (2017). Its very good, but if you haven’t seen it then its best to go in completely cold so I’ll say no more, bar go watch it.

 

50 Points (4 Picks) – Film 31

 

Penelope Spheeris directs Mike Myers and Dana Carvey’s SNL creations in Wayne’s World (1992). A massive hit that also led to a come back for Queen thanks to that Bohemian Rapsody car scene.

 

50 Points (5 Picks) – Film 30

 

The Farelly Brothers have a mega hit with a gross out, sometimes offensive, very silly and sometimes very sweet, romantic comedy There’s Something About Mary (1998) as Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz and Matt Dillon star in a film with some very funny and very memorable scenes – two of which involve Ben Stiller’s ‘Frank’.

 

51 Points (7 Picks) – Film 29

 

The film that appeared on the most lists outside the Top 20 is John Landis directing Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as The Blues Brothers (1980) in this chaotic musical, car smashing, action comedy.

 

53 Points (5 Picks) – Film 28

 

Frank Oz directs his first film that is all humans and no puppets of any kind as Steve Martin and Michael Caine are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1989) in this enjoyable conman comedy. Steve Martin continues his great eighties comedy run, and Caine is the great and slightly unlikely partner for this despicable double act.

 

54 Points (3 Picks) – Film 27

 

Billy Wilder writes and directs Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe in crime, romantic-comedy farce, Some Like it Hot (1959) (favourite film of Smac).  Widely considered one of the greatest comedies of all time – it’s a very enjoyable farce with special mention to Curtis taking the mick out of Cary Grant for the second half of the film.  Wilder and Lemmon would re-unite the following year for another classic with The Apartment.

 

54 Points (4 Picks) – Film 26

 

Steve Oedekerk directs Jim Carey in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) as Carey returns, just one year later, to the role that launched his career as a comedy leading man.

 

54 Points (5 Picks) – Film 25

 

It Is amazing that this ever got made, but even more amazing that Chris Morris managed to make a very funny film about likeable British suicide bombers as Riz Ahmed and Kayvan Novak are two of the Four Lions (2010)

 

56 Points (5 Picks) – Film 24

 

John Landis directs a big ‘fish out of water’ hit as Eddie Murphy is Coming to America (1988) which would be the last of Murphy’s 80’s blockbusters (his final 80’s film, Harlem Nights was not a hit) and the last decent film Landis would direct.  But both men will appear later on this list with an earlier collaboration.

 

57 Points (4 Picks) – Film 23

 

Mel Brooks directs himself and co-writer, Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein (1974) (favourite film of Camel) as they send up classic horror films.  This will be the 4th of 5 Mel Brooks films on the list.

 

58 Points (6 Picks) – Film 22

 

The second highest Wes Anderson film on the list contains the usual excellent ensemble cast, but Ralph Fiennes steals the show and then some as he runs riot in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). An incredibly enjoyable farcical hotel murder mystery.

 

59 Points (4 Picks) – Film 21

 

And narrowly finishing outside of the Top 20 is Johnny Knoxville and friends doing terribly and hilarious stunts and pranks to each other in Jackass Number 2 (2006) (favourite film of Timmo).