The 13 Most Hilarious Comedies We've Ever Watched

      The most hilarious comedies we've ever witnessed feature satire, deception, kung-fu, “hair gel,” and foolishness.

      Additionally, while these aren't the most sentimental, romantic, or significant comedies, they stand out as the funniest, genuinely making us laugh without trying to change the world.

      Let’s dive in.

      The Jerk (1979)

      Universal Pictures

      In The Jerk, Steve Martin's character isn’t really a jerk; rather, the sweet and naive Navin Johnson is one of the most endearing protagonists we've encountered, even as he grows into a bigshot.

      One could suggest that the entire film leads up to the kung-fu showdown that unfolds when some unscrupulous real estate developers involve Navin in their racist scheme. His shouted response is both politically incorrect and fervently anti-racist, striking a genuinely cathartic, naive, and beautiful note. We adore this film.

      We also appreciate The Jerk for incorporating an extended, seemingly pointless segment that includes the quote, “I’ve heard about this — cat juggling!”

      Airplane (1980)

      Paramount

      In a memorable line, Barbara Billingsley delivers, “Oh stewardess? I speak jive,” exemplifying one of the countless absurdist, anarchic jokes in this spoof of disaster films that treats every situation, regardless of how far-fetched, with utter seriousness.

      No other film boasts a higher jokes-per-minute ratio, with most of them landing successfully, and some being truly brilliant. This film deserves a high slot on any list of the funniest comedies.

      Top Secret! (1984)

      Paramount

      David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker followed up their blockbuster Airplane! with this bizarre comedy that parodies a blend of Elvis films and war movies. Even the creators view it as somewhat of a misfire — the jokes start off slow, and it's understandable why audiences might not grasp what is being satirized.

      However, the premise serves merely as a backdrop for a series of outstanding visual gags, such as the backwards library scene, the moving train station scene, and the tunnel gag. The more you appreciate obscure humor (apologies, Ford Pinto), the more you'll enjoy Top Secret! This film demands constant attention to the background, as there’s likely something absurd occurring.

      We also love the musical numbers and Val Kilmer's exceptional depiction of American singer Nick Rivers — although he has admitted to feeling a bit embarrassed about working on something so silly.

      One aspect that cements this film as one of the funniest comedies is that many people will fail to appreciate it.

      Coming to America (1988)

      Paramount

      Coming to America is a brilliant showcase of Eddie Murphy’s skills, appealing to audiences across all demographics, and good luck to those who can't take a joke. Murphy's Prince Akeem primarily plays the straight man to a cast of self-deprecating oddballs.

      The film portrays a version of New York where nearly everyone is a schemer, which allows Murphy and Arsenio Hall to portray a host of dubious characters.

      Yet, the film possesses a kind heart: Akeem displays innate decency, regardless of whether he’s living as a wealthy man or a poor man, and his quest for a genuine partner keeps us engaged amidst all the chaos. It is both one of the funniest and most thoughtful comedies.

      Best in Show (2000)

      Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

      Rob Reiner's This Is Spinal Tap, featuring Christopher Guest, introduced the comedic potential of the documentary format, but Guest's 1996 film Waiting for Guffman made it popular for the following decade.

      Many of Christopher Guest's films could have made this list, but we chose Best in Show for Jennifer Coolidge's hilarious monologue about talking or not talking for hours.

      Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

      EMI Films

      We had to include Monty Python in this lineup. This parody of Arthurian legend films is filled with absurdity disguised as serious themes, a hallmark of Python's style.

      It also represents the directorial debut of Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, who shared directing responsibilities — a collaboration that often leads to great comedic films, as this list demonstrates.

      We love the Trojan Rabbit, the Knights Who Say “Ni!,” the coconuts, the French Taunter, and especially Eric Idle proclaiming, “Message for you, sir!”

      There’s Something About Mary (1998)

      20th Century Fox

      Among the many entertaining Farrelly Brothers comedies, our favorite centers around Cameron Diaz as the captivating Mary, whose charm and beauty become the obsession of nearly every man she meets.

      However, the one we root for is Ben Stiller’s Ted, who endures a disastrous high school dance involving franks and beans to remain Mary’s most devoted admirer.

      The Farrellys once shared with screenwriter William Goldman that