While The Lord of the Rings might be a fantasy epic with major themes of good versus evil, it also had some very comedic moments. While it’s filled with adventure and sweeping battles, one of the reasons why fans like the series so much is because it has such relatable characters. Some of these characters are more comedic than others, but overall, all of the characters are well-rounded and unique in their own way.
While the best comedic moments can be debated, and you likely have your own original favorites, here are some of the scenes that are considered the most hilarious across the board.
“They’re taking the Hobbits to Isengard”
While this moment isn’t necessarily that funny, it has become very hilarious because of the YouTube video and meme that everyone knows about.
Because of this, the line has become especially comedic when re-watching because the musical jig gets stuck in our heads. And, while the subject matter is rather serious, the way that Orlando Bloom delivers the line is just odd enough to warrant laughter.
Shortcut to Mushrooms
Hobbits are lovable beings that enjoy delicious food and the small comforts in life, and one thing that they really enjoy is a freshly grown mushroom. When escaping from Fatty Bolger’s crops, Merry, Pippin, and Sam nearly fall right into a patch of mushrooms.
Their absolute delight at seeing the fungus growth is pretty infectious, and it’s a scene that encapsulates what makes Hobbits so great.
“They have a cave troll!”
While a lot of the funniest moments in the films come from more comic relief characters like Pippin or Gilmi, this line is actually delivered by Boromir in The Fellowship of the Ring.
The Fellowship is trying to close the doors to keep the Moria orcs out. Boromir looks out of the door and sees the cave troll, and the way he says this is just quite funny. He’s a little resigned and a little surprised, and it just reflects a feeling of being doomed to the reality they are facing.
Merry, Pippin, and Sam barging into the Council of Elrond
Merry and Pippin are definitely the comedic duo of the series, but this is especially true in the first film. While they go on their own journeys and become a little more subdued as they see the realities of war, at first they are just jovial jokesters.
While they weren’t invited to the Council of Elrond, they, along with Sam, were listening in. It’s rather endearing and also funny how they jump at the chance to join Frodo and help him get the Ring to Mordor.
Gollum’s disgust at potatoes
While the relationship between Sam and Gollum continually goes downhill and leads to Frodo banishing Sam, at first, their banter is rather funny.
The scene where Sam is making the rabbit stew is particularly funny. Sam is disgusted at Gollum’s description of raw meat while Gollum finds the idea of eating potatoes just as disgusting. It’s a rare moment of hilarity in between all of the difficult things Frodo and Sam are facing.
Merry and Pippin lament second breakfast
Once again, this is a moment when Merry and Pippin show that they are some of the funniest characters in the entire series. They have had pretty easy lives and been able to enjoy eating a lot and being pampered. So, they are rather appalled when they learn they won’t be able to get multiple meals a day while on the road.
They are so aghast that Aragorn ends up tossing them apples, and Aragorn is just as perplexed by the Hobbits’ behavior.
Gimli trying to keep up with Legolas and Aragorn
Other than Merry and Pippin, Gimli has the most comedic scenes in the films. While some fans love this, others feel like Gimli often was reduced too much to comic relief when he is also a fierce warrior with a royal history. However, there’s no denying he’s amusing and this makes him endearing.
When the trio is tracking the Uruk Hai, Gimli struggles to keep up. While dwarves do have great endurance, they don’t have the long legs and cardio in the same way that elves and a Dunedain ranger do.
Legolas and Gimli competing at Helm’s Deep
The relationship between Legolas and Gimli is one of the best in the series. They start out not liking each other at all because of prejudices that elves and dwarves have against one another, but they become very close friends. They do also like to compete over their battle prowess.
During the battle of Helm’s Deep, they try to one-up one another, and fans definitely loved these moments.
Merry and Pippin stealing the fireworks
Merry and Pippin show the kind of character they are right away as they are introduced in such a funny manner. The first time we see them on screen they are getting into Gandalf’s fireworks to steal them and let them off.
While the fireworks literally blow up in their faces, they are delighted by their sneakiness. But, Gandalf makes them learn a lesson by having them wash dishes.
“Toss Me!”
While it’s hard to say exactly which scene from the trilogy is the funniest, this one is definitely up there. Aragorn and Gilmi are trying to stop the Uruk Hai from breaching the Keep, and Gimli knows he doesn’t have the ability to jump the gap.
He tells Aragorn to toss him even though it hurts his pride. But of course, Aragorn promises to not tell the elf!
