Comedy films have long been a staple of American cinema. Though they were relevant throughout the early 1900s, they’ve become even more popular today. Because of this, we thought it was time to look at the greatest comedy films to date. To do this, we’ll be turning to the ranking system on Rotten Tomatoes.
The review aggregation website considers multiple factors when stacking up the best comedies: the year in which a film is released, the number of reviews it has, and the Tomatometer Score. The last of these — the Tomatometer Score — is most important; combing all the ratings from a wide range of reviews and criticism into one numeric tally. Combining all these factors earns a film the Adjusted Tomatometer Score, which is what we’ll be using to line up the best.
Updated on September 15th, 2022 by Jordan Iacobucci: As the years come and go, certain comedies stay with us more than others. Thanks to the critical review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, laughter-loving movie fans can explore the best films that Hollywood has to off. As such, the website offers twenty films that are considered to be the very greatest comedies ever made.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964) – 98%
Available On HBO Max
Those Beatles could act, and they did it with the fine style of dry British humor. With frenetic scenes sprinkled with fantastic songs, A Hard Day’s Night helped spawn several more British Invasion movies. It also influenced a certain Prefab Four TV show called The Monkees.
There’s only one problem with this Richard Lester-directed film; sometimes it’s hard to understand those boys from Liverpool. Not only do they talk fast, but they also speak over each other. The good news is A Hard Day’s Night can be watched several times. It’s best to pair it up with their 1965 color film, Help!
Paddington 2 (2018) – 99%
Available On HBO Max
Paddington 2 did well in the theaters when released, but viewership really increased when it came out on DVD and streaming services. The film is best known for surprising everyone when it earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, though the number would drop after one negative review following after its release.
Paddington 2 really connected with audiences thanks to its sweet comedy and the classic eponymous bear. Not to mention, it is a film that is truly made for the entire family. It also features a lovable cast that fans can’t help but identify with.
Zootopia (2016) – 98%
Available On Disney+
There are several levels to this Disney film. First and foremost, it’s a comedy. If there are any doubts, viewers simply have to view the scene where the main characters are at the DMV. On top of those scenes, Zootopia is also about prejudice, racial diversity, and police chases.
The underlying themes of the film are part of the reason that the movie did so well in theaters and homes. In fact, compared to Disney’s other fare, Zootopia felt more like a Pixar offering, with layers of meaning exemplifying its beautiful animation.
La La Land (2016) – 91%
Available To Rent On Apple TV
La La Land is a 2016 musical romantic comedy starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as two dreamers in LA chasing after their aspirations to varying levels of success. The film won numerous Academy Awards following its release and includes iconic performances from both Stone and Gosling.
La La Land is a film long remembered for its beautiful set design, hit musical numbers, and poingnant themes about what one must give up in order to chase their dreams. Though the film is best remembered by many for notably not winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards, La La Land is certainly one of the best comedies to come out of Hollywood in over a century of filmmaking.
The Kid (1921) – 100%
Available On HBO Max
Starring the iconic entertainer Charlie Chaplin, The Kid is a silent comedy film originally released in 1921. In the film, Chaplin’s character, the Tramp, must take care of a young child, as portrayed by Jackie Coogan. Hilarity ensues in true Charlie Chaplin fashion, making for one of the best comedies ever released.
Modern day viewers might find the moviemaking sensibilities of the 1920s somewhat off-putting, but The Kid is certainly a must-watch for any movie buff looking to study the origins of cinematic comedy. As one of several all-time classics from the mind of Charlie Chaplion, this film is certainly a benchmark in Hollywood’s history.
Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood (2019) – 85%
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime
Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood may have received mixed reviews upon its release, with people either truly loving it or they berating it for its length. However, after winning a number of Golden Globes and Oscars, the reviews began to tick upward, with the film now generally appreciated by general audiences and critics alike.
With a soundtrack stemming from classic Top 40 station KHJ and a classic recreation of 1960s Los Angeles, Tarantino put together yet another beautiful film. In addition, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio were a great comedy team, with the former winning an Academy Award for his work therein.
The Big Sick (2017) – 98%
Available On Amazon Prime
The Big Sick is a different type of romantic comedy. The film is based on a true story and focuses on the courtship between Pakistani comedian Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. The story takes a sudden twist, however, when Gordon’s character ends up in the hospital with a mystery illness.
From this point onward, Nanjiani’s character must help Emily’s parents determine what is causing her problems. In the meantime, he tries to handle his parents and their problems with him dating a non-Pakistani. In the end, The Big Sick catered to movie-goers who wanted laughs and an emotional catharsis.
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – 100%
Available On HBO Max
Singing in the Rain focuses on the transition between Hollywood’s silent film era and that of “talkies” in the 1920s. To do so, the film centers in on an aspiring actress who is set to complete the voice-over of a woman in a romantic musical.
The 1952 comedy was loaded with spirited songs, iconic scenes, and memorable characters. This has helped cement it as one of the most beloved films of all time, becoming an all-time classic and a must-watch for any lover of cinema.
The Farewell (2019) – 97%
Available On Paramount+
The Farewell sees a family discovering that their grandmother’s life is coming to an end. In response, they throw a wedding in order to reunite with her family in China one final time. The film has overall been considered to be one of Awkwafina’s best projects to date.
The 2019 comedy-drama was praised for layering family dynamics and featuring themes that were easy for audiences to resonate with. The strong acting was additionally praised, as was the film’s poignant conclusion.
A Night At The Opera (1935) – 97%
Available To Rent On Youtube
Though Queen’s landmark album has become better known than the film that shares its name, A Night at the Opera is one of the highest-rated comedies to come out of the 1930s. Starring the Marx brothers, the film follows a young tenor who desperately seeks the love of a fellow opera singer, though his lack of skill gets in the way of his romantic chances.
Those who are fans of the coemdic stylings of the Marx brothers are sure to find great enjoyment in revisiting one of their most beloved films. A Night at the Opera serves as a magnificent time capsule through which viewers can disappear into the very different world of 1930s America.
Coco (2017) – 97%
Available On Disney+
The comedy genre stretches far beyond live-action films. In fact, many animated movies are loaded with humor and life; Coco, one of several beloved hits from Pixar Animation Studios, is no exception.
Inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, the film follows a boy named Miguel, who hopes to one day become a famous performer. Because his family has a strict ban on music, however, achieving his dream will be no easy task. After falling into the Land of the Dead, Miguel might get the chance to prove himself — especially after learning of his song-filled heritage.
His Girl Friday (1940) – 99%
Available On Tubi
Starring Carey Grant and Rosalind Russell, His Girl Friday is a 1940 comedy film adapted from a stageplay by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. In the film, Grant and Rusell portray an estranged married couple that finds themselves caught up in a murderer’s schemes.
The film is a classic screwball comedy, exemplifying the 1940s greatest qualities in filmmaking. With two noteworthy leads and a story that quickly goes off the rails, modern viewers might be more engrossed by this film than they might have expected.
Booksmart (2019) – 96%
Though Booksmart‘s Amy and Molly have spent their entire high school career studying hard in order to get into good colleges, they start to reconsider their life decisions after learning that even the slackers have bright futures ahead of them. The pair decides to live up their final moments of high school by heading to an epic graduation party.
The film’s quick-witted humor and lively performances left viewers laughing, making Booksmart one of the biggest surprises of 2019. The film also launched Olivia Wilde’s career as a director, culminating in bigger and more buzzworthy films like Don’t Worry Darling.
Eighth Grade (2018) – 99%
Available On Paramount+
A coming-of-age tale, Eighth Grade is about a girl who struggles with social anxiety. Though she’s hopeful for high school, the end of middle school proves to be a challenge as she struggles to relate to her father, practice the confidence she preaches about online, and fit in.
The films’ genuine and intimate look at adolescence earned it plenty of critical acclaim. Leading actress Elsie Fisher seamlessly faded into her role, giving Eighth Grade an even more authentic vibe.
The Philadelphia Story (1940) – 100%
Available On HBO MAx
The Philadelphia Story is a romantic comedy originally released in 1940 based on a Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry. The film stars Carey Grant and Katherine Herpburn, as well as Jimmy Stewart in a supporting role.
With a cast of all-time greats and a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Philadelphia Story easily establishes itself as one of the greatest comedies ever made. The film is a tour de force of talent, culminating in a truly astounding final product.
BlacKkKlansman (2018) – 96%
Available To Rent On Apple TV
Though BlacKkKlansman is more regularly classified as a biographical crime film, Rotten Tomatoes has it falling into comedy territory, and one of the greatest ever made, as it would seem. The 2018 film tells of the first-ever black detective to work for the police department in 1970s Colorado Springs. Through his work, he hopes to take down the local Ku Klux Klan group.
BlacKkKlansman is relevant, thrilling, and interesting. The cast’s performances were also highly regarded, with several actors receiving Academy Award nominations for their roles in the film, with the movie eventually winning in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
Lady Bird (2017) – 99%
Available On Paramount+
Lady Bird tells the story of a Sacramento teenager attempting to get through her senior year at a Catholic high school. Though exploring romance, joining the theater group, and planning out her future is exciting, these experiences are dulled by the complicated relationship the titular character holds with her mother.
The spirited film was well-written and nicely cast, with Saorise Ronan shining in the leading role. Additionally, the early 2000s aesthetic and layered themes impressed critics, making the film a clear favorite at the following year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Toy Story 4 (2019) – 97%
Available On Disney+
The final installment in the Toy Story series saw Bonnie’s family and her toys embarking on a road trip. Though the vacation could be fun, it proves to be a challenge for Woody who is tasked with keeping Bonnie’s newest toy — a spork with googly eyes she named “Sporky” — from escaping to the trash. While Sporky is at first the one who struggles to accept his place as a toy, Woody starts to reconsider his own purpose after reuniting with Bo Peep.
The high-quality animations and overall warmth of Toy Story 4 made for one epic (and sweet) conclusion that is considered to be one of the best films of 2019, despite heavy competition from other major franchises. Though many were shocked at the film’s existence following the perfect ending of the previous installment, Toy Story 4 still managed to chart new territory in its beloved fictional world.
Modern Times (1936) – 98%
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime
The iconic Charlie Chaplin stars as Little Tramp once more in this 1936 slapstick comedy about a man who attempts to work through a modernized, industrial society. The film
Though Modern Times was stocked with laugh-worthy scenarios, it also represented the deeper struggle to get through life during the Great Depression. This, in combination with Chaplin’s with and charm, made Modern Times difficult to ignore.
It Happened One Night (1934) – 99%
Available To Rent On Amazon Prime
It Happened One Night tells of a wealthy socialite who escapes her father’s strict rule and falls for a recently-fired newspaper reporter. This iconic romantic comedy featured the talented Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in the main roles, making for one of the greatest films of all time, and the highest-rated comedy on Rotten Tomatoes.
Though Columbia didn’t expect the classic rom-com to fair well in theaters, its acting, dialog, and direction were praised by many. This made it the first film to win the “Big Five” Oscars at the Academy Awards, including that of Best Picture, cementing its place in cinematic history.
