A curated collection of the greatest comedies ever made, celebrating decades of unforgettable characters, iconic performances, and laugh-out-loud storytelling.

A Definitive List for Comedy Lovers

December 4, 2025: Comedy is one of cinema’s most universal and enduring genres — a space where filmmakers experiment with wit, timing, satire, absurdity, and heart. Critics from around the world have weighed in to create a definitive ranking of the 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time, blending beloved classics with modern favorites that continue to influence audiences and storytellers today. Whether rooted in clever writing, cultural commentary, slapstick energy or unforgettable performances, these films represent the genre at its very best.

The Top 10 Comedy Films of All Time

Below are the Top 10 entries from the full critics’ list — the films most often cited as masterpieces of comedic cinema:

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Airplane! (1980)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Groundhog Day (1993)

Bridesmaids (2011)

Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Superbad (2007)

The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Princess Bride (1987)

These top-ranked selections earned praise for their cultural impact, memorable dialogue, and continued relevance in shaping comedic storytelling.

Classics That Shaped the Genre

Many comedy films from earlier decades continue to stand tall among critics’ rankings. Titles like Duck Soup, The Philadelphia Story, Blazing Saddles, and The Apartment showcase how timeless humor can transcend generations. Their influence remains fully intact, inspiring both modern comedies and contemporary filmmakers who draw from their sharp writing and bold approaches.

Modern Hits That Earned Their Place

While classics dominate the early rankings, several modern comedies have quickly secured iconic status. Films such as Mean Girls, The Hangover, Shaun of the Dead, Step Brothers, and Booksmart highlight the evolving nature of humor — blending self-awareness, sharp dialogue, and cultural commentary that resonates with today’s audiences.

International Films Make a Strong Showing

Critics also spotlighted global comedic gems, including Amélie, Parasite (for its darkly comedic undertones), Cinema Paradiso, and The Intouchables. These selections reveal comedy as a universal language, capable of capturing the human experience through different cultural lenses.

Why This List Matters

This curated ranking reflects decades of cinematic history and showcases comedy’s unique power to unite audiences through laughter. It also highlights how the genre continues to evolve — integrating satire, heart, absurdity, and emotional depth to tell stories that entertain and endure.

A Genre Built to Last

From timeless black-and-white classics to bold modern blockbusters, the critics’ list of the 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time proves that great comedy never loses its spark. These films remain essential watches for movie lovers who crave humor, heart, and unforgettable storytelling — reminding viewers why comedy continues to be one of cinema’s most cherished genres.