Best Classic Comedies
Classic comedies have stood the test of time, showcasing timeless humor and often influencing subsequent generations of comedy films.
1. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Two musicians disguise themselves as women to escape the mob in this Billy Wilder classic.
Why it’s great:
- Stellar performances by Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe
- Clever screenplay with quotable dialogue
- Subversive take on gender roles for its time
2. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Stanley Kubrick‘s satirical take on Cold War politics and nuclear annihilation.
Why it’s great:
- Peter Sellers’ multiple memorable performances
- Biting satire of military and political leadership
- Blend of absurdist humor with genuine Cold War anxieties
3. The General (1926)
Buster Keaton‘s silent comedy follows a Confederate train engineer trying to recover his stolen locomotive.
Why it’s great:
- Keaton’s physical comedy and deadpan expression
- Impressive stunts and set pieces
- Blend of comedy with Civil War historical setting
4. Airplane! (1980)
This disaster movie spoof is filled with rapid-fire gags and absurd situations.
Why it’s great:
- Relentless pace of jokes and visual gags
- Clever wordplay and puns
- Deadpan performances in ridiculous scenarios
5. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
A romantic comedy about a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter.
Why it’s great:
- Star power of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart
- Witty dialogue and sophisticated humor
- Exploration of class and societal expectations.