Blu-ray.com Consensus - Top 50 COMEDIES

[chaopolis]

Blu-Ray.com Community Consensus - Top 50 Comedies

So, with Photogenic's Top 100 Films poll and CZAR's Top 20 Comic Book Films poll wrapping up, I figured I'd throw one into the ring.

Many Top Films polls tend to include dramas more than any other major genre. But, let's look at the lighter side of life. The films that make us laugh, make us... erm.... laugh, and make us.... LAUGH!

I'd like to find out from YOU (the Blu-Ray.com Community) what your 15 Favorite Comedies are. From there, we will compile that list to make a Community Consensus list of the Top 50 Comedies.


What Classifies a Comedy? (You May Ask... Maybe?)

1. A film that, throughout, MAKES YOU LAUGH. There are many films that have strong comedic moments, but would you consider them a true comedy at the end of the day?

2. Must be INTENTIONALLY FUNNY. Although many of us would agree that a film such as "Battlefield Earth" is HILARIOUS... it's for all the wrong reasons. If a film, when it was released, was not intended to be a comedy, then it probably shouldn't be on this list.

3. Oh yeah... it MUST BE A MOVIE. No television shows on this list... sorry folks.


How to Play!!! (aka Rules for the Oblivious/Uninitiated)

List your 15 (yes, FIFTEEN) favorite comedies, with your absolute favorite being NUMBER ONE (or UNO for our Region 4 friends). Under each film, please list/summarize why you love it so dang much.

Once the poll ends, we will score the films as such:

Number 1 spot = 15 points
Number 2 spot = 14 points
Number 3 spot = 13 points
etc, etc, etc...
Number 15 spot = 1 point

Then, we will release a series of YouTube VIDEOS announcing the WINNERS!!!

So, make that list!!!


(Here's mine...)

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

Although partly a horror/science fiction/comedy, Ghostbusters is first and foremost a comedy. I personally can't think of a single comedic MISS in the entire film. Almost 30 years later, I still laugh my ass off every time. It's a perfect blend of comedy and science fiction and horror (elements). A fun film through and through with pitch perfect performances by everyone (especially Bill Murray).

2. Blazing Saddles (1974)

More often than not, "offensive" films lose their spark after several years. Blazing Saddles is a film that not only STILL offends, but may be EVEN MORE offensive than when it was initially released! (Thank you, oh politically correct society we live in)

3. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Offering a surprising ONE-TWO punch in 1974, Mel Brooks delivered his two greatest films. The former being the... er... former film on this list, and the latter being Young Frankenstein. Blazing Saddles goes for offensive, broader laughs, but Young Frankenstein offers a clever spin on the horror genre, plus PERFECT performances by Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Madeline Khan, and EVERYONE ELSE IN THE FILM. It was a tough choice between Blazing Saddles and this for these spots.

4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

My favorite John Hughes comedy. Ferris Bueller succeeds on it's EXTREMELY likeable lead, played fantastically by Matthew Broderick. It's a great vicarious adventure that is still brilliant and still funny. RIP Mr. Hughes.

5. Airplane! (1980)

The ZAZ (Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker) team has produced many classic comedies in their time, but this one easily stands above them all (no offense Naked Gun). By taking the film Zero Hour, and adding, well, intentional jokes, they made one of the best comedies. Plus, they did something not normally done back then by casting dramatic actors in comedic roles... and it WORKS!

6. Trading Places (1983)

Once upon a time, Eddie Murphy was hilarious. Case in point, my favorite Eddie Murphy film, Trading Places. It's a fun rags to riches/riches to rags story, and an even better revenge story. However, as great as Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis are in this film, it's Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche as the hoist-toity, racist, douchecanoes: The Duke Brothers that make this movie for me.

7. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

Shockingly, my only animated film on the list. South Park was a bold move: Making a film based on a currently running TV show, which was only in it's second season. The result is a delightful offensive MUSICAL. And it's the MUSICAL aspect that puts it so high on my list. The songs MAKE this film!

8. ¡Three Amigos! (1986)

Speaking of great songs in film, ¡Three Amigos! has some wonderful musical numbers sprinkled throughout (though I certainly wouldn't call it a musical). This film scores on a fun fishes-out-of-water premise with a really fun villian and three great leads (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and, yeah, sure, even Chevy Chase). It's also... rather quotable. IT'S A SWEATER!

9. Hot Fuzz (2007)

One of two Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg/Nick Frost comedies on the list. Impressive, because they've made..... TWO FILMS together. Although I had the damndest time which one I liked better initially, Hot Fuzz succeeds more in my opinion over time. A great spin on the action-cop film.

10. Galaxy Quest (1999)

A WONDERFUL take on not only Star Trek, but also Star Trek fans. Similar to the plot of ¡Three Amigos!, Galaxy Quest is such a fun, little comedy that I DARE you not to like it... I DARE YOU! Never give up, never surrender!

11. Bowfinger (1999)

A VERY underrated film in my eyes. A splendid spoof of guerrilla filmmaking and Scientology. Steve Martin (who also wrote) is fantastic, and I consider this film to be the last great Eddie Murphy comedy. Gotcha suckas!

12. There's Something About Mary (1998)

The Farrelly Brothers have made many a comedy in their career, but this one's my favorite. While some were a little TOO sweet for their own good (:cough: Stuck on You), this one blends the sweet with the nasty so very well. Never have you wanted to root for a stalker so much...

13. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Film Number 2 in the EW/SP/NF-stravaganza, Shaun of the Dead succeeds for one of the reasons that Ghostbusters succeeds... it's a strong comedy and an equally strong horror film, but without forgetting that it's a comedy. So great!

14. Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

The film that introduced us to John Landis and Zucker-Abrahms-Zucker, KFM is a "sketch-comedy" film... but a delightfully offensive one, and MANY of the jokes still hit well. Plus, it has a WONDERFUL film within the film, the Enter the Dragon-spoof "A Fistful of Yen". If you haven't seen it, check it out. You'll laugh... I promise.

15. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

Yeah... I may catch hell for this one. But everyone's allowed to have that ONE guilty pleasure. I rank this film so HIGH (no pun intended) solely on the two leads that MAKE MAKE MAKE this film. If they had cast anyone else in this film, you wouldn't have cared... I wouldn't have cared. But it's their chemistry and charisma that take this above your "average" stoner comedy. It's just really damn fun.

Polling will close on Friday, October 5th, with the VIDEOS to follow (hopefully) shortly thereafter. It's important to include summaries under your films (but not mandatory). We hope to include a few select summaries in the announcement videos.

So... have fun, happy thoughts, and...... GO!

[CZAR]

So let me be clear. Can we list films like 48 Hrs, Bad Boys, Rush Hour etc.......or I guess multi-genre comedies. Like action/comedy or romantic/comedy or do u just want films that are pretty much str8 comedy like Porkys or Better Off Dead? Just want to clarify before I make my list. Got Em!!

[chaopolis]

Originally Posted by CZAR

So let me be clear. Can we list films like 48 Hrs, Bad Boys, Rush Hour etc.......or I guess multi-genre comedies. Like action/comedy or romantic/comedy or do u just want films that are pretty much str8 comedy like Porkys or Better Off Dead? Just want to clarify before I make my list. Got Em!!

You can. They just have to be films that, when you initially think of them, make you laugh. I consider the films you listed to be comedies.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by chaopolis

You can. They just have to be films that, when you initially think of them, make you laugh. I consider the films you listed to be comedies.

Ok I got it. Got Em!!

[surfdude12]

1. Monty Python & The Holy Grail
2. Office Space
3. Dumb and Dumber
4. Groundhog Day
5. The Jerk
6. Monty Python & The Life of Brian
7. The Big Lebowski
8. Planes Trains & Automobiles
9. Dr Strangelove
10. Spaceballs
11. The Naked Gun
12. National Lampoon’s Vacation
13. Airplane!
14. Play it Again Sam
15. Monty Python & The Meaning of Life

[Tav]

1. Caddyshack
2. Kingpin
3. Blazing Saddles
4. Monty Python & The Holy Grail
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
6. Animal House
7. Big Deal On Madonna Street
8. Fast Times At Ridgemont High
9. Airplane
10. This Is Spinal Tap
11. 1941
12. The Pink Panther Strikes Again
13. Sleeper
14. Young Frankenstein
15. The Naked Gun

[CZAR]

1. Can't Buy Me Love (1987)


2. Coming to America (1988)


3. Trading Places (1983)


4. White Men Can't Jump (1992)


5. Liar Liar (1997)


6. Porky's (1982)


7. Back to the Future (1985)


8. Back to School (1986)


9. Friday (1995)


10. Half Baked (1998)


11. Rush Hour (1998)


12. Accepted (2006)


13. Caveman (1981)


14. American Pie (1999)


15. Grandma's Boy (2006)


Got Em!!

[master_8ball]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

1. Monty Python & The Holy Grail
2. Office Space
3. Dumb and Dumber
4. Groundhog Day
5. The Jerk
6. Monty Python & The Life of Brian
7. The Big Lebowski
8. Planes Trains & Automobiles
9. Dr Strangelove
10. Spaceballs
11. The Naked Gun
12. National Lampoon’s Vacation
13. Airplane!
14. Play it Again Sam
15. Monty Python & The Meaning of Life

Nice list, looks similiar to how mine would come out... Based off your list I think I might need to check out Play it Again Sam, never heard of it.

edit: hmmm... never been much of a Woody Allen fan.

[Al_The_Strange]

01: Back to the Future
02: Wall-E
03: Finding Nemo
04: Kick-Ass
05: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
06: Airplane!
07: Monty Python's Life of Brian
08: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
09: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy
10: Zoolander
11: Dumb and Dumber
12: Office Space
13: Ghostbusters
14: Animal House
15: Despicable Me

Runner-ups:
Airplane II: The Sequel
Animal House
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
The Breakfast Club
Return of the Pink Panther
The Pink Panther Strikes Again
Spaceballs
Tropic Thunder
Dead Alive (Braindead)
Evil Dead II
Army of Darkness
The Simpsons Movie
The Incredibles
Despicable Me
Kung Fu Panda

[Moviefan2k4]

I don't think I can get to the 15 mark, but I'll take a crack at this anyway...

1) Back to the Future

I love the whole trilogy, but the first has a very special place in my heart. I never had a father growing up, and I've lost count of how many times I've wished I could've changed it. Looking back as an adult, the whole "ripple effect" makes more sense, as we have no idea how such a drastic shift would impact the present. I guess that, in the end, no Dad is better than a bad one. Also, I was bullied like crazy in school, and wished I could've fought back. I just didn't see myself as worth it, so I didn't bother. I wanted friends, even if they were the crazy guys no one else understood.

2) The Mask (1994)

This movie came out when I was 14, and I remember relating to Stanley Ipkiss, because he was always the one everybody took advantage of...but under the power of that magical mask, he could turn the tables, and do almost anything he wanted. Plus, he got a gorgeous babe to actually love him for who he was in the end...what respectable guy wouldn't want that?

3) Flight of the Navigator

I grew up watching this on the Wonderful World of Disney, and it still lifts my spirits. I really think the best comedies are ones that give the viewer a real purpose, instead of relying on crudeness or shock value. The tale of a kid who suddenly goes missing for 8 years, only to find a wisecracking alien ship is responsible...I love it. For years, I thought I'd been mistaken about Paul Reubens voicing Max; I didn't realize until years later that he'd used a pseudonym.

4) "Perfect Strangers" (TV Series)

This was my generation's version of "The Odd Couple". An uptight, demanding, insecure guy from a huge family, living with his "related by rumor" cousin from the distant island of Mypos. I first saw this when I was probably about 8 years old, and laughed like crazy. My mother has compared me to Balki at various times; I can even do a good impression of "that voice".

5) "Family Matters" (TV Series)

Spun off from "Perfect Strangers" (which I didn't find out until much later), the oddball adventures of the Winslow family - usually caused by neighbor Steven Q. Urkel - was a regular experience every week in my home. I felt sorry for Jaleel White, when he got typecast, but at least people still remember him for it (some actors don't even get that). I was also horrified and sad to learn of what happened to Jamie Foxworth and Michelle Thomas.

6) "The Cosby Show" (TV Series)

Dr. William H. "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is widely recognized as one of America's "favorite TV Dads", and with good reason. In almost every episode, he and the whole cast mixed a healthy amount of laughs with great lessons on many topics. I'm still trying to find a copy of the 25th anniversary DVD boxset, because I missed it during the first release.

[chaopolis]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I don't think I can get to the 15 mark, but I'll take a crack at this anyway...

Hmm, I may have to throw in a "It Must Be a Film" rule. But thanks for adding, nevertheless.

[Shanderson88]

Originally Posted by chaopolis

Hmm, I may have to throw in a "It Must Be a Film" rule. But thanks for adding, nevertheless.

I can't wait until Perfect Strangers makes the top ten of a Consensus Comedy Film list.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I don't think I can get to the 15 mark, but I'll take a crack at this anyway...

[Show spoiler]1) Back to the Future

I love the whole trilogy, but the first has a very special place in my heart. I never had a father growing up, and I've lost count of how many times I've wished I could've changed it. Looking back as an adult, the whole "ripple effect" makes more sense, as we have no idea how such a drastic shift would impact the present. I guess that, in the end, no Dad is better than a bad one. Also, I was bullied like crazy in school, and wished I could've fought back. I just didn't see myself as worth it, so I didn't bother. I wanted friends, even if they were the crazy guys no one else understood.

2) The Mask (1994)

This movie came out when I was 14, and I remember relating to Stanley Ipkiss, because he was always the one everybody took advantage of...but under the power of that magical mask, he could turn the tables, and do almost anything he wanted. Plus, he got a gorgeous babe to actually love him for who he was in the end...what respectable guy wouldn't want that?

3) Flight of the Navigator

I grew up watching this on the Wonderful World of Disney, and it still lifts my spirits. I really think the best comedies are ones that give the viewer a real purpose, instead of relying on crudeness or shock value. The tale of a kid who suddenly goes missing for 8 years, only to find a wisecracking alien ship is responsible...I love it. For years, I thought I'd been mistaken about Paul Reubens voicing Max; I didn't realize until years later that he'd used a pseudonym.

4) "Perfect Strangers" (TV Series)

This was my generation's version of "The Odd Couple". An uptight, demanding, insecure guy from a huge family, living with his "related by rumor" cousin from the distant island of Mypos. I first saw this when I was probably about 8 years old, and laughed like crazy. My mother has compared me to Balki at various times; I can even do a good impression of "that voice".

5) "Family Matters" (TV Series)

Spun off from "Perfect Strangers" (which I didn't find out until much later), the oddball adventures of the Winslow family - usually caused by neighbor Steven Q. Urkel - was a regular experience every week in my home. I felt sorry for Jaleel White, when he got typecast, but at least people still remember him for it (some actors don't even get that). I was also horrified and sad to learn of what happened to Jamie Foxworth and Michelle Thomas.

6) "The Cosby Show" (TV Series)

Dr. William H. "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is widely recognized as one of America's "favorite TV Dads", and with good reason. In almost every episode, he and the whole cast mixed a healthy amount of laughs with great lessons on many topics. I'm still trying to find a copy of the 25th anniversary DVD boxset, because I missed it during the first release.

Haha this dude only listed 6 titles and 3 of them are tv series hahahahah. In the words of Keyshawn Johnson.................Cmon man! Got Em!!

[Gaius Marius]

All right:

1. Galaxy Quest (great to see some love for this movie in the OP)
2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
3. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
4. Office Space
5. Spaceballs
6. Revenge of the Nerds
7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
8. National Lampoon's Vacation
9. Blazing Saddles
10. Dr. Strangelove
11. The Hangover
12. Ghostbusters
13. Clerks
14. Mallrats
15. Eurotrip

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Haha this dude only listed 6 titles and 3 of them are tv series hahahahah. In the words of Keyshawn Johnson.................Cmon man! Got Em!!

Well, I'm very indecisive when it comes to naming anything as a firm favorite, and most of what passes for "comedy" these days is not to my liking at all. If it wasn't in any kind of order, I'd probably have added more.

[JavaJulien]

For my list I'm focusing exclusively on comedic films.

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
2. The Producers
3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
4. Shrek 2
5. Blazing Saddles
6. Ghostbusters
7. Some Like it Hot
8. Coming to America
9. The Graduate
10. Spaceballs
11. Tropic Thunder
12. Anchorman: Legend of Ron Burgundy
13. The Nutty Professor (1996)
14. Cable Guy
15. Friday

[blufellas]

1. Play It Again Sam
2. Theres Something About Mary
3. The 40th Year old Virgin
4. Swingers
5. Office Space
6. Airplane!
7. The Big Lebowski
8. Dumb and Dumber
9. Young Frankenstein
10. Fast Times At Ridgemont High
11. Just One Of The Guys
12. Three O'clock High
13. Clerks
14. Animal House
15. Shaun of the Dead

[blakeyamc]

Top 15.
1. The Royal Tenenbaums
"Ethel: How long have you been a smoker?
Margot: 22 years.
Ethel: Well, I think you should quit. "

2. Duck Soup
"Rufus T. Firefly: Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Chicolini: I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll take five and ten in Woolworth. "

3. Annie Hall
"Duane: Can I confess something? I tell you this as an artist, I think you'll understand. Sometimes when I'm driving... on the road at night... I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The... flames rising out of the flowing gasoline.
Alvy Singer: Right. Well, I have to - I have to go now, Duane, because I, I'm due back on the planet Earth. "


4. Animal Crackers
"Capt. Spaulding: Why, you've got beauty, charm, money! You *have* got money, haven't you? Because if you haven't, we can quit right now. "

5. The Princess Bride
"Inigo Montoya: Probably he means no *harm*.
Fezzik: He's really very short on *charm*.
Inigo Montoya: You have a great gift for rhyme.
Fezzik: Yes, yes, some of the time.
Vizzini: Enough of that.
Inigo Montoya: Fezzik, are there rocks ahead?
Fezzik: If there are, we all be dead.
Vizzini: No more rhymes now, I mean it.
Fezzik: Anybody want a peanut? "

6.Ed Wood
"Bela Lugosi: Karloff? Sidekick? **** YOU! Karloff did not deserve to smell my shit! That limey ********er can rot in Hell for all I care!
Edward D. Wood, Jr.: What happened?
Bela Lugosi: How dare that ******* bring up Karloff? You think it takes talent to do Frankenstein? It's all makeup and grunting. "

7.Ghost World
"Sidewinder Boss: Hey! Hey! You! How many times I tell you? No shirt, no service! Get the hell out of my store! What do you think this is, Club Med?
Doug: It's America, dude. Learn the rules.
Sidewinder Boss: Learn the rules? YOU learn the rules! We Greeks invented democracy!
Doug: You also invented homos.
Sidewinder Boss: **** you!
Doug: [with a mouthful of beef jerky] You wish. You gotta buy me dinner first! "

8. Shaun Of The Dead
"Ed: I'm sorry, Shaun.
Shaun: It's OK.
Ed: No, I'm *sorry*, Shaun.
Shaun: What?
[smells Ed's fart]
Shaun: Oh, God, that's rotten!
Ed: I'll stop doing it when you stop laughing!
Shaun: I am not laughing! "

9. The Big Lebowski
"The Dude: It's like what Lenin said... you look for the person who will benefit, and, uh, uh...
Donny: I am the walrus.
The Dude: You know what I'm trying to say...
Donny: I am the walrus.
Walter Sobchak: That ****ing *****...
The Dude: Oh yeah!
Donny: I am the walrus.
Walter Sobchak: Shut the **** up, Donny! V.I. Lenin. Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov!
Donny: What the **** is he talking about, Dude? "

10. Harvey
"Elwood P. Dowd: Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it. "

11. Dr. Strangelove
"President Merkin Muffley: Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room. "

12. Clerks
"Randal Graves: People say crazy shit during sex. One time I called this girl "Mom." "

13. Young Frankenstein
"Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: What knockers.
Inga: Oh, thank you doctor. "

14. The Naked Gun
"Frank: Wilma, I promise you; whatever scum did this, not one man on this force will rest one minute until he's behind bars. Now, let's grab a bite to eat."

15. Office Space
"Bob Slydell: I'd like to move us right along to a Peter Gibbons. Now we had a chance to meet this young man, and boy that's just a straight shooter with upper management written all over him. "

[octagon]

Airplane!
Young Frankenstein
This is Spinal Tap
A Christmas Story
Arsenic and Old Lace
The Blues Brothers
Caddyshack
Room Service
The Other Guys
Men in Black (1934) (this was very nearly A Plumbing We Will Go)
Animal House
Beverly Hills Cop
What's Up, Tiger Lily?
The Big Lebowski
National Lampoon's Vacation

-and if this one went to twenty-

Manhattan Murder Mystery
Bedazzled (1967)
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
The Odd Couple
The Princess Bride

[J. J. Hunsecker]

1. Take the Money and Run
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3. Bananas
4. Young Frankenstein
5. Cold Turkey (1971)
6. Sherlock Jr.
7. Steamboat Bill, Jr.
8. Sleeper
9. Blazing Saddles
10. Duck Soup
11. Bedazzled (1967)
12. The Producers (1968)
13. How To Get Ahead in Advertising
14. Some Like it Hot
15. Vacation