Weigh in: The funniest films of the last 25 years gallery

Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:30 AM EST

what a stupid list! not one steve martin comedy??? have you ever seen DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS or THE JERK or THREE AMIGOS? I suggest you do so and then think about your list again...

teba Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 09:13 PM EST

This list was obviously made up by a 15 yr old! What about Monty Python's Life of Brian? What about Peter Seller's as the Pink Panther or in Dr Strangelove? What about Harold and Maude? What about Bringing Up Baby? What about Raising Arizona? There are TONS funnier than some of these worthless flic's! You oughta get someone who at least has stopped sucking their thumb...

LB Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

no zoolander? what a travesty

Braden Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 02:51 AM EST

I guess no one's commented yet on Vacation coming in at #2 b/c everyone agrees it should be there. But I've got to say it certainly deserves that spot.

amy Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

One of the WORST lists EW has ever released. I think I only agreed with 5 films on the list. Dumb and Dumber, the Toy Story series, Meet the Parents, Coming to America, Home Alone, Friday, Forrest Gump, Oceans 11, Ice Age, Shrek, Groundhog Day, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, Tommy Boy, and Trains, Planes, and Automobiles are all list worthy.

movie fan Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:49 PM EST

Okay, today I saw a grabage truck owned by a private company. On the side of the truck it said, "When you think of garbage, think of us." The fact that Coming to America is so quoteable that it is referenced in business advertising should be enough to get it a place on the list.

No Mel? Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:29 PM EST

I defy anyone not to smile at the following:

1.
We are men... we are men in tights
We roam around the forest looking for fights.
We are men... we are men in tights.
We rob from the rich & give to the poor, that is right.

We may look like sissys,
but watch what you say or else we will put out your lights. (bang)

We are men... we are men in tights
always on guard defending the peoples rights.

(Can can music)
la la la la la la la la la, la la la la la la la la la...
lalalalalalala (repeat).

2. Unlike SOME Robin Hoods, I can speak with a British accent!

Mike Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

Can't believe Eddie Murphy's Nutty Professor and The Klumps did not make the list. Those are two of the funniest movies I ever saw.

Darth Cheney Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:12 PM EST

I forgot about....
Shanghai Noon
Bowfinger
Get Shorty
Flashback
The Rundown
Strange Brew
Legally Blonde
Robin Hood: Man in Tights

They had decent plots and plenty of laughs.

Jake Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST

Agreed on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Shaun of the Dead. But where is Hot Fuzz?

TGrinnalds Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 08:36 PM EST

I can't believe you find Chris Farley funny.

JackOLantern Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

I got 4 words for you .... Midnight Run.

Booker T Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

The Jerk was before '83. I dig the Guest films and The Big Lebowski, but where is Raising Arizona (1987)? What about the first Friday (1995)?

Mark Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Seriously. Wedding Crashers? This is on the list? And higher than Clueless, Best in Show? I thought this was about humour, not played out, pathetic frat boys. And am I the only who thought Superbad was kind of boring?

scott Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Your list is dumber-er...

Robert Napoli Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

Where is Repo Man? The funniest movie of the 80's.

mick x Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

dumb and dumber!

Steve Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 04:35 PM EST

With Napoleon Dynamite, you either got it, or you didn't. I got it. It's personally in my top 25.

Joellan Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

Knocked Up.

kurupt Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

worst list of all time

mikey mike Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

Here is my list and let me know which is better....

25. Porky's
24. South Park
23. Team America
22. Naked Gun
21. Scary Movie
20. Austin Powers
19. Clerks
18. Old School
17. Ace Ventura
16. Napolean Dynomite
15. Tropic Thunder
14. Anchorman
13. Superbad
12. Billy Madison
11. Trading Places
10. Wedding Crasher
9. 40 year old virgin
8. Ghost Busters
7. Nation Lampoon Vacation
6. Half-Baked
5. Big Lobowski
4. Beverly Hills Cop 3
3. Tommie Boy
2. Theres Something About Mary
1. Office Space

ste Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

The Jerk!!!! "For one dollar, I will guess your weight, your height or your sex"-BRILLIANT!!!

Wayne Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

I agree - delete Napoleon Dynamite.

Meet the Parents belongs.

And, another that is one of the funniest ever is Blind Date with Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger.

stayclassy Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Anchorman!!! How could that be missed love old school but Anchorman beats it by a mile!

Samsara Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels!
Freddy Benson: Excuse me. May I go to the bathroom first?
Lawrence Jamieson: Of course you may.
Freddy Benson: [after a pause, and with relief] Thank you.

Joe Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

O, and stop putting Napolean Dynamite on your lists, it's not funny. At all.

Joe Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:20 PM EST

How can Galaxy Quest not be on this list?? Without a doubt, the funniest movie I've ever seen. Never give up, never surrender!

DK in Atlanta Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

I don't think I saw it - but my "guilty pleasure" comedy is Dumb and Dumber. I'm embarassed to say how much I laugh at that movie ("We got no friend, we got no money, our pets heads are falling off")

Janitor Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

A dark horse pick: Snakes on a Plane!! Sam Jackson doin' his thang, in a movie that knows exactly what it's here to do, and does it extremely well.

And to the Borat supporters, sorry but it won't stand the test of time. I loved it too, but it's too dependent on shock value to ever be a "classic".

z Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

No Holy Grail?

Fletch Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

Forgive me, La Gabriela. I know that I, Fletch-e, do not have your superior intellect and education. But could it be that once again, you are angry at something else, and are looking to take it out on me?

Janitor Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

How could I forget? Team America! F*ck yeah! (thanks, iamevilhomer) Also: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (word to NPH)

Mike Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM EST

Who put this list together...some fifteen year old whose only be watching movies for the last 5 years? What about Spaceballs, Better off Dead, One Crazy Summer, Sixteen Candles, Wierd Science, or Revenge of the Nerds? Come on it's Revenge of the Nerds! And Old School's on there? That movie sucked! Maybe Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield.

Janitor Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:38 PM EST

Anchorman!!! (yes, three exclamation marks were necessary). It will never be fully appreciated for its sheer genius because a)there will be people/Will Ferrell fans in the "didn't get it" camp b)to fully appreciate all the little nuances/subtle gags it takes multiple viewings. I (and many others) will quote this movie till the day I die.

Old School? Weak story. Wedding Crashers? Weighed down by the Owen Wilson-chasing-Rachel McAdams. Anchorman? Perfect. "60% of the time it works, every time." [Blades of Glory gets my vote, too]

Gabriela Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

What about Three Amigos? It has the holy trinity of comedy... Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Everyone knows and loves El Guapo... and it is because of this movie that I bothered to learn what a "plethora" was...

Martha Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

I have to second the votes for "Groundhog Day," "Princess Bride" and "Ferris Bueller," especially "Groundhog Day." I saw it again a few months ago and it's just as funny now as when it came out...maybe even more so with all the giant 90s hair.

michelle Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

Can't believe only one other person has mentioned Clue. Tim Curry+Michael McKean+Madeline Kahn= one of the best casting decisions ever made.

KLF Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

My guilty pleasure....Dodgeball should definitely be on the list. Whenever I need a laugh, it works for me. How about Death at a Funeral? Absofreakinlutely hysterical!

iamevilhomer Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

without repeating much of what has already been said...how about Team America: World Police, What About Bob, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, even Benchwarmers was better than half the stuff on this list

Bad List Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

I am in 100% agreement with everyone who listed Coming to America. Just let your Soul Glo!

Also, what about Friday? It launched the careers of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. What, did the real EW staff get fired on their day off?

"SAVE FERRIS!" Put him on the list!

Movies that have not been mentioned:

1. Rush Hour - "Who y'all think y'all got - Chelsea Clinton?!?"

2. House Party - It was innocent fun with a good message. It was also hip-hop's first real movie, paving the way for stars like Will & Latifah.

3. Look Who's Talking - very sweet with a lot of laughs that were original at the time.

4. Home Alone. Seeing it in the theater for the first time was an experience of riotous laughter and family fun.

5. Meet the Parents is not on the list? Hard to beleive.

6. Analyze This - Introduced us to DeNiro as a comedian. Add to this list immediately unless "You want a fresh one?!"

7. DOGMA! - This movie is simply brilliant. Kevin Smith's best.

Chris Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

What about Howard Stern's Private Parts? One of the funniest movies I've ever seen!

Greg Arkadin Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

I can't believe I have to mention this, but Lost in America should in the top five, if only for the scene where Albert Brooks tries to get his money back from the casino.

Gary R.G Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

I can't believe my favorite comedy of all times Coming to America is not on the list.Hippopotamus Sh**

Brad Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

How about Midnight Run? Besides Spinal Tap, no movie has consistently makes me laugh harder. Robert Deniro and Charles Grodin made a fantastic team.

And for low-ball humor, no Sandler flicks? No Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, The Wedding Singer or Waterboy?

Wojo Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

I was going to read through all the comments out of curiosity, but when I saw the 9th post mentioned "The Mask" as something that was left off, my head exploded. Besimon, you're probably not still looking at this comments section, but if you are, I highly suggest giving that movie another viewing and re-evaluating your opinion.

Andy Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

I agree Caddyshack was funny, but that's pre-1983 everybody so that wouldn't make the cut.

I agree, Fletch and Spaceballs should have been included.

CAJUNSBLUES Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

List needs work. Badly

And they should of had SuperTroopers or Beerfest. Very few people i know can not quote one of these 2 movies. So when you quote it to them, they laugh.

Michael Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

Agreed on Napolean Dynamite. Hated it.

Where's Drop Dead Gorgeous on this list. Mocumentary about a small town beauty pagent with Kirsten Dunst pre-Spiderman and Denise Richards pre-crazy B****. How can you go wrong?

Bowfinger Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

I loved Bridget Jones Diary... classic British Comedy. Also Toy Story 2 was a great (golden globe winning) movie. Finally, you gotta admit the Spicegirls Movie was a riot.

V Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

Overall, not a bad list, but as folks have pointed out, there are certainly some classics missing:
Coming to America (Eddie in his prime. "Queens!")
Raising Arizona ("I'll be takin' these Huggies and whatever cash you got!")
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles ("Those aren't pillows!")

But I'd like to throw in two movies I don't think I've seen mentioned here:
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka: maybe not worthy of the Top 25, but come on, they've got Wilona from Good Times! And Chris Rock! One rib!

Tommy Boy: Every time it's on, I just smile. Great cast, totally quotable. "Housekeeping. You want mint for pillow?" I miss Chris Farley.

Dave Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

I liked the list, for the most part, but also would have liked to see movies like "Spaceballs," "Groundhog Day," and "Plains, Trains, and Automobiles." From the latter, Steve Martin spouting the f-bomb about 19 times in the car rental scene is one of the funniest parts of any comedy since 1983.

strickens_girl Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

Not terribly disappointed with the list but a few I'd add are Ferris Beuller's Day Off, The Princess Bride, Groundhog Day and O Brother Where Art Thou? I own all of those watch at least one of them when I'm depressed and need a really good laugh.

stuck Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Who ever made this list is stuck in the 80's and prejudice. Barely any African American comedies expect for Eddie Murphy.

Joan Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

I agree - Napolean Dynamite was horrible. I couldn't finish it the first time but tried a few months later thinking I missed something. I made it through the whole thing but it seemed like forever. I was so happy when it was over.

Chris Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

This list is absolute garbage. How in the world is Clueless and When Harry Met Sally on here but somehow movies like Fletch and Coming to America, Razing Arizona, Dumb and Dumber this could go on and on. I would like to know what the criteria for this list was or if it is just somebody’s opinion. Either way I don’t agree with much on the list like Ghostbusters while a good movie is nowhere near the funniest movie of the last 25 years.

Chris

Tom Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

What?!! "Joe Dirt".."Joe Dirt"..Don't try to Church it up Son....Best comedy in the past decade...by far.

strat douthat Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

How in the world could you have not included Men In Black? It's twice as smart and funny as most of the movies you are touting. (Nothing with Adam Sandler is remotely amusing)

diggity Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

I was forced to finish Napoleon Dynomite. It was against my will and left me wondering why i was friends with these people....

Steve Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

After reading some of the comments, there are sooooo many movies that should have made the list:

Borat (funniest movie in the past 10 years)
Spaceballs (May the Schwartz be with you!!)
Anchorman (what a classic)
Austin Powers: The spy who shagged me (What is it, spitz or swallows)
Coming to America

I think that the 40 year old Virgin should have been ranked higher.

Anne Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST

Julie, you have company. I could not finish Napolean Dynamite.

Julie Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

Quoting Rahul :

WHAT'S WRONG

"'Napoleon Dynamite' is one of the most overly-hyped pieces of crap ever released. Everyone was raving about it when it came out; I rented it on video and lunged for the eject button after 15 minutes."

THANK YOU!!! I seriously thought I was the only one who thought this movie was complete crap!!!

david lane Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

No Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, or Monty Python? Give me a break.

diggity Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

I agree that Heathers should be in there. Its one of the best movies ever!

I also wish Zoolander was on the list. Thats my favorite Ben Stiller movie.

I also love the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous with Kirsten Dunst and Denise Richards. If you have never seen it, it is highly recommended. Just leave your sensitivities at the door!

Anne Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST

I too was a bit disappointed with the list. I have not seen Tropic Thunder, and have no doubt that it is funny, but it has been out less than a month! And while When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite movies, I would not have put it in this category. Wholeheartedly agree that Coming To America and Ferris Beuller would have been better choices. And Super Troopers ("and that was the second time I got crabs"). I need to buy Coming To America..."Sexual Chocolate!" And with that bit of rambling, back to work.

Walter Otto Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

Silver Streak!! Caddyshack!

Douglas Foster Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:09 AM EST

If Wedding Crashers belongs, then another half-hilarious, half-OK movie belongs: Ishtar. Bad press notwithstanding, Dustin Hoffman training the clueless Warren Beatty in the ways of women, and the two writing and singing horrible songs horribly, make the first half of Ishtar priceless and irresistible.

Gary Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

I am more than surprised that "Weekend at Bernie's" is not on this list. For sheer genius of comedic plot this film can't be beaten by anything within the time frame or the films you've selected here. The performance of Terry Kiser as Bernie is unique and on par with any of the great slapstick comedians of any era, including Charlie Chaplin.
I checked on the NetFlix reviews which are a summation of real peoples input and it is rates as 5-Stars!

Lauren Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

Borat should absolutely be on the list.

Jerry Bunn Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World have to get on the top 25 somewhere. Classic stuff.

Uknuvuna Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

Like others, Caddyshack was great, Trading Places and Sleeper......guess they're all a little old but still great.....'You can't stay young forever, but you can certainly remain immature'.

Fletch Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:57 AM EST

I think everyone has good input. There are ALOT of older movies that were blatantly overlooked.

On the other hand, I believe "Caddyshack" is pre-1983. If not, it should be #1. That's just a fact.

Keith Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:53 AM EST

Young Frankenstein
Night Shift
Animal House
Blazing Saddles

Oh, wait. Those were pre-1983.
What a sorry collection of humor since then.

JLaw Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

Uh, like, was Dumb and Dumber made in the last quarter century?

And Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller, Princess Bride and Groundhog Day have withstood the test of time... can't say that for some of these newbies.

Fred Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:43 AM EST

Where is "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back?" That was the funniest movie ever!

Brandon Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

I am totally shocked and thrilled to see Ghostbusters top the list! This has been one of my favorite movies since I was a little kid and had all the toys. It is still one of the few movies that I laugh out loud at no matter how many times I've seen it. The story holds up incredibly well and for me, other than one scene of the "dogs" running through the streets, the effects hold up too. And really I hate when people criticize an older movie because the effects "don't hold up." Please, with all the advances of course effects are going to begin to look dated decades later. A lot of the CGI stuff from just a few years ago looks dated. That's like criticizing old movies for being black-and-white because they were made before the introduction of color film. The story is still there though. Anyway, rant aside, I am happy to see one of my favorite movies in its rightfully deserved spots. It seems this movie doesn't quite get the respect it deserves often enough.

NewList Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Where's "Throw Momma From the Train?"

Glaring Omission Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Dumb and Dumber? Not one of the funniest 25 movies of the past 25 years? I thought the list was pretty good, but to not include Dumb and Dumber is just, well... dumb.

Hey. Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?

Snaoogans Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Missing: Caddyshack, Dude Where's my car, Ferris Beuller, Breakfast Club,
Dirty Rotten sCoundrels, A christmas Story, Mallrats, Great Outdoors, Animal House, Porkies, Revenge of the nerds, Clue

Bad calls - Tropic Thunder and anything less than 3 yrs old. They have not been around long enough to really show their longevity or a true following long term.

Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Supper troopers?

Buck Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Where is Anchorman, Coming To America, Friday??? I like Chaddogg's list better than the what's listed.
How in the world did Ghostbusters and When Harry Met Sally make the list?

Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:35 AM EST

This list sucks! Anyone who thinks "When Harry Met Sally" was funnier than "Anchorman" has a serious issue. How in the world did Anchorman not make this list.

IBC Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

I am amazed that Mel Brooks' Spaceballs
did not make it on the list. It's a classic!

Auriana Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie

sharon Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

I was thrilled to see Ghostbusters on the list (I don't think I've laughed so hard during a movie as the first time I saw the giant Stay Puff Marshmallow Man). And, I LOVE Christopher Guest and the Big Lebowski! Good picks.

But, how could you not include Princess Bride? Coming to America ("We're back Mortimer! We're back")?

Scott Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM EST

All good choices -- but where is Clue? D:

Kerri Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 07:44 AM EST

I understand that lists like these are completely subjective, but I have to say that I was surprised at how many of the movies on the list I didn't like or have never seen. It's also sad that there aren't more genuinely funny movies of the last 25 years. Anyways, I wish to add "Princess Bride", "The Wedding Singer", "Shrek", and "Meet the Parents/Fockers". Thank you.

Chaddogg Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 07:09 AM EST

Wow. No Ferris Bueller? No Caddyshack? No Groundhog's Day? No Anchorman? No Swingers? No Coming to America? No Mean Girls?

I think the "left-off" list might be better than the Top 25 list.

millie fay Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:17 AM EST

My all time fave is BEETLEJUICE. How funny is that show? Should be on the list. Also, Weekend at Bernies, is one funny movie. It has to be hard to pick just 25.

debb17055 Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:00 AM EST

I just saw Groundhog Day & The Ref within the past 4 months. I have for years said that my favorite all time all movie was "Something Wild" with Jeff Daniels & Melanie Griffiths & Ray Liotta (IMDb) didn't even have Ray listed on the first page of the actors, now that is criminal. He was such a huge part of the success in the impact of the story line. Enough about that.
In conclusion, I would have to say my favorite all time comedy movie is "The Ref" with Denis Leary. I watched it in August when it was 80+ gazillion degrees and still laughed my butt off. Groundhog Day was another one that I sort of blew this one off, being from PA, I thought it would just be another opportunistic showcase. I stand corrected, this movie was hilarious!!!

Tom Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 05:49 AM EST

The Big liebowski and Fight club is probably the funniest films I saw in this period. If you haven't tried them out yet , you should.

Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:51 AM EST

There could have been more for us younger folk. "Mean Girls"! Not "Napoleon Dynamite"...

Adam Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 12:25 AM EST

I LOVE FLETCH. That would be Fletch M. Fletch. Using the whole fist there doc?

Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

No Caddyshack?

rosie Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

OMG!!! How could anyone forget "Arthur" and "Folks"

Alex Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

As usual, I suspect EW is being run by a bunch of 20-year-olds with no perspective beyond the past 5 years. (sorry to offend any 20-year-olds who might actually appreciate older movies). Tropic Thunder after it's been out for all of 2 weeks? Huh?
Where the heck is . . .
the Princess Bride?
Back to the Future?
Swingers? (Wedding Crashers and Old School might've never happened had Vince Vaughn not had his breakthrough in Swingers!)
Coming to America??!?

Melinda65 Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:09 PM EST

Overboard and Galaxy Quest--two of my favorites. I watch Overboard every time I come across it while changing channels. I suppose I should really just buy the DVD. O Brother is riotously surreal. One of these days, I will actually see Shaun of the Dead (and Slither) since I've heard so many others praise them.

As dumb as Zoolander is, it's also hilarious. And while I'm not a Jim Carrey fan, Liar, Liar and Bruce Almighty are both funny movies.

Tino Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 09:54 PM EST

Some good calls here in the comments - this is what I see missing:
Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller, Swingers, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Princess Bride, Anchorman and Groundhog Day.

Bad calls: Napoleon Dynamite, Tropic Thunder and whatever that British movie was at #25.

Houstonian Jen in DC Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 09:29 PM EST

I just looked at the list for the first time and before I started I thought, "Coming to America has GOT to be on this list." Alas, it was not to be. What is wrong with y'all, EW? Sexual Chocolate!!!!

ronald Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 09:13 PM EST

Coming to America should be #1

Brad in Ohio Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 09:03 PM EST

Darth, thanks for pointing out "Shaun of the Dead".
And I feel you as far as the age thing. Sometimes it feels like EW.com should be No Posting for Old Men.

I just made that up as I was typing. I'm kinda proud.

Darth Chaney Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

Well, I am wondering about some others that make me laugh...
O Brother Where art Thou?
Overboard
Shaun of the Dead
Wayne's World
Princess Bride
Waking Ned Devine
Galaxy Quest
Ruthless People
Back to the Future

I realize most of my picks are older, but so am I.

Shannon Troughhton Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

funniest movie ever is original in-laws

Brad in Ohio Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

How about 'Heathers'?
...."I love my dead gay son!"

David D Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 08:00 PM EST

I do realize that all these "Best" lists are intended to make outraged readers say "How could you leave out..." But how could you leave out "Ruthless People" and "The Ref"?

raiderrick311 Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 07:24 PM EST

Great list... However, I can't believe that there was no mention of any Jim Carey films (as much as he is overdone...dumb and dumber is a classic that will never forgotten). Also, no mention of Zoolander as well (it doesn't get more classic than dying in a freak gasoline fight). Last but not least they left out one of the great kings of comedy.... John Candy (Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, are a few that come to mind). Never the less a great list!

LisaM Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 06:58 PM EST

What about Election?

Papa Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

A Fish Called Wanda...great comedic actors John Cleese, Michael Palin, a very sexy Jamie Lee Curtis; and an Oscar winning performance by Kevin Kline...simply ga ga ga great...right k k k k Ken?

Kai- Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

Glad to see that Trading Places still ranks. It is on my all time top 10 list. But where is My Cousin Vinny? I will always stop and watch this movie if I'm channel surfing and come upon it!

Iva Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 05:13 PM EST

Umm, one word ... BORAT!!!!!!!!

morgan Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

I know Wedding Crashers was a huge hit, but I didn't think it was THAT funny, not enough to make the list. I'm surprised Office Space was so high, though I do enjoy the movie. I think it might be too soon for Superbad to be on there, too. I loved it, but it just came out. I would also agree with adding the princess bride.

Melinda65 Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

I, too, think that "The Princess Bride" should be on the list. We watch it at our house several times a year and laugh at the same parts every time. Also, "A Christmas Story" is one of our favorites, so I bought the DVD so we didn't have to wait for TBS's annual marathon.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but one of the movies that has made me laugh the hardest is "Bean." Peter MacNichol's look of horror when he sees the havoc that Bean has wrought is wet-your-pants inducing.

Rahul Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:51 PM EST

Sorry, two more that were overlooked:
'Groundhog Day' - I can 't believe Lisa Schwarzbaum didn't fight to get this movie on the list.
'Zoolander' - All of the actors/celebs do a great job playing it straight in this ridiculously funny movie.

Chris Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

Tropic Thunder was decent, but not worthy of this list. I disagree with those who say that its too soon to put Superbad on the list - that was an amazing movie. I'd add Mean Girls and Knocked Up also. Mean Girls is THE definitive high school music of the 2000s, and Knocked Up is just hilarious.

Rahul Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

WHAT'S WRONG

'Napoleon Dynamite' is one of the most overly-hyped pieces of crap ever released. Everyone was raving about it when it came out; I rented it on video and lunged for the eject button after 15 minutes.
'Wedding Crashers' was a comedy for the first half of the movie, then turned sappy and boring. I think I feel asleep by the end.
'Office Space' is another overly-hyped comedy. I recently saw it again just to be sure I didn't miss anything, but the workplace humor they displayed remains as unfunny in 1999 as it does today.
'Tropic Thunder' - It's too soon to put that recent a movie on this list.

WHAT'S MISSING

'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' - Frankly, I think you guys missed the boat by not putting a John Hughes comedy on the list, and this is the funniest of his or any movie from the 1980's.
'Coming to America' - Granted, you put another John Landis-directed Eddie Murphy movie ('Trading Places') on the list, but this one is so quotable, I can't understand why it's missing.

Brad in Ohio Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

I love that two of the comedies that I watch at least once a year and still laugh at either made the Top Ten,"A Fish Called Wanda", or is getting a lot of love from posters,"Raising Arizona", which made me laugh so much more than the other admittedly great Coen Bros. movie "Big Lebowski". I also love the Christopher Guest movies getting listed. Unfortunately, humor is all a matter of taste. Anyone else think "The Princess Bride" should be on the list?

My Dog's Name is Venkman Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST

Oh, and I totally said "Look kids, it's Big Ben" while stuck in a roundabout a few months ago in Indianapolis. My friend I was with didn't get it. :-(

My Dog's Name is Venkman Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

"Ghostbusters" is my favorite movie of all time and I was SO freakin' pumped to see it at number one. Ok, some of the special effects look a little weak now (especially when shown on TV; the remastered dvd is better), but other than that it has aged REALLY well. Anyone who says otherwise is as "d-less" as Walter Peck, IMHO. :-D

Fletch Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

Am I the only person on the planet that thought "My Blue Heaven" and "The Freshman" were funny?

Don't know that they should be on this list, but for some reason, Besimon mentioning "Groundhog Day" made me remember them...

besimon Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

It bears repeating - Tropic Thunder and SuperBad? What were you thinking? How about Uncle Buck, School of Rock, Groundhog Day, KingPin, Ruthless People, Turner & Hooch, The Mask, Back to the Future, LA Story, Beetlejuice, to name a few.

sarah Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:04 PM EST

Um, Talledega Nights? It took a couple of watchings, but I've since decided it's the funniest movie I've ever seen. Ghost Busters? Not so great on repeat viewings. Kudos on putting Office Space so high up though.

LJ Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

Seems a bit biased toward newer movies. Tropic Thunder, Superbad? Sure they're funny, but I think you need some perspective before you can lump them onto a best-of list.

And Ghostbusters? Sorry, I just watched it recently and didn't think it aged well at all. It was still funny, but the effects-driven parts kinda fell apart.

Deids Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

Just have to say a huge kudos for putting Ghostbusters at the top of the list. This is truly one of the most perfect modern comedies around. And I agree with previous posters...Raising Arizona would have been an excellent addition.

Bosko Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:37 PM EST

Tropic Thunder? Come on now. Over comedy classics like Raising Arizona and Planes, Train and Automobiles!
Give your collective heads a shake!

Fletch Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

Jeez, Donner, you are right. I forgot about "Raising Arizona". I don't think I'm stopped laughing once that whole moive.

"Junior just had himself an ak-cee-dent." Oh, good God!

Fletch Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Surprised (and pleased) to see "Ghostbusters" at #1. Surprised (and disappointed) to see neither "Zoolander" or "Friday" on the list. I don't see how you can make it through either movie without howling out loud at lease once.

donner Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

did I miss something? you have Tropic Thunder on this list and not Raising Arizona? wow...

b0bbyr0we Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM EST

I know you are all about The Incredibles, but please rewatch Finding Nemo. Its just as sweet and heartwarming as your remember, but you clearly forgot that its the funniest movie, animated or otherwise, in years.