A good dumb comedy movie can be just the tonic you need after a long and tiring day. They allow us to switch off our brains and simply enjoy whatever silly amusements they have in store for us. While there have been plenty of stupid movies that we get a few giggles from and then forget all about, there have also been some that have become iconic classics of the genre with their underlying brilliance and have kept movie lovers coming back for repeat rewatches.
While all of these movies run with a silly brand of comedy, beneath their exteriors of crude humor and low-brow appeal there lies a creative comedy mastery that is easy to overlook in itself, but gives these films a quality that many others lack. From satirical masterworks to the gold standard of stoner comedies, the characters in these films may be dumb, but don’t go thinking the movies themselves are too.
30 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' (2004)
Directed by Adam McKay
A hilarious example of Will Ferrell at his eccentric and outlandish best that has also become one of the most quotable movies of all time, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy can only be viewed as one of the best comedy films of the 21st century thus far. It follows a famous newsreader in 1970s San Diego as his celebrity appeal is threatened when the network hires the ambitious Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) to be his co-anchor.
With a stellar supporting cast including Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and David Koechner, the film thrives off the back of its gag-a-minute silliness and its absurd buffoonery that primarily takes aim at the issues of sexism in a male-dominated industry. Remaining relevant after 20 years – and one not so good sequel – Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is stupid comedy at its brilliant, unbridled best.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date July 9, 2004 Director Adam McKay Cast Will Ferrell , Christina Applegate , Paul Rudd , Steve Carell , David Koechner , Fred Willard Runtime 94 minutes 29 'The Mask' (1994)
Directed by Russell Chuck
There are few comedians who have used physical comedy to explore silly humor with the pizzazz and pop-culture punch of Jim Carrey. One of the best examples of his excellent eccentricity comes in the form of the 1994 movie, The Mask. Carrey stars as a meek banker whose life is transformed when he adorns the magical mask of the Norse god Loki. Becoming a confident and charismatic playboy, he pursues a relationship with a nightclub singer and even robs a bank, landing him in trouble with a local crime lord.
Both bombastic and breezy, The Mask whisks by at a rapid pace that, while it doesn’t always hit its mark, is wise enough to hinge its comedic might on Carrey’s starring role and Cameron Diaz’s equally strong supporting performance. An icon of 90s comedy, its zany appeal has endured for three decades as an inspired dose of pure, unadulterated ridiculousness.
The Mask
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date July 29, 1994 Director Chuck Russell Cast Jim Carrey , Peter Riegert , Peter Greene , Amy Yasbeck , Richard Jeni , Orestes Matacena Runtime 97 mins28 'Wet Hot American Summer' (2001)
Directed by David Wain
Despite releasing as a critically derided box office flop, Wet Hot American Summer has gradually amassed a cult following, largely as its spectacular comedy cast has found fame in the ensuing years. A parody of 80s sex comedies, it takes place on the last day of a summer camp as the young counselors scramble to fulfill all their romances and desires as the camp builds up to an evening talent show before finishing.
While it can still be divisive, many have come to appreciate it as a wonderfully silly send-up that has enough love for 80s comedy to be sincere in its parody while still taking aim at the obvious pitfalls within it. It also served as a launchpad for the likes of Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, Joe Lo Truglio and Bradley Cooper.
Wet Hot American Summer
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date July 27, 2001 Director David Wain Cast Janeane Garofalo , David Hyde Pierce , Michael Showalter , Marguerite Moreau , Paul Rudd , Zak Orth , Christopher Meloni , A.D. Miles Runtime 97 Minutes27 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin' (2005)
Directed by Judd Apatow
The film that consolidated Steve Carell as a comedy star capable of leading a film, The 40-Year-Old Virgin excels as a crude yet sincere rom-com that features a profound love story and plenty of laugh-out-loud hilarity. It focuses on an ordinary store clerk who, it is discovered, has never had sex. As his colleagues try to help him pop his cherry, he begins to develop a romance with local entrepreneur, Trish Piedmont (Catherine Keener).
Managing to be both sweet and smutty, the film continues to be celebrated for its deft balancing act of raunchiness and romance and the manner in which it blends the two to form a realistic love story. That being said, it is still difficult to go past moments like the famous chest-waxing sequence as the most ridiculously funny moment the film offers.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date August 11, 2005 Director Judd Apatow Cast Steve Carell , Catherine Keener , Paul Rudd , Romany Malco , Seth Rogen , Elizabeth Banks Runtime 11626 'The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!' (1988)
Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker
With spoof movies standing as some of the greatest hits of 80s comedy, it should come as no surprise that genre star Leslie Nielson stands as one of the cinematic icons of the decade. Among his very best outings with the directing trio known as Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker is 1988’s police parody The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!. The film follows Nielson’s bumbling NYPD officer as he hunts down a notorious criminal with a plan to assassinate the queen of England.
Flying by at a rapid rate with visual gags, obscene puns, and plenty of unapologetically crass humor, the film is a relentless assault of ingeniously stupid hilarity. Interestingly, it is based on an earlier television collaboration between Nielson and the directors known as Police Squad!, a 1982 comedy series that ran for just one season.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date December 2, 1988 Director David Zucker Cast Leslie Nielsen , Priscilla Presley , Ricardo Montalban , George Kennedy , O.J. Simpson , Susan Beaubian Runtime 85 minutes 25 'Bubba Ho-Tep' (2002)
Directed by Don Coscarelli
Few films have mixed such absurd stupidity with striking comedic genius to such a degree as Bubba Ho-Tep. The underrated cult classic follows an aged and in-hiding Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell) and a Black John F. Kennedy (Ossie Davis) who reside in a nursing home and must join forces when an ancient Egyptian mummy starts sucking people’s souls out through their anuses.
Within the confines of its utterly ridiculous premise, the film excels with its razor-sharp comedic punch and two exceptional starring performances from Campbell and Davis. With its schlocky B-movie charm, Bubba Ho-Tep has an uncanny ability to put broad grins on the faces of viewers and even earned critical acclaim upon release, however, it sadly flopped at the box office and has struggled to find the popularity it thoroughly deserves retrospectively, even with its cult status.
Bubba Ho-Tep
RRelease Date June 9, 2002 Director Don Coscarelli Cast Bruce Campbell , Ossie Davis , Ella Joyce , Heidi Marnhout , Bob Ivy , Edith Jefferson Runtime 9224 'No Hard Feelings' (2023)
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky
One of the more recent entries in the wheelhouse of raunchy comedy hits, No Hard Feelings coasted on Jennifer Lawrence's star power and comedic prowess as it delved headfirst into the awkwardness of love and sex. Lawrence portrays Maddie, a struggling single mother who responds to a peculiar Craigslist ad from two over-protective parents seeking someone to date their 19-year-old son before he goes to college.
No Hard Feelings is rife with cringe comedy and social awkwardness, but also boasts an offbeat charm stemming from the underlying good nature of its two lead characters. While it is able to shock and even embarrass audiences at times, it never strives to be offensive or harmful and ends up being a bizarrely endearing romantic comedy.
No Hard Feelings
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date June 23, 2023 Director Gene Stupnitsky Cast Jennifer Lawrence , Laura Benanti , Natalie Morales , Ebon Moss-Bachrach Runtime 103 minutes23 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' (1994)
Directed by Tom Shadyac
Jim Carrey is the unequaled master of ‘90s comedy, with 1994 a ridiculous year for the comic actor. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective was just one of his massive hits for the year, standing as one of his most celebrated comedy pictures as Carrey stars as the titular private investigator who specializes in cases concerning animals, with the Miami Dolphins contacting him to help them find their missing mascot, Snowflake.
The story seldom rises to astonishing heights, but it does serve as a more than adequate platform for Carrey to indulge in his physical comedic style with unreserved commitment. It is a tour de force outing from the famed leading man, and a quintessential watch for all Carrey fans as it sees the gross-out humor and the twitchy gags come thick and fast.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date February 4, 1994 Director Tom Shadyac Cast Jim Carrey , Courteney Cox , Sean Young , Tone Loc , Dan Marino , Noble Willingham Runtime 86 minutes22 'Cocaine Bear' (2023)
Directed by Elizabeth Banks
With a very loose basis on a true story of a 500-pound bear ingesting a copious amount of cocaine, the aptly named Cocaine Bear was invigorated with a chaotic and ultra-violent vibrancy which made it a modern pop-culture sensation. Following misfit groups of kids, cops, and criminals, it centers on the Georgia forest, a botched drug smuggling operation, and an apex predator on a drug-fueled rampage.
Mixing its action-comedy ridiculousness with overtones of animalistic horror and crime-thriller, Cocaine Bear was never afraid to lean into its story's inherent absurdity with glorious vigor. The end result is an obscenely captivating spectacle that takes audiences on a pulsating ride of far-fetched stupidity which was much more brilliant than it had any right to be.
Cocaine Bear
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date February 24, 2023 Director Elizabeth Banks Cast Keri Russell , Alden Ehrenreich , O'Shea Jackson Jr. , Ray Liotta , Isiah Whitlock Jr. , Brooklynn Prince Runtime 95 minutes21 'Scary Movie' (2000)
Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayons
From Leslie Nielson’s comedies of the '80s to more recent and much more obvious parodies, the spoof movie genre has been a mainstay of low-budget, easily accessible comedy for decades. At its absolute best, the subgenre excels at lampooning trends in the film industry while also poking fun at the messages contained within the movies they spoof.
The first of the Scary Movie franchise did this incredibly well, targeting the horror genre, namely the Scream films which rose to prominence through the late '90s with their own sense of self-awareness. Such was Scary Movie’s brilliance, the film had many of its own moments which became iconic comedy scenes, and it even spawned a saga, though none of its sequels were able to match the original’s sense of pointed fun.
Scary Movie
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date July 7, 2000 Director Keenen Ivory Wayans Cast Carmen Electra , Dave Sheridan , Frank B. Moore , Giacomo Baessato , Kyle Graham , Leanne Santos Runtime 88 20 'Zoolander' (2001)
Directed by Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller is certainly no stranger to exaggerated, skewering spoofs of eccentric industries. His 2001 hit Zoolander still stands as one of Stiller's best films, excelling as both irreverently silly escapism and as a scathing jab at the fashion industry. It focuses on two rival male supermodels who are reluctantly united when they uncover a fashion designer's elaborate plot to use one of them to assassinate the Malaysian Prime Minister.
Making the absurd story work around the constant jokes within its 89-minute runtime is an impressive feat on its own, but it’s in the dialogue where Zoolander’s true genius resides. Not only is Zoolander an endlessly quotable movie, but it’s so unbelievably, perfectly stupid that it’s easy to underestimate how brilliant it actually is.
Zoolander
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date September 28, 2001 Director Ben Stiller Cast Ben Stiller , Owen Wilson , Christine Taylor , Will Ferrell , Milla Jovovich , Jerry Stiller Runtime 8919 'MacGruber' (2010)
Directed by Jorma Taccone
While movies adapted from Saturday Night Live sketches haven't always struck gold, 2010's action parody MacGruber can be regarded as something of a brilliant outlier. A raw and unbridled spoof of the popular 80s television series MacGyver, it prods at the tropes of action blockbusters and espionage thriller, often in the most glaring and grotesque way possible, as it focuses on the titular hero as he comes out of retirement to avenge his murdered wife and save the world in the process.
Beneath its shocking humor though, there is a lot going on in terms of deconstructing genre tropes and critiquing the machismo of the typical action hero. It’s not the most skewering satire by any stretch, but there’s no small amount of pointed parody that makes MacGruber’s (Will Forte) battle with Dieter von Cunth (Val Kilmer) all the more enjoyable.
Macgruber
RRelease Date May 21, 2010 Director Jorma Taccone Cast Will Forte , Kristen Wiig , Ryan Phillippe , Val Kilmer , Powers Boothe , Maya Rudolph Runtime 8818 'Spaceballs' (1987)
Directed by Mel Brooks
A mastermind of stupid yet ingenious comedy cinema, Mel Brooks directed many iconic films throughout the 20th century, with one of the all-time great spoofs coming in the form of Spaceballs which lampooned many of the blockbuster sci-fi titles of the 70s and 80s with a relentless appetite for silliness and smut. Primarily mocking the Star Wars films, it follows a mercenary as he sets out to save Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from an intergalactic warlord and his chief enforcer, Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).
The spoof movie received only mixed reviews from critics, but it was more warmly embraced by fans who adored how it played with the sci-fi genre and its many hit sensations. It has become a revered cult classic, a highlight in Brooks’ career, and a defining entry in the spoof comedy subgenre.
Spaceballs
PG Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date June 24, 1987 Director Mel Brooks Cast Mel Brooks , John Candy , Rick Moranis , Bill Pullman , Daphne Zuniga , Dick Van Patten Runtime 96 17 'American Pie' (1999)
Directed by Paul Weitz
As a slightly less abrasive evolution of the teen sex comedies of the 1980s, the American Pie movies developed something of a legacy thanks to their irreverent charm as well as their notoriously smutty and vulgar comedic tastes. The first film in particularly thrived in this regard, following four high school boys who make a pact to lose their virginity by the end of the upcoming prom night, only for some of them to fall in love in the process.
From Jim’s (Jason Biggs) exploits with a certain apple pie to the cringe-worthily depictions of the characters’ first times, American Pie is riotously funny and embarrassingly earnest. While it’s had many sequels and spin-offs, none have matched the sheer uncomfortable genius of American Pie, nor the underlying heart with which it addressed friendship and young love.
American Pie
NR Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date July 9, 1999 Director Paul Weitz , Chris Weitz Cast Jason Biggs , Chris Klein , Thomas Ian Nicholas , Alyson Hannigan , Shannon Elizabeth , Tara Reid Runtime 9516 'Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping' (2016)
Directed by Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer
An underappreciated comedy gem that deals directly with celebrity stardom in the modern era, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping was a sharp and shocking mockumentary, music satire that displayed the genius of The Lonely Island at its very best. The film follows eccentric musician Connor Friel, or Connor4Real (one of Andy Samberg's most hilarious roles), the lead member of a pop rap group whose debut solo album becomes a commercial disaster, leaving the egocentric artist desperately clinging to his celebrity status.
With its gross-out body humor, obscene language, and dozens of celebrity cameos, the parody excels in its most ridiculous moments of shallowness and vanity. It’s hilarious, recklessly inappropriate, way over-the-top, and a perfect parody of some of the social media-infested, popularity-stunting music stars of the modern day.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
RRelease Date June 3, 2016 Director Akiva Schaffer , Jorma Taccone Cast Andy Samberg , Jorma Taccone , Akiva Schaffer , Sarah Silverman , Tim Meadows Runtime 8715 'Step Brothers' (2008)
Directed by Adam McKay
Hot off the success of the ridiculous sporting comedy Talladega Knights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, comedy collaborators Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly were working together again on what would become one of the biggest comedy hits of the 21st century. Step Brothers follows the pair as two middle-aged men still living at home whose rivalry turns to friendship with hilarious results as their parents start seeing each other.
Regardless of whether they’re feuding over Dale’s (Reilly) drum kit or bonding while making bunk beds, the duo’s non-stop antics made for a relentless comedic sensation. With its many quotable lines and hilarious situations the pair find themselves in, Step Brothers continues to thrive in mainstream pop culture as one of the greatest stupid funny movies in recent decades.
Step Brothers
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date July 25, 2008 Director Adam McKay Cast Will Ferrell , John C. Reilly , Mary Steenburgen , Richard Jenkins , Adam Scott , Kathryn Hahn Runtime 98 minutes 14 'Kick-Ass' (2010)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Something of a marriage between the formulaic superhero formula of genre tales like Spider-Man and ultra-violent, profanity-riddled, stylish excess, Kick-Ass was an energetic, engaging triumph that has grown more adept as a parody as the superhero genre has reached its zenith. Adapted from the irreverent Marvel Comics series, it follows a New York high schooler as he caves into his daydreaming and becomes an unlikely superhero, teaming up with other vigilantes and battling the city's criminals in the process.
Imbued with fantastic characters like the vengeful ex-cop and ruthless vigilante Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and his foul-mouthed heroine daughter Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz), as well as Christopher Mintz-Plasse's scheming villainous underling Red Mist. While it boasts an abundant absurdity that is easy to dismiss as high-octane ridiculousness, Kick-Ass should truly be viewed as a masterful blending of action and comedy that lands plenty of mocking yet adoring jabs at superhero tropes.
Kick-Ass
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date April 16, 2010 Director Matthew Vaughn Cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Chloe Moretz , Nicolas Cage , Christopher Mintz-Plasse , Clark Duke , Evan Peters Runtime 117 minutes13 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' (2004)
Directed by Danny Leiner
A subversive yet defining hit of 2000s stoner comedy, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle transcends the tropes of its subgenre with an intelligence that it has never been given enough credit for. The simple premise follows the titular stoners as they embark on a journey to quell the munchies with a burger from White Castle, however, they must overcome many unexpected obstacles on the way and encounter several bizarre characters on their voyage.
In addition to running as a surprisingly smart comedy, Harold & Kumar was also ahead of its time in breaking down racial stereotypes with its leading duo, whereas many other comedies of the era would have exploited their ethnicities for gags to the point of exhaustion. At the same time, it never shied away from the wickedly offensive gags which made the stoner comedy so popular in the first place.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date May 30, 2004 Director Danny Leiner Cast John Cho , Ethan Embry , Robert Tinkler , Fred Willard , Kal Penn , Steve Braun Runtime 8712 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' (1997)
Directed by Jay Roach
With major spy franchises like the James Bond saga struggling to reach their past heights, there was a brief time in the late 90s and very early 2000s when Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery wasn’t only a fantastic parody, but the pinnacle of the spy genre as well. Lampooning the campiness of the Bond movies, Austin Powers was rife with purposefully anachronistic gags and sci-fi hilarity while thriving as an entertaining and light-hearted comedy flick.
In addition to writing the screenplay, Mike Myers also starred as multiple characters, namely Austin Powers, a British spy from the 1960s who is awoken from cryogenic sleep when his evil nemesis returns. A major source of its comedy genius was Myers and how, while he parodied Bond and 1960s cinema relentlessly, he always had an earnest appreciation for what it was he was mocking.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Release Date May 2, 1997 Director Jay Roach Cast Mike Myers , Elizabeth Hurley , Michael York , Mimi Rogers , Robert Wagner , Seth Green , Fabiana Udenio , Mindy Sterling Runtime 89 Minutes 11 'Team America: World Police' (2004)
Directed by Trey Parker
Through their work on the animated comedy series South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone have established themselves as maestros of mixing crass humor with masterful social satire to hilarious effect. That reputation was only further enhanced with their comedy film Team America: World Police, which satirized America’s war on terrorism and Hollywood elites while parodying action cinema.
It follows a global counter-terrorism unit who recruit a Broadway actor to help infiltrate a terrorist plot as the group’s destructive methods invite criticism. From its graphic puppet sex to its mocking of numerous Hollywood actors, Team America: World Police was as offensive as could be, counting itself among the many movies that couldn't have been made today. That said, it excelled as an astute skewering of post-9/11 America which pulled no punches as it attacked both sides of politics.
Team America: World Police
R Where to Watch*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Release Date October 15, 2004 Director Trey Parker Cast Trey Parker , Kristen Miller , Maurice LaMarche , Daran Norris , Matt Stone , Masasa Runtime 98 minutesncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kwLXBz6KbZpuforKlxYympq%2Bhlah8