20 Hilarious Comedy Movies from the 1960s You Need to Watch
The 1960s were a wild time for comedy films, blending sharp wit, slapstick chaos, and bold satire that mirrored the era’s social changes. From quirky musicals to biting political jabs, these movies brought laughter to audiences while pushing creative boundaries.
Whether you’re into zany adventures or clever character-driven stories, this list of 20 comedy gems from the decade has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the films that still make me chuckle years later.
20. ‘The Nutty Professor’ (1963)
Jerry Lewis shines as Julius Kelp, a clumsy chemist who transforms into the smooth Buddy Love after drinking a mysterious potion. The contrast between his awkward and suave personas is pure comedic gold.
This Jekyll-and-Hyde-inspired tale showcases Lewis’s knack for physical humor and wild character switches. It’s a fun, over-the-top ride that keeps you laughing at his antics.
19. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964)
This film follows The Beatles as they dodge fans and prep for a big TV performance, with their cheeky humor stealing the show. It’s a lively snapshot of Beatlemania.
The mix of catchy songs and playful chaos captures the band’s charm. I love how it feels like a whirlwind day with the Fab Four.
18. ‘The Fortune Cookie’ (1966)
Jack Lemmon plays a cameraman faking an injury for a big insurance payout, roped into the scheme by his shady lawyer, Walter Matthau. Their chemistry is electric.
Billy Wilder’s sharp direction blends humor with a touch of cynicism. The film’s clever dialogue and sneaky twists make it a standout.
17. ‘The Party’ (1968)
Peter Sellers is hilarious as Hrundi V. Bakshi, an actor who accidentally wrecks a Hollywood party. His bumbling charm drives the comedy.
Directed by Blake Edwards, this film thrives on Sellers’s improv skills and absurd situations. It’s a chaotic, laugh-out-loud mess in the best way.
16. ‘Yours, Mine and Ours’ (1968)
Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda star as a widow and widower blending their massive families—18 kids total. The chaos of their household is comedy gold.
The film balances heart and humor, with Ball’s comedic timing shining. It’s a feel-good story about love and family mayhem.
15. ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ (1960)
A florist’s assistant, played by Jonathan Haze, nurtures a bloodthirsty plant in this quirky horror-comedy. It’s weird, dark, and oddly charming.
Roger Corman’s low-budget gem leans into its absurdity, with a young Jack Nicholson stealing scenes. The plant’s demands still crack me up.
14. ‘Casino Royale’ (1967)
This spy spoof throws multiple James Bonds, including David Niven and Peter Sellers, into a ridiculous plot to stop a villain. It’s pure, silly chaos.
The star-studded cast and over-the-top gags poke fun at the Bond craze. I enjoy its wild energy, even if it’s a bit messy.
13. ‘The Silencers’ (1966)
Dean Martin plays Matt Helm, a cool spy battling a villainous plot to spark World War III. It’s a slick, funny take on the spy genre.
The film mixes action, charm, and goofy humor, with Martin’s charisma carrying it. The lighthearted vibe makes it a breezy watch.
12. ‘Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine’ (1965)
Vincent Price plays a mad scientist creating robot women to scam rich men in this wacky spy parody. It’s as bizarre as it sounds.
Frankie Avalon’s bumbling agent adds to the fun, and Price’s campy villainy is a treat. The film’s sheer silliness keeps me grinning.
11. ‘Carry On Cleo’ (1964)
This British comedy spoofs Roman epics, with Kenneth Williams as Julius Caesar and Amanda Barrie as a ditzy Cleopatra. It’s cheeky and absurd.
The Carry On series’ low-budget charm and sharp wit shine here. The historical gags and colorful cast make it a riot.
10. ‘The Producers’ (1967)
Mel Brooks’s debut follows two schemers, played by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, trying to flop a Broadway show for profit. It’s bold and hilarious.
The ‘Springtime for Hitler’ number is daringly funny, and the leads’ panic is perfect. This satire still feels fresh and outrageous.
9. ‘The Great Race’ (1965)
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star in a zany car race from New York to Paris, packed with slapstick and a massive pie fight. It’s gloriously over-the-top.
Blake Edwards directs with flair, and the cast’s energy is infectious. The absurd stunts and gags keep the laughs coming.
8. ‘One, Two, Three’ (1961)
James Cagney plays a fast-talking Coca-Cola exec in Cold War Berlin, juggling his boss’s wild daughter. Billy Wilder’s satire is sharp and snappy.
The rapid-fire dialogue and political jabs hit hard. Cagney’s performance makes this a fast-paced, laugh-filled gem.
7. ‘The Apartment’ (1960)
Jack Lemmon’s insurance clerk lends his apartment to executives for their affairs, sparking romance and chaos. It’s a bittersweet comedy classic.
Billy Wilder crafts a perfect blend of humor and heart, with Shirley MacLaine shining. The sharp script makes every scene pop.
6. ‘The Pink Panther’ (1963)
Peter Sellers’s bumbling Inspector Clouseau chases a stolen gem in this slapstick masterpiece. His comedic timing is unmatched.
Blake Edwards’s stylish direction and Henry Mancini’s iconic score elevate the fun. Clouseau’s clumsy antics always make me laugh.
5. ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’ (1963)
A star-studded cast races across the country for buried treasure in this epic comedy. The chaos is relentless and hilarious.
Stanley Kramer blends slapstick with witty banter, and the ensemble shines. The wild energy makes it a timeless romp.
4. ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Julie Andrews plays the magical nanny bringing joy to a stuffy family, with Dick Van Dyke as her quirky sidekick. It’s pure charm.
The mix of live-action, animation, and catchy songs like ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ is delightful. This family classic never fails to entertain.
3. ‘The Odd Couple’ (1968)
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau play mismatched roommates—a neat freak and a slob—clashing hilariously. Their chemistry is unbeatable.
Neil Simon’s script is packed with sharp humor, and the leads’ bickering feels so real. It’s a comedy that never gets old.
2. ‘The Graduate’ (1967)
Dustin Hoffman’s aimless graduate gets caught in a love triangle with an older woman and her daughter. It’s sharp and darkly funny.
Mike Nichols’s direction and the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack give it a cool edge. The awkward romance and rebellion hit perfectly.
1. ‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)
Stanley Kubrick’s dark satire follows a rogue general sparking a nuclear crisis, with Peter Sellers playing multiple roles. It’s brilliantly absurd.
The biting humor and sharp commentary on Cold War fears still resonate. Sellers’s wild performances make this a comedy masterpiece.
Which 1960s comedy makes you laugh the hardest, or did I miss your favorite? Share your pick in the comments!
