20 Unforgettable 70s Comedy and Parody Films That Still Make Us Laugh

The 1970s were a golden era for comedy and parody films, delivering bold humor that broke boundaries and shaped modern cinema. From sharp-witted satires to absurd slapstick, these movies captured the rebellious spirit of the decade while giving us timeless laughs.

Whether poking fun at classic genres or diving into quirky character-driven stories, these films showcased incredible talent and fearless creativity. Let’s dive into the 20 best comedy and parody movies from the 70s, ranked from great to greatest, with details on their release years and key actors.

20. The Bad News Bears (1976)

This sports comedy follows a grumpy ex-baseball player coaching a team of misfit kids. Walter Matthau shines as the cranky yet lovable coach, bringing heart to the chaos.

The film’s mix of crude humor and genuine emotion makes it a standout. It’s less about baseball and more about underdogs finding their place, with Tatum O’Neal stealing scenes as the team’s star pitcher.

19. The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

Peter Sellers returns as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, now chasing a madman threatening global destruction. His wild antics and perfect comic timing drive this parody of spy thrillers.

The film leans into absurd gags, like Clouseau’s disastrous disguises, while Herbert Lom adds menace as his unraveling foe. It’s a hilarious chapter in the Pink Panther series.

18. The Sunshine Boys (1975)

Two aging vaudeville comedians reunite for a TV special, sparking chaos with their clashing egos. Walter Matthau and George Burns deliver sharp, heartfelt performances.

The witty script by Neil Simon keeps the laughs coming, while Burns’ Oscar-winning role adds warmth. It’s a touching look at friendship and rivalry, wrapped in clever banter.

17. Real Life (1979)

Albert Brooks directs and stars in this mockumentary about a filmmaker disrupting a family’s life for a documentary. His deadpan humor and Charles Grodin’s grumpy patriarch are comedy gold.

This early take on reality TV spoofs human behavior with sharp insight. Brooks’ chaotic directorial choices make it a unique, ahead-of-its-time gem.

16. M*A*S*H (1970)

This dark comedy follows a group of army surgeons using humor to cope with the Korean War’s horrors. Donald Sutherland and Elliott Gould lead a stellar cast with biting wit.

Robert Altman’s direction blends overlapping dialogue and irreverent humor, creating a raw, chaotic vibe. It’s a bold satire that inspired the iconic TV series.

15. The Jerk (1979)

Steve Martin plays Navin Johnson, a clueless man stumbling through life’s absurdities. His physical comedy and naive charm make every scene a riot.

Directed by Carl Reiner, the film mocks melodramatic storytelling with heart and hilarity. Martin’s breakout role set the stage for his comedy legend status.

14. American Graffiti (1973)

George Lucas’ coming-of-age comedy tracks a group of teens cruising through one wild night in 1962. Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss anchor a vibrant ensemble.

The film’s nostalgic vibe, killer soundtrack, and heartfelt humor capture youth’s fleeting moments. It’s a love letter to small-town life and growing up.

13. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Burt Reynolds stars as a charming outlaw driver hauling illegal beer while dodging a relentless sheriff, played by Jackie Gleason. The high-speed chases and cheeky humor never quit.

This action-comedy delivers pure fun with Sally Field’s spunky energy as the runaway bride. It’s a crowd-pleaser that defined 70s road-trip films.

12. Silent Movie (1976)

Mel Brooks tackles silent cinema in this dialogue-free parody about a director making a comeback. Brooks, Marty Feldman, and Dom DeLuise lead the slapstick charge.

The meta humor and visual gags pay loving tribute to early films. It’s a bold, funny experiment that showcases Brooks’ creative genius.

11. What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal star in this screwball comedy about mistaken identities and mixed-up bags. Peter Bogdanovich directs with fast-paced charm.

The film’s zany chases and sharp dialogue echo classic 1930s comedies. Madeline Kahn’s hilarious debut as a frazzled fiancée steals the show.

10. Harold and Maude (1971)

Bud Cort plays a death-obsessed teen who bonds with a lively 79-year-old, portrayed by Ruth Gordon. Their quirky romance is both morbid and heartwarming.

Hal Ashby’s dark comedy mixes oddball humor with deep emotion. The Cat Stevens soundtrack adds a whimsical touch to this cult classic.

9. Foul Play (1978)

Goldie Hawn plays a librarian caught in a wild plot to kill the Pope, with Chevy Chase as the cop who helps her. Their chemistry sparks this zany mystery-comedy.

The film’s blend of romance, suspense, and surreal humor keeps you guessing. Hawn’s charm and Chase’s wit make it endlessly rewatchable.

8. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Tim Curry’s iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter leads this musical parody of sci-fi and horror B-movies. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick play the naive couple swept into his world.

Its campy songs and wild energy turned it into a cult phenomenon. Midnight screenings keep its outrageous spirit alive decades later.

7. Sleeper (1973)

Woody Allen stars as a man waking up 200 years in the future, navigating a dystopian world with Diane Keaton. The sci-fi spoof brims with slapstick and wit.

Allen’s nod to silent comedy legends like Chaplin shines through. The Orgasmatron and futuristic gags make it a hilarious time capsule.

6. Slap Shot (1977)

Paul Newman plays a hockey coach leading a failing team to glory through dirty tactics. The Hanson Brothers’ chaotic energy adds gut-busting laughs.

George Roy Hill’s direction leans into crude humor and sports grit. Newman’s rare comedic turn makes this a fan-favorite sports comedy.

5. Being There (1979)

Peter Sellers shines as Chance, a simple gardener mistaken for a wise sage. His quiet charm and absurd rise to fame mock society’s shallowness.

The film’s gentle satire and heartfelt moments land perfectly. Sellers’ subtle performance earned him an Oscar nomination for this gem.

4. Animal House (1978)

John Belushi leads a rowdy fraternity fighting their uptight dean in this college comedy classic. The toga parties and food fights are pure chaos.

John Landis directs with reckless energy, capturing the rebellious 70s spirit. Belushi’s Bluto became an iconic symbol of wild fun.

3. Annie Hall (1977)

Woody Allen and Diane Keaton star in this romantic comedy about a neurotic comedian’s failed love story. The witty dialogue and nonlinear storytelling feel fresh.

Allen’s introspective humor and Keaton’s charm earned Oscars for Best Picture and Director. It’s a heartfelt, hilarious look at love and life.

2. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Gene Wilder plays Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson, reviving the family’s monster-making legacy in this Mel Brooks parody. Peter Boyle’s monster is both funny and touching.

The black-and-white visuals and sharp gags honor 1930s horror films. Wilder and Brooks’ collaboration delivers timeless laughs with heart.

1. Blazing Saddles (1974)

Mel Brooks’ Western parody stars Cleavon Little as a Black sheriff outsmarting a corrupt town. Gene Wilder’s drunken gunslinger adds sharp humor.

The film’s bold satire tackles racism with fearless wit, breaking genre norms. Its quotable lines and wild energy make it a comedy masterpiece.

Which 70s comedy or parody film makes you laugh the hardest, or did we miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!