Essential Comedy Movies to Revisit Every Year

There are some comedies that never wear out their welcome, delivering quotable lines, instantly familiar scenes, and characters you look forward to meeting again and again. These films span different styles and eras, and each one brings a distinct flavor that holds up on repeat viewings. From tightly written scripts to unforgettable performances, they keep landing jokes while revealing new little details every time. Here are essential picks worth pressing play on every year.

‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)

Bill Murray anchors ‘Groundhog Day’ as a TV weatherman stuck repeating the same small-town assignment until he figures life out. Director Harold Ramis shapes the time loop into a character study with smart visual callbacks and escalating gags. The film was shot partly in Woodstock, Illinois, which doubles for Punxsutawney with recognizable town square landmarks. Its structure has inspired countless homages across film and TV, turning the premise into a storytelling shorthand everyone recognizes.

‘Airplane!’ (1980)

‘Airplane!’ packs sight gags, deadpan wordplay, and rapid-fire parodies into a lean disaster-movie spoof from Jim Abrahams and David and Jerry Zucker. Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, and Julie Hagerty deliver straight-faced performances that make the absurdity land. The screenplay riffs on an earlier airport thriller and layers in background jokes that reward pausing the frame. Its influence shows up in later spoofs and in the way it revitalized Nielsen’s career as a comic lead.

‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959)

Billy Wilder’s ‘Some Like It Hot’ follows two musicians who disguise themselves in an all-female band after witnessing a mob hit. Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon form a tight trio, playing off sharp dialogue and escalating complications. The Florida resort setting was filmed in California, giving the beach scenes a sunny polish. Its closing line remains one of the most famous punchlines in movie history and still gets a guaranteed laugh.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

‘Ghostbusters’ blends supernatural effects with workplace comedy as a scrappy startup tackles New York hauntings. Ivan Reitman directs a cast led by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Sigourney Weaver, backed by memorable creature designs and practical effects. The Ecto-1, proton packs, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man became pop-culture fixtures overnight. Ray Parker Jr.’s theme song and the film’s city locations helped launch a long-running ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise.

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

The Coen brothers’ ‘The Big Lebowski’ follows an easygoing bowler whose rug gets him tangled in a bizarre case of mistaken identity. Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore inhabit characters whose lines are quoted in everything from bars to bowling alleys. Its production design and soundtrack build a distinct Los Angeles vibe that fans revisit for comfort. Festivals, themed bars, and a steady stream of merch show how the film grew into a cult institution.

‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)

‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ turns Arthurian legend into a sketch-driven quest with coconut horses and inventive low-budget solutions. The comedy troupe’s collaborative writing gives each member standout moments, from taunting guards to argumentative peasants. Scottish locations provide castles and moors that contrast with the troupe’s deliberately silly props. Its bits still circulate online, keeping the film’s catchphrases part of everyday conversation.

‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)

Paul Feig’s ‘Bridesmaids’ centers on friendship turbulence around a wedding, with Kristen Wiig leading a cast that includes Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy. The script balances big set pieces with character beats that play out across parties, flights, and dress fittings. It became a major box office success and earned Oscar recognition for supporting performance and writing. The film opened doors for more ensemble comedies driven by women’s perspectives.

‘Superbad’ (2007)

‘Superbad’ follows two friends on a chaotic night that tests their bond before graduation. Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and produced by Judd Apatow, it introduced audiences to Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and a breakout turn from Emma Stone. The film’s episodic structure moves through house parties, convenience stores, and unlikely police ride-alongs. Its character focus and specific slang made it a touchstone for modern teen comedies.

‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004)

‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ drops Will Ferrell into a competitive local news team where on-air ego meets escalating rivalries. Director Adam McKay layers improvisation into the scripted newsroom chaos, with Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and David Koechner rounding out the ensemble. The San Diego setting, jazz flute interludes, and outlandish news brawls became signature bits. Its quotes and outtakes fueled an extended cut and a sequel, keeping the character in circulation.

‘Coming to America’ (1988)

Eddie Murphy’s ‘Coming to America’ pairs a fairy-tale prince with Queens, New York, as he searches for a partner who values character over status. John Landis directs with Murphy and Arsenio Hall playing multiple roles, from barbershop regulars to royal advisors. The mix of regal Zamunda and neighborhood locations gives the story a vivid contrast. Iconic costumes, a lively soundtrack, and recurring side characters make repeat viewings especially fun.

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ takes a Chicago field trip with a teen who outsmarts school rules while helping his best friend face real anxieties. John Hughes uses museum scenes, a parade performance, and sports landmarks to build a city-sized playground. Matthew Broderick’s asides to camera guide viewers through elaborate detours and close calls. The film’s locations continue to draw fans who trace the route across the city.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

‘The Princess Bride’ weaves fairy-tale romance with fencing, pirates, and a storybook frame that invites family rewatching. Rob Reiner directs from William Goldman’s screenplay, keeping the tone light while the adventure moves through cliffs, forests, and a castle. Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes deliver duel choreography that remains a highlight. Its blend of sincerity and intricate wordplay keeps quotes circulating across generations.

‘Clueless’ (1995)

Amy Heckerling’s ‘Clueless’ updates a classic novel into a Beverly Hills high school, following a well-meaning matchmaker who learns to read the room. Alicia Silverstone leads a cast that includes Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd, with outfits that defined a fashion moment. The vocabulary, soundtrack, and mall hangouts capture a specific slice of teen culture. Its influence echoes in later coming-of-age comedies and television spin-offs of ‘Clueless’.

‘Hot Fuzz’ (2007)

‘Hot Fuzz’ merges small-town mystery with action tropes as a top cop is transferred to a village that looks quiet on the surface. Edgar Wright’s quick-cut visual jokes and layered foreshadowing reward attentive rewatching. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play partners whose DVD-fueled love of action becomes part of the plot. The film connects to the loose ‘Three Flavours Cornetto’ trilogy alongside ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and ‘The World’s End’.

‘Office Space’ (1999)

‘Office Space’ captures corporate life with malfunctioning printers, endless memos, and a lead who goes blissfully off script. Writer-director Mike Judge draws on real cubicle culture to populate an ensemble of coworkers, consultants, and a memorably put-upon neighbor. The soundtrack and recurring TPS reports became shorthand for workplace frustration. It found a second life on home video, turning the red stapler into a collector’s item.

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

‘Mean Girls’ adapts a non fiction book about high school cliques into a sharp teen comedy written by Tina Fey. Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams lead an ensemble that maps cafeteria politics with memorable rules and slang. The story uses a new student’s outsider view to explain the social ladder and its consequences. Its quotes and character archetypes became fixtures in school culture and online conversations.

‘The Hangover’ (2009)

‘The Hangover’ follows friends piecing together a chaotic night in Las Vegas using clues scattered across the city. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis retrace their steps through hotels, chapels, and a missing tooth mystery. The mystery structure turns every reveal into both plot progress and a fresh gag. Its success sparked sequels and travel inspired copycats that leaned on the same lost night template.

‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)

‘Shaun of the Dead’ blends a zombie outbreak with everyday routines like pub visits and flatmate disputes. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play friends who try to rescue loved ones using a familiar neighborhood map. Edgar Wright’s quick edits and repeated visual setups make small details pay off later. The film helped popularize comedy horror that keeps genre rules intact while landing jokes.

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ (2004)

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ centers on a quirky Idaho teen whose deadpan delivery turns small town routines into running bits. Jon Heder’s performance anchors scenes built around school elections, thrift store fashion, and backyard martial arts. The low key setting and handmade props give it a unique visual identity. Its dance finale and offbeat quotes helped it become a word of mouth favorite.

‘Rush Hour’ (1998)

‘Rush Hour’ pairs Jackie Chan’s action choreography with Chris Tucker’s rapid fire banter during a kidnapping case. The plot moves from consulates to city streets while showcasing inventive stunts in tight spaces. Director Brett Ratner stages set pieces that let Chan use ladders, tables, and balconies as tools. The buddy formula clicked strongly enough to launch multiple sequels and a TV attempt.

‘Tropic Thunder’ (2008)

‘Tropic Thunder’ follows actors making a war movie who get dropped into real danger without realizing it at first. Ben Stiller directs and stars alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black in a satire of Hollywood excess. The film features a fake trailer montage and a showy supporting turn that drew awards attention. Practical jungle sets and explosive gags give the comedy unusually large scale.

‘Dumb and Dumber’ (1994)

‘Dumb and Dumber’ tracks two friends on a cross country trip to return a briefcase with the wrong assumptions about what is inside. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels lean into slapstick and misunderstandings that escalate inside vans and hotel suites. The script stacks malapropisms and visual gags that keep scenes moving quickly. Its road trip structure makes it easy to drop in and watch any stretch on repeat.

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ presents a fictional rock band on a struggling tour captured by a filmmaker within the story. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer perform original songs with increasingly absurd stage mishaps. The mockumentary style uses improvised interviews and tour logistics to drive humor. Many musicians later cited it as uncomfortably accurate to life on the road.

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

‘Legally Blonde’ follows a fashion forward sorority president who enrolls in law school to prove a point and finds her own path. Reese Witherspoon builds a character whose confidence and study habits shift case outcomes. Courtroom scenes tie hair care knowledge and class notes into pivotal evidence. The film spun off a sequel and a stage musical that kept the story in the spotlight.

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014)

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ tracks a concierge and his lobby boy through thefts, prison breaks, and a chase across a fictional republic. Wes Anderson uses miniature sets, precise framing, and a nesting story structure to shape the adventure. Ralph Fiennes anchors the cast with comic timing built around etiquette and loyalty. The pastry boxes, hotel keys, and painted mountains became instantly recognizable design touchstones.

‘School of Rock’ (2003)

‘School of Rock’ casts Jack Black as a substitute who turns a class into a secret band for a competition. Music lessons double as scenes about teamwork, stage presence, and the basics of rhythm and riffs. Richard Linklater keeps rehearsals and performances grounded in classroom dynamics. The film led to a real life music education push and a later TV adaptation.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)

‘The Nice Guys’ places a mismatched private eye and enforcer in a mystery tied to auto industry secrets in Los Angeles. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe play partners who wreck cars, houses, and plans while following leads. The plot uses parties, film reels, and a convention floor to stage clues and action. Its period setting lets the soundtrack and production design do a lot of quiet comedic work.

‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ reimagines a classic epic as a Southern road story about three escapees seeking hidden loot. George Clooney leads a trio that sings with a traveling choir and crosses paths with larger than life figures. The film’s digitally graded landscapes gave it a distinctive sepia look. Its soundtrack sparked a revival of traditional American music and won major awards.

‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)

‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ adapts a Cold War thriller into biting satire directed by Stanley Kubrick. Peter Sellers plays multiple roles including a British officer, the U.S. President, and the title scientist. The War Room set became one of production design’s most famous spaces and was built on a soundstage in England. The film influenced later political comedies with its blend of military jargon and absurd escalation.

‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)

‘The Blues Brothers’ expands a sketch into a full chase musical with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd on a mission to save an orphanage. Director John Landis stages large scale car pileups across Chicago landmarks and suburban malls. Guest performers include Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown who appear in set piece numbers. The city partnership allowed road closures and location access that shaped the film’s energy.

‘Elf’ (2003)

‘Elf’ follows a human raised at the North Pole who heads to New York to find his biological father. Will Ferrell works with director Jon Favreau to mix stop motion inspired designs with city location shooting. Zooey Deschanel contributes musical moments that tie into the holiday setting. The production created practical department store sets that became central to the story’s turning points.

‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ (1997)

‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ introduces a spy who is cryogenically frozen and revived to face his arch nemesis. Mike Myers plays both hero and villain with a supporting cast that helped establish recurring bits across sequels. Director Jay Roach leans on colorful production design and swinging London motifs. The film’s catchphrases and costuming turned into a lasting Halloween staple.

‘The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!’ (1988)

‘The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!’ brings a short lived TV spoof to the big screen with Leslie Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin. The writing trio behind ‘Airplane’ stacks slapstick, background gags, and wordplay in fast succession. Notable cameos appear during a baseball game sequence that serves as the climax. Its success revived interest in the earlier series and launched two follow ups.

‘Galaxy Quest’ (1999)

‘Galaxy Quest’ follows actors from a canceled sci fi show who are mistaken for real space heroes by aliens. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman lead an ensemble that plays with fan conventions and set design authenticity. The film uses practical ship interiors and detailed props to mirror classic television aesthetics. It became a favorite at fan gatherings for its affectionate take on convention culture.

‘Step Brothers’ (2008)

‘Step Brothers’ pairs Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as newly minted adult step siblings forced to live under one roof. Director Adam McKay builds scenes around improvised riffs that were shaped in the edit. The narrative tracks family dynamics through job interviews, neighborhood incidents, and a music performance finale. Location shooting in Southern California suburbs gives the comedy a familiar domestic backdrop.

’21 Jump Street’ (2012)

’21 Jump Street’ reimagines a TV drama as a high school undercover buddy comedy with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller direct action sequences that play alongside classroom misunderstandings. The script flips social hierarchies to create new challenges for the partners. Cameos tie the film back to its source while pointing the way to a sequel.

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ uses a mock documentary format to follow vampire roommates navigating modern life. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement blend household chores with supernatural rules to generate conflicts. The production relies on practical effects and simple camera tricks for transformations. The concept expanded into a television series that keeps the premise going with new characters.

‘The Birdcage’ (1996)

‘The Birdcage’ remakes a French farce about a nightclub owner and his partner staging a family friendly facade for visiting in laws. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane play the central couple while Hank Azaria and Gene Hackman support the clash of worlds. Miami locations and club sets provide bright color and choreography. The screenplay balances door slams and dinner party disasters to keep the momentum steady.

‘My Cousin Vinny’ (1992)

‘My Cousin Vinny’ sends two college friends to court in a small Southern town with help from an inexperienced relative. Joe Pesci plays the title lawyer opposite Marisa Tomei whose testimony hinges on automotive knowledge. Courtroom scenes emphasize procedure, expert witnesses, and cross examination tactics. Realistic legal details have made it a frequent reference point in law discussions.

‘Trading Places’ (1983)

‘Trading Places’ pairs Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd in a social experiment engineered by wealthy brothers. The plot moves from lavish townhouses to busy commodity trading floors. The climax demonstrates how futures contracts and short selling can swing fortunes. Location work in Philadelphia and New York adds texture to the story’s class contrasts.

‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’ (2004)

‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’ follows two friends on a late night quest that turns into a series of detours. John Cho and Kal Penn’s characters encounter campus bullies, law enforcement, and a celebrity cameo in surreal form. The film was notable for casting leads of Asian descent in a mainstream buddy comedy. Its success sparked sequels that kept the road trip structure intact.

‘Zoolander’ (2001)

‘Zoolander’ satirizes fashion culture through the story of a model manipulated into an assassination plot. Ben Stiller directs and stars with Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell rounding out the central trio. Runway sequences and cameos from industry figures ground the spoof in recognizable spaces. Signature looks and invented poses helped the film gain a second life through repeated quotes.

‘Wedding Crashers’ (2005)

‘Wedding Crashers’ centers on two divorce mediators who infiltrate ceremonies for a season of parties and romantic complications. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn move through reception halls, family estates, and beach houses as the plot thickens. Rachel McAdams and Isla Fisher anchor the romantic and chaotic threads. The production made extensive use of Maryland and Washington locations to stage the events.

Share your own go-to comedy rewatch picks in the comments so everyone can build their yearly list.