10 “Bad” Comedy Movies That Are 100% Worth Watching

Comedy is a genre people either love or hate, and even movies considered ‘bad’ can be enjoyable. Critics haven’t always been kind to comedies, and because humor is so personal, some films just don’t appeal to their sense of taste. Reviewers especially tend to dislike crude or simple humor.

Throughout history, lots of funny movies have been criticized by reviewers, even when audiences loved them. Even if these films aren’t considered masterpieces, they still provide entertainment, and many deserve more recognition. Today, with streaming services, it’s become easier to find comedies that truly appeal to your sense of humor.

Lots of comedies get bad reviews, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t funny! Many have become favorites over time, and others just haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Even with flaws, these movies can be surprisingly hilarious, often thanks to great jokes, talented actors, or smart concepts. They might not be perfect, but they’re definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for a good laugh.

1941 (1979)

Even with the combined skills of renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Bob Gale, the movie 1941 is considered one of Spielberg’s few unsuccessful films. It’s a comedy set in 1941, about a group of enthusiastic Californians who are convinced they need to defend their state from an expected attack. The film is energetic and chaotic, and it clearly shows Spielberg’s style.

The 1941 film received mostly negative reviews and currently has a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, many critics missed what makes the movie special. It’s intentionally over-the-top and bizarre, and the performances by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd alone make it worthwhile. The film isn’t focused on a strong plot; it’s all about enjoying complete and utter chaos.

Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

The movie Transylvania 6-5000 quickly gained a dedicated following, but it remains surprisingly overlooked. It’s a funny, satirical take on horror films, following two reporters as they investigate a monster created by humans. The movie is a delightful and humorous homage to the classic monster movies of Universal Studios.

Jeff Goldblum and Ed Begley Jr. make a wonderfully funny pair in this film, which blends silly humor with a strange and unpredictable story. While critics didn’t like it when it came out in the ’80s, audiences found it moderately successful. It hasn’t become a huge cult classic, but its quirky humor, nods to horror movies, and genuinely funny scenes make it enjoyable.

Nothing But Trouble (1991)

While Nothing but Trouble isn’t a good movie, it’s surprisingly enjoyable. Chevy Chase plays a rich man who gets stuck in a bizarre small town on his way to Atlantic City from New York. Directed by Dan Aykroyd, the film is best thought of as a wild, unpredictable ride – like a carnival attraction.

The movie looks fantastic, and it’s wonderfully weird – so much so that it’s actually funny. A cameo by the band Digital Underground gives it a fun, early ’90s vibe, even if it’s a bit over-the-top. It’s definitely worth watching to see what happens when a truly funny person is given complete creative control.

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

After the huge popularity of the 1994 comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, a sequel, When Nature Calls, quickly followed in 1995. This time, Ace Ventura trades the beaches of Miami for an adventure in Africa, tasked with finding a stolen, incredibly rare bat. Despite being made quickly, When Nature Calls manages to recreate some of the fun and charm of the first movie.

Critics weren’t impressed with the Jim Carrey sequel – it only received a 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But despite the negative reviews, the movie was a hit with audiences. While it wasn’t as good as the first film, When Nature Calls still has some memorable scenes and is worth watching for Carrey’s brilliant comedic performance.

Dirty Work (1998)

Norm Macdonald, a beloved comedian who passed away recently, faced challenges breaking into mainstream Hollywood, and his one starring movie was initially panned by critics. Called Dirty Work, the film features Macdonald as a struggling man who starts a business helping people get revenge – for a price. Though it mixes the laid-back style of ’90s comedies with some surprisingly dark humor, Dirty Work is a genuinely clever and funny movie.

This movie feels like a forerunner to many comedies from the 2000s, sharing a similar comedic style. It doesn’t take itself seriously and leans into its own absurdity, with the supporting actors delivering particularly strong performances. While the plot isn’t tightly woven, the constant stream of jokes keeps the movie energetic and fast-paced. Dirty Work isn’t meant to impress critics, but it’s genuinely amusing.

Idle Hands (1999)

Released near the end of the 1990s, Idle Hands perfectly captured the spirit of the time. This horror comedy follows a teenager whose hand is taken over by a demon, leading to chaotic and disturbing consequences. Despite being a comedy, it doesn’t hold back on the horror and is surprisingly graphic.

The movie Idle Hands playfully satirizes those who avoid work, and the title itself comes from a well-known saying about being lazy. Critics didn’t love it – it has a low score on Rotten Tomatoes – but many didn’t quite understand the film’s intention. The over-the-top horror elements are meant to be humorous, and the movie successfully combines horror and comedy in a unique way.

Stroker Ace (1983)

Though Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham collaborated on many films, their racing comedy, Stroker Ace, doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The movie follows a confident NASCAR driver who mistakenly signs a terrible sponsorship deal, leading to embarrassing situations both during races and in his personal life. It’s considered one of Reynolds’ strongest performances and features Needham’s trademark impressive stunts.

Okay, so everyone slammed Stroker Ace when it came out – critics just didn’t want to give it a chance. And honestly, it is pretty silly. But you know what? I actually think it’s a really charming little sports movie, and it totally captures the fun, over-the-top vibe of the early 80s. It’s not going to have you rolling on the floor laughing, but it’s a perfect way to kill a bit of time and just enjoy something lighthearted. I really like it!

Dragnet (1987)

Many consider the 1980s to be the golden age of comedy films, but the 1987 movie Dragnet is often overlooked. It’s a parody of the famous television show, centering on a by-the-book police officer who partners with a wild and unpredictable colleague to take down a strange cult. The film, starring Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, was a modest success in theaters.

When the movie first came out, critics weren’t very enthusiastic, and that’s probably accurate. Dragnet isn’t a side-splitting comedy, and it’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s reliably funny and enjoyable enough to watch again and again. Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd have great chemistry, and its gentle humor makes it worthy of being considered a cult classic.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

Even though critics didn’t love it, Drop Dead Gorgeous is a standout comedy from the 1990s. The movie is a funny fake documentary that follows teenagers competing in a small-town beauty pageant, and it shows just how far some people will go to win. It starts with gentle humor but quickly becomes a completely wild and hilarious ride.

Despite a mixed critical reception – earning a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – Drop Dead Gorgeous has become a beloved cult classic. This is mainly thanks to its sharp wit and fantastic cast. While it won’t appeal to all audiences, it’s ideal for those seeking a film that’s playfully rebellious yet still relatable. It’s definitely unconventional, but manages to stay just this side of outrageous.

Airheads (1994)

If someone gave awards for comedies that people just didn’t get in the 90s, Airheads would definitely be the winner. The movie follows three young musicians who break into a radio station, hoping to get their demo played, but things quickly escalate into a hostage situation. Airheads is a classic film for Generation X, playfully satirizing the slacker lifestyle while also showing empathy for it.

Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler all deliver fantastic performances as the film’s lovable underachievers, bringing a real sense of humanity to their roles. While critics didn’t appreciate it at the time, they missed the clever humor beneath the surface. Airheads is a delightful and unusual comedy with a surprising amount of heart.

2025-11-02 16:50