Movies

15 of the Greatest Dumb Comedies Ever Made

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Comedy isn’t something that can be labeled as ‘dumb.’ It’s not an easy feat to make people laugh, and while there are techniques involved, there’s no set formula for success. Comedy often taps into a part of us that transcends language, which is why discussing or analyzing comedy can be such a challenging task. To explain the humor in a joke is to destroy its delicate, fleeting essence.

Due to the unique preferences we have when it comes to humor, similar to our choices in clothing, food, or scents, many people might find jokes about bodily functions distasteful. Yet, ironically, these same individuals may still chuckle at such “toilet” humor. This kind of humor touches on universal human experiences, as Chaucer realized long ago. We laugh at various things – a clever pun, a particular gesture, someone tripping over – often without fully understanding why. That’s the enigma, and the beauty, of what we colloquially refer to as “dumb comedy.” Laughing at something we can’t explain or defend gives us a sense of liberation, reminding us that not everything requires careful thought, worry, or justification. It momentarily frees us from ourselves and the frequently heavy burdens of our surroundings.

A “dumb comedy” can be challenging to define, as the line between simple humor and intellectual wit often blurs. However, in a dumb comedy, the jokes are primarily based on straightforward, easy-to-understand gags, with minimal complexity or depth. In contrast, comedies that are considered brilliant might incorporate more sophisticated humor, clever references, or nuanced character development.

In your list of favorites, you excluded Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles,” despite their greatness, because while they contain basic, entertaining jokes (like Gene Hackman’s blind hermit accidentally setting Peter Boyle’s monster’s thumb on fire), they also have many more clever or thought-provoking moments. For example, the exquisite and brilliant performance of Cleavon Little singing “I Get a Kick Out of You” in “Blazing Saddles” is so sophisticated that it stands alone in its class, while “This is Spinal Tap” is a comedy that many people appreciate for its humor, yet it’s also a movie that no one feels ashamed to enjoy due to its overall excellence.

In creating this list, I’ve chosen movies that, upon expressing my fondness for them to friends and acquaintances over the years, have often prompted a surprised response of ““Really?”“. Some include jokes about bodily functions, while others are explicit, crass, and yet, despite my better judgment, I find myself laughing. They range from quirky to raunchy, with two featuring invented languages that are intriguing in their own right.

By the mid-21st century, some of the humor or language in these 15 films may be considered inappropriate or offensive. However, it’s essential to understand that a work should not be judged solely on its current context, and it can serve as a reminder of how our culture evolves over time—a change driven by us.

In essence, these are 15 movies that, through their absurdity and charm, make me laugh for reasons I can’t entirely explain. Your favorites may differ, but you might discover something here that has previously slipped under your radar for dumb comedies. If not, please don’t retaliate by lighting my thumb on fire.

Duck Soup (1933)

In simpler terms, “Duck Soup” is an early example of a type of humor that’s not based on logic or reason, often referred to as a “dumb comedy.” This film, starring the Marx Brothers, features jokes and physical gags that appeal to our irrational side. Groucho Marx plays Rufus T. Firefly, a leader of a small, financially struggling nation named Freedonia. Chico and Harpo Marx play spies from the neighboring country, Sylvania, planning to take over Freedonia. Zeppo Marx appears as Rufus’ secretary. While “Duck Soup” is sometimes praised for its political satire, it doesn’t require deep analysis to appreciate its genius. A standout scene is the mirror sequence where Groucho, dressed in a nightgown and tasseled cap, dances in front of a broken mirror, only to find his reflection perfectly mimicking his moves—it’s actually Harpo in an identical outfit. This scene showcases how so-called “dumb comedy” requires precision, creativity, and a love for the absurd.

Caveman (1981)

Atouk and Lar learn to walk upright by cracking each other’s backs. They secretly mock Tonda with grunts and gestures when he’s not around. A popular tune, known as the “Colonel Bogey March,” plays as a group of cavemen attempt to roll a massive dinosaur egg down a slope. Gottlieb, who also co-wrote “The Jerk,” another notable slapstick film, created a unique cave language used throughout the movie (you’ll need to watch it to understand what “zugzug” means). The film also features a variety of comical, somewhat terrifying stop-motion prehistoric creatures. Gottlieb and his cast carry the story wonderfully, making “Caveman” an enjoyable watch from beginning to end.

Step Brothers (2008)

Prior to crafting educational comedies criticizing capitalist excess and environmental catastrophes, which despite good intentions, mainly appealed to like-minded individuals (Adam McKay’s previous works), he delivered the hilarious movie “Step Brothers.” This film features John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell as Dale and Brennan, two middle-aged men still residing with their parents, who clash when their fathers marry and form a joint family. The initial encounter between Dale and Brennan is marked by hostility; Dale prohibits Brennan from touching his prized drum set, to which Brennan responds by inappropriately rubbing a part of his anatomy on the drums. As time passes, they discover more similarities than they initially thought. (It is later revealed that both characters have been long-term sleepwalkers, leading to a chaotic and humorous sleepwalking episode reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’ “The Sleep Book”). McKay manages to maintain the film’s momentum even after Dale and Brennan stop quarreling and start bonding: Adam Scott, portraying Brennan’s ambitious and snobbish brother, serves as an effective shared adversary. A wildly entertaining movie that has stood the test of time.

Pootie Tang (2001)

This comedic spinoff titled “Pootie Tang” was penned and helmed by Louis C.K., originally a sketch from The Chris Rock Show. Lance Crouther stars as the enigmatic character Pootie Tang, a charismatic rapper, Blaxploitation icon, womanizer, and cool-as-a-cucumber superstar who amassed his fortune through an incomprehensible language that may lack literal meaning yet is always clear in intent. As he hypes up his upcoming action flick “Sine Your Pitty on the Runny Kine“, where he demonstrates bullet-repelling abilities with both his belt buckle and hair braid, Pootie finds himself at odds with the malevolent white tycoon Dick Lecter (Robert Vaughn). Pootie’s significant sway over children led them to consume vegetables instead of junk food, which threatened Lecter’s fast-food industry. The cunning Ireenie (Jennifer Coolidge), a temptress in white-devil attire, is dispatched to dupe Pootie into signing a contract that would diminish his wholesome impact on American children. Ultimately, Pootie emerges victorious, and the storyline maintains a peculiar logic. Crouther, primarily a writer and producer, delivers an outstanding performance; it’s regrettable he hasn’t directed more productions. Rock plays multiple roles, with J.B. Smoove and Wanda Sykes completing an exceptional supporting cast. Despite Louis C.K.’s fall from grace, don’t let that deter you from this hilarious comedy gem. Peace be upon you, my brethren and sisters.

Bad Teacher (2011)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself drawn to Cameron Diaz’s portrayal of Elizabeth Halsey, a cunning gold-digger who bides her time as a middle school teacher while awaiting her wealthy fiancé’s nuptials. However, when he discerns her greed and ends their relationship, she’s compelled to revert to her former occupation, which falls short of providing the funds for the cosmetic surgery she yearns for – a larger bust to attract her future millionaire husband. Elizabeth frequently appears in class with a hangover and weary eyes; her teaching methods involve playing inspirational teacher movies like ‘Stand and Deliver’ or ‘Dangerous Minds’, and napping on her desk. Diaz brilliantly brings to life this cold, disengaged educator, strutting through the school halls in her Louboutins, waiting for a better opportunity. Unlike many female-centric comedy characters, Elizabeth isn’t softened by a pitiful backstory, such as a failed bakery or heartrending divorce. She wears those towering heels with pride, and if she shows a hint of redemption at the end, she makes no apologies for her actions.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Initially, film enthusiasts with a penchant for sophistication criticized Dumb and Dumber, claiming it marked the decline of civilization. However, this could not be further from the truth. The creation of such a movie requires both courage and intelligence, as demonstrated by directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly. In the film, Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey portray Harry and Lloyd, two bumbling, down-on-their-luck individuals residing in a shabby Providence apartment. Despite their financial struggles, they aspire to launch a pet store, creatively named I Got Worms, due to its primary product: worm farms. As the duo stumbles towards their future, Lloyd spreads misinformation – such as claiming the Monkees significantly impacted the Beatles – while Harry awkwardly pursues Lloyd’s crush (portrayed by Lauren Holly). While the explosive-diarrhea scene is what most remember about Dumb and Dumber, the affection the Farrelly brothers hold for their imperfect protagonists infuses the movie with a unique, slightly sentimental charm. In some cases, a movie’s overall tone can be just as impactful as its clever use of humor.

Undercover Brother (2002)

Malcolm D. Lee’s movie titled “Undercover Brother” was written by John Ridley, who later won an Oscar for his work on the screenplay of “12 Years a Slave“. This film, with its clever and amusing humor, might initially appear to be simple-minded, but it subtly satirizes various racial stereotypes and prejudices. Eddie Griffin shines in the lead role as Undercover Brother, a sleuth with an impeccably groomed Afro and stylish snakeskin attire that made him a standout in early 21st-century America. However, he’s on a mission to dismantle B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., a secret organization of Black operatives aiming for justice, and defeat a malevolent underground group led by The Man, who seeks to manipulate the minds of everyone. The humor is both witty and side-splitting; in one instance, two upbeat robot news anchors appraise a potential Black presidential candidate (Billy Dee Williams). One comments on his eloquence, while the other notes his popularity—”And not just in urban areas!” The ensemble cast includes Denise Richards, Chris Kattan, and the always-fashionable Aunjanue Ellis as Sistah Girl, B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D’s most efficient spy. Danielle Hollowell’s costumes, a blend of sleek leather jackets and flared bellbottoms, are both over-the-top and trendy. “Undercover Brother” exudes style in spades.

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)

A film centered around a heartwarming friendship between two women, showcasing their journey from struggling LA roommates to proud businesswomen owning their own boutique – it’s a delightful tale that’s hard not to adore! Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow portray Romy and Michele respectively, friends since high school days in Tucson who, at the cusp of their late twenties, find themselves with minimal achievements despite a decade post-graduation. Facing their tormentors during a high school reunion, they concoct a plan to pretend success, even stopping at a roadside diner en route to Arizona in stylish jacket-and-mini-skirt ensembles, asking for a “businesswoman’s special.” The chemistry and comedic timing between Kudrow and Sorvino are the film’s hidden strengths. A particularly memorable scene involves Kudrow’s Michele expressing her fury at their former bullies, not through words, but through her delivery of an absurd yet side-splitting curse: “I hope your babies look like monkeys!” It’s quite madcap and undeniably amusing.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

In many films, the mix of toilet humor and stoner comedy is skillfully executed, such as Danny Leiner’s Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. These jokes tend to catch you off guard rather than directly. However, beyond the humor, the movie also explores the journey of children of immigrants who are expected to excel and make their parents proud, even as they adapt within American society. In fact, they not only assimilate but also contribute to shaping American culture, be it the stoner subculture or otherwise. The characters, John Cho’s Harold, an analyst at a large investment firm, and his roommate Kal Penn’s Kumar, a prospective medical student, are intelligent enough to succeed effortlessly—which allows them to spend most of their time relaxing and smoking weed in their apartment in Nowheresville, NJ. A commercial for White Castle’s delicious yet greasy sliders sparks a road trip that leads to an encounter with a mad raccoon, a visit to the Princeton campus to purchase more marijuana, and a brief imprisonment. At its initial release, Harold & Kumar was incredibly funny, and it remains so—though in today’s America, which appears to have forgotten its roots as a nation built by immigrants and outsiders, even the movie’s most lighthearted jokes carry a subtle bit of discomfort. A lot can shift in 20 years.

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

Between the late 1970s and the 1990s, the trio consisting of Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker (often referred to as ZAZ) became renowned for their unique brand of movie comedy. These films were a blend of absurd logic and ridiculous humor, right at the intersection of surrealism and silliness. Picking the best among them is challenging, but after a casual coin toss, The Naked Gun (1980) was chosen for this list. Leslie Nielsen portrays Lt. Frank Drebin, a dimwitted yet charming cop, while Priscilla Presley plays luxurious bombshell Jane Spencer, who is tasked by the villainous Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban) to ensnare Frank. However, she develops feelings for him instead; their date lasts all day, culminating in a movie outing that leaves them hysterically laughing – it turns out they were watching Platoon. This is just one instance of the ZAZ charm, which involves turning the most absurd jokes, the ones that logically shouldn’t work, into hilarious successes.

The House Bunny (2008)

In simpler terms, the movie “The House Bunny” features Anna Faris as Shelley, a Playboy bunny who is expelled from Hefner’s mansion for an unforgivable act at age 27. Homeless, she stumbles upon a university campus and believes a sorority could be her new home. However, the first one she approaches is snobby and rejects her. The less fashionable girls from a house called Zeta Alpha Zeta (which might hint at a nod to the filmmakers Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker) welcome her as their house mother instead. She teaches them makeup tricks and dating advice, saying “The eyes are like the nipples of the face!” Emma Stone plays one of the endearing members of this sorority. If this plot seems old-fashioned, remember that the characters eventually learn that what truly matters is not just appearances but inner qualities. The film’s message is easy to swallow due to Faris’ charming performance, which echoes Marilyn Monroe with a hint of Brigitte Bardot and Dolly Parton. Although “The House Bunny” was released in late 2008 and quickly faded away, it deserves recognition among the classic dumb comedies.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1988)

In 1988 San Dimas, California, two endearingly lazy metalheads named William “Bill” S. Preston Esq. (Alex Winter) and Ted “Theodore” Logan (Keanu Reeves) are on the verge of failing high school. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a messenger from the future, portrayed by George Carlin, transports them through time travel. This journey not only helps them pass their history class but also safeguards their band, Wyld Stallyns, which plays a crucial role in shaping a future utopia. Despite its apparent silliness, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure boasts winningly charming characters that instantly captured audiences’ hearts back then and continue to do so even today. Who wouldn’t be charmed by their philosophical discussions with historical figures like Socrates through modern radio hits? (“All we are is dust in the wind, dude.”) Long live Wyld Stallyns!

The Jerk (1979)

In the initial scenes of “The Jerk,” Steve Martin portrays Navin Johnson, a character who exhibits an endearing level of naivete. This sets the tone for Carl Reiner’s movie. The scene begins with a moment of apparent foolishness as Navin, in a shocking revelation, says, “I was born a poor Black child…” This statement, delivered with innocence, is followed by a series of events that unfold as the unfortunate tale of his life.

Navin, who appears to be as white as snow, is raised in a loving family of Mississippi sharecroppers. His mother, portrayed brilliantly by Mabel King, delivers the news that he is adopted, causing Navin’s eyes to widen with surprise and sadness. He questions, “You mean I’m going to stay this color?” before breaking into tears.

Throughout the movie, Navin’s innocence continues to grow, leading him to leave home and eventually find work at a gas station owned by Jackie Mason, who accepts and even appreciates Navin’s simplicity. Navin becomes the companion of a motorcycle daredevil (Catlin Adams), but finds himself in a predicament when he falls in love with Marie, played by Bernadette Peters.

In a moment of idiocy, at a fancy restaurant, Navin, who has somehow become a millionaire through an unexplained invention, calls the waiter over to complain about Marie’s meal. He whispers, “Waiter!” and points out that there are “snails on her plate!” This action, while foolish, is also charming in its absurdity.

EuroTrip (2004)

A heartbroken teenager named Scott Mechlowicz, accompanied by his somewhat seedy yet charismatic friend Jacob Pitts, embarks on a wild adventure with the infamously mismatched twin sisters Michelle Trachtenberg and Travis Wester, across Europe following their high school graduation. The film, titled “EuroTrip“, embodies the typical raunchy teen comedy of the 2000s, filled with hormone-fueled humor and topless beauties. However, it maintains a childish innocence that might make you chuckle instead of taking offense at its stereotypical portrayal of Europeans. The humor can be crude at times, featuring jokes about incest, the pope’s mitre catching fire, and Fred Armisen portraying an Italian man who is unable to resist touching others but also can’t stop apologizing (“Mi scusi, mi scusi!”). Despite its lack of intelligence and occasional questionable taste, “EuroTrip” remains one of the most endearing teen comedies.

Hollywood or Bust (1956)

In recent times, it’s become fashionable among self-proclaimed sophisticated individuals to express their disdain for Jerry Lewis. However, I stand firm in my admiration: I align myself with the French perspective. Although his character could occasionally be grating, he was undeniably a genius, excelling in physical comedy and possessing an array of inventive, squeaky voices. The era of his collaboration with Dean Martin might have been his zenith—they formed an exceptional duo, and during their peak popularity from 1946 to 1956, they were essentially the Beatles of their time. The film “Hollywood or Bust” was directed by Frank Tashlin, a ’50s comedic maverick whose work resembled vibrant clashing plaids. Dean Martin played Steve, a smooth gambler escaping his bookie, while Jerry Lewis portrayed Malcolm, an enthusiastic movie buff who had just won a convertible in a raffle. The confusion arises when Steve believes he is the winner of the car. They end up sharing the vehicle on a chaotic road trip to Hollywood, accompanied by a Great Dane named Mr. Bascomb—his slurpy lips and regal A-frame ears make him one of the greatest canine visual gags in cinema history. Tragically, the bond between Martin and Lewis had already deteriorated during the filming of “Hollywood or Bust.” They barely spoke to each other, and the movie was released four months after their professional partnership officially ended. Lewis never saw the completed film; he found it too painful to watch. In his memoir “Dean & Me: A Love Story,” Lewis recounts his relationship with Martin, stating that even years after Martin’s death in 1995, he continued to dream about him at least twice a week. Until his own passing in 2017, Lewis always referred to Martin as “my partner.” “Hollywood or Bust” serves as the remnant of their time together—a hilarious but poignant reminder of how transient our existence on this Earth truly is. So laugh while you can, and never apologize for it.

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2025-03-19 20:07

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