So it’s about that time I made a Top 10 list for the comedies that have been made during the second half of the decade. I’ve been wanting to do this for some time but felt it was appropriate to do it right before the summer season really got underway. Check out the list of the Top 10 comedies since 2005 and please leave your comments after the jump.
One important aspect of this list is how funny the movie is on its first watch because, as with many comedies, the humor tends to decrease when much of it is shock based. This is true with many R rated comedies but I am sure you will find that at least half of these movies are re-watchable. The ranks are based on laughability, story, and creativity. Lastly, but not taken into consideration for ranking purposes, many of these movies are very quotable which I think makes their comedic impact longer lasting.
With that, here are the top 10 movies from 2005 to May 29, 2010.
10. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
The number 10 spot is always debatable but I felt that the hilarity which ensued on the screen was just too great to not put HTTM on this list. While its humor may not last more than one or two screenings, it does not disappoint when it attempts to extract laughs from its audience members. The concept is what drove people to the movie but it was great acting by Craig Robinson and Rob Corrdry which really brought this movie together. The crazy stunts and dialogue had me gasping for air at times and I’m pretty sure there was more CO2 in the room than oxygen at one point.
9. Zombieland (2009)
One of the best movies of 2009, Zombieland is an all around fun ride. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had in a movie theater but when you watch it you will find it hard to not laugh and enjoy the seamless blending of zombie horror with the humorous and witty script. The acting was superb and the chemistry between Eisenberg and Harrelson was flawless. The dynamic between the two is what took the movies comedic level and pushed it up a notch. Also, this movie has one of the best cameos I have ever seen and it readily deserves praise for the way it was integrated into the film.
8. UP (2009)
A classic in the making, UP is a genuine, heartwarming comedy that tops the animated sector. Although not necessarily my favorite Disney/Pixar movie, it definitely was better than WALL-E and Ratatouille. Its fine combination of storytelling, character development, and emotional outreach, both comedic and not, are the reasons why it deserves to make this list but its lack of consistent belly laughing is why it sits at the bottom of the list. Either way it makes the list and that says something about the quality of this film (which was nominated for an Oscar.)
7. Superbad (2007)
The movie which pretty much gave hope to teenage buddy comedies, Superbad has become a must have movie for any young adult. This movie was the stepping stone for Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, and unfortunately Michael Cera. Like the audience, the first time I saw this movie I was almost in tears and then found myself quoting the back scratching scene in random places. The movie doesn’t make the top five because of its inability to span generational gaps. For example, I don’t know if my mother would find this movie funny because of its insane dialogue and overall raunchiness.
6. Step Brothers (2008)
Talk about taking the concept of step brothers to an extreme level. Step Brothers is one of the funnier performances by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly to date and much of it has to do with their collaboration with Adam McKay on the script. It is one of the few movies which still offers laughs after watching it multiple times. Additionally, never have I laughed so hard at a trailer then when I saw the Step Brothers’ trailer in theaters for the first time…yes I’m talking about the epic bunk bed scene which still makes me laugh on the sixth screening of the movie.
5. Borat (2006)
What can I say about Borat, this movie has been quoted more times than I have gone to the bathroom over the past 21 years. Borat was hysterical and there is no denying that. Sacha Baron Cohen did a superb job with this film and took comedy to a whole new realistic level by bringing in the American people and capturing their finest moments on camera. The movie is “very niicceee” as Borat would put it.
4. MICMACS (2010)
Micmacs is a genuinely wholesome French comedy that everyone can appreciate if you don’t mind reading subtitles. The movie was just released in the United States but it was a hysterical, original, and heartwarming movie that will have you fixed in your seat but leaving enough room for you to rock with laughter. The movie has an old fashioned Buster Keaton feel to it that will have the older audience grateful for the ancient tribute. It’s at number four because of its ability to deliver highly consistent laughs as well as its ability to span generational gaps and remain original.
3. Death at a funeral (2007)
Yes another film from overseas made the top five but rightly and deservingly so. Death at a Funeral is an uproarious comedy from director Frank Oz. Not only is this movie original in its own right but the ability to take such a large and well known cast to create a piece of comedy that flows at the perfect pace makes this movie an exceptional piece of comedic work. Not only will you laugh out loud but you will find yourself relating to at least one of the characters which is more than I can say for a majority of the movies listed (or so I would hope at some level).
2. The Hangover (2009)
The clever script and breakout performance by Zach Galifianakis is what honestly made this movie a huge success. It goes so far over the edge that everyone, even if they got offended, found this movie to be ridiculously funny. There are scenes where you will cry from the insanity that pours from the screen. What really makes this movie great is how quotable it is and the fact that Zach names his newfound child ‘Baby Carlos’—“not on the table Carlos.”
1. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Lastly, the movie that pretty much launched the raunchy Apatow error of comedy (Anchorman doesn’t count as raunchy), the 40 Year Old Virgin, is by far the movie that America needed. Launching Steve Carell into the limelight, this movie was appreciated by people everywhere and left everyone in the theaters rolling on the floor. I don’t really think this movie needs much explaining but it definitely is the reason why Superbad even had the opportunity to make this list.
Lastly, I think it would be appropriate to honorably mention some other comedies, in no particular order, that didn’t make the top 10.
Honorable Mentions: Wedding Crashers, The Informant, Ratatouille, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Pineapple Express, Hot Fuzz, Waiting, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Grandma’s Boy, Mystery Team
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