My Top 10: Comedy Films

Comedy is usually a genre where I rarely see great films. They are usually solid romps, but nothing more. Where there is good comedy there usually lacks good plot and interesting characters.

There are thankfully enough exceptions to this to make my top 10 comedy films a pretty impressive one. It features some of the most iconic comedy film actors ranging from the 1920's to the last ten years. Some of you may find a bit controversial, so comments are welcome.

Here is my top 10:

10) Some Like It Hot - A brilliant timeless classic from 1959. When two musicians witness a murder from a mob, they flee and join a band and be disguised as woman.

Featuring the legends Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon their partnership makes me laugh out loud every time.

If that does not please do, then Marilyn Monroe's ditsy blonde character will.




9) Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy - Probably the film that has the most memorable quotes which you can use in everyday situations.

At first, it was not as successful, but over-time it became a cult classic.

Featuring great modern comedy film actors such as Will Ferrell, Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, this is just one of the funniest silly comedies of all-time.



8) In Bruges - One of the best black comedies and not just in modern times.

The duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson manages to suck you in from the first minute.

Also, a few scene-stealing scenes from Ralph Fiennes, a midget and a few Belgians, this dark comedy will make you laugh, cry and have you gripping your seat.

7) The Kid - Chaplin's first feature film and his most personal and dramatic one.

The Tramp is caring for an abandoned child. As he trains him jump to help him with his work, their relationship has suddenly taken a turn for the worse.

Made in 1921, I saw it only a few years ago and I was fascinated by it.
It is amazing how ahead of time Chaplin, not just in comedy, but in style of film-making.


6) The Circus - Chaplin returns as the Tramp, who finds work in the circus.

As he climbs up the hierarchy to be the star of the show, he finds a love interest.

The plot is nothing special, but the style and timing of the comedy is still vintage Chaplin and it beats everything else that is being made within the comedy genre.

5) Modern Times - With modern society expanding all the time, the Tramp is struggling to adapt.

With the help of a young homeless woman played by the gorgeous Paulette Goddard, the Tramp attempts to get back into the company he previously worked for.

The classic opening is just perfect slap-stick comedy and the presence of Goddard gives it great sex appeal.

4) Shaun Of The Dead - One of the biggest surprises in modern times.
After much success in TV series, not many were sure this would be the start of something special for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
The first rom-zom-com of its kind, and a brilliant British cult classic.
Every performance is just right and the timing and style of comedy is something that was much needed at the time.

3) City Lights - After meeting a blind flower girl, the Tramp has fallen in love and attempts to win her heart.

Chaplin may be known for his comedy, but many people forget he can do heart-warming as well.

This has a great blend of the two. Every time I see this, I am still amazed at how it still works today.


2) The Gold Rush - The first of five Charlie Chaplin's in my top 10. Featuring the lovable Tramp, he is gone off to the Klondlike to find gold.

Not only does he manage to find some, he encounters several characters. Some become enemies, some friends and maybe the odd love interest.
It may have been made in the 1920's, but I recently saw this for the first time and found it hilarious and quite ground-breaking for its time.

1) Groundhog Day - Absolutely genius and such a clever comedy. Starring Bill Murray as a weatherman who finds himself living the same day over and over again.

Not only is the comedy top-notch, the story is so clever and perfectly presented. This is a comedy that will never get dated.