Old-school comedy classics: 7 seriously funny movies

Laughter really is the best medicine. A good guffaw can take a load off your mind and there’s nothing better than watching a funny movie that can transform belly aches into belly laughs. Whether you’re sharing a chuckle, a chortle or a whole bag of giggles, there’s scientific evidence to compel you to do it more often.  

Laughter increases endorphins, stimulates circulation and muscle relaxation in the short term with the ability to improve your mood, relieve pain and strengthen your immune system. So whether the doctor ordered it or not, here are 7 old-school comedy classics guaranteed to get you smiling and laughing your head (or ass) off in no time! 

50 First Dates

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore created absolute magic in The Wedding Singer. A veritable Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan on-screen power couple, they plied their infectious sweetheart chemistry into the romantic comedy 50 First Dates. Henry Roth thinks he’s found the love of his life in Lucy but quickly realises that her short-term memory loss means he’ll have to win over the girl of his dreams every single day. 

Set in Hawaii, this fun-filled island paradise romcom leans on tried-and-trusted Adam Sandler comedy elements. Poking fun at his no-strings-attached love life, the breezy and charming Henry is surrounded by a host of wacky characters who make up his misfit family. Tapping into the feel-good, the soundtrack keeps things upbeat and nostalgic as Sandler and Barrymore’s puppy love and unassuming charm keep us rooting for them to keep falling in love.  

Ace Ventura 

Taking a page from Dr Dolittle and Magnum PI, who can forget the misadventures of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective? Played with absolute conviction by the goofy and rubber-faced Jim Carrey, this classic comedy caper gives the one-in-a-million actor a chance to flex his comic timing, vocal range and physical performance. Adding a bit from a stand-up character after a few script reads, the “All righty, then” catchphrase and voice became a mainstay trait for Ace. 

Centred on an animal whisperer turned private dick, Ace Ventura is put on a high profile case when he’s hired to track down a missing ocean mammal – the kidnapped mascot for the Miami Dolphins football team. Unleashing many quotable quotes, catching bullets and sporting many hilarious scenes, this is the ridiculous movie that made Carrey a Hollywood star. It gets a bit weird with the whole Dan Marino thing but never stops being funny. 

Wedding Crashers 

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are both known for having the gift of the gab. Opposite Jackie Chan, Wilson was the fastest lips in the West in Shanghai Noon, while Vaughn’s role opposite Jon Favreau in Swingers tells you everything you need to know, twice. On paper, you wouldn’t expect Vaughn and Wilson’s chemistry to work but in Wedding Crashers, it’s pure comedy magic. 

In this summer buddy movie, John and Jeremy discover that weddings are the perfect place to pick up women and have as many hedonistic escapades as possible. Finding sneaky ways to gate-crash one wedding after another, the hapless womanisers go all-out until they meet Claire… the girl of their dreams. Sharp writing, genuine laughs and surprisingly riotous chemistry between Vaughn and Wilson ensure they’re the life of the party in the stellar Wedding Crashers. 

Bridesmaids

This hysterical comedy comes from Judd Apatow, the producer who brought us Superbad, Knocked Up and the 40-Year-Old Virgin. Taking centre stage is Kristen Wiig as Annie, a maid of honour who pulls out all the stops to lead her best friend down the aisle to matrimony as she tries to navigate her own life falling apart. Testament to its funny is an Oscar nomination for Melissa McCarthy, who set her Hollywood star alight with this gung-ho supporting performance. 

As co-screenwriter, Wiig’s rich insights shine through as what starts like a female-driven Wedding Crashers and The Hangover hybrid turns into a stand-alone comedy classic. As gross and laugh-out-loud funny as it gets, this wild comedy hit is equally heartfelt and surprisingly touching. Spurred by fantastic comedy performances and adventurous writing, Bridesmaids is bound to strike a chord, warm cockles and even pluck a few heartstrings. 

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 

Will Ferrell is Ron Burgundy, a man’s man and news anchor whose leather-bound books, rich mahogany and carpet of chest hair are a symbol of his untold machismo. Filled with quotable quotes from the etymology of San Diego and harmonies of Afternoon Delight to dumb prank calls, there’s a strong undercurrent of unbridled and unrivalled humour to Adam McKay’s colourful, over-the-top and stellar Anchorman. 

Will Ferrell stars opposite Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner and Christina Applegate in an iconic and hilarious comedy that exploits the childish insecurities of a self-involved figurehead and his wannabe cronies. Set in the 1970s, this outrageous comedy focuses on the grandiose Ron Burgundy and his dim-witted yet loyal news team, who struggle to come to terms with an ambitious co-anchor amid the threat of competing news teams. 

We're the Millers

This outrageous comedy classic recalls Chevy Chase’s Vacation as it journeys with an all-American family on a roadtrip getaway. The difference is that none of them are related, and are all part of a mission to smuggle a large shipment of weed across the Mexican border. Creating a series of goofy to hysterical fake family moments, We’re the Millers ranges from inappropriate to intimate as the concept of family gets a full workout. 

There isn’t a weak link in We’re the Millers, starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts and Will Poulter, who headline a star-studded comedy ensemble with many brilliant little cameos. Entertaining and enjoyable, this raunchy comedy send-up’s brilliant concept pays off again and again as it ranges from dumb RV holiday fun to ridiculously awkward moments.   

Pitch Perfect

What’s not fun about karaoke? Pitch Perfect takes this fun singalong spirit into the competitive world of university a capella competition. Add the cute and funny Anna Kendrick alongside Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson and you’ve got yourself a delightful music comedy hit. Featuring pop music covers from the last few decades, from Eternal Flame to Titanium, this exhilarating joy ride is infectiously funny and filled with uplifting moments that will make you want to form your own beatbox entourage. 

To get the party started, the music comedy romance finds Beca under pressure to join the all-female Barden Bellas. In a baptism by fire, the Bellas have to resolve their differences on the fly as they ramp up their preparations to take down their male rivals. A fairly straightforward teamster story, Pitch Perfect is compelled by Kendrick who encapsulates the film’s knack for fun and entertainment.