70s Comedy Movies

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is the 1975 classic British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film follows the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a daring quest to find the mythical Holy Grail. Along their journey they encounter numerous obstacles, including a killer rabbit, the Black Knight, a group of angry peasants, and a three-headed giant. The film features the iconic Monty Python cast, including John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman, as well as several classic musical numbers. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a hilarious parody of the Arthurian Legend and has become a cult classic over the years.

From Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle
Rated PG

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The story follows Dr. Frankenstein's grandson as he attempts to complete his grandfather's work, creating a monster from dead body parts. He encounters many comedic misadventures along the way, due to his assistant Igor's bumbling and the meddling of the townspeople. Ultimately, the monster is successfully brought to life and Dr. Frankenstein must confront the consequences of his actions.

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a Monty Python comedy film directed by Terry Jones in 1979. The film follows Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is born on the same day as, and next door to, Jesus Christ, and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. Brian's life is complicated when he is enlisted in a revolutionary group, escapes multiple crucifixions, and is eventually arrested and sentenced to be crucified. The film satirizes the events of the New Testament and religion in general, as well as other aspects of human life. The film features an ensemble cast of members of the Monty Python comedy troupe, and is known for its outrageous humor and its irreverent take on religion.

From Mel Brooks, starring Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman
Rated R

Blazing Saddles is a 1974 satirical Western comedy film directed by Mel Brooks. The film satirizes the racism obscured by Hollywood's portrayal of the American West. The story centers on a new railroad worker, Bart, who is appointed the new sheriff of a small frontier town called Rock Ridge. Although initially met with hostility from the townspeople, Bart is able to gain their respect by outsmarting the corrupt politicians and railroad tycoons. With the help of the townspeople, Bart is able to fight off a large attack by the villainous Mongo and protect Rock Ridge from being destroyed by the railroad. The film is filled with comedic moments and features a star-studded cast including Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little, Slim Pickens, and Harvey Korman.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Georges Adet, Frank Adu
Rated PG

Love and Death is a 1975 black comedy film directed by Woody Allen, starring Allen and Diane Keaton. The film follows Boris Grushenko (Allen), a cowardly Russian peasant who is determined to impress his beloved Sonya (Keaton) by joining the army and becoming a hero in the Napoleonic Wars. After various misadventures, Boris finds himself face-to-face with Napoleon himself, and his cowardice is put to the test. The film is a satire of the romantic Russian war films of the same era, and is widely recognized as one of Allen's funniest and most notable works. It features some of his trademark philosophical musings, and explores the themes of mortality, courage, and the meaning of life.

From Herbert Ross, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy
Rated PG

Play It Again, Sam is a 1972 comedy-drama directed by Herbert Ross and starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, and Tony Roberts. The film follows Woody Allen's character, Allan Felix, as he attempts to find love following his recent divorce. With guidance from the ghost of Humphrey Bogart, who appears as his alter ego and gives him relationship advice, Allan sets out on a hilarious, often awkward, journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets a beautiful but insecure actress (Keaton) who helps him to confront his inner doubts and fears, while learning some valuable lessons about life and love. In the end, Allan is able to come to terms with his divorce and forge a meaningful relationship with the woman of his dreams.

From Brian G. Hutton, starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Connor
Rated GP

Kelly's Heroes is a 1970 war comedy directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Clint Eastwood, Don Rickles, and Donald Sutherland. The plot revolves around a group of Allied soldiers who decide to loot a bank behind enemy lines during World War II. The group is led by the cynical Sgt. Kelly (Clint Eastwood) and includes a colorful cast of characters, including Crapgame (Don Rickles), Oddball (Donald Sutherland), and Big Joe (Telly Savalas). Along the way, the group must battle enemy forces, deal with a treacherous tank commander, and negotiate a deal with the local French resistance to get the loot. The mission is successful, but with heavy casualties. In the end, Kelly's Heroes show that, even in the midst of a war, it is possible to have a little fun.

From James Frawley, starring Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt
Rated G

The Muppet Movie is a 1979 musical comedy film directed by James Frawley and starring Jim Henson's Muppets. The story follows Kermit the Frog as he embarks on a cross-country trip from the swamp to Hollywood in order to find fame and fortune. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and others. As Kermit faces obstacles and puts his newfound friends in danger, they must band together to make it to their final destination. With several musical numbers, including the classic “Rainbow Connection” and classic gags, The Muppet Movie is a beloved classic that has entertained audiences for decades.

From John Landis, starring John Belushi, Karen Allen, Tom Hulce, Stephen Furst
Rated R

From Robert Altman, starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman
Rated R

From Jim Sharman, starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien
Rated R

From Arthur Hiller, starring Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Richard Libertini, Nancy Dussault
Rated PG

From Blake Edwards, starring Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Lesley-Anne Down, Burt Kwouk
Rated PG

From Carl Reiner, starring Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams, Mabel King
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, John Beck, Mary Gregory
Rated PG

From Blake Edwards, starring Peter Sellers, Christopher Plummer, Catherine Schell, Herbert Lom
Rated G

From Directors: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball, starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Sam Jaffe
Rated G

From Arthur Hiller, starring Jack Lemmon, Sandy Dennis, Sandy Baron, Anne Meara
Rated G

From Hal Needham, starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Mike Henry
Rated PG

From Directors: Lou Adler, Tommy Chong, starring Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Strother Martin, Edie Adams
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Louise Lasser, Carlos Montalbán, Nati Abascal
Rated PG-13

From Arthur Hiller, starring Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Jill Clayburgh, Patrick McGoohan
Rated PG

From Colin Higgins, starring Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Burgess Meredith, Rachel Roberts
Rated PG

From Mel Brooks, starring Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar
Rated Passed

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Gene Wilder, Louise Lasser, John Carradine
Rated R