Best Comedy Movies Of The 80s

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future tells the story of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), an awkward teen from Hill Valley, California, who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean car created by the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). With the help of his friend, the teenage version of Dr. Brown, Marty must find a way to return to his own time and prevent his own parents from never meeting. Along the way, he falls in love with his teenage mother, faces off against Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson), the bully of his own future, and learns the importance of friendship and family. Ultimately, Marty and Dr. Brown work together to ensure Marty’s safe return to the present, while also inadvertently inspiring Dr. Brown to pursue the invention of the time machine.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a classic fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Reiner. It follows the story of the beautiful Buttercup, the farm girl who is in love with the farm boy, Westley. When Westley is reported dead, Buttercup is forced to marry the evil Prince Humperdinck. However, a mysterious masked man known as Inigo Montoya, along with his companions Fezzik, a giant, and Vizzini, a master strategist, have been hired to kidnap Buttercup and take her to Humperdinck. Along the way, they encounter a number of dangers, including the Dread Pirate Roberts, an expert swordsman. With the help of Inigo and Fezzik, Westley ultimately rescues Buttercup and the two of them fight against the evil prince and his forces. In the end, the heroes are triumphant and Westley and Buttercup get their happily ever after.

From John Landis, starring John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway, John Candy
Rated R

The Blues Brothers is a 1980 American musical-comedy action film directed by John Landis. It stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues, characters developed from "The Blues Brothers" musical sketch on the NBC variety series Saturday Night Live. The film's screenplay was written by Aykroyd and Landis. It features musical numbers by rhythm and blues (R&B), soul, and blues singers James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and John Lee Hooker. The film tells the story of Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers who embark on a mission from God to save the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised. To do so, they must reunite their former band and organize a performance to earn the $5,000 needed. Along the way, they are targeted by a destructive "mystery woman", Neo-Nazis, and the Illinois State Police. Overall, the film is a mix of action, comedy, and music, with a lighthearted but often chaotic plot. Through its numerous musical performances, the film pays homage to the history of African American music, as well as the culture of the blues.

From Bob Clark, starring Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz
Rated PG

A Christmas Story is a 1983 holiday classic directed by Bob Clark. Set in the 1940s, the film follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a young boy who dreams of one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. His quest to get the gun, however, is hindered by everyone he encounters, who all tell him the same thing: "You'll shoot your eye out!" Through his misadventures, Ralphie learns valuable lessons about growing up, friendship, family, and the power of believing in yourself. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a department store Santa, a bully, a Chinese restaurant owner, and a somewhat eccentric family. A Christmas Story is a heart-warming holiday classic that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.

From Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis
Rated PG

Ghostbusters is a 1984 supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as three eccentric parapsychologists-turned-ghost exterminators in New York City. After they are fired from Columbia University, the three friends set up shop as "Ghostbusters" and soon begin to rid the city of paranormal entities. With the help of their assistant Janine (Annie Potts) and an unassuming everyman named Louis (Rick Moranis), the Ghostbusters battle an ancient Sumerian god who seeks to take control of the world. As the team musters up the courage to face the overwhelming supernatural forces, they realize that merely busting ghosts is not enough, and they must save the world and their city from total destruction.

From John Hughes, starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones
Rated PG-13

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a 1986 American teen comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by John Hughes. The film stars Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, a high school slacker who skips school for a day in Chicago, with Mia Sara and Alan Ruck. Ferris frequently breaks the fourth wall to explain his techniques and inner thoughts. Ferris, who lives in the Chicago suburbs, convinces his best friend Cameron Frye and girlfriend Sloane Peterson to join him for the day. After a series of adventures, Ferris persuades the two to join him in enjoying the day. Ferris' sister, Jeannie, and school principal Ed Rooney try to catch Ferris, but fail in the end. The film is notable for its soundtrack and its features of Chicago landmarks, including the Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago. Ferris Bueller's Day Off has become one of the most iconic and beloved teen comedies of the 1980s.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson
Rated PG

Back to the Future Part II follows the adventures of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) as they travel to the future, where they must ensure that Marty's future family is safe and that the future of Hill Valley remains intact. After arriving in the future, they discover that the future is not what they expected and that they must fix a series of events that have led to the destruction of Hill Valley. In the process, they must battle the villainous Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) and his gang, as well as the all-powerful Mr. Fusion. With the help of their old friend, Jennifer (Elisabeth Shue), the two must use the power of their time-traveling DeLorean to restore the future and save the town.

From John Hughes, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Rated R

The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It follows five high school students—the "Brat Pack"—from suburban Chicago, Illinois, who, on Saturday morning, March 24, 1984, meet in their high school library to serve detention. Over the course of the day, they learn about each other's cliques, secrets, and individual struggles. Through their experiences, they come to realize that regardless of their social status, they are all in the same situation and need to rely on each other to get through their day. By reflecting on their own lives, the five come to terms with the issues that led to them being in detention, and discover ways to move forward. The film features an iconic soundtrack and has since achieved cult status.

From Directors: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, starring Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Rated PG

Airplane! is a classic comedy film from 1980 directed by the trio of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The movie follows Ted Striker, a former war pilot with a fear of flying, as he attempts to take control of a commercial airliner and land it safely after both pilots become incapacitated. Along the way, the audience is treated to a series of absurdist gags and one-liners, many of which have become iconic. Along with a great soundtrack, Airplane! is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time and is still regularly quoted today.

From Richard Donner, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Rated PG

The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy film directed by Richard Donner, who produced with Harvey Bernhard. The screenplay was written by Chris Columbus from a story by executive producer Steven Spielberg. The film follows a band of pre-teen misfits who call themselves the Goonies and live in the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon. After their homes are threatened with foreclosure, the Goonies set out on a quest to find an old Spanish treasure in order to save their town. Along the way, they encounter Booby Traps, a violent criminal family, and the Fratellis: a family of criminals, who have kidnapped the Goonies' missing friend, Data. The Goonies must complete different tasks to stay ahead of their pursuers and unlock the mystery of the ancient treasure. The film stars Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Jonathan Ke Huy Quan, Kerri Green, Joe Pantoliano, and Anne Ramsey. The music for the film was composed by Dave Grusin. The Goonies was released on June 7, 1985, and was a critical and commercial success, grossing USD$61 million worldwide and becoming one

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action/animated mystery comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. Set in 1947 Hollywood, the film stars Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant, a private investigator hired to exonerate cartoon character Roger Rabbit, who is accused of murder. The film blends live action and animation and features a wide array of cartoon characters, including Baby Herman, Betty Boop, Tweety Bird, Yosemite Sam, and more. The film follows Valiant as he investigates the suspicious events taking place in Toontown, the world created to house the cartoon characters. He discovers a conspiracy involving a powerful businessman, Judge Doom, who is determined to destroy Toontown. Valiant is forced to team up with Roger to save both him and Toontown from Doom's nefarious plot. Along the way, the unlikely duo find an unlikely ally in the form of Jessica Rabbit, the sultry cartoon femme fatale. In the end, Valiant and Roger outwit Doom, proving Roger's innocence and foiling his plans for Toontown in the process. The film was a box office success, grossing over $329 million worldwide, and received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of live-action and animation. It

From John Hughes, starring Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean
Rated R

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a classic 1987 comedy directed by John Hughes starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The film follows the misadventures of Neal Page (Martin) and Del Griffith (Candy), two travelers desperate to get back home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. After their plane is grounded due to a storm, they are forced to take a long, circuitous journey including trains, buses, taxis, and hitchhiking. Along the way, the unlikely duo experiences a series of misfortunes and comedic mishaps as they encounter rude passengers, incompetent drivers, and a variety of colorful characters. Despite their constant bickering and differences, the two gradually learn to appreciate each other and become friends by the end of their journey.

From David Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, O.J. Simpson, Ricardo Montalban
Rated PG-13

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is a 1988 American comedy film starring Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling and comically inept police lieutenant Frank Drebin. The movie follows Lt. Drebin as he attempts to foil a criminal plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom during her visit to Los Angeles. Along the way, he encounters a variety of obstacles, both real and imagined, as his investigation leads to a myriad of off-the-wall scenarios. His fellow officers, Ed Hocken (George Kennedy) and Nordberg (O. J. Simpson), attempt to help him in his investigation, as do his gorgeous girlfriend Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley) and his former superior Captain Ed Hocken (Ricardo Montalban). The film also features a variety of comedic celebrities, including Leslie Nielsen's real-life son, actor Eric Allan Nielsen. Hilarious physical comedy, witty dialogue, and unexpected plot twists combine to make The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! a classic of the screwball comedy genre.

From John Landis, starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche
Rated R

Trading Places is a 1983 American comedy film directed by John Landis starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. It tells the story of an upper-class commodities broker and a homeless street hustler whose lives are changed when two wealthy brothers make a bet on which man can succeed in the other's life. The brothers make a deal to exchange the lives of the two men for one week, in order to prove their respective theories about nature versus nurture. As the two men adjust to their new lives, they join forces to win back their fortunes and teach the brothers a lesson. Along the way, the two men form an unlikely friendship, and the film features several humorous and memorable scenes.

From Tim Burton, starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Annie McEnroe
Rated PG

Beetlejuice is a 1988 American comedy-horror film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton in the title role. The plot follows a recently deceased couple who become ghosts haunting their former home and an obnoxious, devious poltergeist named Beetlejuice whom they hire to scare away the new inhabitants. Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara co-star as the living characters whose lives become tangled with the supernatural elements of the film. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $73.7 million from a budget of $15 million, and two Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects. The film's success spawned an animated television series and a 2019 stage musical.

From Martin Brest, starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton
Rated R

Midnight Run is an action-comedy film directed by Martin Brest and released in 1988. It follows the story of bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) and his assignment to bring back former mob accountant, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Charles Grodin). Walsh is given five days to transport the Duke from New York to Los Angeles and to collect the $100,000 bounty on Mardukas' head. Along the way, Walsh and Mardukas must evade both the FBI and the mob, all while dealing with each other's bickering. Through this journey, the two develop an unlikely and humorous friendship.

From Jeremiah S. Chechik, starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki
Rated PG-13

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation follows the Griswold family as they attempt to have the perfect Christmas. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family have high expectations for their holiday season, but instead, they have to face a series of mishaps. From a haphazard family reunion to a missing Christmas bonus, Clark and his family must battle holiday chaos. As they attempt to make the best of their Christmas vacation, they experience a roller coaster of emotions, but in the end, they come together in a true Christmas spirit.

From Frank Oz, starring Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly, Anton Rodgers
Rated PG

From Harold Ramis, starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid
Rated R

From Martin Brest, starring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher
Rated R

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard
Rated PG

From Barry Levinson, starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tom. T. Tran, Chintara Sukapatana
Rated R

From Jamie Uys, starring N!xau, Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, Louw Verwey
Rated PG

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson, John Goodman
Rated PG-13

From Harold Ramis, starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Ted Knight
Rated R