Funny Movies You Forgot About

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani and written by Abhijat Joshi. It was adapted from the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. The film stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Omi Vaidya, Parikshit Sahni, and Boman Irani. The story follows the lives of three engineering students who are close friends and roommates — Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi), and Rancho (Khan) — at an engineering college in Delhi. Raju and Farhan are pressured by their families to succeed, while the independent-minded Rancho is scornful of the system. Throughout the film, Rancho guides his friends through the pressures of college life and helps them realize their passion in life and follow it. He uses his unique methods to outwit the college's oppressive administration, his nemesis, Professor Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Irani). The film was a major commercial and critical success, earning numerous awards and becoming the highest-

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a 2001 French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film follows Amélie Poulain, a shy young woman living in Montmartre, Paris, who discovers a box of childhood treasures and decides to devote her life to bringing happiness to others. Throughout the film, Amélie helps the people around her by secretly orchestrating small but meaningful coincidences. Along the way, she falls in love with a mysterious man, Nino, who collects discarded photo booth pictures. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning four César Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.

From Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft
Rated Passed

Some Like It Hot is a classic 1959 American comedy directed by Billy Wilder. It stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The story follows two male musicians, Joe and Jerry, as they try to escape from Chicago mobsters by disguising themselves as women and joining an all-female band. Along the way, Joe and Jerry encounter endless amounts of hijinks and romantic entanglements as they struggle to keep up their charade. In the end, the two must choose between the safety of the band and their feelings for two women they met on their travels.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy-comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman who finds himself living the same day over and over again. After being sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities, Phil wakes up the next day to find that it is still Groundhog Day and that he is stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over. As he begins to understand the situation and accept his new reality, he begins to use the repetition to his advantage, learning new skills and becoming a better person with each new day. In the end, his persistent efforts pay off and he is able to break the cycle and move on with his life.

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

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 American comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The film also stars Peter Boyle as the monster, Cloris Leachman as Frau Blücher, Marty Feldman as Igor, Teri Garr as Inga, and Madeline Kahn as Elizabeth. The plot follows the heir of the notorious Dr. Frankenstein, who finds himself in the same mad scientist shoes as his ancestor, working to create a monster of his own. With the help of his hunchbacked sidekick Igor and buxom assistant Inga, he succeeds in bringing the creature to life. Meanwhile, the family's housekeeper Frau Blücher and Elizabeth, the doctor's fiancée, become embroiled in the madcap comedy. Despite the scientific and supernatural elements, Young Frankenstein pays loving tribute to the classic Universal horror films of the 1930s, and the film is widely considered one of the greatest comic horror films of all time.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Rated R

Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 British comedy horror film directed by Edgar Wright. The film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), a directionless, thirty-something Londoner, who is caught in an apocalyptic zombie uprising. Along with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost) and his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), Shaun must navigate the ever-growing hordes of the undead, rescue his mother (Penelope Wilton) and Liz’s flatmates, and ultimately save the day. The movie is a parody of zombie films, with the characters using everyday items like cricket bats and records as weapons against the zombies. The film also incorporates elements of romantic comedy, as Shaun attempts to reconcile with Liz and win her back. The humor is further enhanced by the presence of eccentric characters, including Shaun's stepfather, Philip (Bill Nighy). In the end, Shaun and his friends find a way to survive the undead invasion and start a new life.

From Rob Reiner, starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 mockumentary film directed by Rob Reiner that follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on tour. The film follows the band as they attempt to promote their latest album, Smell the Glove. Along the way, the band encounters multiple frustrating events, including declining record sales, bad press, and difficult relations between the band members. Despite the band's struggles, they remain determined to make their mark on the world of rock and roll. Throughout the film, the band members provide amusing and often self-deprecating commentary on the state of their career. The film's humorous and satirical take on the music industry has made it a cult classic.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy
Rated R

Hot Fuzz is an action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. It follows Pegg's character, Nicholas Angel, a highly-decorated London police officer who is transferred to a small-town police force in the fictional village of Sandford, Gloucestershire. He soon discovers that the seemingly-perfect village is in fact plagued by criminal activity. With the help of his new partner, Danny Butterman (Frost), Angel sets out to investigate the mysterious and suspicious activity. Along the way, the two men must face off against a number of powerful and eccentric individuals, ultimately culminating in a massive shootout. The film is a satire of the action-cop genre, with a humorous take on police corruption and the culture of small-town England.

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

Blazing Saddles is a 1974 American satirical Western comedy film directed by Mel Brooks. It satirizes the racism that was prevalent in the American Old West by portraying an African-American sheriff in an all-white town. The film follows Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little), a black sheriff who is hired to protect the town of Rock Ridge from the machinations of a greedy politician, Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman). Lamarr attempts to drive the townspeople out of Rock Ridge in order to install his own corrupt government and to make the land available for the construction of a railway. Bart teams up with Jim, a drunken gunslinger (Gene Wilder), to thwart Lamarr's plans. Along with a cast of outrageous characters, including a singing group called "The Urban Cowboys" and an Indian chief named Chief Wounded Knee (Slim Pickens), the two heroes work to protect the town of Rock Ridge from destruction. The film's over-the-top comedy includes many references to classic Hollywood westerns, as well as a number of popular catchphrases, such as "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!" and "Where are the white women at?" Blazing Saddles was a critical and commercial

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

Airplane! is a 1980 American comedy film directed and written by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The film follows a former fighter pilot, Ted Striker (Robert Hays), who is trying to cope with wartime trauma while attempting to land a passenger airliner after the flight crew is incapacitated from food poisoning. On board the plane are a host of colorful characters including a doctor (Leslie Nielsen) and a nun (Julie Hagerty). The comedic events of the film include a series of misunderstandings, slapstick humor, and references to popular films of the 1970s. With its irreverent humor and quick-witted dialogue, Airplane! is often hailed as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

"Midnight in Paris" is a romantic fantasy comedy-drama written and directed by Woody Allen. The film follows Gil Pender, a Hollywood screenwriter, who is on a trip to Paris with his fiancée Inez. While there, Gil is struck by the beauty of the city and is suddenly transported back in time to the 1920s, where he meets and converses with some of the great minds and artists of the era. As he immerses himself in the past, Gil begins to fall in love with the city and its inhabitants, and comes to the realization that his present life is not what he wants. He struggles to choose whether to stay in Paris or return to his fiancée and life in Hollywood.

From Aleksandr Rogozhkin, starring Anni-Kristiina Juuso, Ville Haapasalo, Viktor Bychkov, Mikhail Korobochkin
Rated PG-13

The Cuckoo is a 2002 Russian drama directed by Aleksandr Rogozhkin. Set during the Second World War in Finnish Lapland, the film follows an elderly Lapp couple, Kuksa and Anni, who are forced to take in a Russian soldier, Veniamin, who has been stranded there. Despite their initial reluctance to help him, the couple soon develop a strong bond with Veniamin as they slowly learn more about him and his experiences in the war, as well as the secrets he has been carrying with him. As the war rages on and the tension between Finland and Russia intensifies, Kuksa and Anni are forced to confront the realities of war, and the devastating impact it has on their lives. The film is a poignant exploration of the devastating effects of war on the human spirit, and how the power of love and compassion can help to heal even the deepest wounds.

From Masayuki Suô, starring Kôji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka, Eri Watanabe
Rated PG

Shall We Dance? is a 1996 Japanese film directed by Masayuki Suô, starring Koji Yakusho and Tamiyo Kusakari. The story follows Shizuko, a married woman whose mundane life is disrupted when she discovers the joy of ballroom dancing. After seeing a mysterious man in an evening dance studio, Shizuko decides to take up dance lessons, despite the protestations of her husband and the disapproval of her friends. Through her journey of learning to dance, Shizuko discovers the joys of life again and finds a renewed sense of purpose. Along the way, she also finds a sense of community, friendship, and even love. The film ultimately serves as a poignant exploration of the power of art, particularly dance, to transform and enrich life.

From Stephen Chow, starring Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen, Siu-Lung Leung
Rated R

Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts comedy film directed, written, produced, and starring Stephen Chow. The film follows a hapless wannabe gangster, Sing (Stephen Chow), as he and his dim-witted sidekick, Bone (Lam Tze-chung), attempt to join the notorious Axe Gang. When a dispute over a neighboring slum escalates into a full-scale war between the Axe Gang and the slum-dwellers, Sing finds himself and his friends caught in the middle of the battle. Along the way, Sing must learn the secrets of kung fu in order to save himself and his friends. With a blend of comedy and action, Kung Fu Hustle is an entertaining and irreverent homage to classic martial arts films.

From Billy Wilder, starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, Walter Hampden
Rated Passed

Sabrina is a classic romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of a chauffeur to a wealthy Long Island family. Sabrina has a crush on David Larrabee, the wealthy playboy brother of the family, but is spurned. To get away from her troubles she goes to Paris, where she learns how to be a sophisticated woman. When she returns to Long Island, she captures the affection of both David and his older brother, Linus. Both men are in love with Sabrina and she must choose between them. In the end, Sabrina chooses Linus, who has changed his ways and is ready to commit to a serious relationship. The film is a romantic fairytale that is beloved for its witty dialogue, gorgeous costumes, and captivating performances.

From Richard Curtis, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney
Rated R

Love Actually is a romantic comedy set in London, England during the month leading up to Christmas. Through intertwining stories, the film explores the complexities of love in all its forms. It follows the lives of eight couples as they try to navigate the ups and downs of relationships, love and life. The movie features a large ensemble cast, including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney and Keira Knightley, among others. The film is a witty and heartfelt exploration of what it means to love and be loved, and its message of finding joy in the small moments of life.

From Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Marie-Laure Dougnac, Dominique Pinon, Pascal Benezech, Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Rated R

Delicatessen is a French sci-fi comedy-drama film from 1991, directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where food is scarce. The film follows the character of Louison, a newly unemployed circus clown who takes a job in a rundown delicatessen owned by the strange but charismatic Clapet. Louison soon discovers that the other tenants in the building are being murdered and consumed by Clapet and his family as a way to survive the food shortages. Louison teams up with the building's other tenants to fight back against Clapet's cannibalistic tendencies, while also developing a romance with Clapet's daughter. The film is a darkly comic exploration of the lengths to which people will go to survive in extreme conditions.

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

Kelly's Heroes is a 1970 American war comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton. The film follows a group of World War II American soldiers who go AWOL to rob a bank behind enemy lines. Led by the irreverent Lieutenant Kelly (Clint Eastwood), the diverse group of soldiers includes an ex-POW soldier (Donald Sutherland), a mechanic (Telly Savalas), a sharp-shooting corporal (Don Rickles), and a black soldier (Jim Brown) who dreams of opening his own soul food restaurant. The soldiers fight their way into a French town and eventually find the bank with a large Nazi gold cache. With the help of an eccentric British officer (Aston Wilder), they launch their daring mission and face many obstacles, including a battle with a huge German Tiger tank. In the end, they are successful and make off with the gold. However, their adventure has earned them a place in the annals of World War II history.

From Directors: John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy, Joshua Logan, starring Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell, Jack Lemmon
Rated Passed

Mister Roberts is a 1955 American comedy-drama film directed by John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy and Joshua Logan and starring Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell, Jack Lemmon and Betsy Palmer. Set during World War II, the film tells the story of a navy cargo ship stuck in the backwaters of the Pacific. Lieutenant Douglas "Doug" Roberts (Fonda) is the ship's executive officer who dreams of getting transferred to an active combat ship. However, his demanding captain, Lieutenant Commander Morton (Cagney), makes sure that Roberts never gets his wish, leading to a power struggle between the two officers. Meanwhile, the crew of the U.S.S. Reluctant suffers through the boredom of life on the backwaters while dreaming of the day they can get to the front lines. In the end, Roberts finds a way to get his crew released from their dreary duty, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process.

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

Beetlejuice is a dark comedy film directed by Tim Burton in 1988. The story follows the recently deceased couple of Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) who haunt their former home, seeking help from the devious, otherworldly character named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). Beetlejuice, who is summoned by saying his name three times, attempts to scare away the new inhabitants of the house, a family of yuppies from New York City. In the end, Beetlejuice is ultimately outwitted by Adam and Barbara, who enlist the help of a "bio-exorcist" to finally rid their home of Beetlejuice and his outrageous antics.

From Mel Brooks, starring Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn, Kenneth Mars
Rated PG

The Producers is a 1967 American comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan. The iconic film stars Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder as a down-on-their-luck Broadway producer and accountant, respectively, who attempt to scam investors by producing a surefire flop musical. The plan backfires when the musical turns out to be a hit. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was remade in 2005 by the same director. The Producers is widely regarded as one of the funniest films of all time and is often credited as the first of Brooks' classic "slapstick" comedies.

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

Trading Places is a 1983 comedy film directed by John Landis. It stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as two men from very different social backgrounds who find themselves in each other's shoes after a wager between two wealthy brothers. The film follows their misadventures as they both struggle to adjust to their new lives and try to get back to their old ones. Along the way, they come to realize the value of friendship and find unexpected riches in all of life's possibilities.

From Directors: Charles Crichton, John Cleese, starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin
Rated R

A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 British comedy film about a diamond heist gone wrong. The four main characters are: Otto West (Kevin Kline), a bumbling American con artist; Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis), an attractive British femme fatale; Ken Pile (Michael Palin), a dim-witted animal-loving Englishman; and George Thomason (John Cleese), an uptight British barrister. When the gang of four steal a large cache of diamonds, they soon find that getting away with it may not be as easy as they had thought. As they attempt to make their escape, they are pursued by both the police and a rival gang of criminals. As the tension between the four characters escalates and alliances shift, Otto and Wanda must figure out how to save themselves and their loot. This madcap comedy is packed with sharp wit, slapstick humour and a host of memorable lines. With a brilliant cast and a cleverly crafted storyline, A Fish Called Wanda is a classic comedy that has been enjoyed by generations of fans.

From Eli Craig, starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss
Rated R

Tucker and Dale vs Evil is a horror-comedy film directed by Eli Craig. It follows two good-natured hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, as they are mistaken for psycho killers by a group of preppy college kids. When one of the college kids gets separated from the rest and ends up at Tucker and Dale's cabin, a series of misunderstandings leads to them being accused of murder. Tucker and Dale must try to prove their innocence while also dealing with the preppy kids' bad intentions. The film is filled with laughs and suspense as the two sides battle it out in a comedic battle of wits.

From Christopher Guest, starring Christopher Guest, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey
Rated R