Known for risky jokes, ridiculous plots and silly characters/situations, comedy movies are a great way to lift spirits. Whether you need a quick laugh after you’ve had a rough week or something to watch with friends, here are our top five comedy movies.

#5: “Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (R)

“Borat” made massive waves with its release in 2006 as a mockumentary using real footage of strangers reacting to the character of Borat. A 6-foot-3 Sacha Baron Cohen plays Borat, a foreign news journalist who has little to no understanding of American culture. 18 years later, it continues to entertain viewers, and it definitely would have been higher on the list if not for the other entries. Cohen’s performance as Borat the Kazakhstanian journalist is outstanding. He makes many satirical jokes, which is even more funny when you consider that he wrote the screenplay and many of the people featured in the movie are not even acting.

#4: “Kingpin” (PG-13)

Woody Harrelson plays a prodigy bowler who, through a series of tragic events, loses his hand and is forced to bowl with a hook as a replacement. As he prepares for a tournament he meets a man with similar talent who hides his passion for bowling from his Amish family. This movie is funny through and through with over-the-top practical jokes, and a great performance from Bill Murray who plays Ernie McCracken, the main antagonist of the film.

#3: “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (PG-13)

Mike Myers stars as both the hero and the villain in this classic James Bond-esque satire. The second installment of the Powers trilogy is likely the funniest because it introduces the character Mini-Me (Verne Troyer), who is a midget clone of antagonist Dr. Evil, as well as Fat Bastard, an Irish assassin also played by Mike Myers.

#2: “Anchorman” (PG-13)

Will Ferrell is newsman Ron Burgundy in this hilarious movie set in a 1970s TV newsroom. With help from actors Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, each scene is filled with something to laugh about. Whether there’s inspirational jazz flute playing or an epic battle between competing news stations, we’re not sure how to put this… he’s kind of a big deal.

#1: “Tropic Thunder” (R)

With a hilarious cast of Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and Danny McBride, a ridiculous plot centered on the production of a Vietnam War movie gone wrong and too many over-the-line jokes to count, it would be wrong to put any other movie at the top spot. This is not a movie for those who are easily offended; it is not afraid to make fun of anything and it most certainly will. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“Step Brothers” (R)

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are middle-aged knuckleheaded step-brothers in this 2008 classic. Although some of the scenes can be repetitive, the two lovable main characters and the spectacular ending make it one of the best comedy movies of all time.

“Dodgeball: A True UnderDog Story” (PG-13)

“Dodgeball” stars Vince Vaughn as the hero of a small gym threatened to be run out of business by Globo-Gym, which leads to him and other members entering a Dodgeball tournament to raise money. Although this 2004 movie isn’t as humorous as the others, it still has some very funny moments and memorable characters, like Fran Stalinofskivitchdavitovichsky, the deadliest woman with a dodgeball.

“The Benchwarmers” (PG-13)

This movie tells the tale of an underdog baseball team that faces several other teams in their local tournament. Filled with misfits, The Benchwarmers are a unique three-man team of grown adults who did not play baseball in their childhood due to bullying. Despite having only three players, The Benchwarmers spread awareness about bullying to the children of their towns with funny characters such as a rich ambassador and an alcoholic adult posing as a 12-year-old. It’s not only full of laughs, but it’s sure to warm your heart as well.

“Monty Python And The Holy Grail” (PG)

The Monty Python comedy team is up there with the all-time greats like the Three Stooges. The 1975 movie is a satirical portrayal of the medieval legend King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. The movie is highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 96% on the Tomatometer and 95% audience score. The film has been a classic since its release thanks to its dry British humor, iconic characters and memorable scenes.

While it was extremely hard to rank these movies, all are certain to make you laugh until your belly hurts. These are great to watch late at night with friends and are our recommendations to anyone who enjoys comedies.