The Best Comedy Movies Of The 1970s
In the '70s, comedy movies were dominated by two comedic heavyweights: Woody Allen and Mel Brooks. They still left room for plenty of classic comedies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and National Lampoon's Animal House, though. A lot of '70s comedies like The Bad News Bears were so great that they ended up being remade decades later. With all of these choices, what do you think are the top 1970s comedy movies? Vote up your favorites and vote down those that just aren't as funny. But one this is for sure, 1970s movies sure had their own unique sense of humor.
A look at this list of 1970s comedies makes it clear that Woody Allen and Mel Brooks were in their prime during this decade. Allen delivered with the celebrated Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Sleeper, among others, while Brooks turned in two beloved '70s comedy films with Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. That said, it could be argued that the funniest '70s films were, in fact, cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.Â
This '70s comedy movies list is also filled with stellar movies that were then remade into not-so-stellar reboots years later. You have The In-Laws, The Bad News Bears, The Out-of-Towners, Freaky Friday, and The Heartbreak Kid. Do you think any of these movies deserves to be considered one of the best '70s comedy movies? Use your votes to express your opinion.Â
You know it was a good decade for comedy because even a merely decent 1970s comedy like Meatballs still featured Bill Murray's very first starring role. Have fun and laugh it up while you vote up the top '70s comedy films!
- 1Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
This absurdly hilarious film, which has become a cult favorite, features King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table on their quest for the titular relic, encountering outlandish foes along the way. From the Knights who say "Ni" to the killer rabbit, this movie is filled with memorable moments and quotable lines that have stood the test of time. With its unique blend of irreverent humor, excellent writing, and unforgettable characters, it is a must-watch for all fans of comedy.
- 2Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn
- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Mel Brooks
Another Mel Brooks masterpiece, this controversial satire of classic Westerns stars Cleavon Little as a Black sheriff appointed to a racist town and Gene Wilder as his unlikely ally, the Waco Kid. With jaw-droppingly funny sequences that tread a delicate line between humor and offense, it exposes the ridiculousness of racism and prejudice. This laugh-a-minute film continues to be revered for its boundary-pushing humor and unforgettable one-liners.
- 3Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman
- Released: 1974
- Directed by: Mel Brooks
Directed by the comedic genius Mel Brooks, this parody of classic horror films presents Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) as he inherits his infamous grandfather's castle, eventually creating his own monster, played by Peter Boyle. Alongside an unforgettable cast including Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, and Teri Garr, this sensational comedic homage to the horror genre expertly balances wit, slapstick, and zany antics. The perfect combination of smart, silly, and spooky, this flick is deemed essential viewing in the realm of comedy.
- 4John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: John Landis
This raucous, raunchy romp through the wild world of college fraternities stars John Belushi as the iconic Bluto and features a slew of memorable characters and outrageous antics. Set at the fictional Faber College, the misfits of Delta Tau Chi wage war against the uptight Dean Wormer and the snobbish Omega House in a series of hilarious and unforgettable comedic set pieces. As the epitome of college comedies, this side-splitting classic earns its place among the best of the genre.
- 5Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Carl Reiner
In this uproarious comedy, Steve Martin stars as Navin Johnson, a naïve man who leaves his adoptive Black family to find his place in the world, becoming an accidental millionaire along the way. Filled with absurd situations and sharp humor, Martin's unique brand of comedy shines bright throughout the film. With memorable lines and classic scenes, this film is a masterpiece of silliness that has yet to be rivaled.
- 6Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Colin Blakely
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Blake Edwards
Peter Sellers returns as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in this hysterical sequel that pits him against his former boss, Chief Inspector Dreyfus, who has now gone mad and wants Clouseau dead. A continuous stream of slapstick humor, iconic sight gags, and quotable dialogue make this iteration of the Pink Panther franchise a beloved classic. The film's success can be attributed not just to the script but also to the incredible comedic talents of Sellers, whose portrayal of the hapless detective remains iconic.
