The Funniest '80s Movies
Looking for a great classic comedy? This list of the funniest 80s movies is here to the rescue. The best comedy films of the 1980s are listed here in order of greatness by fans just like yourself. Feel free to create your own rankings and use this list as a resource for the next time you need a pick-me-up. The 1980s was absolutely instrumental in comedy filmmaking and is the reason we have so many amazingly funny '80s comedy flicks today. In fact, that is why they are re-booting the hell out of them right now. We can thank Ivan Reitman, John Hughes, and Howard Ramis in particular for pioneering sheer greatness in modern American comedies. Woody Allen and Mel Brooks did some of their funniest movies in the '80s. The 1980s was an amazing and laugh-out-loud decade for comedy films.
There are movies on the list that a few might consider cheesy but that doesn't make them any less hilarious. Be sure to vote up your favorite '80s comedy films and vote down the ones you don't think are that funny.
- 1Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
A hilarious holiday classic, this film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they attempt to create the perfect Christmas. Chevy Chase stars as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning husband and father who goes to extreme lengths to ensure his family has a memorable holiday season. With moments like an overcooked turkey and a visit from Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), this movie captures the chaos that often accompanies family gatherings during the holidays.
- 2Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
In this iconic time-travel comedy, Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes awry. The film cleverly blends humor with adventure as Marty must navigate through 1950s culture while trying to ensure that his parents meet and fall in love so that he can exist in the future. This film not only entertains but leaves audiences pondering the nature of time and consequences of their actions.
- 3Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Christie Brinkley
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Harold Ramis
Chevy Chase returns as Clark Griswold in this road trip comedy that takes him on a cross-country journey from Chicago to California's Walley World amusement park with his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their two children Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (Dana Barron). Their journey is filled with humorous misadventures, including disastrous detours, vehicle mishaps, and bizarre encounters with colorful characters. This film highlights the chaos and hilarity that can ensue when a determined family hits the open road.
- 4John Candy, Amy Madigan, Jean Louisa Kelly
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: John Hughes
John Candy stars as Buck Russell, an unemployed bachelor who is asked to look after his brother's children while they deal with a family emergency. Although initially seen as irresponsible and unfit for child care duties, Buck unexpectedly rises to the challenge and forms a unique bond with his niece and nephews. A heartwarming story filled with laughter, Uncle Buck showcases Candy's comedic talent while exploring themes of family bonds and personal growth.
- 5Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Harold Ramis
Set in an exclusive golf club, this comedic masterpiece features an ensemble cast of comedy legends such as Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight. The film revolves around the various characters' attempts to win a prestigious golf tournament while dealing with their own personal issues and eccentricities. With memorable scenes like Murray's character Carl Spackler's battles against a mischievous gopher causing havoc on the course, Caddyshack has become a timeless classic appreciated by all generations.
- 6Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: John Landis
In this social satire, Eddie Murphy stars as Billy Ray Valentine while Dan Aykroyd plays Louis Winthorpe III - two men from opposite ends of the societal spectrum who are unknowingly manipulated by wealthy brothers (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) in an experiment to test whether success is determined by nature or nurture. The film cleverly uses humor to tackle issues of class inequality and race as both protagonists switch roles and adapt to their new lives.
