There’s nothing really like 80s comedy movies. The 80s were a golden era for comedy, and this resulted in some of the greatest classic comedy movies of all time.
The 80s was a time for freedom and creativity, and these films reflected that. From Ghostbusters to Twins to Say Anything, the 80s were full of hilarious comedies that have remained popular over the years.
The Best 80s Comedy Movies
Some of the most legendary comedic actors of all time worked during the 1980s, so it’s no surprise there were so many great comedy movies during the decade. So what were the best 80s comedy movies?
Here are our picks for the best comedy movies of the 1980s:
1. Ghostbusters (1984)
This movie is not only one of the most popular comedies of all time, but it’s also one of the most iconic. It tells the story of a group of misfits who become professional supernatural investigators. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and also won several other awards, including Best Original Screenplay.
It’s a perfect example of how comedy changes with time and how it can be timeless. This movie is still relevant to today’s society because it touches on themes like acceptance and family values. And those are issues that audiences still care about today.
2. Twins (1988)
One of the most iconic movies from the 1980s, Twins stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in a classic comedy about long lost twins who are obviously seemingly mismatched when it comes to appearance.
This movie is about the search between long lost brothers and the realization that their lives are about to become entangled in a comedic mess. This movie is arguably one of the most memorable Arnold Schwarzenegger movies as it features him in a comedic role as opposed to his usual action movie star characters.
3. Airplane! (1980)
Airplane! is a classic comedy movie from 1980, directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker. It follows the unfolding events when airplane mechanic Ted Striker (Robert Hays) realizes he can’t fly a plane due to his claustrophobia. He attempts to convince the pilot, Roger Murdock (Leslie Nielsen), to let him take over.
The movie also stars Julie Hagerty as Nurse Doolittle, Peter Graves as Capt. Over, Lloyd Bridges as Capt. Clarence Oveur, Robert Stack as Capt. Lillian “Ginger” Blye, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Mohammed Jawari.
4. Say Anything (1989)
Say Anything is a 1989 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Cameron Crowe, based on his high school experiences as a writer for the seminal teen magazine “Bomp!”
This film tells the story of a nerdy teenager John Cusack’s coming of age. After being expelled from his private school and losing his father, John goes to public school and falls in love with a girl named Diane Court (Ione Skye). He promises her he’ll win her over despite her initial hesitation.
John Cusack’s turn to be confident and witty is shown in this hilarious 1989 movie. His chemistry with Ione Skye is so good that they were almost immediately paired up in other films and television shows. The classic scene where she jumps into a fountain has become iconic, but it still makes me laugh every time I watch it! If you’re looking for a great comedy to watch, this is the one!
5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
The movie that made a star out of John Hughes is truly one of the best comedies of all time. A high schooler, Ferris Bueller (aka Matthew Broderick), decides to skip school on an unusually sunny day and take his girlfriend, Sloane (Mia Sara) and best friend, Cameron (Alan Ruck), on a European vacation. The trio makes it to France with only one mishap—Ferris getting arrested for a parking violation in Paris.
Cameron finds himself in a tricky situation when he’s picked up by the police, who takes him back to the United States. The only problem is, he’s not allowed back in the United States because of his criminal record.
Ferris manages to get Cameron out of this sticky situation by saying that he’s his own legal guardian and has jurisdiction over him. This leads to Ferris taking care of Cameron for most of the remainder of the film, which ultimately lands them at their destination: Chicago!
6. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This movie is a classic coming-of-age comedy about the trials and tribulations of two strangers who are forced to travel together from New York City to Chicago.
The film begins with Neal and Delaney traveling by train until their car blows a tire, and they’re forced to take another mode of transportation.
As you watch the film, you’ll see that the plot is predictable, but it’s also full of hilarity. The characters in this movie are quirky and likable, making for an enjoyable time at the movies.
7. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
It’s hard to believe that a movie from the 80s could be funny and relevant in 2021, but A Fish Called Wanda is just as funny today as it was back then. The film stars John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis who are both comedic geniuses, and this is definitely one of their best works.
The plot centers around two con artists trying to pull one over on an arms dealer called Otto (played by Kevin Kline) with the help of a British agent named Archie Leach (played by Michael Palin). They’re trying to steal $1 million from Otto and Archie, but they get more than they bargained for when they find out that Archie’s wife is a vicious killer (played by Helen Mirren).
So those are our picks when it comes to the best 80s comedies. Did your favorite make the list?
