The funniest films ever made?

When you're feeling under the weather (as we brits say when we're feeling unwell), one of the best tonics is to have a good laugh. I know when I don't feel so good I like to watch a good comedy film.

With this in mind I thought I would list some of my favourites. The ones that actually made me laugh out loud, and some of the reasons why. See if you agree. (we may share the same sense of humour)

Dumb and Dumber

Dumb and Dumber is probably the funniest film I have ever seen. And it's difficult to choose which scene made me laugh the most. But I think I would have to say the one where they arrive in Aspen riding the scooter is probably the best.

Watch and enjoy...

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Made in 1963, I never tire of watching this film when it appears on TV. The characters are perfectly cast. And although it seems a bit dated in parts, it doesn't detract from the story and the joy it brings to see all these crazy but wonderfully funny characters come to life. I especially like the scene where Jonathan Winters destroys the garage that's just been taken over by it's new owners. Totally nuts!

There's Something About Mary

There's three scenes in particular that stand out for me in this film and the first one had me in stitches. This is the scene where he visits Mary's house and goes to the bathroom. The clip below explains it all. If it's the first time you have seen this I guarantee you will find it funny. If you don't, then we definitely don't share the same sense of humour.

The two other scenes which were totally hilarious include the one where the little dog dives through the open second floor window and the other is where he gives the hitch-hiker a ride and ends up getting arrested for being lewd in the woods. Heck, I nearly forgot the scene where he meets Mary at his hotel room and takes her to the restraunt for dinner. Unmissable!

American Vacation

The soundtrack to this film only serves to enhance this very funny film starring Chevy Chase in a story which involves taking his family on vacation. A simple idea for a story perhaps, but one that turns into a hilarious nightmare where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong.

Watch out especially for the scene in which their aunt dies while on their journey and how they have to cope with their predicament.

Way out West

Laurel and Hardy have provided me with so many laughs over the years it's hard to choose any one particular film or film short in which they excel. Possibly 'Way Out West' is one that stands out the most. However I've chosen a scene in which Stan and Ollie sing Lonesime Pine. Stan's face is an absolute gem.

Although in film terms it seems very dated by todays standards, the comedy that Laurel and Hardy bring to the screen seems to appeal to young and old alike. They take my vote for the funniest stars of the classic film era.

The Early Bird

When I was a child Norman Wisdom was my favourite comedy film star. I went to the cinema to see his films whenever I got the chance. Perhaps not so well known in America, Norman provided some of the best of typical British humour that seemed to prevail in the 50's and 60's. In my opinion, he was on a par with the likes of Jerry Lewis who I also loved for his whacky humour.

There are three films which Norman Wisdom made that stand out more than the rest. These are 'The Square Peg' and 'The Bulldog Breed' which were both made in black and white, and 'The Early Bird' made in 1965 which was in colour.

You can see clips from some of his movies on You Tube if you're feeling a bit nostalgic.

Austin Powers

Mike Myers gave us a lot of laughs in Waynes World but it was Austin Powers that really brought his comedic talents to my attention. When I went to the cinema with a few friends to watch the first Austin Powers movie we were all creased up laughing at the gags which came thick and fast. It's not surprising that sequels were made after the success of the first movie.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

An absolute gem! The talents of Steve Martin and John Candy come together and provide a great combination which results in some hilarious scenes in this brilliantly funny movie. John Hughes, who also directed Home Alone, brings out the best in these two leading funnymen. Here's the scene where Steve Martin arrives to pick up a rental car after going through hell already on his journey home for Thanksgiving.

WARNING! This scene contains bad language. Don't watch if easily offended.

Home Alone

Home Alone is the second of director John Hughes' films that make my list of the funniest films ever (in my own humble opinion of course)

A wonderful movie that appeals to all ages. The scenes including Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the two bad guys trying to break into the house protected by little Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who has accidently been left 'home alone' by his parents, are brilliantly staged.

Superhero Movie

One of the funniest films I have seen recently is Superhero Movie which is a spoof film that pokes fun at many of the superhero films that have been released in recent years, particularly Spiderman. Perhaps not a classic, but there's plenty of laughs in this one so take a look at the trailer below to get a preview.

Life of Brian

Perhaps a tad controversial. This film stars the Monty Python team and has moments of great fun providing you don't take it too seriously. The plot basically involves a man called Brian who is born in the stable next door to Jesus but gets mistaken for the messiah. The consequences that follow are amusing to say the least. Made in 1979 the film includes memorable quotes such as ....

(When Brian asks the ex-leper who cured him)

"Jesus did, sir. I was hopping along, minding my own business, all of a sudden, up he comes, cures me! One minute I'm a leper with a trade, next minute my livelihood's gone. Not so much as a by-your-leave! "You're cured, mate." Bloody do-gooder"

and... "Stwike him, Centuwion. Stwike him vewy wuffly!" (Pontius Pilate with a lisp)

And that concludes some of the funniest scenes I remember from the movies.

I'm sure there are many other films that you and I could think of to be added to this list, but these are the ones that I remember the most.

Personally I think when it comes to comedy films you have to take your hat off to the Americans. The current crop of comedians including Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler stand head and shoulders above the rest. Though in the past, UK born talent like Bob Hope and Cary Grant more often than not stole the limelight.

But if you ask me who produces the best TV comedy programmes I would have to say the British beat the Americans hands down. Other than the TV series Friends, I have never been a big fan of American TV comedy.

Actually, come to think of it, there were a few exceptions. I did enjoy the older American comedy shows more than the later ones. The Beverly Hillbillies was one of my favourites, but the film version sadly failed to live up to the same high standards.

Other films worthy of mention?

I would have to say the following titles are the ones that came close to being on my list....

Some Like it Hot (Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marylin Monroe)
An absolute classic!

R.V. Runaway Vacation (Robin Williams)
Some very funny scenes involving one of my favourite comedians

The Pink Panther Strikes Again (Peter Sellers)
It's always a joy to watch Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau

Kingpin (Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid and Bill Murray)
The scene where his hand gets stuck in the bowling ball is pure gold!

Very Bad Things (An underated black comedy)
The best scene is at the end of the movie. Wickedly funny!

Carry on Camping (Best of the British 'Carry on' films)

Is your favourite comedy listed here?