It is not common to see the terms “smart” and “comedy” together because it requires exceptional writing to create something that engages your mind while also offering a hearty laugh.
But some movies have achieved that by blending humor with clever writing and thought-provoking themes. Here are some of our favorite smart comedy movies from different eras of cinema.
10. The Favorite (2018)
‘The Favourite’ is a satire of the royal court life and stars Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. Set in the 18th century, it explores the relationship between Queen Anne and her court favorites. The movie blends dark humour with witty dialogue and comments on the power struggle happening in courts and high society.
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9. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
This is a timeless classic filled with hilarious plot points, exceptional chemistry, and iconic musical numbers. Starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel in lead roles, the movie follows two showgirls on their trip to Paris, meeting many admirers on the way. The movie has its own charm that is simply unforgettable.
8. Mean Girls (2004)
This pop culture phenomenon starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, and more has undeniably stood the test of time. The movie follows a naïve teenager’s transformation into her school’s most popular clique, “the Plastics.” ‘Mean Girls’ is extremely silly and enjoyable, yet also one of the sharpest comedy films, making it a genre-defining movie.
7. Withnail & I (1987)
This British Black film is an exceptional specimen of genius writing. The tragicomedy follows two unemployed actors who share a flat. The two get their hands on a key to a Lake District belonging to Withnail’s wealthy and eccentric uncle, only to find their holiday disrupted. The movie is undeniably the ultimate cult film to date.
6. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
This one is a parody of the Arthurian legend. Set in 10th-century England, the movie follows King Arthur and his knights on their quest to find the Holy Grail. The movie is filled with absurdist humor and clever dialogue. It also features iconic performances from Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
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5. Some Like It Hot (1959)
Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, ‘Some Like It Hot’ is set in the Prohibition era. After two musicians witness the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, they want to get out of the town and get away from the mobsters who committed it. The only way to do so is by dressing up as women and joining an all-girls band, but that comes with complications of its own.
4. The Truman Show (1998)
This movie explores themes of media manipulation, consumerism, and social norms through a comic lens. Starring Jim Carrey, it follows Truman Burbank, a man unaware that he has been living his entire life on air. His life is filmed and broadcast as a reality show, and his friends and family, who are actually paid actors, hold up this illusion to keep him unaware.
3. Fargo (1996)
The 1996 film ‘Fargo’ is one of the most lauded satires. It follows a police chief’s investigation against a car salesman, whose plan of hiring two dim-witted criminals to kidnap his pregnant wife and extort a ransom from her wealthy father is slowly falling apart. The movie features Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, and Peter Stormare.
2. The Big Lebowski (1998)
This is another Coen Brothers classic. It features a very unconventional plot, memorable and quirky characters, and an iconic performance from Jeff Bridges. The movie follows Jeffrey Lebowski, a man who gets assaulted by thugs, only to realize that a millionaire who shares the same name was supposed to be the intended victim.
1. Groundhog Day (1993)
This takes justice to absurdist existentialism like no other movie. Featuring genius writing and an exceptional performance by Bill Murray, it is one of the most unique movies ever made. The story is about a cynical weatherman who has to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in a small town in Pennsylvania but finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving February 2nd over and over again.
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