The Slapstick and Screwball Comedy subgenre often features similar yet different forms of comedy. Slapstick comedy is exaggerated physical activity often cartoonish in style. Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, The Marx Brothers, The Three Stooges and Abbott & Costello were all popular comedians that used slapstick comedy in the early eras of film from the 1910’s – 1950’s. Screwball comedy is a subgenre of Romantic Comedies which is similar to slapstick comedy but often features characters cross-dressing, mocks romantic situations, and uses the battle between the sexes for comedic effect. Though classic Screwball comedy films were popular during the 1930’s – 1940’s and satirized romantic comedy tropes, modern Screwball comedies have evolved beyond romantic comedies and have more in common with Black Comedies and Quirky Comedies. Some Like It Hot (1959) is an example of the more classical era of Screwball comedy whereas Rat Race (2001) represents the modern era and expanded Screwball comedic elements.
The 1970’s was dominated by perhaps the greatest Slapstick comedian of all time – Peter Sellers. His portrayal of the clueless Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther franchise gave us some of the most popular and funniest films of the decade. The Return of the Pink Panther (1975), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) and Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978) were highlights of the Pink Panther franchise and featured many classic slapstick comedy moments. The 1970’s produced other classic Slapstick and Screwball comedy films with Blazing Saddles (1974), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Slap Shot (1977) and The Jerk (1979).
The popularity of Slapstick and Screwball comedies soared in the 1980’s and became the most popular Comedy subgenre of the decade. The Zucker Brothers and Jim Abrahams evolved Slapstick comedy (and Parodies) to new heights with Airplane! (1980), Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), Top Secret! (1984) and The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988). Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder continued their popular slapstick comedy pairings for Stir Crazy (1980) and See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989). And Chevy Chase solidified his role as the King of Slapstick Comedy in the 80’s with Caddyshack (1980), Modern Problems (1981), National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), Fletch (1985), National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), Spies Like Us (1985), Fletch Lives (1989) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989). Other notable films from the decade included Used Cars (1980), Mr. Mom (1983), Splash (1984), Police Academy (1984), Transylvania 6-5000 (1985), Spaceballs (1987), Beetlejuice (1988), Big Top Pee-wee (1988), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), Major League (1989) and UHF (1989).
While Chevy Chase ruled the 1980’s as the King of Slapstick Comedy, a new comedian became King in the 1990’s with an even more extreme and exaggerated form of slapstick comedy. His name – Jim Carrey. Carrey would go on to rule the 1990’s as the most popular physical comedian of the decade with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), The Mask (1994), Dumb and Dumber (1994), Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) and Liar Liar (1997). Three other comedians also rose to prominence from television’s Saturday Night Live to film with their unique takes on physical slapstick comedy. Mike Meyers starred in Wayne’s World (1992), So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993), Wayne’s World 2 (1993), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999). Chris Farley channeled his John Belushi brand of physical comedy with films Tommy Boy (1995), Black Sheep (1996) and Beverly Hills Ninja (1997). The final SNL alum, Adam Sandler, became one of the most popular Slapstick comedians over the next three decades with his initial 1990’s films including Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), and The Waterboy (1998). Other notable films of the decade included Quick Change (1990), Home Alone (1990), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), The Santa Clause (1994), The Nutty Professor (1996), Kingpin (1996), Vegas Vacation (1997), MouseHunt (1997) and There’s Something About Mary (1998).
The 2000’s saw an evolution of the Slapstick comedy genre as physical comedy became more mature and adult orientated in nature. Often slapstick comedy would include gross out humor that was found in Raunchy Comedies and Sex Comedies. The Farrelly Brothers started this trend with Kingpin (1996) and There’s Something About Mary (1998) and it continued into the 2000’s with Me, Myself & Irene (2000), Shallow Hal (2001), Stuck on You (2003) and The Heartbreak Kid (2007). Other Slapstick & Screwball comedies that followed this trend (and were PG-13 or R rated) included Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000), Super Troopers (2001), Old School (2003), Just Friends (2005), Little Man (2006), and Norbit (2007). Other notable films of the decade included Meet the Parents (2000), Rat Race (2001), Scooby-Doo (2000), Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), Bruce Almighty (2003), The Cat in the Hat (2003), 50 First Dates (2004), Nacho Libre (2006), Night at the Museum (2006) and Evan Almighty (2007).
The 2010’s saw a decline in Slapstick and Screwball comedy films but still produced some notable films of the subgenre. Dinner for Schmucks (2010), Little Fockers (2010), Zookeeper (2011), That’s My Boy (2012), Dumb and Dumber To (2014) and A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018) were some of the funnier Slapstick orientated films of the decade.
The 2020’s have seen a resurgence of the Slapstick and Screwball comedy genre with a few notable films from the last few years including Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Hubie Halloween (2020), The War with Grandpa (2020), Coming 2 America (2021) and Free Guy (2021).
Our list of Slapstick and Screwball Comedies includes over 242+ films from 1970 – present. We do have a few films prior to 1970 and will update the list in the future to cover earlier eras of slapstick comedies and classical era screwball comedies. For our list of Top Slapstick and Screwball Comedies You Haven’t Seen, we had to leave the following notable films off the list: Modern Problems (1981), MouseHunt (1997), Krippendorf’s Tribe (1998), Corky Romano (2001), The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004) and Norbit (2007).
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here is our list of the Top Slapstick and Screwball Comedies You Haven’t Seen:
Plot: Biography of Doug Kenney and National Lampoon as Animal House and Caddyshack became successes.
KBZ’s Take: This isn’t a typical Slapstick humor film but rather an inside look into the making of two classic films of both the Slapstick Comedy and Raunchy Comedy subgenres. It’s also a great biography of Doug Kenney who was the brains behind both Animal House (1978) and Caddyshack (1980). It has a great cast with Will Forte as Kenney and an unrecognizable Domhnall Gleeson as Henry Beard. Highly recommended for any fans of National Lampoon films and the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.netflix.com/title/80107084
#9
UHF
Plot: New manager of a UHF channel tries to save the channel with some odd programming.
KBZ’s Take: How much you like this film depends on if you’re into Weird Al Yankovic’s parody type of humor. We find Weird Al hilarious and while this film’s plot is basic, it’s more a showcase for various parodies and the great Michael Richards (before he hit it big as Kramer in Seinfeld). The film has a few laugh out loud moments and is worth checking out for any fan of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3DsRtzj
#8
Used Cars
Plot: Used car lot salesman has to save the property from the owner’s ruthless brother.
KBZ’s Take: This film is a bit dated and modern audiences might not find the brand of slapstick humor comparable to more recent films. However, it’s still a classic of the subgenre and features many crazy and wacky schemes in trying to save the used car lot. Plus, it features one of the funniest all-time scenes when Kurt Russell lures a customer onto the lot using a fishing pole and dollar. Very funny movie and more recent generations should give it a watch.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3YaqaBD
Plot: A deaf man and blind man mistakenly arrested and soon on the run from both the police and killers.
KBZ’s Take: Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor were two of the funniest comedians for 2+ decades and starred together in 4 comedies. While Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980) are more well known, See No Evil, Hear No Evil is probably their funniest collaboration. Both play off the other’s form of physical comedy to perfection. It’s worth checking out all the Pryor/Wilder films, but if there’s one not to miss, this is it.
Additional Lists: Top Buddy Comedies You Haven’t Seen (Part 1) #5
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wEDFxV
#6
Just Friends
Plot: A now successful recording industry exec returns to his small-town home for Christmas.
KBZ’s Take: Another film that hasn’t yet found the right audience but is one of the best Slapstick and Screwball Comedy films you’ll ever see. With very funny performances by Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris and Chris Klein, it’s a film that is slowly catching on as a classic Christmas and Holiday film. Special mention goes to Chris Marquette who plays the younger brother and for anybody that’s ever had a younger sibling, you’ll be tearing up inside over his interactions with Reynolds.
Additional Lists: Top Christmas and Holiday Movies You’ve Never Seen #2, Top Films About Reunions You Haven’t Seen #2, The Ultimate List of Christmas Comedies #2
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kWo6yF
#5
Little Man
Plot: Dwarf is released from prison and has to pose as a baby for a new family to retrieve a diamond.
KBZ’s Take: This film isn’t for everyone, and many critics (and viewers) panned it for its juvenile humor. However, if you like juvenile-type humor then you will have a blast with this movie. It has very crude humor and is more akin to the Raunchy Comedy and Sex Comedies subgenre. But it also has a specific brand of slapstick humor that can be hilarious at times.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HFIihg
Plot: Two reporters travel to Transylvania to investigate the supposed reappearance of Frankenstein.
KBZ’s Take: We’re recommending this film for one primary reason – Michael Richards. If you’re a Seinfeld fan, this is a great film to watch to see some of the same physical comedy used in his portrayal of Kramer. In fact, his role as Fejos is the highlight of the film. Check out this clip for an example of Richard’s improvising his scene (and a visibly amused Jeff Goldblum who almost cracks). However, there are still some funny moments in the film especially between a naïve Ed Begley Jr. and the skeptic Goldblum.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XR303o
Plot: Charlie MacKenzie falls for his local butcher but begins to fear she is a serial killer.
KBZ’s Take: While the Wayne’s World and Austin Powers franchises catapulted Mike Meyer’s to comedy stardom, this film is a forgotten classic of the Slapstick and Screwball Comedy subgenre. It’s Mike Meyers at his best (and funniest) with many classic sequences. Though it also has quite a bit of Dark Comedy humor, it somehow is able to blend the multiple subgenres together for a surprisingly refreshing romantic comedy.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XNtgM1
#2
Top Secret!
Plot: American singer Nick Rivers travels to East Germany to perform but gets caught up with the underground resistance.
KBZ’s Take: This is another film that most people under the age of 40 have probably seen and consider a classic of the subgenre. But it’s so good, we had to have it on our list so younger generations don’t miss out. Full of the trademarked Zucker Brothers brand of humor, it’s part Parody and part Slapstick comedy. There are so many funny moments in this film that you won’t even catch them on first viewing. Highly recommended film especially for younger generations.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Hk0HyP
Plot: Former Chief Dreyfus escapes from a mental institution and launches a plan to get rid of Inspector Clouseau.
KBZ’s Take: We know most people’s thoughts will be, “How is the Pink Panther franchise and Peter Sellers not well known?!?”. Well, we agree with that sentiment, but it’s mostly known to the Gen X and Boomer generations that grew up with these classic films. This is another film we’re including on the list so younger generations can check out the funniest slapstick comedian of his era (and perhaps all-time). If you like Jim Carrey, Chris Farley or Adam Sandler’s brand of humor, you will find this just as funny. We were torn between this film and The Return of the Pink Panther (1975), as both are equally funny and have classic slapstick comedy moments. But we went with Strikes Again solely for the attempts by Clouseau to get into Dreyfus’ castle – you can view a clip of it here. That sequence alone is one of the Top 5 classic Slapstick comedy moments of all time, and both films shouldn’t be missed by any person (regardless of generation) who is a fan of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WJnLgc
