The humor we find amusing can vary greatly among individuals, as humorist Mel Brooks wisely put it: “Tragedy is a finger cut. Comedy is falling into an open sewer and dying.” Humor often defies explanation or rational analysis; instead, it’s something that resonates personally with each person who experiences it. In other words, what one finds funny is largely based on individual perception.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed an intriguing evolution in our perception of humor over time. What once tickled the funny bones of our ancestors might now appear tacky or offensive to contemporary sensibilities. In fact, many of the comedies that were blockbusters in previous eras would likely struggle to find an audience today, and some may never even be made due to their questionable content. It’s interesting because these films were profitable, with a few even becoming massive successes. Here’s a list of 20 such movies that might surprise you.
It’s possible you may come across a movie below that you adored as a child; there might be a title you still find entertaining till this day. We’re not dictating your choices. Continue watching what you prefer. Humor, indeed, is subjective, and it’s crucial to understand the context of every piece of art, not just crude comedies. However, it’s somewhat astonishing how far some big mainstream movies could push boundaries 30, 20, or even 15 years ago. Believe it or not, some of these titles are relatively new!
Here are 20 popular comedies of the past that look very different to contemporary audiences.
Popular Movie Comedies That Could Never Get Made Today
Blazing Saddles (1974)
In essence, the movie “Blazing Saddles” stands with its minority characters, employing an abundance of profanity and derogatory terms to satirize and humiliate those who wield such language. However, the frequency of these offensive words may leave contemporary audiences uncomfortable or offended, regardless of the film’s aim. When “Blazing Saddles” was released on HBO Max a few years ago, a content warning was included at the start, cautioning viewers about “racist language and attitudes” that are “ubiquitous throughout the movie.” Despite its status as a timeless classic, it’s hard to imagine a modern-day remake of this film in the 2020s.
Manhattan (1979)
Set aside for now the accusations of misconduct against Woody Allen made by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. Regardless, Manhattan – a film that was highly acclaimed when it was released in 1979, garnering numerous Academy Award nominations and being inducted into the National Film Registry – remains a problematic movie due to its plot. The story revolves around a middle-aged man (played by Allen himself at the age of 44) who is involved with a 17-year-old girl (Mariel Hemingway, who was actually 16 during filming). Even if Allen had led an uncontroversial life, this plotline alone would make Manhattan a controversial choice in today’s context.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
The classic comedy “National Lampoon’s Animal House” served as a blueprint for numerous slobs versus snobs comedies throughout the 1980s and ’90s. It is often praised as one of the best comedies of its time. However, some scenes that were once part of its charm would not be acceptable today, despite the film’s enduring influence. For instance, there is a scene where a woman becomes inebriated while kissing Pinto (played by Tom Hulce), and an angel and devil appear on his shoulders, tempting him to continue or stop further intimacy.
Additionally, there is a sequence that Universal Pictures attempted to remove from the film initially, involving the Delta House boys deceiving a group of women from a neighboring college into going out with them. The scene ends with the men panicking when they enter a bar where they are the only white patrons. In essence, if “Animal House” were remade today, the movie might last for just 75 minutes due to the content that would no longer be considered appropriate.
Zapped! (1982)
In the film “Zapped!”, I find myself questioning the protagonist’s role, as the character, Barney, portrayed by Scott Baio, gains telekinetic powers and chooses to exploit and humiliate women he dislikes. He does this by forcefully removing their clothes in public, even going so far as to manipulate a girl’s resistance when attempting to expose her. It’s important to note that sexual themes are not uncommon in cinema, dating back over a century. However, the repeated portrayal of abuse for comedic effect in “Zapped!” is troubling and problematic.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
This long-running comedy, known for its popularity, surprisingly carries an unpleasant undercurrent despite being centered around misfits. It’s riddled with jokes that are offensive towards homosexuality and race, as well as a subplot where a fraternity of nerds seek revenge on a sorority by invading their house and spying on them using hidden cameras. The story reaches its climax when the leader of the nerds pretends to be a popular girl’s boyfriend, deceives her into having sex with him, and then she falls in love with him. A remake was attempted in the mid-2000s, but it never materialized as filming began. The only way this movie could be relevant in today’s era would be as a reboot that critiques the idea that nerds deserve love, fame, and success merely because they faced bullying from jocks.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
In the realm of cinema, John Hughes is widely recognized for his humorous and empathetic portrayals of teenagers in movies such as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Sixteen Candles. However, it’s worth noting that this sensitivity was not consistently present in all characters or films. For instance, the film Sixteen Candles, when viewed today, seems hard to reconcile with modern sensibilities due to the character of Long Duk Dong, a foreign exchange student who appears to embody nearly every existing Asian stereotype, even incorporating a gong sound effect each time he appears on screen. In retrospect, Molly Ringwald, who starred in Sixteen Candles, labeled this character as a “grotesque stereotype” in an essay for The New Yorker, discussing not only the film’s treatment of Asian characters but also its portrayal of women and casual homophobia. These elements underscore Hughes’ work as relics of their time rather than reflective of our contemporary standards.
Short Circuit (1986)
In case you’re recalling the movie “Short Circuit,” it was a heartwarming comedy about a robot developing consciousness and challenging its military programming. A detail you might not recollect if it’s been a while since you last watched is that the Indian roboticist, Ben Jabituya, who was portrayed by Fisher Stevens in brownface. This character became quite popular to the extent that he was promoted to the (non-robot) lead role in the sequel, “Short Circuit 2.” Despite the series’ success in the ’80s, Stevens has since expressed regret over the part, stating that it continues to be a source of discomfort for him and he would not reprise the role again.
Soul Man (1986)
In 1986, it’s hard to believe that a comedy centered entirely on blackface was produced. The movie “Soul Man” follows a self-indulgent college student named Mark (played by C. Thomas Howell), who manages to get into Harvard Law School but finds out his wealthy father won’t pay the tuition. Desperate, Mark seeks an African American scholarship and, in a questionable decision, heavily tans himself with pills and puts on a wig. Remarkably, this extremely unconvincing disguise works, at least temporarily. While the film tries to make light of Mark’s ignorance, much of its humor is jarringly insensitive. It seems more likely that we’ll see a remake of “Gigli” in the 2020s than “Soul Man.
Big (1988)
In this movie, although opinions on its plot may vary, here are the main events: Tom Hanks portrays an older version of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who makes a wish at a carnival game to become big. After transforming, he leaves home for New York City and secures a job at a toy company. The plot becomes peculiar when it involves Josh deceiving his family by making them believe he’s been missing for months while living comfortably in an upscale Soho apartment.
Towards the end of the film, Josh also develops romantic feelings for one of his colleagues (Elizabeth Perkins’ character). Although nothing is explicitly shown, it is heavily suggested that the 12-year-old Josh, now in a grown man’s body, has become intimate with her. This movie was not only a financial success, but also catapulted Tom Hanks to national adoration. The 80s were certainly an unusual decade.
Dream a Little Dream (1989)
In this film, “Dream a Little Dream,” despite Corey Feldman’s amusing portrayal of Michael Jackson-like courtship, there’s a disturbing and inappropriate plotline that stands out among ’80s movies. This story revolves around a teenager named Lainie (Meredith Salenger), who is trapped in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. A classmate, played by Corey Feldman, develops feelings for her and attempts to help her escape this harmful relationship. The narrative follows typical ’80s teen comedy tropes until a shocking twist: Lainie’s parents take the side of the abusive boyfriend over their own daughter, even threatening to move the family due to her refusal to comply with his demands after he physically assaulted her. In an appalling turn of events, Lainie’s mother drugs her in an attempt to control her, making the storyline so repugnant that it warranted a sequel.
Heathers (1989)
In 1989, the idea of high school students harming or even killing each other wasn’t as sensitive a topic as it is today. A movie named “Heathers,” starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, depicted a girl and her boyfriend trying to eliminate their school rivals in ways that made it appear they had committed suicide. This was seen as dark satire about teenage cliques back then. Nowadays, such violent behavior among young people isn’t amusing; it’s a grim reality.
Despite the film’s enduring popularity, attempts to modernize “Heathers” have been made by filmmakers. Interestingly enough, when Paramount Network attempted to reboot “Heathers” for television a few years ago, they found out that remaking the movie today might not be feasible — the premiere of the show was repeatedly postponed due to real-life school shootings. Eventually, the show did air, but it was heavily edited; the final episode was essentially a combination of the last two episodes.
Blank Check (1994)
The movie “Blank Check” seems to follow a typical pattern for children’s films, with a young boy (Brian Bonsall) finding and cashing a blank check, turning him into a millionaire. However, what sets this film apart is the unusual romantic subplot: the 11-year-old boy develops feelings for a bank teller played by Karen Duffy, who is 31 years old. This relationship culminates in a kiss towards the end of the movie. In more recent times, both the film and this mature romance, particularly the controversial kiss scene, have sparked considerable debate online. It’s interesting to note that despite being considered too adult for some streaming platforms like Disney+, “Blank Check” with its questionable May-December (or possibly March-December) relationship, is available for streaming on Disney+. (As of now, it remains so.)
Bulworth (1998)
Without a doubt, the film “Bulworth” carries a noble intention. It aims to criticize politicians who prioritize donors over their constituents, a theme reminiscent of the movie “Network,” but set in the context of Congress instead of media. However, the method it employs to convey this message – through an exhausted U.S. Senator (played by Warren Beatty, also the co-writer and director) who uses the n-word and delivers long rap-like speeches – might not receive the same level of acceptance today as it did in 1998. Interestingly enough, this film, featuring Beatty rapping while dressed in such attire, was even nominated for an Academy Award.
Shallow Hal (2001)
The Farrelly brothers built their filmmaking careers by constantly testing the boundaries of comedy. However, some of their movies might not resonate with contemporary sensibilities. Among these is “Shallow Hal,” a romantic comedy where the protagonist, portrayed by Jack Black, gets hypnotized and perceives people’s inner beauty instead of their physical appearance.
He develops feelings for Rosemary, who bears a striking resemblance to Gwyneth Paltrow on the outside. The humor stems from the fact that Hal is seeing Rosemary’s “inner” beauty, while she weighs 300 pounds, a detail Hal remains unaware of due to numerous visual gags, such as this one where she appears to lift his side of a canoe high in the air.
The film isn’t entirely malicious, but even in 2001, the constant jokes about Rosemary’s weight were questionable, testing the boundaries of “good intentions.” If it were made today, it would need significant changes, such as casting a different leading lady; Gwyneth Paltrow later described her experience on “Shallow Hal” as a “disaster” and her “least favorite performance” throughout her career.
Sorority Boys (2002)
The film “Sorority Boys” emerged in the late ’90s and early 2000s, joining a wave of sexually explicit teen comedies that followed “American Pie.” This movie, however, stands out for its disrespectful portrayal of women, often reducing them to objects. The sorority in question is called DOG, with members referred to as “DOGs.” Despite being depicted as the intelligent girls on campus, they fail to recognize their new members – three men disguised as women – even when one of them forms a close friendship with the sorority president and frequently showers with her. The movie also includes a lesbian affair between the frat boy and the president, without ever disclosing his true identity, and this is presented not as creepy or strange but rather as more material for lewd humor. Notably, the plot revolves around a tape one of the men made of himself having sex with multiple women without their consent, adding to the film’s questionable comedic elements.
Garden State (2004)
In an essay by film critic Nathan Rabin, he introduced the term “manic pixie dream girl” when discussing Cameron Crowe’s movie, Elizabethtown. He also mentioned Natalie Portman’s character Sam from Garden State as another example of this archetype. These characters, according to him, are created by filmmakers to inspire brooding young men and teach them to live life fully. While Elizabethtown was a box office failure, Garden State became one of the defining independent films of the mid-2000s due to its unique visual style and indie pop soundtrack.
However, even at that time, there were hints that Sam’s character might have been overly idealized and underdeveloped. In his 2004 review, Roger Ebert described her as a typical movie character who is readily available, highly attractive, and fond of the protagonist, with little information about her beyond her good looks and pleasant traits.
Over time, the term “manic pixie dream girl” was applied to numerous films, sometimes inappropriately, leading to controversy. Despite this, it continues to be a potent and divisive concept in popular culture. If someone attempted to remake Garden State in 2020 without significantly altering the Sam character to provide her with more autonomy and depth, the discussion about her character would likely be extensive.
The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
Since 2013, Warner Bros. has been gradually phasing out the Confederate flag from the General Lee car and related toys associated with “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Contrastingly, eight years prior, they enthusiastically marketed a $50-million movie adaptation of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which showcased the iconic General Lee.
At promotional events and premieres for the film starring Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott as Luke and Bo Duke, you can still find depictions of the General Lee. The marketing strategy also included Jessica Simpson in her Daisy Dukes outfit, another element that might have caused some raised eyebrows nowadays.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
The movie “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” released in 2007, is a comedy about gay marriage that ends with a speech advocating for equality and respect for gay people. However, the movie’s first 110 minutes are filled with homophobic slurs and stereotypes, as one character, played by Kevin James, convinces his reluctant co-worker, Adam Sandler, to pretend to be his domestic partner to secure insurance benefits. The film also includes a series of racially insensitive scenes featuring Rob Schneider as an Asian wedding officiant, which is so offensive that it seems like a deliberate attempt to outdo Mickey Rooney’s performance in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Remarkably, the studio heavily promoted Schneider’s racist jokes in the film’s trailer, even making him the first voice heard in the advertisement.
Norbit (2007)
Audiences often appreciate Eddie Murphy’s ability to portray numerous characters within a single movie using intricate makeup. Despite receiving unfavorable reviews from critics, the 2007 film “Norbit” amassed nearly $160 million worldwide against a production budget of only $60 million.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it remains watchable today. In this instance, Murphy’s talent for physical transformation (with Rick Baker’s consistently remarkable makeup effects) is utilized to tell an angry story about a timid man who marries a controlling woman, both characters played by Murphy.
Murphy delivers a technically impressive performance as the vengeful and violent Rasputia, a harsh caricature of a shrew with numerous jokes centered around her weight. To make matters worse, Murphy also plays Mr. Wong, a gruff Chinese man who operates an orphanage and speaks with a thick stereotypical accent. The overall production is quite disheartening.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
It’s evident that the character portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in the film “Tropic Thunder,” who is a Method actor wearing blackface and speaking in stereotypical slang to depict a soldier named Lincoln Osiris in a Vietnam War movie that spirals out of control, was intended as a satire of arrogant Hollywood actors rather than African Americans. However, I’m unsure if that context would be relevant today. Despite the jokes being focused on Downey’s character and the film industry’s practice of casting white actors for minority roles (as seen numerous times in this list), the outcome remains a person in blackface – an action that would spark heated discussions and analysis now.
This is before we even consider Ben Stiller’s character, another struggling actor who previously played a mentally disabled person in a production called “Simple Jack.” This leads to a prolonged discussion between Downey and Stiller’s characters about how playing a character “full [r-word]” can ruin one’s chances at an Oscar. Interestingly, Downey was actually nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Tropic Thunder,” a scenario that would be unimaginable only a few years later.
The Worst Comedies Ever Made
50. The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
49. Ed (1996)
48. Porky’s (1981)
In the 1980s, the genre of teen sex comedies experienced a significant surge, and “Porky’s” was undoubtedly leading this trend. The movie revolved around a gang of high school friends aiming to assist their overly amorous pal (Dan Monaghan) in losing his virginity. However, when these boys encounter problems at a nightclub, it transforms into a mission for revenge against the owner and his sheriff brother who had disrupted their fun times. Remarkably, every character in this full-length ode to male chauvinism appears older than me, and I was born prior to its release. The males in this film are so overtly misogynistic in their pursuit of women as mere objects that “American Pie” seems almost feminist in comparison.
47. Problem Child (1990)
1990 saw “Problem Child” surpass films like “Joe Versus the Volcano,” “Goodfellas,” “House Party,” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” at the box office. However, it was not invulnerable to criticism. In fact, being invulnerable means being immune, so “Problem Child” was anything but that with critics. The film received harsh reviews – the New York Times described it as everyone seeming to be shouting their lines and making exaggerated hand gestures instead of acting – yet it still managed to spawn a couple of sequels. (Note: There are indeed two “Problem Child” sequels, and there’s a good chance one or both might be even worse than the original. Fortunately, I have no plans to ever watch them.)
46. Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
As a film enthusiast, I must say, it’s a daunting task to step into John Belushi’s shoes, especially as Jake Blues in “Blues Brothers 2000”. The decision to give Elwood a cloying kid sidekick didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Rumor has it that director John Landis wanted Macaulay Culkin, but that didn’t pan out, and perhaps they should have scrapped that entire subplot then.
The music in “Blues Brothers 2000” is at least on par with the original film, but unfortunately, the humor, characters, and overall feel of the movie just don’t measure up. The final Battle of the Bands scene, where the Blues Brothers miraculously transform into dancing zombies, is a questionable choice, but it does symbolize the lifelessness of this misguided project quite effectively.
45. Jack & Jill (2011)
In my opinion, Al Pacino’s captivating performance in that enchanting Dunkaccino advertisement where he sings earns a well-deserved five stars. However, the rest of this seemingly misplaced Adam Sandler production, with Sandler portraying an exasperating duo of bothersome siblings, unfortunately hits rock bottom in the illustrious career of the Sandman.
44. Meet the Spartans (2008)
One particularly disheartening cultural development of the 2000s was the surge of imitation comedies, largely triggered by the significant financial success of the Scary Movie series. Numerous of these so-called comedies were penned or helmed by former Scary Movie collaborators Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Their humoristic approach: Recreate scenes from popular movies, particularly 300 in the case of Meet the Spartans, although the film also incorporates unrelated gags from Shrek, Spider-Man 3, and Happy Feet, featuring doppelgängers and people getting hit in the groin.
43. Zoolander 2 (2016)
The original “Zoolander” cleverly poked fun at the shallow fashion industry. In contrast, “Zoolander 2” mainly mocked itself by having characters repeatedly ridicule Derek and Hansel for being outdated. It appears as though the creators aimed to demonstrate that these characters were still relevant in an era dominated by social media and YouTube personalities. However, “Zoolander 2” turned out to be such a letdown that it ended up strengthening the argument that its protagonists had indeed become obsolete. When Mugatu remarked to Zoolander, “It doesn’t hold up, does it?”, his statement echoed a painful reality.
42. Rhinestone (1984)
In a commendable display of resilience, Sylvester Stallone demonstrated an impressive readiness to endure embarrassment in this awkwardly humorous country music comedy. The movie teams him up with Dolly Parton, portraying a singer who wagers with her boss (Ron Leibman) that she can transform anyone into a country star. If she succeeds, he annuls the contract. If not, she must spend a night with him. (Quite unsavory!) The attempt to mold Stallone into a country musician was as ill-fated as creating a romantic comedy around the lurking danger of sexual misconduct. Despite some chemistry between Parton and Stallone, Stallone often appears disoriented in broad comedies such as this one, and the songs, like the ode to alcoholism “Drinkenstein,” are simply dreadful.
41. Nothing But Trouble (1991)
What’s least surprising about this film is that it was partly inspired by Dan Aykroyd’s nightmares. Few movies capture such a genuinely, unsettling dreamlike quality as this one does, from the gruesome violence to the actors wearing grotesque prosthetics, the unexpected Digital Underground musical sequence, the inexplicable technology powering the ancient judge’s labyrinthine home, and the images of Chevy Chase tumbling into piles of human bones and Aykroyd as a giant diapered baby. As a child, I might not have watched it all the way through, but even catching glimpses of it on TV was enough to give me nightmares. In my opinion, it’s one of the most unpleasant Hollywood productions I’ve ever seen.
40. Gigli (2003)
In 2003, when the film “Gigli” hit theaters, it was already infamous for being a flop (with a Rotten Tomatoes score of only 6%). Being a fan of watching less-than-great movies, I convinced a group of friends and colleagues to join me at the cinema on its opening weekend, expecting a hilarious catastrophe.
However, what unfolded was not laughter but disappointment. “Gigli” was indeed a disaster, but not in a funny way. The movie, featuring real-life couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, failed to exhibit any of their apparent chemistry as they navigated through a plot involving the kidnapping of a mentally challenged child (played by Justin Bartha) to pressure a federal prosecutor on behalf of Affleck’s boss. I spent weeks afterwards apologizing to everyone who attended the movie with me. That’s “Gigli” for you: A romantic comedy so bad it damaged friendships.
39. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
As a fan, I can’t help but express my disappointment when you try to remake a classic like “Dumb and Dumber” without the original creators, Jim Carrey, and Jeff Daniels. The result? A laugh-free debacle. In this version, Eric Christian Olsen and Derek Richardson step into the shoes of the beloved characters, but they fail to deliver the humor that Carrey and Daniels brought to life so brilliantly. Even reliable supporting actors like Eugene Levy, Cheri Oteri, and Bob Saget couldn’t save this movie from being a flop. I will give “Dumb and Dumberer” one thing: The title is spot-on – it’s indeed a slightly less funny version of the original.
38. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)
By the 1980s, the Police Academy series was both well-liked and financially successful. However, by the early ’90s, it seemed to be struggling, reaching its lowest point with the seventh film titled “Mission to Moscow.” In this movie, our beloved cops (or at least those who hadn’t moved on to other opportunities) journeyed to Russia to assist in an investigation of a string of robberies. Unfortunately, this film was released towards the end of August in 1994 and earned barely $200,000, a tiny fraction of what typical Police Academy movies made. Unsurprisingly, the underwhelming success of Mission to Moscow marked the end of the Police Academy franchise for good. (And if you’ve seen Mission to Moscow, you can understand why; it was indeed a mercy, especially for the audience.)
37. Ringmaster (1998)
During the peak of “The Jerry Springer Show” fame, Jerry Springer starred in a film titled “Ringmaster.” In this movie, he played the perplexed host of a seedy talk show named Jerry. Despite appearing pleased among the oddball guests on his real-life show, Springer appears visibly uncomfortable watching “Ringmaster,” as it features a fictional depiction of the same setting with professional actors. While some supporting characters deliver their questionable lines competently, it’s evident that this movie revolves around an individual who clearly dislikes being part of the production.
36. Date Movie (2006)
In the latest production by Friedberg and Seltzer, titled “Date Movie“, they once again served up humor supposedly relevant, with jabs at Napoleon Dynamite and Michael Jackson. However, the jokes now appear as outdated as a 1950s educational film about baby origins. I find it hard to fathom the countless relationships that were irrevocably damaged due to date nights spent watching “Date Movie“.
35. Son of the Mask (2005)
From my perspective, it’s clear that movies like “Dumb and Dumberer” prove that sequels without Jim Carrey can be quite disappointing. The original “The Mask” was a hit because of the enchanting mask that allowed Carrey to express his raw, unfiltered self, combined with his exceptional talent for impressions and voices. In “Son of the Mask,” Jamie Kennedy’s character barely dons the mask (strangely enough, it’s his dog who wears it more often), and when he does, he lacks the flexibility that Carrey brought to the role as The Mask. Even though his character is a struggling cartoonist, meant to mimic Carrey’s performance, it feels like another actor’s voice was dubbed in to make him sound similar. Well, alrighty then!
34. Loose Shoes (1978)
This 1980 collection of mock movie trailers and spoofs is generally an unenjoyable, humorless experience, with the exception of one standout. A satire of prison dramas featuring Bill Murray from “Saturday Night Live” era as death row inmate Lefty Schwartz provides the most laughter, especially during the scene where he complains about the food served in prison. (“Is this quiche?!? And this bouillabaisse! It’s tripe!”) If you come across Murray’s scene, it’s worth watching. However, if not, it’s best to steer clear of the rest of the trailers.
33. Not Cool (2014)
Shane Dawson, well-known YouTuber, made his directorial debut as part of the now largely overlooked reality TV series titled “The Chair“. In this unique show, two directors were given the same screenplay to adapt into their own distinctive movies. Essentially, it was a real-life exploration of filmmaking creativity. However, Dawson’s project resulting from the series, named “Not Cool“, turned out to be a flop. It had a budget of $800,000 but only managed to gross less than $40,000 in cinemas.
32. The Happytime Murders (2018)
In the bawdy puppet comedy, “The Happytime Murders,” created by Brian Henson, there’s an abundance of adult humor that might make you chuckle, but the creators didn’t put much thought into it beyond, “It could be amusing to have puppets in a raunchy comedy filled with sex jokes.” So, if you ever find yourself in a pub quiz and the question is, “In which movie did Melissa McCarthy bite a puppet’s private part?” or “Which movie features Joel McHale gazing at a puppet’s vagina in a spoof of the classic scene from ‘Basic Instinct?'” the answer would be, unsurprisingly, “The Happytime Murders.” The only person who manages to maintain her dignity in this film is Maya Rudolph. She delivers a joke about rice pilaf that’s so good, she deserves hero status. Rice pilaf! That woman is a legend.
31. Dirty Grandpa (2016)
In a simpler and more conversational style:
The movie “Dirty Grandpa” follows a similar humor approach as “The Happytime Murders“, where they assume that if someone who seems pure or innocent (like grandpas or puppets) uses dirty language, it’s automatically funny. If hearing Robert De Niro utter words like “smegma” makes you chuckle, then this movie is for you. However, if you prefer your humor to be based on actual jokes (or not filled with continuous homophobia), you might be left feeling let down. At least the title accurately reflects the content of the film.
30. Epic Movie (2007)
As a devoted film enthusiast, I found myself yet again disappointed by the latest creation of Friedberg and Seltzer. Unlike their previous works like “Date Movie” and “Meet the Spartans,” which had clear themes in romantic comedies and swords-and-sandals flicks, this new one, “Epic Movie,” seems to be a satire of… well, epic movies? In reality, the film takes aim at an assortment of targets that appear quite random, such as “The Da Vinci Code,” “V for Vendetta,” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. I can’t help but wonder if “Borat,” “Talladega Nights,” “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” or even “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” were considered epic movies. If they were, they surely outshine this production in every way.
29. The Jerky Boys: The Movie (2005)
As a kid, I listened to my share of Jerky Boys tapes and laughed at them on numerous occasions (I was only 13 back then). However, even though I am a fan of the Jerky Boys, I disliked “The Jerky Boys: The Movie.” In this film, Johnny Brennan and Kamal Ahmed portray themselves and make prank calls to a mobster, who gets them involved in a crime story. This movie concept is flawed because the charm of the Jerky Boys lies in their unscripted calls. Why would anyone want to watch them mess with characters in a fabricated story when the responses are already decided? It’s like creating a full-length movie based on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?
28. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)
Indeed, the comedy film “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” concludes with a speech emphasizing that gay individuals deserve equal rights and respect, likening them to everyone else. However, the first hour and forty minutes of the movie are filled with repeated derogatory comments about homosexuality, as firefighter Kevin James convinces his resistant, stereotypically macho colleague, Adam Sandler, to pretend to be his domestic partner to secure insurance benefits for his children.
27. The Love Guru (2008)
In the 1990s and 2000s, Mike Myers was undeniably a consistent comic presence that frequently delivered box office successes. From the “Wayne’s World,” “Austin Powers” series (and even the “Shrek” films), he consistently produced well-received hits. However, this pattern shifted drastically with the release of “The Love Guru,” a puzzling comedy about a guru’s failed attempts to mend a troubled hockey player’s mindset. The film flopped at the box office and garnered some of the worst reviews in Myers’ career. It seems that even with these negative outcomes, one can’t help but wonder how audiences might have reacted if Mike Myers had released “The Love Guru” and portrayed its character today.
26. Mr. Nanny (1993)
In contrast to his vivacious wrestling persona, Hulk Hogan appeared awkward on screen. Stripped of his flamboyant wrestling character, he seemed stiff in this movie that mimics “Home Alone.” The plot features Hogan’s unemployed wrestler character reluctantly taking up the role as a bodyguard for a tech mogul’s mischievous kids. These children subject him to various pranks reminiscent of Kevin McCallister, until eventually they grow fond of him and behave impeccably. There are only two instances where laughter is elicited: one scene where Hulk refuses to fix a predetermined wrestling match and the promoter retaliates by shooting Sherman Hemsley (apparently, pro wrestling is considered a legitimate sport in the “Mr. Nanny” cinematic universe), and another random and perplexing moment involving a man in the background of a montage callously throwing his dog into the ocean. Ouch!
25. Blank Check (1994)
Despite the questionable romantic subplot between a child character and an adult woman in “Blank Check” (which should certainly not be ignored), the film leaves you with a story about an unlikable protagonist who is surrounded by even more unsavory characters, in an attempt to make you feel sympathy for a selfish, arrogant individual who squanders $1 million on worthless trinkets. The movie’s underlying message that money is everything is so crassly materialistic that it seems as if this film was crafted by the extraterrestrial beings from “They Live.
24. The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Adam Sandler has collaborated with Netflix for ten films over the course of eight years. Many of these movies have been well-received, with some even earning good critiques; for instance, “Hustle” from 2022 boasted an impressive 93 score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Sandler’s partnership with Netflix got off to a bumpy start when the comedy western “The Ridiculous 6” was released. Despite boasting an all-star cast that included Terry Crews, Will Forte, Luke Wilson, Steve Zahn, Harvey Keitel, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, and others, the film failed to garner a single positive review.
23. Daddy Day Camp (2007)
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must confess that it felt like the entire cast of “Daddy Day Care” had vanished, choosing not to reprise their roles for this seemingly wandering sequel. In their places came Cuba Gooding Jr., Paul Rae, Josh McLerran, and Tamala Jones. The original director, Steve Carr, was also absent. The first movie centered around the hilarious antics of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin as they navigated running a daycare. However, in this sequel, they’ve shifted their focus to a camp, a setting that, considering their now polished childcare skills, should have been a surefire hit. Regrettably, being a sequel, things once again take a turn for the worse, and so does the movie.
22. Speed Zone (1989)
The movie titled “Speed Zone”, which some might consider a follow-up to the “Cannonball Run” series, appears to be more chaotic than an ordinary episode of “Wacky Races”. It showcases another group of reckless road racers, including Donna Dixon, Matt Frewer, Alyssa Milano, and others. As they speed across the nation, they engage in various pursuits and stunt scenes. While the action is tolerable, one must genuinely enjoy high-speed car chases to derive any enjoyment from this film’s disorganized narrative. The inclusion of genuinely funny individuals like John Candy and Eugene Levy only seems to worsen the situation. One can’t help but wonder about the potential projects they could have pursued instead, if “Speed Zone” hadn’t been made, and the enjoyable films we could have watched in its place.
21. North (1994)
Among the most infamous box office failures in film history, the movie “North” garnered one of the most memorable passages from Roger Ebert’s lengthy career as a movie critic: “I detested this movie. Detested, detested, detested, detested, detested this movie. Detested it. Detested every insipid, stupid, offensive moment of it.” Surprisingly, the film matches this harsh criticism, particularly when Dan Aykroyd and Reba McEntire appear as exaggerated Texas stereotypes singing a song about their deceased son who perished in a rush. The movie’s next scene revolves around jokes centered on a child’s “crack.” Kathy Bates then enters the picture playing an Inuit woman who sends her father (Abe Vigoda) off to his death on an ice floe with dignity. Ebert was not joking around.
20. Caddyshack II (1988)
To delve into the transformation of a once cherished comedy to one of the most criticized sequels, take a look at this 2020 article from Sports Illustrated. ) If you think this sounds too good to be true that it’s a catastrophe, know that Caddyshack II director Allan Arkush rated his own film with just one star on Letterboxd, stating “I shouldn’t have made this movie! What was I thinking?
19. The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987)
I belonged to a group of kids who were deeply fond of Garbage Pail Kids trading cards during the late 1980s. These cards, with their crude and offensive themes, parodied Cabbage Patch Kids and other popular cultural icons of the time. Swapping these cards was a joy on school bus rides or at playgrounds. However, when I rented The Garbage Pail Kids Movie from the video store, I was horrified to find that the filmmakers had given the Kids’ unusual designs life through unsettling animatronic masks. Not many horror movies can boast imagery as chilling as the appearance of Messy Tessie and Valerie Vomit in this film.
18. Mother’s Day (2016)
During the later years of Garry Marshall’s career, he found commercial success by creating ensemble comedies centered around attractive individuals finding love on different holidays. These included “New Year’s Eve”, “Valentine’s Day”, and, least favorite among them, “Mother’s Day”. Unlike his previous film with the same title, which was a violent horror movie, “Mother’s Day” was less intentionally amusing.
17. Norbit (2007)
Audiences usually find it appealing when Eddie Murphy portrays several characters within one movie by employing intricate prosthetic makeup. However, the film “Norbit” was an exception, as it directed his character skills towards harsher, less humorous territory. Surprisingly, despite negative reviews from critics, the 2007 release of Norbit still managed to gross approximately $160 million globally on a production budget of just $60 million.
16. A Haunted House 2 (2014)
Although there may be many imitations of the “Paranormal Activity” series throughout the 2010s, none of them showcased scenes such as Marlon Wayans humping spooky dolls or crushing adorable puppies with heavy safes. If they decide to produce a “A Haunted House 3”, I might consider leaving this platform and opening a bakery instead.
15. Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot! (1992)
In a nutshell, Sylvester Stallone produced several subpar films during the ’90s, such as “Daylight,” “Judge Dread,” and “The Specialist.” However, among these less-than-impressive works, “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot” stands out as one of his most dismal creations. This film lacks humor in any form, not even managing to be amusing in a ironic or so-bad-it’s-good manner. Despite the potential for a humorous take on an overbearing mother, this movie falls far short of that mark.
The concept isn’t inherently terrible, as I too have experienced an overbearing mother, but this film is not the solution. A more believable and consistent portrayal from Estelle Getty might have salvaged the film. Unfortunately, her character alternates between being a moron in one scene and a supercop in the next, which only adds to the confusion. She demonstrates the ability to escape handcuffs, but seems oblivious to the illegality of purchasing an Uzi from the back of a van. This inconsistency is hardly amusing, to say the least.
14. Sorority Boys (2002)
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, numerous bawdy teen comedies emerged, following in the footsteps of “American Pie”, each striving to surpass its predecessors with offensive sex-related humor. The film “Sorority Boys”, despite its eventual moral that women deserve respect and should not be objectified, struggles to think of another movie that demonstrates less regard for or more consistent objectification of women.
The sorority in the movie is referred to as DOG, making all its members “DOGs”. In one plotline, a fraternity member poses as a woman to befriend the president of DOG. This leads him to frequently shower with her, even tricking her under false pretenses while soaping her body in the shower. It’s worth mentioning that the central plot device is a video one of the characters made, secretly recording himself having sex with numerous women without their knowledge or consent. Yes, this movie is supposed to be a comedy.
13. Neighbors (1981)
In a surprising twist, the dynamic duo John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, famous for their stints on Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers, faced a significant misstep with the 1981 film they starred in. By swapping roles so that Belushi portrayed the uptight character and Aykroyd became the wild party animal, an unusual premise was established. This premise was further compounded by a peculiar ensemble of characters who failed to convincingly emulate real human behavior for even a moment.
The film was riddled with numerous other questionable creative decisions, one of which was the score, composed by Bill Conti, renowned for creating beautiful music for various films. However, in this instance, the score was arguably the worst I have ever encountered. It was filled with slide whistles and theremins that accentuated every joke, making it seem as if a poorly rehearsed marching band was improvising to the action on screen. This auditory experience is hard to fathom. Watching this movie felt like viewing a production while an atrocious band played an impromptu performance based on what was unfolding onscreen.
12. She’s Out of Control (1989)
In this rather distressing comedy, I find myself empathizing with a devoted single father (portrayed by Tony Danza) as his eldest daughter reaches the milestone of 15 and expresses an interest in dating boys. Now, it’s important to clarify that her newfound fascination doesn’t involve dangerous activities like drug abuse or adult entertainment; she simply gets contact lenses, a new hairdo, and attends a few dates.
However, the father’s reactions seem extreme when he seeks guidance from a therapist (Wallace Shawn), who has written extensively about the role of fathers in preserving their daughters’ virginity. The movie appears to justify the father’s questionable behavior when the daughter’s prom date (Matthew Perry) attempts to harm her. I strongly advise against any parent or viewer watching this film, as its messages are far from healthy and supportive.
11. The Hot Chick (2002)
In my opinion, I’ve always considered the genre of body swap comedies as the “ideal” film type, but even I find it hard to justify The Hot Chick. The plot revolves around Rob Schneider, who portrays a clumsy thief, and Jessica, a teenager played by Rachel McAdams. However, in this movie, the character Schneider plays as Jessica shows no resemblance whatsoever to any real teenage girl, let alone Rachel McAdams, who is supposedly trapped within his body. The film seems to have broken some sort of record for the highest number of crude jokes about males and offensive remarks regarding sexual orientation in a single movie. It’s a disheartening waste of resources, including Anna Faris, who has the unfortunate role of playing Jessica’s best friend.
10. Chairman of the Board (1998)
In the film “Chairman of the Board,” featuring comedian Carrot Top, you won’t find much humor. Instead, expect even less than anticipated. The story revolves around an unlucky inventor who forms a friendship with a wealthy businessman (Jack Warden), who later passes away and leaves him his company. Unfortunately, the comedy falls flat. However, the film is memorable for one of the most iconic moments in late-night TV history. Norm Macdonald, co-star of “Chairman of the Board,” frequently interrupted Courtney Thorne-Smith’s interview with Conan O’Brien to share his thoughts on a potential Carrot Top movie. (“If it’s got Carrot Top in it, you know what a good name for it would be? Box Office Poison!”)
9. The Master of Disguise (2002)
The concept behind “The Master of Disguise” is logical given Dana Carvey’s comedic background as an exceptional mimic from Saturday Night Live. However, Carvey excels at impressions rather than disguise, and these two skills are distinct. A genuine master of disguise would seamlessly blend into their roles and vanish, which is the polar opposite of Carvey’s performance in this film. (Additionally, Carvey’s performance here falls short of creating a decent, watchable movie.)
The idea for “The Master of Disguise” fits Dana Carvey well because he’s an excellent mimic from SNL. But he’s great at imitating others, not hiding himself, which are two different skills. A true master of disguise would blend into their roles so much they become invisible – the exact opposite of what Carvey does in this movie. (And the opposite of what Carvey does here is also making a good, enjoyable film.)
8. It’s Pat (1994)
In a different wording:
7. Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011)
Speaking from personal experience as someone who attended the premiere of the movie “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star”, I must say that the film played without any dialogue for a full 97 minutes. Today, you can watch it on Tubi, and I found myself chuckling more at the unexpected advertisements than anything in the rather questionable production itself. For instance, right after Bucky, the son of adult film stars who aspires to join their profession despite his physical limitations, there was an ad for a telehealth service. Now, that’s quite amusing!
6. Leonard Part 6 (1987)
In the prime of his Hollywood career, Bill Cosby featured prominently in this laughable spy spoof titled “Leonard Part 6,” which follows a retired CIA agent coerced to return to duty to thwart a vegetarian who controls mind-controlled animals for murder. The title is meant humorously to suggest it’s the sixth installment of an ongoing series, but like most jokes in this cinematic disaster, it falls flat. Despite Cosby being the movie producer and originator of the idea, he criticized “Leonard Part 6” in the media before its premiere. Given the final product’s confusion between emulating Bond films and catering to a childish audience, coupled with some of the most blatant product placements in contemporary cinema, it’s no surprise that Cosby spoke out against it.
5. Disaster Movie (2008)
In the title “Disaster Movie,” neither word truly represents the content. The films spoofed by writers/directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, such as “10,000 B.C”, “Hancock”, “Jumper”, “Enchanted”, “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, “Beowulf”, and “The Love Guru,” are not accurately described as “disasters.” Instead, this production could be more appropriately labeled a film only by the most lenient interpretation of the term. It features minimal characters, an insubstantial narrative, and is primarily held together by a series of celebrity impressions that are so poorly executed, characters onscreen feel compelled to loudly identify who they are imitating. (“Is that Amy Winehouse?!?”)
4. Mad Dog Time (1996)
In simpler terms, the movie “Mad Dog Time” isn’t the worst film ever made, but it comes close. I struggle to think of another poorly-made movie as strange as this one. The cast is impressive, featuring stars like Jeff Goldblum, Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, and many more, yet they are stuck in a gangster movie set in an alternate universe, far beyond our cosmos in deep space. This universe, referred to as Vic’s World, is inhabited by stereotypical characters from gangster films who engage in duels in a dingy basement. The plot makes little sense even within the context of the movie. It’s so unusual that it might have originated from another world where people appreciate comedies that are almost unwatchable.
3. Movie 43 (2013)
This film isn’t just one of the most poorly-executed comedies ever, but it’s also incredibly puzzling. It’s hard to fathom how they managed to persuade Hugh Jackman to don a prosthetic scrotum around his neck and immerse it in soup. Similarly, it’s mind-boggling how they got Kate Winslet to gaze at Jackman while he wore this peculiar prop. Frankly, even the most damaging blackmail evidence couldn’t lure me into watching this movie – and I’m not a multi-millionaire film star!
2. Frozen Assets (1992)
Despite some comedies on the list being rather unfunny, they’re a laugh riot compared to “Frozen Assets”, a film that seems like it was intentionally made to be the least amusing in history. Corbin Bernsen stars as a bank executive sent to a struggling branch in Oregon, but this isn’t an ordinary bank – oh no! It’s a sperm bank! Ha ha! This is the only joke you’ll find in the entire movie. Bernsen is solely focused on making the sperm bank profitable, which puts him at odds with the bank’s chief scientist, portrayed by Shelley Long. He treats her cruelly, yet somehow she develops feelings for him. Larry Miller also appears as an escaped mental patient who ends up working at the sperm bank. I’m understating how awful this movie is – it’s far worse than I make it sound. Steer clear of “Frozen Assets” at all costs. I’d gladly pay to avoid watching it again.
1. Slapstick of Another Kind (1982)
Take a break from what you’re doing and check out this movie’s Wikipedia page. You might think someone has vandalized the plot summary, making it seem like complete nonsense. In reality, if anything, the Wikipedia description doesn’t do justice to how absurd and depraved the storyline is. This film features aliens, with Orson Welles lending his voice to one of them. There’s also a miniature Chinese ambassador played by Pat Morita, who speaks in a goofy, modified tone. Jerry Lewis and Madeline Kahn portray a married couple, and they both play their own twins, who wear prosthetic noses, ears, and foreheads while speaking an odd, gibberish language. The twins also have telepathic powers that require them to touch each other to use, which the movie turns into an incest subplot.
This film is offensive in multiple ways, targeting Asians, people with intellectual disabilities, and movie enthusiasts alike. Its 82 minutes are a cinematic black hole from which no comedy (or entertainment in general) can escape. It’s truly awful. If Jerry Lewis allowed this to be released, one can only imagine how tasteless and repulsive The Day the Clown Cried must be.
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2025-01-27 21:00