5 Classic and Timeless Comedy Movies for You

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Comedy is one of the most universal film genres, able to transcend cultures, languages, and generations.

A great comedy does more than just elicit laughs—it captures human absurdities, social customs, and shared frustrations in a way that feels timeless.

While humor evolves, certain films remain rewatchable because their wit, timing, and characters never lose their relevance.

The best comedies endure because they understand that humor isn't just about jokes, but also about perspective.

Whether through absurdity, satire, character study, or social commentary, these five films capture laughter in its most timeless form.

Below are five comedies widely considered among the best of all time, each representing a different humorous style and cinematic era.

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) is a cornerstone of absurdist comedy. Loosely based on the legend of King Arthur, the film deliberately dismantles historical epics through surreal jokes, anachronisms, and anti-climactic punchlines. What makes it legendary is its fearless rejection of traditional storytelling logic—scenes end abruptly, characters behave irrationally, and jokes often mock the audience’s expectations themselves. Its influence can be seen in countless comedies that embrace nonsense as a legitimate form of humor, proving that clever stupidity can be deeply intelligent.

• Airplane! (1980) perfected the art of rapid-fire visual and verbal gags. Parodying disaster films of the 1970s, the movie bombards viewers with jokes so densely packed that no single viewing can catch them all. What sets Airplane! apart is its deadpan delivery: actors perform ridiculous lines with absolute seriousness, amplifying the humor rather than undermining it. The film’s precision in timing and commitment to absurdity established a template for spoof comedies that is still referenced decades later.

• Groundhog Day (1993) elevated comedy by blending humor with philosophical depth. On the surface, it’s a simple story about a cynical man trapped reliving the same day, but its brilliance lies in how it uses repetition to explore personal growth, morality, and meaning. The comedy evolves alongside the protagonist, shifting from slapstick frustration to subtle character-driven humor. This balance of laughs and introspection allowed Groundhog Day to transcend genre limitations and become one of the most emotionally resonant comedies ever made.

• The Big Lebowski (1998) is a cult classic that thrives on character-driven absurdity rather than plot. The story itself is intentionally convoluted and largely irrelevant, serving mainly as a backdrop for eccentric personalities and endlessly quotable dialogue. The film’s humor comes from contrast—the laid-back indifference of its protagonist clashing with a chaotic world that demands urgency and seriousness. Over time, its relaxed pacing and offbeat humor have only grown in appreciation, cementing its status as a comedy that rewards patience and repeat viewings.

• Some Like It Hot (1959) remains one of the sharpest and most sophisticated comedies ever made. Despite being produced under strict censorship rules, the film cleverly pushed boundaries through disguise, gender roles, and romantic confusion. Its humor is elegant rather than loud, relying on witty dialogue, impeccable timing, and brilliant performances. The film’s famous final line encapsulates its enduring charm: playful, daring, and effortlessly funny. More than half a century later, it still feels remarkably modern in its comedic sensibility.