#WorldLaughterDay: 6 movies that are sure to leave you cracking up in no time

If you need a reason to laugh and be happy (though you never should need one) this weekend, we’ve got one for you. It’s World Laughter Day on May 5! Sure, you may have people who would crack you up in seconds, but comedy movies keep us chuckling for hours together, every single time you watch them. So, celebrate the day by tuning into some of the best comedy movies that we have rounded up for you.

Raising Arizona (1987)

If you thought Nicolas Cage was only capable of action and adventure, think again. Filled with crime and a whole lot of comedy, the film centres on an ex-con and ex-cop (Cage and Holly Hunter, respectively) who discover that they are infertile and end up kidnapping one of a millionaire’s quintuplets. What follows is absolute mayhem when the child’s rich father sends a bounty hunter after them across the Arizona desert. The wild and wacky characters pack a punch with their ferocity and hilarity, making this one of the best comedy films not just of the 1980s but of all time.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Bill Murray delivers one of his career’s most memorable performances as Phil Connors, a weatherman who gets trapped in a time loop after travelling to Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day. Forced to live the same day over and over again, Connors embarks on a journey of adventure and hilarious moments. During this adventure, he experiences everything from despair to acceptance and elation before he finally prevails. Thanks to some lovely writing and a great performance from Murray, who showcases his exceptional comic timing, the film is one of the best comedies you will ever see.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

This one is a classic in the comedy genre, featuring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two kind-hearted but seriously stupid goofballs who set out on a hilarious cross-country trip to return a woman’s suitcase loaded with money. Sadly, they are unaware that they’re being chased by hired killers and the police for the suitcase. With many people hot on their heels, the duo experiences plenty of comical moments that rank so high on the stupid scale that you might appreciate the genius of the makers. Yes, there are a lot of butt, toilet, and sex jokes (some of which don’t really land well). But the ones that do leave the audience in pain from the stomach-aching laughter, thanks to their infectious energy and antics.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

If you are a fan of zombie movies, then this one should be at the top of your watch list. And surprisingly, it's not the thrills but the comedy on display that makes this such a great watch. It centres on Shaun (Simon Pegg), a sales assistant who encounters a zombie apocalypse that turns his boring life upside down. To save his mother and his failing relationship, Shaun sets out with his flatmate, Ed, to face the dangers that lie ahead. Each of the jokes and gags is well written and executed, with every scene building up to the climax. There's plenty of foreshadowing and hints thrown at the audience to keep them guessing about what's coming next. It’s a classic comedy that is pure and simple. 

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

We’ve all seen documentaries, but if you haven’t heard of this film, then the world of mockumentaries is alien to you! A hilarious social commentary, this movie sees Sacha Baron Cohen at the top of his game. Yes, the movie is controversial and did ruffle a lot of feathers when it was released, but only because it was a satire that portrayed America and Americans for what they truly are. Cohen plays Borat Sagdiyev, a Kazakhstani journalist who travels to the USA to make a documentary about the “U, S, and A.” Each of his interactions with the Americans is nothing short of offensive, but what makes things worse (and hilarious) are the things Americans say and do, which are much more offensive because that’s just who they are. Is the movie too real because it’s one big joke, or is it the other way around? We’ll leave that to you to find out, but one thing’s for sure: you won’t be able to control your laughter.

Bridesmaids (2011)

This 2011 film is so much more than a female version of The Hangover. The story revolves around Annie (Kristen Wiig), who faces a series of unfortunate events after her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), asks her to be her maid of honour. Even though her own life is a complete mess, Annie leads the bridal party down a wild road as she tries to make her friend happy while battling another bridesmaid who is trying to take her spot. This comedy film is filled with a lot of misadventures, but it also depicts complex and flawed characters in a genre that’s known for simplicity. With raunchy humour, endearing friendship, and romance, this is an impressive film filled with laughs aplenty. 

Lead image credits: Pexels

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