10 Hilarious Comedy Movies You Can Watch In Under 90 Minutes

Short comedy films don’t always need extended runtime to make viewers chuckle; instead, they can deliver plenty of laughs in under 90 minutes. Prolonging the storyline for too long might actually detract from a comedy movie’s success since audiences may tire of a recurring plot becoming overfamiliar.

In contrast to other genres where 90 minutes might seem restrictively brief, a shorter runtime isn’t problematic in comedy. Exceptional comedy films can generate numerous laughs without requiring extensive character development, establishing high stakes, or intricate storytelling. A swift dose of humor often leaves a stronger impression.

10. Airplane! (1980)

Airplane Pokes Fun At Disaster Movies And Much More

The movie “Airplane” is frequently considered one of the funniest comedies ever made. Despite its compact run time, it manages to deliver a high volume of humor. In terms of jokes per minute, “Airplane” stands alone and what’s even more remarkable is the consistent success rate of these rapid-fire gags.

The airplane movie is brimming with side-splitting jokes and visual humor that seems to pour out in almost every scene, creating an extraordinary level of high-quality comedy throughout. Each actor has their moment to excel, but Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan performance truly stands out as exceptional.

9. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson’s First Animation Is Just As Enjoyable For Adults

There are numerous short, comical animated films that hark back to Disney classics and Pixar successes. However, Fantastic Mr. Fox stands out as it caters equally to both children and adults. Some of its narrative aspects might be too complex for younger viewers.

Wes Anderson’s films are recognized for their meticulously crafted, visually appealing aesthetic. The stop-motion animation in Fantastic Mr. Fox gives the director greater control over the visual elements, enabling him to fine-tune each character’s movements according to his unique comedic vision. This results in a laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming spectacle that leaves viewers charmed.

8. Sherlock Jr. (1924)

Buster Keaton’s Comedy Still Holds Up

In Buster Keaton’s era, movies were typically shorter than they are today, resulting in many timeless silent films that last less than 90 minutes. Regrettably, not every vintage masterpiece manages to captivate contemporary viewers, but the exception is the film Sherlock Jr., a unique treasure that continues to charm and astonish audiences over a century after its release.

In this film, Buster Keaton shines brilliantly, performing daring, humorous stunts that border on the incredible. To assure us there’s no trickery, he employs expansive shots, making it a delight to witness him contort his body in an animated blend of crime and comedy. Notable scenes include the pool table antics, the thrilling police pursuit, and the climactic scene at the cinema – all truly remarkable moments.

7. The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Mia Farrow And Jeff Daniels Star In A Creative Rom-Com Like No Other

The Enchanted Love Story of Mia Farrow’s Character

In the film titled “The Purple Rose of Cairo”, Mia Farrow plays a waitress who, seeking an escape from the hardships of the Great Depression and her monotonous home life, finds solace in the local movie theater. Her world is turned upside down when a character from her beloved movie steps out of the screen to engage with her, sparking a whimsical romance filled with humor and imaginative twists.

Regardless of its fantastical storyline, the movie “The Purple Rose of Cairo” elicits plenty of laughter through the ordinary, expected responses of the characters to this magical event. The film studio attempts to hush up the situation, while patrons demand refunds and other characters become tired. It’s a tribute to the world of cinema, yet it never loses sight of the real world.

6. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

The Kiwi Cult Classic Spawned A TV Show

As a movie critic, I found “What We Do in the Shadows” to be an unprecedented source of humor in contemporary television, but the original film presents a unique charm that sets it apart from its small-screen counterpart. Unlike the series set in New York City, the movie focuses on a band of vampires residing in Wellington, New Zealand.

In “What We Do in the Shadows,” directed by Taika Waititi and featuring Jemaine Clement, they not only lead but also portray contrasting characters who are bound by their eternal life. The comedy arises from the ongoing clash between the extraordinary supernatural world and the ordinary everyday life.

5. The Producers (1968)

Mel Brooks’ First Movie Is Still One Of His Best

By the time Mel Brooks ventured into filmmaking, he was already well-established in television and radio. However, his movie debut, “The Producers“, instantly became a blockbuster that propelled him to a prosperous Hollywood career. Interestingly, this production deviated from the typical style of his other major successes such as “Blazing Saddles“, “Young Frankenstein“, and “Spaceballs” since it didn’t rely on genre spoofing.

As a theater enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement for “The Producers,” a hilarious tale where I, along with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, take on the roles of two ambitious Broadway hopefuls. Our mission? To outwit the system by creating the most disastrous play imaginable! This uproarious comedy is filled with mishaps, and the intriguing chemistry between Mostel’s slick, unscrupulous character and Wilder’s timid, anxious accountant will have you rolling in the aisles.

4. Zoolander (2001)

Ben Stiller Leads A Hilarious Cast

Zoolander is considered one of Ben Stiller’s finest films, and it’s not just him who excels in his role. Actors like Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Christine Taylor also deliver outstanding performances. Moreover, Stiller’s interactions with his father Jerry are filled with humor as well. Unfortunately, the only drawback to Zoolander is its less favorably received sequel that was released 15 years later.

In simpler terms, “Zoolander” features a hilarious, somewhat ridiculous plot revolving around two model characters portrayed as unusually dim-witted. These models are thrust into an unanticipated situation where they must thwart a political assassination. The movie humorously critiques celebrity culture and the superficial, image-focused media.

3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Holy Grail Is A Masterpiece Of Absurdist Humor

I find it fascinating how Monty Python’s film, “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” is renowned for its offbeat humor, but there’s a method to its seemingly madcap sequence of outlandish scenes. In the same vein as “Life of Brian” satirizes organized religion, “The Holy Grail” delves into dissecting the inherent absurdity that underlies British folklore and our contemporary culture’s pretentious veneration of history.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail manages to pack an impressive number of memorable scenes into its brief runtime, making it seem astonishingly dense with content. Characters like the Black Knight, Tim the Enchanter, the French knights, and the fearsome Beast of Caerbannog all make their appearances within a mere 89 minutes. However, these are merely the surface-level offerings; there’s much more to discover beneath.

2. Zombieland (2009)

The Zom-Com Offers A Blend Of Horror And Comedy

In a zombie-infested world, I’ve found an unadulterated, undeniable blast – Zombieland! It’s jam-packed with wild, physical comedy, over-the-top zombie slaying excitement, and a pinch of unexpectedly heartfelt emotion. Amidst the chaos of a zombie apocalypse, it’s essentially a tale about forging bonds and survival.

In Zombieland, a remarkable blend of horror and humor is achieved, as these elements frequently intertwine. Whether it’s Columbus being chased in circles around an abandoned parking lot or Tallahassee valiantly defending himself with a cheerful soundtrack playing, Zombieland consistently flips the script on typical zombie horror genre conventions.

1. Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

Ethan Coen’s Underrated Gem Could Yet Become A Cult Hit

In his first solo directorial venture, Ethan Coen, previously known for collaborating with his brother Joel, presents “Drive-Away Dolls.” This film showcases the unique contributions each brother brings to their creative partnership. Although it may not evoke the emotional depth or thematic substance of classics like “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski,” it still delivers a chaotic blend of humor and crime, maintaining the signature style that Coen brothers are renowned for.

Margaret Qualley shines in “Drive-Away Dolls,” seamlessly capturing the film’s offbeat and zany spirit. Upon its release, it garnered a mix of opinions, but with its unique elements, it might just become a cult classic within the queer community. The Coens’ next project, “Honey Don’t,” appears to follow in a similar vein of irreverent and playful storytelling.

2025-07-04 17:29