Best Comedy Films of 1980
- HaHa Jokester
- May 13
- 8 min read
1980 was a pivotal year for comedy — a bridge between the wild irreverence of the '70s and the blockbuster-driven hilarity of the '80s to come. It was a time when sketch comedians became movie stars, parodies ruled the box office, and absurdity was embraced as a cultural language. From raunchy campus chaos to deadpan disaster spoofs, the laughs were bold, broad, and often a little unhinged.
The Comedy Landscape in 1980
Sketch Stars Go Hollywood
The success of Saturday Night Live in the late '70s began translating to big-screen stardom. Comedians like John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray were unleashed on cinema — with chaotic, unforgettable results.
Parody’s Golden Age Begins
Airplane! didn’t just spoof disaster films — it detonated them. This Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker farce marked the beginning of a decade defined by rapid-fire satire and fourth-wall-breaking absurdism.
College Humor Goes Mainstream
Following in the wake of Animal House (1978), raunchy school-set comedies like Up the Academy and Private Benjaminbecame blueprints for the decade’s R-rated comedy boom.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1980
Airplane!
Runtime: 1hr 25min
A landmark in spoof comedy — absurd, quotable, and endlessly rewatchable.“Surely you can’t be serious?” “I am serious... and don’t call me Shirley.”
Airplane! (1980) is a groundbreaking parody film that redefined cinematic comedy with its rapid-fire gags, slapstick humor, and relentless absurdity. Directed by Jim Abrahams and brothers David and Jerry Zucker, the film spoofs 1950s disaster movies—particularly Zero Hour!—while delivering a barrage of jokes that range from puns and visual gags to surreal non sequiturs. Featuring deadpan performances from Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, and Julie Hagerty, Airplane!became a surprise box office hit and launched a new era of spoof films. Its irreverent, joke-a-second style has left a lasting legacy on the comedy genre.
Caddyshack
Runtime: 1hr 38min
Golf meets anarchy in this screwball classic starring Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray at their most unhinged.
Caddyshack (1980) is a raucous sports comedy that blends slapstick, satire, and class commentary on the golf course. Directed by Harold Ramis and featuring an ensemble cast including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight, the film follows the chaos at an elite country club as a slacker caddie navigates eccentric members, absurd wagers, and a gopher with a vendetta. Known for its improvised scenes and anarchic spirit, Caddyshack initially received mixed reviews but grew into a cult classic, praised for its irreverent humor and iconic performances that helped redefine American comedy in the 1980s.
The Blues Brothers
Runtime: 2hr 13min
Musical comedy meets high-speed mayhem. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s iconic duo goes on a mission from God — and leaves a trail of destruction behind.
The Blues Brothers (1980) is a high-octane musical comedy that blends outrageous stunts, deadpan humor, and rhythm-and-blues soul into one of the most unique films of its time. Directed by John Landis and starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as Jake and Elwood Blues, the film follows the duo on a mission from God to save their childhood orphanage—by reuniting their band and raising the money through a series of chaotic gigs. Featuring legendary musical cameos from Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown, as well as over-the-top car chases and slapstick destruction, The Blues Brothers became a cult hit and a defining entry in the comedy and music film canon.
9 to 5
Runtime: 1hr 50min
A feminist workplace comedy with Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin — empowering, sharp, and hysterical.
9 to 5 (1980) is a sharp, feminist workplace comedy that blends satire and farce to critique gender inequality in corporate America. Directed by Colin Higgins and starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in her film debut, the story follows three overworked and underappreciated office employees who fantasize about—and eventually take revenge on—their sexist, egotistical boss, played by Dabney Coleman. With its mix of biting humor, empowering themes, and a catchy title song by Parton, 9 to 5 struck a cultural nerve, becoming a box office hit and a landmark film in the representation of working women on screen.
Private Benjamin
Runtime: 1hr 50min
Goldie Hawn’s transformation from socialite to soldier proved both funny and unexpectedly heartfelt.
Private Benjamin (1980) is a fish-out-of-water comedy that follows a sheltered, pampered woman who unexpectedly joins the U.S. Army and discovers her strength in the most unlikely place. Directed by Howard Zieff and starring Goldie Hawn in one of her most iconic roles, the film centers on Judy Benjamin, a newly widowed woman who enlists impulsively and is thrust into the harsh realities of military life. Blending broad comedy with moments of genuine character growth, Private Benjamin was both a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Oscar nominations and helping pave the way for more female-led comedies in the decades to follow.
Stir Crazy
Runtime: 1hr 51min
Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor reunite as two innocent men trapped in a prison comedy. Their chemistry is the heart of the film.
Stir Crazy (1980) is a buddy comedy that pairs Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder at their peak, delivering a mix of slapstick, absurdity, and social satire. Directed by Sidney Poitier, the film follows two down-on-their-luck friends who head west for a fresh start but are mistakenly convicted of a bank robbery and sentenced to a brutal prison term. As they navigate life behind bars, their chemistry and comic timing shine, turning a bleak setup into a riotous, heartwarming adventure. A massive box office hit, Stir Crazy cemented the Pryor-Wilder duo as one of comedy’s most beloved pairings and remains a standout in the prison comedy subgenre.
The Nude Bomb
Runtime: 1hr 44min
Don Adams returns as Maxwell Smart in a goofy Get Smart spinoff that rides the wave of spy spoof nostalgia.
The Nude Bomb (1980) is a spy spoof that revives Don Adams’ iconic secret agent Maxwell Smart from the classic TV series Get Smart, this time on the big screen. Directed by Clive Donner, the film follows Smart as he’s called back into action to stop a madman threatening to detonate a bomb that destroys clothing, leaving the world literally exposed. Packed with goofy gadgets, broad humor, and slapstick action, the film aims to recapture the charm of the original series but met with mixed reviews for its uneven tone and lack of returning cast. Despite its flaws, The Nude Bomb remains a cult curiosity for fans of classic TV comedy and vintage spy satire.
Used Cars
Runtime: 1hr 53min
A cynical, raunchy satire about sleazy salesmen that captured the spirit of deregulated America with wild energy.
Used Cars (1980) is a darkly satirical comedy that skewers American capitalism, media manipulation, and sleazy salesmanship with manic energy and biting wit. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Kurt Russell as a fast-talking, morally flexible car salesman caught in a rivalry between two battling dealerships. As schemes escalate—from fake deaths to live TV stunts—the film delivers outrageous set pieces and sharp dialogue that push the envelope for R-rated comedy. Though not a major hit upon release, Used Cars has since gained cult status for its cynical humor, bold performances, and ahead-of-its-time commentary on greed and deception.
The Hollywood Knights
Runtime: 1hr 31min
A raucous coming-of-age comedy full of juvenile hijinks, often seen as a precursor to later teen comedies.
The Hollywood Knights (1980) is a raucous teen comedy that blends rebellious pranks, car culture, and 1960s nostalgia into a chaotic, coming-of-age night of mischief. Directed by Floyd Mutrux, the film follows a group of high school jokesters—the Hollywood Knights—as they run wild on Halloween night to protest the demolition of their favorite hangout, Tubby’s Drive-In. With a sprawling ensemble cast including Tony Danza, Robert Wuhl, and a young Michelle Pfeiffer, the movie mixes slapstick gags, raunchy humor, and classic rock tunes to channel the spirit of American Graffitiwith a bawdier edge. While critically mixed, it became a cult favorite among fans of rowdy, youth-centered comedies.
Seems Like Old Times
Runtime: 1hr 42min
Neil Simon’s script, Chevy Chase’s charm, and Goldie Hawn’s impeccable timing make this screwball romantic comedy feel like a throwback in the best way.
Seems Like Old Times (1980) is a charming romantic comedy that reunites Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in a fast-paced tale of love, chaos, and mistaken identity. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Jay Sandrich, the film follows a zany love triangle in which a liberal defense attorney (Hawn) finds herself hiding her ex-husband (Chase), a writer wrongfully accused of a crime, from her new husband, who happens to be the district attorney. Packed with witty banter, screwball energy, and classic Simon-style misunderstandings, Seems Like Old Times showcases its leads’ comedic chemistry and stands as a lighthearted throwback to golden-age romantic farces.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
Midnight Madness
Runtime: 1hr 52min
A wacky citywide scavenger hunt that inspired future cult games like The Amazing Race and Rat Race.
Midnight Madness (1980) is a zany, family-friendly adventure comedy that captures the chaotic spirit of an all-night scavenger hunt across Los Angeles. Directed by Michael Nankin and David Wechter, the film follows five quirky teams of college students, each with their own eccentric theme and style, as they compete in a citywide puzzle-solving race orchestrated by a mysterious game master. Featuring early performances from actors like Michael J. Fox in his film debut, the movie blends slapstick humor, cartoonish antics, and youthful energy. Though not a box office hit upon release, Midnight Madness gained a cult following over the years for its playful tone, ensemble cast, and status as a nostalgic cult classic for fans of '80s comedy.
Wholly Moses!
Runtime: 1hr 44min
A biblical spoof starring Dudley Moore that took the Life of Brian formula in a new (less successful, but charming) direction.
Wholly Moses! (1980) is a biblical spoof that attempts to follow in the footsteps of Monty Python’s Life of Brian, offering irreverent comedy set in ancient times. Directed by Gary Weis and starring Dudley Moore, the film tells the story of Herschel, a man who mistakenly believes he was chosen by God, only to keep missing out on the miracles and fame of more prominent biblical figures like Moses. With a supporting cast including Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, and Richard Pryor, the film leans heavily on absurd situations and broad gags. Despite its ambitious premise and comedic talent, Wholly Moses! was met with mixed reviews and struggled to find its comedic footing, but it remains a curious entry in the wave of 1980s religious satires.
The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
Runtime: 1hr 48min
Peter Sellers’ final film — uneven, but filled with flashes of his comedic brilliance.
The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980) is a campy, tongue-in-cheek send-off that marked the final film appearance of legendary comedian Peter Sellers, who plays both the titular villain and his nemesis, Inspector Nayland Smith. Directed by Piers Haggard (with uncredited work by Sellers himself), the film follows the aging Fu Manchu as he concocts a scheme to steal the ingredients for his elixir of youth while facing off against British authorities in a globe-trotting caper. Laden with slapstick gags, over-the-top accents, and old-school adventure tropes, the movie aimed for parody but was plagued by production troubles and uneven tone. While critically panned at release, The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchuremains a bizarre curiosity in Sellers’ storied career and an artifact of waning cinematic caricatures from a bygone era.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
The Rise of SNL Alumni: Caddyshack, The Blues Brothers, and Airplane! featured or were created by sketch comedy veterans, cementing their influence on the decade.
Parody as Box Office Gold: Airplane! grossed over $80 million on a $3 million budget — proving there was a huge market for smart stupidity.
Dolly Parton’s Film Debut: 9 to 5 wasn’t just a hit movie — it launched a hit song and an entire movement around workplace equity.
Where to Watch These Today
Many of these 1980 comedy classics are available on:
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and Paramount+
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies
Physical Media: Airplane! and Caddyshack are mainstays in classic comedy DVD/Blu-ray collections.
Closing Thoughts: 1980 Set the Tone for a Decade of Irreverence
Comedy in 1980 was fearless, often chaotic, and constantly evolving. It marked the birth of the modern parody, the rise of sketch-to-film transitions, and a surge in R-rated, envelope-pushing humor. These films didn’t just aim for laughs — they reshaped what big-screen comedy could be. The decade was off to a hilariously strong start.
