Best Comedy Films of 1981
- HaHa Jokester
- May 14
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 20
If 1980 kicked off a new era of cinematic comedy, 1981 kept its foot on the gas — and then swerved into weirder, wilder lanes. The year saw the rise of offbeat humor, experimental parody, and new comedic voices that didn’t play by Hollywood rules. From time-traveling Brits to talking corpses, 1981’s comedies leaned harder into surrealism, satire, and subversion, proving that the genre had no limits — and no sacred cows.
The Comedy Landscape in 1981
British Invasion & Absurdist Escapes
Monty Python brought their signature absurdism to the big screen again with Time Bandits, a time-hopping fantasy packed with sharp satire and oddball humor. The success of this and other UK imports helped cement absurdist comedy as a viable force in U.S. cinemas.
Deadpan, Dark, and Daring
Dark comedy gained more ground, with filmmakers blending death, horror, and existential angst into laugh-worthy scenarios. This wasn’t just slapstick — it was thoughtful, grim, and often unsettling.
Cult Status in the Making
1981 introduced comedies that didn’t necessarily light up the box office but built rabid followings. From bizarre animated anthologies to mockumentary madness, these films laid the groundwork for the genre’s cult classics.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1981
Arthur
Runtime: 1hr 57min
Dudley Moore’s boozy billionaire won hearts with charm and chaos. Funny, heartfelt, and carried by a powerhouse comedic performance.
Arthur (1981) is a charming romantic comedy that follows the misadventures of Arthur Bach, a perpetually drunk, eccentric New York millionaire who stands to lose his vast inheritance unless he marries a wealthy heiress he doesn't love. Played with whimsical vulnerability by Dudley Moore, Arthur's world changes when he falls for a working-class waitress, Linda (Liza Minnelli), prompting him to choose between love and luxury. With witty dialogue, sharp class satire, and a standout performance from John Gielgud as Arthur’s dry-witted butler, the film balances heartfelt romance with absurdist humor, becoming one of the defining comedies of the early '80s.
Time Bandits
Runtime: 1hr 50min
Terry Gilliam’s fantasy comedy blends history, mythology, and British absurdism into a time-traveling romp that's both visually dazzling and hilariously bleak.
Time Bandits (1981) is a wildly imaginative fantasy adventure comedy directed by Terry Gilliam that blends British absurdism with mythological mayhem. The film follows a young boy named Kevin who is swept into a chaotic time-traveling journey with a band of dwarf thieves who use a stolen map to plunder treasures across history. From Napoleon to Robin Hood to ancient Greece, the film’s episodic structure allows for rich satire, surreal visuals, and biting commentary on authority and materialism. Anchored by Gilliam’s Monty Python sensibility and a standout performance by David Warner as the embodiment of Evil, Time Bandits became a cult classic for its daring blend of childlike wonder and darkly comic depth.
Stripes
Runtime: 1hr 47min
Bill Murray and Harold Ramis shine in this anarchic military comedy. It’s a slacker's fantasy of boot camp gone wild.
Stripes (1981) is a raucous military comedy that helped solidify Bill Murray as a comedic leading man. The film follows John Winger, a disillusioned slacker who impulsively enlists in the U.S. Army with his equally aimless friend (Harold Ramis) after losing his job, apartment, and girlfriend. What begins as a fish-out-of-water boot camp romp soon spirals into an off-the-rails Cold War caper involving a prototype military vehicle and Soviet territory. Directed by Ivan Reitman, Stripes blends irreverent humor, anti-authoritarian attitude, and classic ensemble hijinks, offering a loose, rebellious counterpoint to more traditional military films — and giving early '80s comedy one of its most quotable hits.
The Great Muppet Caper
Runtime: 1hr 38min
Kermit, Fozzie, and the gang go international in this stylish and self-aware Muppet mystery filled with gags and musical numbers.
The Great Muppet Caper (1981) is a delightful musical comedy that finds the beloved Muppets in a zany mystery full of glamour, intrigue, and fourth-wall-breaking humor. Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo play reporters traveling to London to investigate the theft of a priceless diamond, with Miss Piggy unwittingly caught in the middle of the heist and a budding romance with Kermit. Directed by Jim Henson, the film showcases lavish musical numbers, charming British settings, and clever visual gags, all wrapped in the Muppets' signature mix of sincerity and chaos. It’s a joyful, self-aware caper that proves the Muppets could thrive on a grand, cinematic scale.
An American Werewolf in London
Runtime: 1hr 37min
Yes, it’s horror — but the darkly comic tone, awkward backpacker banter, and undead roommate give this classic its genre-straddling identity.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) is a genre-bending horror-comedy that blends chilling terror with dark humor in a way few films have matched. Directed by John Landis, the story follows two American backpackers attacked by a werewolf while hiking through the English countryside—one dies, the other, David, survives and begins to undergo a horrific transformation. As David grapples with nightmares, guilt, and mounting bloodlust in London, the film veers between grotesque body horror and biting wit. With groundbreaking makeup effects by Rick Baker (which earned the first-ever Oscar for Best Makeup) and an iconic tone that swings between absurd and tragic, An American Werewolf in London became a cult classic and redefined horror-comedy for a new era.
The Four Seasons
Runtime: 1hr 49min
Alan Alda’s thoughtful ensemble comedy about friendship and midlife crisis is full of wit and bittersweet laughs.
The Four Seasons (1981) is a warm, introspective comedy-drama that explores the evolving dynamics of friendship and marriage among three middle-aged couples who vacation together through the changing seasons. Written and directed by and starring Alan Alda, the film delves into the personal crises, insecurities, and interpersonal tensions that arise as the group confronts aging, infidelity, and shifting priorities. With a sharp script and heartfelt performances from a strong ensemble cast, including Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno, the film balances humor with poignant emotional insight. The Four Seasons resonated with audiences for its relatable themes and thoughtful portrayal of grown-up relationships in flux.
Modern Problems
Runtime: 1hr 33min
Chevy Chase plays a man with telekinetic powers and serious emotional baggage in this messy but unique comedy oddity.
Modern Problems (1981) is a quirky supernatural comedy that showcases Chevy Chase in a role that mixes slapstick, satire, and psychic mayhem. He plays Max Fielder, a bitter air traffic controller whose life spirals out of control after his girlfriend leaves him—only to gain telekinetic powers after being exposed to nuclear waste. As Max tries to win her back, his newfound abilities lead to chaotic, often absurd situations that reflect his inner emotional turmoil. Directed by Ken Shapiro, the film taps into early ‘80s anxieties with a surreal edge, blending romantic comedy with sci-fi absurdity. Though uneven, Modern Problems stands as a curious time capsule of its era’s comedic experimentation.
Zorro, The Gay Blade
Runtime: 1hr 34min
A gleefully over-the-top parody of swashbuckler tropes with George Hamilton in dual roles. Campy, corny, and quotable.
Zorro, The Gay Blade (1981) is a flamboyant and farcical swashbuckling comedy that puts a campy spin on the classic masked hero. George Hamilton stars in dual roles as the dashing Don Diego Vega—Zorro—and his flamboyant twin brother, Bunny Wigglesworth, who steps in when Diego is injured. Bunny’s version of Zorro, complete with dazzling outfits and theatrical flair, turns traditional heroism on its head while still fighting injustice with panache. Directed by Peter Medak, the film combines sharp wit, playful genre parody, and over-the-top performances to deliver a unique take on adventure-comedy. Its bold embrace of satire and style makes Zorro, The Gay Blade a standout in early ‘80s comedic cinema.
Bustin’ Loose
Runtime: 1hr 34min
Richard Pryor softens his edge (just slightly) in this road comedy about a convict tasked with transporting troubled kids. Funny and unexpectedly warm.
Bustin’ Loose (1981) is a heartfelt road comedy that pairs Richard Pryor’s raw charisma with unexpected emotional depth. Pryor plays Joe Braxton, a parolee tasked with driving a group of special-needs children across the country alongside their compassionate teacher, played by Cicely Tyson. What begins as a punishment quickly transforms into a journey of growth, redemption, and humor as Joe bonds with the kids and confronts his own fears and flaws. Blending Pryor’s edgy comedic energy with moments of sincere tenderness, Bustin’ Loose strikes a balance between laughs and life lessons, offering a more family-friendly but still meaningful entry in Pryor’s film career.
History of the World, Part I
Runtime: 1hr 32min
Mel Brooks goes full parody again, mocking everything from cavemen to the French Revolution with trademark irreverence and rapid-fire jokes.
History of the World, Part I (1981) is a raucous, irreverent sketch comedy epic from writer-director Mel Brooks that takes a gleefully anachronistic romp through major eras of human history. From the Stone Age to the Roman Empire to the French Revolution, Brooks plays multiple roles while delivering sharp satire, slapstick gags, and musical numbers that lampoon everything from religion to politics. With a cast that includes Madeline Kahn, Gregory Hines, and Dom DeLuise, the film embraces its chaotic energy and boundary-pushing humor with trademark Brooks bravado. Though uneven by design, History of the World, Part I remains a cult favorite for its fearless parody and relentless punchlines.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
The Private Eyes
Runtime: 1hr 31min
Don Knotts and Tim Conway deliver silly detective comedy that’s perfect late-night comfort viewing.
The Private Eyes (1981) is a playful murder-mystery comedy that reunites the beloved duo of Don Knotts and Tim Conway for a slapstick-filled whodunit. Set in a gloomy English mansion, the film follows two bumbling detectives from Scotland Yard as they investigate a series of suspicious deaths among a group of eccentric heirs and staff. With its blend of goofy gags, pun-heavy dialogue, and exaggerated horror tropes, the film pays loving homage to classic mystery tales while delivering family-friendly laughs. Knotts and Conway’s chemistry drives the film, making The Private Eyes a charming and lighthearted entry in the tradition of old-school comedy capers.
Heavy Metal
Runtime: 1hr 26min
A cult animated anthology that blends sci-fi, fantasy, violence, and stoner humor. Not for everyone — but unforgettable for those who get it.
Heavy Metal (1981) is a bold, adult animated anthology film that fuses science fiction, fantasy, rock music, and graphic violence into a psychedelic, genre-defying experience. Based on stories from the cult magazine of the same name, the film features a series of loosely connected vignettes tied together by the mysterious green orb known as the Loc-Nar, which brings chaos and corruption wherever it goes. With its vivid hand-drawn animation, eclectic soundtrack featuring artists like Black Sabbath and Blue Öyster Cult, and unapologetically mature tone, Heavy Metal became a midnight movie favorite. Its mix of surreal visuals, dark humor, and heavy rock sensibility helped it become a cult classic that pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling.
My Dinner with Andre
Runtime: 1hr 50 min
Not a traditional comedy — but its self-aware, philosophical meandering borders on parody of deep conversation itself. Strangely hypnotic.
My Dinner with Andre (1981) is a quiet yet profound cinematic conversation that defies traditional narrative structure, focusing entirely on a dinner between two friends—playwright Wallace Shawn and theater director André Gregory—playing versions of themselves. Set almost entirely in a New York City restaurant, the film unfolds as an intense, philosophical dialogue about art, society, spirituality, and the meaning of life. Directed by Louis Malle, the film turns what could have been a static setup into a captivating intellectual journey, inviting viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and perceptions. My Dinner with Andre became a cult favorite for its daring minimalism, thought-provoking content, and unique place in early '80s cinema.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
Muppet Meta-Madness: The Great Muppet Caper featured self-referential humor that anticipated later genre deconstructions.
Mel Brooks Still Reigned: History of the World, Part I continued Brooks’ domination of parody cinema — though critics were more divided this time around.
Bill Murray’s Rise: Stripes helped confirm Murray’s star power post-Caddyshack and SNL, cementing his anti-authority comedy brand.
Where to Watch These Today
Many 1981 comedy classics are available via:
Streaming: Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Criterion Channel (for deeper cuts)
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
Physical Media: Time Bandits, Arthur, and Stripes are frequently included in classic film collections.
Closing Thoughts: 1981 Doubled Down on the Weird
Comedy in 1981 didn’t play it safe. It got darker, stranger, and more experimental. From mythological satire to adult animation, it was a year that widened the genre’s scope and proved there’s room for philosophy, parody, and puppets in the same cinematic breath. It wasn’t just about laughs — it was about taking risks. And that’s what made it unforgettable.
