Best Comedy Films of 1984
- HaHa Jokester
- May 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 20
1984 was a landmark year for comedy — a perfect storm of wild creativity, big studio backing, and breakout performances. This was the year comedy exploded at the box office, proving that funny could also be mainstream, marketable, and massively successful. From supernatural exterminators to time-traveling rock stars, 1984 gave us some of the most beloved and enduring comedies of all time. It was the year when the genre went from cult to cultural phenomenon.
The Comedy Landscape in 1984
Blockbuster Comedy Is Born
With Ghostbusters leading the charge, comedy finally merged with spectacle. Effects-heavy, high-concept comedies showed that laughs could bring in just as much money as action films.
SNL Alumni Dominate
The influence of Saturday Night Live was everywhere, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, and Chevy Chase headlining huge hits and defining what 1980s humor looked and sounded like.
Teen Comedy Evolves
John Hughes entered the scene in full force, turning high school life into something relatable, emotional, and deeply funny. Teen characters suddenly had depth to match the jokes.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1984
Ghostbusters
Runtime: 1hr 45min
The ultimate supernatural comedy. Witty, inventive, and endlessly quotable — Ghostbusters changed the landscape of genre filmmaking forever.“We came, we saw, we kicked its ass!”
Ghostbusters (1984) is a groundbreaking supernatural comedy that follows a team of eccentric parapsychologists—Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler—who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. When paranormal activity surges and a Sumerian god threatens to bring about the apocalypse, the team—later joined by Winston Zeddemore—must save the city from destruction. With its perfect blend of sharp wit, inventive special effects, and unforgettable performances (especially from Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd), Ghostbusters became a pop culture phenomenon, spawning sequels, merchandise, and an enduring legacy in comedy and genre filmmaking.
Beverly Hills Cop
Runtime: 1hr 45min
Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley was cool, fast-talking, and hilarious. A perfect blend of buddy-cop action and rapid-fire comedy that became a phenomenon.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) is a high-octane action-comedy that stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit detective who heads to Beverly Hills to investigate his friend’s murder. Clashing with the polished and restrained culture of the West Coast, Foley uses his quick wit, unorthodox tactics, and relentless determination to uncover a criminal conspiracy. Blending sharp humor with thrilling action and a pulsating synth soundtrack, the film catapulted Murphy to superstardom and redefined the buddy-cop genre, becoming one of the most successful and influential comedies of the decade.
This Is Spinal Tap
Runtime: 1hr 22min
Rob Reiner’s brilliant mockumentary about a fading rock band introduced “turn it up to 11” into the cultural lexicon. Deadpan genius.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) is a pioneering mockumentary that hilariously chronicles the misadventures of a fictional British heavy metal band on a disastrous U.S. tour. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film satirizes rock ‘n’ roll excess, industry absurdities, and the egos of aging musicians, all with deadpan delivery and improvisational brilliance. With its iconic moments—like amps that go to eleven—and a cast that fully commits to the illusion, Spinal Tap became a cult classic and set the gold standard for mockumentary comedy, influencing everything from The Office to modern music satire.
Sixteen Candles
Runtime: 1 hr 33min
John Hughes’s debut as writer-director set a new standard for teen comedies. Sweet, awkward, and painfully real — with just enough absurdity.
Sixteen Candles (1984) is a coming-of-age teen comedy written and directed by John Hughes that captures the awkward, emotional chaos of adolescence with warmth and humor. The film follows Samantha Baker, whose 16th birthday is forgotten by her distracted family, while she navigates high school crushes, social embarrassments, and the eccentric antics of friends and classmates. Starring Molly Ringwald in a breakout role, the movie blends heartfelt sincerity with sharp teen humor, launching Hughes' reign as the voice of 1980s youth and helping define the teen movie genre for generations to come.
Splash
Runtime: 1hr 51min
A fantasy rom-com with Tom Hanks falling for a mermaid (Daryl Hannah). Ron Howard’s heartfelt direction made it more than just a gimmick.
Splash (1984) is a romantic fantasy comedy that tells the story of Allen Bauer, a New Yorker who falls in love with a mysterious woman named Madison—only to discover she’s actually a mermaid. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, the film balances whimsical fantasy with heartfelt romance and sharp humor. With its charming performances, innovative underwater effects, and a sweet-natured exploration of love across worlds, Splashbecame a surprise hit and helped launch Hanks’ film career while establishing Touchstone Pictures as a major player in grown-up, genre-blending comedies.
Revenge of the Nerds
Runtime: 1hr 30min
A college comedy that flipped the power dynamic, giving underdogs their moment — raunchy, quotable, and a product of its time.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984) is a raucous college comedy that flips the social hierarchy on its head, following a group of outcast freshmen who band together after being bullied by jocks and excluded from Greek life. When the nerds form their own fraternity and fight back with brains, wit, and unorthodox tactics, they spark a comedic war for campus dominance. Blending slapstick humor with a message about acceptance and underdog resilience, the film became a cult favorite and a defining entry in the 1980s teen comedy wave—celebrating individuality while poking fun at social stereotypes.
Johnny Dangerously
Runtime: 1hr 30min
Michael Keaton parodies gangster flicks in this stylish and absurd comedy full of rapid gags and vintage flair.
Johnny Dangerously (1984) is a madcap gangster spoof starring Michael Keaton as the titular character—a good-hearted man who turns to a life of crime to support his ailing mother, only to become a notorious but oddly principled mobster. Directed by Amy Heckerling, the film parodies classic gangster tropes with rapid-fire gags, absurd one-liners, and exaggerated 1930s-era style. With its mix of slapstick humor, fourth-wall breaks, and over-the-top performances, Johnny Dangerously delivers a playful send-up of crime cinema, showcasing Keaton’s comedic charm and earning a cult following for its quotable, irreverent energy.
The Lonely Guy
Runtime: 1hr 30min
Steve Martin brings his sad-sack charm to the dating scene with dry wit and surreal touches. A cult favorite for romantics and cynics alike.
The Lonely Guy (1984) is a quirky romantic comedy starring Steve Martin as Larry Hubbard, a greeting card writer whose life spirals into hilarious despair after a brutal breakup. As he navigates the surreal and often pathetic world of singlehood in New York City, Larry befriends other “lonely guys” and awkwardly stumbles through the dating scene in search of love and meaning. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film blends deadpan absurdity with heartfelt moments, using Martin’s trademark wit to explore themes of isolation, hope, and romantic resilience in a big city filled with oddball characters and comedic misfires.
Police Academy
Runtime: 1hr 36min
Ridiculous, crude, and packed with character archetypes — this launched a franchise and a thousand imitators.
Police Academy (1984) is a rowdy ensemble comedy that follows a group of unlikely and wildly unqualified recruits who join the police force after new laws remove admission restrictions. From pranksters and misfits to overzealous oddballs, the diverse cast of characters brings chaos and laughter to the rigid world of law enforcement training. Directed by Hugh Wilson, the film thrives on slapstick humor, outrageous gags, and memorable performances—especially from Steve Guttenberg, Michael Winslow, and Bubba Smith. Police Academy became a surprise box office hit and kicked off a long-running franchise, cementing its place as a staple of 1980s comedic excess.
Top Secret!
Runtime: 1hr 28min
From the makers of Airplane!, this Cold War Elvis-spy parody is a surreal joke-a-second joyride starring a young Val Kilmer.
Top Secret! (1984) is a zany spoof from the creators of Airplane! that blends Cold War spy thrillers with Elvis-style musicals in one of the most absurd comedies of the decade. Starring Val Kilmer in his film debut as American rock star Nick Rivers, the film follows his accidental entanglement in an underground resistance movement in East Germany. Packed with sight gags, puns, surreal visual jokes, and rapid-fire nonsense, Top Secret! parodies everything from war epics to teen idols with fearless energy. Its inventive style and relentless silliness earned it cult status as one of the most relentlessly creative comedies of the era.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
Moscow on the Hudson
Runtime: 1hr 55min
Robin Williams plays a Soviet defector adjusting to life in America. Funny, heartfelt, and socially insightful.
Moscow on the Hudson (1984) is a heartfelt dramedy starring Robin Williams as Vladimir Ivanoff, a Russian saxophonist who defects to the United States during a trip to New York City with the Moscow circus. Directed by Paul Mazursky, the film explores the immigrant experience through Vladimir’s eyes as he adjusts to life in America—grappling with freedom, loneliness, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Williams delivers a nuanced performance, blending humor and vulnerability, while the film balances social commentary with human warmth, offering a unique and compassionate look at identity, adaptation, and hope in a new land.
Teachers
Runtime: 1hr 47min
A high school satire that mixes drama with absurd humor — underseen but relevant.
Teachers (1984) is a sharp, satirical drama-comedy that delves into the dysfunction and absurdity of the American public school system. Starring Nick Nolte as Alex Jurel, a burned-out but idealistic high school teacher, the film follows his struggle to navigate bureaucracy, disinterested staff, and a student body in crisis. When a lawsuit exposes the school's many failings, Jurel is forced to confront his own disillusionment and rediscover his commitment to teaching. Blending biting humor with serious social critique, Teachers offers a raw and often poignant look at the challenges of education, spotlighting the importance of connection, empathy, and integrity in a broken system.
All of Me
Runtime: 1hr 33min
Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin deliver fantastic physical comedy in this gender/body-switching farce with surprising depth.
All of Me (1984) is a body-swapping comedy that pairs Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin in a wildly inventive tale of spiritual misplacement and personal transformation. When a dying, eccentric heiress (Tomlin) attempts to transfer her soul into a younger woman, a mishap results in her spirit sharing the body of struggling attorney Roger Cobb (Martin)—with each controlling half of his physical form. Directed by Carl Reiner, the film showcases Martin’s masterful physical comedy and Tomlin’s sharp wit, creating a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and second chances. All of Me remains one of the era’s most original and charming comedies.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
"Who You Gonna Call?": Ghostbusters became a cultural juggernaut, blending horror, comedy, and science fiction like nothing before it.
Eddie Murphy’s Superstardom: Beverly Hills Cop was the highest-grossing film of the year — Murphy became the face of ‘80s comedy.
The Hughes Blueprint Begins: Sixteen Candles introduced the “sensitive teen comedy,” a subgenre that would define the rest of the decade.
Where to Watch These Today
1984’s comedy classics are widely available via:
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, Disney+
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies
Physical Media: Look for Ghostbusters, Spinal Tap, and Beverly Hills Cop in comedy or collector’s edition box sets.
Closing Thoughts: 1984 Changed Everything
If comedy in the early ‘80s was figuring itself out, 1984 was the year it hit its stride. It proved that comedy could be big-budget, genre-blending, and emotionally resonant — without sacrificing a single laugh. These films didn’t just entertain; they shaped pop culture. The echoes of 1984’s comedy revolution are still felt today.
