Best Comedy Films of 1985
- HaHa Jokester
- May 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 20
By 1985, comedy was operating at full throttle — blending science fiction, high school angst, romantic misadventure, and quirky underdogs into some of the decade’s most enduring classics. This was the year that gave us pop culture milestones, offbeat cult hits, and heartfelt laughs that still resonate. Whether it involved DeLoreans, detention halls, or dueling love triangles, 1985 was proof that the genre could handle anything — and make it hilarious.
The Comedy Landscape in 1985
High School Gets Honest and Iconic
Teen comedies matured in 1985. John Hughes, riding high from Sixteen Candles, delivered two of the year’s most emotionally grounded and genre-defining films — both smart and deeply empathetic toward young audiences.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Cross into Comedy
Back to the Future changed everything. Time travel, mad scientists, and alternate timelines became fertile ground for laughs, launching a wave of high-concept comedies.
The Rise of the Quirky Underdog
From weird geniuses to hopeless romantics, 1985 embraced characters who didn’t fit in — and made them lovable protagonists.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1985
Back to the Future
Runtime: 1hr 56min
Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd lead the greatest time-travel comedy ever made. Witty, thrilling, and brilliantly constructed.“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”
Back to the Future (1985) is a genre-defining sci-fi comedy that follows teenager Marty McFly, who is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown. Stranded in the past, Marty must ensure his teenage parents fall in love to secure his own existence, all while finding a way back to the future. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the film blends sharp humor, thrilling adventure, and heartfelt moments, becoming an instant classic and launching one of the most beloved trilogies in cinematic history.
The Breakfast Club
Runtime: 1hr 37min
Five high school archetypes discover they're more alike than different. Funny, raw, and resonant — a generation-defining film from John Hughes.
The Breakfast Club (1985) is a landmark teen drama-comedy that brings together five high school students from different cliques— the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess, and the criminal— for a Saturday detention they’ll never forget. Over the course of the day, their defenses break down as they share personal stories, challenge stereotypes, and discover unexpected common ground. Written and directed by John Hughes, the film resonates with its honest portrayal of adolescence, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth, becoming an iconic exploration of teenage identity and one of the most enduring films of the 1980s.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
Runtime: 1hr 30min
Tim Burton’s directorial debut is a surreal road trip through American weirdness, anchored by Paul Reubens’ unforgettable performance.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) is a whimsical, surreal road comedy that follows the eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman on a cross-country quest to recover his beloved stolen bicycle. Directed by Tim Burton in his feature debut and starring Paul Reubens in his iconic role, the film combines cartoonish humor, dreamlike visuals, and offbeat characters in a playful blend of absurdity and charm. With its inventive set pieces, quirky tone, and Danny Elfman’s unforgettable score, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure became a cult classic and launched both Burton’s distinctive directorial style and Reubens’ pop culture legacy.
Better Off Dead
Runtime: 1hr 37min
John Cusack stars in this absurd, offbeat rom-com about love, snow, and a claymation hamburger musical number. A true cult classic.
Better Off Dead (1985) is a darkly comic teen romance that follows Lane Myer, a heartbroken high schooler who spirals into absurd despair after being dumped by his girlfriend. As he clumsily contemplates over-the-top ways to end it all, Lane finds unexpected friendship, self-worth, and new love with an endearing French exchange student. Directed by Savage Steve Holland and starring John Cusack, the film blends surreal humor, animated sequences, and deadpan wit to create a one-of-a-kind cult favorite that satirizes teenage angst while ultimately championing resilience and personal growth.
Real Genius
Runtime: 1hr 48min
Val Kilmer plays a genius slacker in a nerds-vs-government comedy full of lasers, popcorn explosions, and deadpan brilliance.
Real Genius (1985) is a sharp, high-energy comedy that follows a group of brilliant college students working on a secret government project without realizing it’s a weapon. At the center is Chris Knight, a laid-back genius played by Val Kilmer, who must outwit the corrupt professor exploiting their talents. Directed by Martha Coolidge, the film combines rapid-fire wit, quirky characters, and a strong anti-authoritarian streak, offering a brainy yet irreverent take on youth rebellion and scientific ethics. With its blend of tech-savvy satire and heart, Real Genius became a cult classic and one of the smartest comedies of the decade.
Weird Science
Runtime: 1hr 34min
Another Hughes creation — two teenage outcasts use science to create the perfect woman, leading to chaos, growth, and unexpected heart.
Weird Science (1985) is a wild, sci-fi teen comedy that follows two nerdy high schoolers, Gary and Wyatt, who use their computer skills—and a lightning storm—to create the perfect woman: Lisa, a magical, self-assured muse who turns their lives upside down. Written and directed by John Hughes, the film blends adolescent fantasy with outrageous special effects, offering a hyper-stylized take on teenage insecurity, desire, and growing up. With its mix of absurd humor, heart, and 1980s tech nostalgia, Weird Science became a cult favorite and remains a gleefully bizarre entry in Hughes’ iconic teen film legacy.
Fletch
Runtime: 1hr 38min
Chevy Chase delivers his most iconic role as a sarcastic investigative reporter. A mystery-comedy filled with disguises, one-liners, and 1980s energy.
Fletch (1985) is a witty, fast-paced detective comedy starring Chevy Chase as Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher, a wisecracking investigative journalist who stumbles into a bizarre murder-for-hire plot while undercover. Armed with disguises, quick comebacks, and relentless curiosity, Fletch navigates a web of corruption, deceit, and hilarious misunderstandings to uncover the truth. Directed by Michael Ritchie and based on the novel by Gregory Mcdonald, the film showcases Chase at his comedic peak, blending sharp dialogue, mystery, and irreverent charm into a smart, stylish comedy that earned cult status and cemented Fletch as one of the decade’s most memorable comic antiheroes.
Clue
Runtime: 1hr 37min
A murder mystery based on a board game? Yes, and it works. Multiple endings, campy dialogue, and a brilliant ensemble cast make this a sleeper hit turned cult treasure.
Clue (1985) is a delightfully zany murder mystery comedy based on the classic board game, featuring a group of eccentric guests invited to a secluded mansion where murder—and farce—ensues. With a stellar ensemble cast including Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Christopher Lloyd, the film unravels its whodunit plot with rapid-fire dialogue, slapstick antics, and escalating chaos. Directed by Jonathan Lynn, Clue famously offered multiple endings in theaters, enhancing its playful, meta sensibility. Though initially underappreciated, the film has since become a cult classic, beloved for its quotable lines, clever twists, and gleeful embrace of absurdity.
Desperately Seeking Susan
Runtime: 1hr 44min
Madonna’s film debut pairs her with Rosanna Arquette in a mistaken identity caper that’s stylish, whimsical, and effortlessly cool.
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) is a quirky, stylish comedy-drama that blends mistaken identity with downtown New York cool. The story follows Roberta, a bored New Jersey housewife played by Rosanna Arquette, who becomes fascinated with the free-spirited Susan—played by Madonna in her breakout film role—and gets swept into a case of amnesia, crime, and reinvention. Directed by Susan Seidelman, the film captures the energy of 1980s bohemian culture while celebrating female independence, personal discovery, and the thrill of unpredictability. With its offbeat charm and iconic fashion, Desperately Seeking Susan became a cultural touchstone and a standout in Madonna’s early career.
Spies Like Us
Runtime: 1hr 49min
Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd play inept government agents in this Cold War spoof full of slapstick and political jabs.
Spies Like Us (1985) is a Cold War-era buddy comedy that pairs Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd as two inept government employees unwittingly thrust into a dangerous espionage mission. Chosen as decoy agents to distract enemy forces, the unlikely duo stumbles through global intrigue, military blunders, and slapstick chaos as they try to avert nuclear disaster. Directed by John Landis, the film leans heavily into parody, blending spy thriller tropes with broad comedy and showcasing the comedic chemistry of its leads. With its absurd setups and satirical edge, Spies Like Us delivers a goofy yet entertaining romp through Reagan-era tensions.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
Summer Rental
Runtime: 1hr 28min
John Candy plays a stressed-out family man on vacation — heartwarming and chaotic in equal measure.
Summer Rental (1985) is a laid-back, family-friendly comedy starring John Candy as Jack Chester, an overworked air traffic controller who takes his family on a much-needed beach vacation—only for everything to go hilariously wrong. From battling sunburns and local snobs to losing their rental house, Jack’s getaway becomes a series of comic misadventures that test his patience and pride. Directed by Carl Reiner, the film blends heartfelt moments with slapstick humor, showcasing Candy’s signature mix of vulnerability and charm. Summer Rental is a breezy, feel-good comedy that captures the chaos and charm of family vacations gone off the rails.
Just One of the Guys
Runtime: 1hr 40min
A teen girl disguises herself as a boy to prove gender bias in journalism. Smart, funny, and way ahead of its time.
Just One of the Guys (1985) is a sharp, gender-bending teen comedy that follows aspiring journalist Terry Griffith, who disguises herself as a boy and transfers schools to prove she can succeed in a male-dominated world. As she navigates high school life undercover, Terry encounters bullying, locker room awkwardness, and unexpected romance, all while challenging gender stereotypes and social norms. Directed by Lisa Gottlieb, the film blends clever satire with heartfelt coming-of-age moments, anchored by Joyce Hyser’s charismatic performance. Just One of the Guys became a cult classic for its bold premise, smart humor, and progressive message about identity and equality.
The Man with One Red Shoe
Runtime: 1hr 32min
Tom Hanks stars in a spy spoof that didn't make waves at the time, but showcases his early comedic charm.
The Man with One Red Shoe (1985) is a quirky spy comedy starring Tom Hanks as Richard Drew, a mild-mannered concert violinist who unwittingly becomes the target of a CIA surveillance operation. Chosen at random in a scheme to confuse rival agents, Richard is thrown into a world of espionage, double-crosses, and comic misunderstandings—all while remaining blissfully unaware of the chaos around him. Directed by Stan Dragoti and featuring a cast that includes Dabney Coleman and Carrie Fisher, the film blends absurdist humor with Cold War paranoia. The Man with One Red Shoe offers a light, offbeat twist on the spy genre, buoyed by Hanks’s early charm.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
A DeLorean Became a Time Machine: Back to the Future became the highest-grossing film of the year, cementing sci-fi comedy’s box office power.
John Hughes Ruled the Teen Scene: The Breakfast Club and Weird Science showcased two sides of teen life — emotional honesty and absurd fantasy.
Tim Burton Makes His Mark: Pee-wee’s Big Adventure launched Burton’s film career and became an instant cult favorite.
Where to Watch These Today
1985's best comedies can be found on:
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Peacock, Criterion Channel (for Clue)
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies
Physical Media: Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club often appear in legacy film collections.
Closing Thoughts: 1985 Was Comedy at Its Most Creative
From heartfelt teen angst to time-traveling epics, 1985 delivered some of the most iconic comedies of all time. It was a year of invention, risk-taking, and emotional honesty wrapped in hilarious packages. Whether you're laughing with a mad scientist, bonding in detention, or rooting for the underdog, 1985's comedies continue to resonate — because they’re as clever as they are timeless.
