Best Comedy Films of 1986
- HaHa Jokester
- May 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 20
In 1986, comedy was having an identity crisis — and that was a good thing. The genre stretched its legs in unexpected directions: blending sci-fi, horror, and romance; turning slackers into folk heroes; and delivering deeply personal coming-of-age stories. Whether anchored in surrealism, satire, or sincerity, 1986 comedies found their strength in being different. It was the year of oddballs, outcasts, and unforgettable one-liners — with just enough heart to keep it grounded.
The Comedy Landscape in 1986
The Rise of the Lovable Weirdo
From Ferris Bueller to Howard the Duck, 1986 embraced characters who broke rules, broke fourth walls, and refused to fit in. The more bizarre, the better.
Teen Comedy Gets Philosophical
John Hughes returned with his most reflective teen story yet, adding soul-searching to slapstick and reminding audiences that comedy could be deeply human.
High-Concept Hijinks Continue
Talking plants, body-swapping dads, and alien musicians — studios kept banking on outrageous premises, and audiences showed up.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1986
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Runtime: 1hr 43min
Matthew Broderick's Ferris is the ultimate high school trickster. Fourth-wall breaks, parade dances, and heartfelt reflection made this more than just a teen comedy — it became a philosophy.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) is a joyful, fourth-wall-breaking teen comedy that follows high school senior Ferris Bueller as he fakes being sick to embark on an unforgettable day of freedom in Chicago with his best friend Cameron and girlfriend Sloane. Directed by John Hughes, the film celebrates rebellion, youth, and seizing the moment, as Ferris outsmarts parents, principals, and even parking attendants. With Matthew Broderick’s iconic performance, a killer soundtrack, and a blend of slapstick and sincerity, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off became a cultural touchstone that still resonates as a love letter to living life on your own terms.
Three Amigos!
Runtime: 1hr 55min
Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short parody silent film heroes in a hilarious misadventure south of the border. A cult classic with endlessly quotable lines.
Three Amigos! (1986) is a slapstick western comedy that stars Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short as out-of-work silent film actors who are mistakenly hired by a Mexican village to defend them against a real bandit, El Guapo. Believing it’s all part of a performance, the trio bumbles their way through danger before rising to the occasion and becoming unexpected heroes. Directed by John Landis, the film blends broad humor, musical numbers, and affectionate genre parody with the impeccable chemistry of its leads. Three Amigos! has since become a cult favorite, beloved for its quotable lines, goofy charm, and over-the-top antics.
Little Shop of Horrors
Runtime: 1hr 34min
A horror-musical-comedy hybrid about a man-eating plant. Rick Moranis leads a pitch-perfect cast in this dazzling, darkly comic remake.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) is a wildly inventive musical comedy-horror that follows Seymour, a meek flower shop worker who discovers a mysterious, talking plant that feeds on human blood. As Seymour's fame and fortune grow thanks to the carnivorous Audrey II, he must wrestle with his conscience and the deadly consequences of his success. Directed by Frank Oz and starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin, the film blends catchy doo-wop musical numbers, dark humor, and over-the-top performances with eye-popping practical effects. Little Shop of Horrors became a cult classic, celebrated for its unique tone, stylish flair, and twisted sense of fun.
Ruthless People
Runtime: 1hr 34min
A kidnapping gone wrong becomes a chain reaction of blackmail, greed, and incompetence. Danny DeVito and Bette Midler shine in this chaotic crime comedy.
Ruthless People (1986) is a sharp, fast-paced black comedy that centers on a botched kidnapping scheme gone hilariously wrong. When a down-on-their-luck couple abducts the wife of a heartless millionaire—played with gleeful nastiness by Danny DeVito—they expect a hefty ransom. But the twist? He’s thrilled she’s gone and refuses to pay. Directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, the film turns crime tropes upside down, delivering biting satire, outrageous plot twists, and a cast of morally bankrupt but wildly entertaining characters. Ruthless People is a wickedly funny take on greed, revenge, and marital misery, and a standout in ‘80s dark comedy.
Short Circuit
Runtime: 1hr 38min
A robot gains sentience, cracks jokes, and escapes the military. Johnny 5’s goofy charm and pop-culture references made him an unlikely icon.
Short Circuit (1986) is a lighthearted sci-fi comedy that follows Number 5, a military robot struck by lightning who gains sentience—and a lovable personality. As he escapes his creators and discovers the world with childlike wonder, he’s taken in by a kind-hearted woman (Ally Sheedy) while being pursued by the government. Featuring Steve Guttenberg as the sympathetic scientist who begins to question the robot's programming, the film explores themes of identity, free will, and what it means to be alive. Directed by John Badham, Short Circuit became a family-friendly favorite, known for its quirky humor, endearing protagonist, and heartfelt message.
Back to School
Runtime: 1hr 36min
Rodney Dangerfield returns to college in this crowd-pleasing underdog story. Featuring one-liners, diving boards, and a young Robert Downey Jr.
Back to School (1986) is a raucous college comedy starring Rodney Dangerfield as Thornton Melon, a brash, self-made millionaire who enrolls at his son’s university to encourage him to stay in school—only to become the most outrageous student on campus. With his larger-than-life personality, Thornton clashes with uptight professors, throws wild parties, and even joins the diving team, all while learning that money can't buy wisdom. Directed by Alan Metter, the film blends Dangerfield’s signature one-liners with heartfelt father-son dynamics and classic underdog charm. Back to School is a crowd-pleasing blend of slapstick, sentiment, and irreverent humor that became one of the biggest comedy hits of the decade.
Haunted Honeymoon
Runtime: 1hr 24min
Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner’s spooky spoof channels classic horror tropes with theatrical flair and affection.
Haunted Honeymoon (1986) is a spooky screwball comedy that blends old-school horror with theatrical farce, starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner as radio actors who return to a creepy family estate to get married. When Wilder’s character begins experiencing panic attacks, his eccentric aunt (played by Dom DeLuise in drag) and a cast of bizarre relatives conspire to cure him—while mysterious events and possible murders unfold around them. Directed by Wilder himself, the film pays loving homage to classic horror films of the 1930s with gothic sets, stormy nights, and ghoulish gags. Haunted Honeymoon delivers campy charm, slapstick chaos, and a dose of eerie nostalgia, making it a cult favorite for fans of spooky comedy.
Down and Out in Beverly Hills
Runtime: 1hr 43min
A homeless man (Nick Nolte) disrupts the life of a wealthy couple. A satire of class, privilege, and dysfunction with big laughs and sharp edges.
Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986) is a sharp social satire and offbeat comedy that follows the chaotic fallout when a wealthy but dysfunctional Beverly Hills family takes in a suicidal homeless man. Starring Nick Nolte as the drifter and Richard Dreyfuss and Bette Midler as the neurotic couple who “rescue” him, the film explores class, consumerism, and emotional emptiness beneath a glossy, materialistic surface. Directed by Paul Mazursky, it was the first R-rated release from Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and became a surprise hit for its edgy humor, sharp performances, and cultural commentary. Down and Out in Beverly Hills is a bold, irreverent comedy that skewers the absurdities of wealth and self-help culture in Reagan-era America.
Legal Eagles
Runtime: 1hr 56min
Part legal drama, part rom-com, part caper — Robert Redford and Debra Winger deliver chemistry and charm in this genre-bending comedy.
Legal Eagles (1986) is a slick blend of legal drama, romantic comedy, and light mystery, starring Robert Redford as a by-the-book assistant district attorney who gets entangled in a complicated art theft case. When he’s drawn into defending a quirky performance artist (Daryl Hannah) accused of arson and theft, he teams up with a sharp, ambitious defense lawyer (Debra Winger), leading to courtroom clashes, romantic tension, and a deeper conspiracy. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film mixes genre elements with charm, humor, and a polished New York setting. Legal Eagles offers an entertaining mix of suspense and screwball wit, anchored by charismatic leads and a breezy, big-studio gloss.
Howard the Duck
Runtime: 1hr 51min
Panned on release, this bizarre Marvel adaptation has since gained cult status. A sarcastic duck from another planet battles evil and flirts with Lea Thompson — it’s weird, but fascinating.
Howard the Duck (1986) is a bizarre, genre-blending sci-fi comedy that follows Howard, a wisecracking, cigar-smoking duck from another planet who’s accidentally transported to Earth through a scientific experiment gone awry. Stranded in Cleveland, Howard befriends a punk rock singer (Lea Thompson) and soon finds himself battling both culture shock and a looming alien threat. Produced by George Lucas and directed by Willard Huyck, the film mixes practical effects, absurd humor, and a heavy dose of ‘80s weirdness. Though critically panned on release, Howard the Duck gained cult status for its sheer oddity, offbeat charm, and fearless commitment to its outlandish premise.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
My Chauffeur
Runtime: 1hr 37min
A quirky, offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who becomes a limo driver — charming and overlooked.
My Chauffeur (1986) is a quirky romantic comedy that follows Casey Meadows, a free-spirited young woman who lands a job driving for an elite, all-male limousine service in Los Angeles. Thrown into a stuffy, male-dominated world, Casey shakes things up with her bold attitude and offbeat charm—especially when she’s assigned to chauffeur a grumpy, high-powered executive. Directed by David Beaird and starring Deborah Foreman, the film blends screwball energy, fish-out-of-water humor, and light romance, offering a fun, feminist-tinged ride through class clashes and workplace absurdity. My Chauffeur is a breezy, offbeat gem with 1980s flair and a rebellious heart.
The Money Pit
Runtime: 1hr 31min
Tom Hanks and Shelley Long watch their dream house fall apart — literally. Slapstick meets suburban satire.
The Money Pit (1986) is a fast-paced slapstick comedy that follows a young couple, played by Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, who think they've scored a dream deal on a mansion—only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare of endless repairs, collapsing staircases, and financial ruin. As their relationship is tested by the house’s never-ending disasters, the couple must navigate both structural and emotional breakdowns. Directed by Richard Benjamin, the film mixes physical comedy with romantic tension, showcasing Hanks’ rising star power and impeccable timing. The Money Pit is a chaotic, relatable romp about love, real estate, and everything falling apart—literally.
Club Paradise
Runtime: 1hr 44min
Robin Williams and Peter O’Toole headline this Caribbean-set misadventure — messy, but filled with moments of brilliance.
Club Paradise (1986) is a laid-back island comedy that stars Robin Williams as Jack Moniker, a Chicago firefighter who retires to the Caribbean and helps a local entrepreneur (Peter O’Toole) turn a run-down resort into a tourist hotspot. As the misfit guests clash with eccentric locals and a corrupt government threatens their paradise, chaos—and laughs—ensue. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film blends political satire, culture clash humor, and tropical escapism, all anchored by Williams’ energetic charm and O’Toole’s dry wit. Club Paradise delivers breezy, if uneven, entertainment with a distinctly offbeat island vibe.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
Ferris Becomes a Legend: John Hughes’s Ferris Bueller was both a comedy and a cultural manifesto. Skipping school had never looked so good.
The Musical Comedy Revival: Little Shop of Horrors proved that musicals could still make money — and still be hilarious.
Dangerfield’s Redemption: Back to School became one of the highest-grossing comedies of the year, proving Rodney Dangerfield still got respect.
Where to Watch These Today
Many of 1986’s comedies are available on:
Streaming: Max, Prime Video, Hulu, Tubi, Disney+ (for Howard the Duck)
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu
Physical Media: Look for Ferris Bueller, Little Shop of Horrors, and Three Amigos! in anniversary or collector's editions.
Closing Thoughts: 1986 Embraced the Strange
Comedy in 1986 was unpredictable — and that’s what made it so memorable. With characters that broke rules, robots that found love, and musicals that ended in teeth, the year’s comedies were wild, experimental, and full of personality. 1986 didn’t play it safe, and the genre was better for it.
