Best Comedy Films of 1987
- HaHa Jokester
- May 16
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Comedy in 1987 was bold, quotable, and endlessly diverse. This was the year the genre embraced everything from medieval fairy tales to Wall Street satire, blending wit with warmth and letting weirdness flourish. Iconic one-liners, breakout performances, and genre mashups ruled the box office and solidified the year as one of the most inventive in comedy history. Whether swashbuckling, time-traveling, or breaking the fourth wall, the best comedies of 1987 proved that humor was the heartbeat of pop culture.
The Comedy Landscape in 1987
Fairy Tales and Fantasy Go Funny
From The Princess Bride to Spaceballs, 1987 reimagined genre tropes through parody, irony, and timeless charm. Adventure was no longer serious business — it was ripe for mockery.
Social Satire Takes Center Stage
Greed, politics, and fame were skewered by sharp comedies that highlighted the absurdity of the modern world, offering both laughs and critique.
Breakout Stars and Signature Styles
The year saw comedic voices like Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, and Rob Reiner at the height of their powers, while new stars like André the Giant and Rick Moranis cemented their iconic status.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1987
The Princess Bride
Runtime: 1hr 38min
A fairy tale like no other — swashbuckling, romantic, deeply funny, and endlessly quotable. Rob Reiner’s classic blended fantasy and meta-humor to perfection.“Inconceivable!” “You keep using that word...”
The Princess Bride (1987) is a whimsical blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy that tells the story of Westley, a humble farm boy who becomes a daring hero to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from an unwanted marriage to the villainous Prince Humperdinck. Framed as a story read by a grandfather to his sick grandson, the film masterfully weaves sword fights, giants, miracles, and memorable one-liners into a tale that parodies fairy tale tropes while embracing their timeless appeal. With its unforgettable characters — including Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizzini — and a perfect balance of heart and humor, the film has become a beloved classic that continues to charm audiences of all ages.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Runtime: 1hr 33min
Steve Martin and John Candy star in this heartfelt road trip comedy about holiday travel gone wrong — and emotional surprises gone right.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) is a heartfelt comedy that follows uptight marketing executive Neal Page and eccentric shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith as they struggle to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. What begins as a simple flight turns into a chaotic cross-country odyssey involving grounded planes, derailed trains, and plenty of unexpected detours. As the mismatched duo clash over everything from hotel rooms to rental cars, their journey evolves from slapstick frustration to genuine friendship. Written and directed by John Hughes, the film blends sharp humor with emotional depth, ultimately delivering a warm and poignant reflection on empathy, loneliness, and human connection.
Roxanne
Runtime: 1hr 47min
Steve Martin modernizes Cyrano de Bergerac in a charming romantic comedy about wit, insecurity, and big noses. Romantic, smart, and sweet.
Roxanne (1987) is a modern, comedic retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, starring Steve Martin as C.D. Bales, a witty and kind-hearted fire chief with an unusually large nose. Despite his intelligence and charm, C.D. feels insecure about his appearance and believes he’s unworthy of love—especially from the beautiful and brainy astronomer Roxanne. When a handsome but tongue-tied firefighter named Chris catches Roxanne’s eye, C.D. agrees to help him win her over by feeding him poetic lines and heartfelt letters. The film balances clever wordplay, romantic longing, and physical comedy, offering a touching and humorous exploration of self-image, love, and authenticity.
Spaceballs
Runtime: 1hr 36min
Mel Brooks spoofs Star Wars and sci-fi tropes with wild gags, genre love, and ridiculous characters like Dark Helmet and Yogurt.
Spaceballs (1987) is Mel Brooks’ irreverent and hilarious spoof of sci-fi epics, particularly Star Wars, filled with zany characters, slapstick humor, and self-aware gags. The film follows the roguish Lone Starr and his half-man, half-dog sidekick Barf as they attempt to rescue Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet and President Skroob, who plot to steal the air from her home planet, Druidia. With a mix of absurd special effects, genre parody, and breaking the fourth wall, Spaceballs affectionately mocks the tropes of space operas while embracing their adventurous spirit. It’s a cult classic that showcases Brooks’ gift for satire and remains a favorite among fans of both comedy and sci-fi.
Raising Arizona
Runtime: 1hr 34min
The Coen Brothers’ surreal baby-napping comedy is a whirlwind of offbeat characters, visual invention, and philosophical weirdness.
Raising Arizona (1987) is a wildly inventive crime comedy from the Coen Brothers that blends slapstick, surrealism, and heartfelt emotion. The story follows H.I. McDunnough, a bumbling but well-meaning ex-con, and his wife Ed, a former police officer, who desperately want a child but can’t conceive. In a morally dubious solution, they kidnap one of the “Arizona Quints,” babies born to a wealthy furniture tycoon. Their attempt at starting a family spirals into chaos as they’re pursued by a pair of criminals and a terrifying bounty hunter. With rapid-fire dialogue, cartoonish visuals, and eccentric characters, Raising Arizona delivers a unique mix of absurdity and tenderness that helped define the Coens' signature style.
Moonstruck
Runtime: 1hr 42min
Cher and Nicolas Cage bring passion and comedy to this romantic tale of love, family, and opera in Brooklyn.“Snap out of it!” became immortal.
Moonstruck (1987) is a charming, romantic comedy that captures the magic and madness of love through the story of Loretta Castorini, a pragmatic Italian-American widow living in Brooklyn. When she agrees to marry the safe and steady Johnny Cammareri, her life takes an unexpected turn after she meets his passionate, estranged brother Ronny. As their fiery attraction grows, Loretta is forced to confront her own fears about love, fate, and second chances. Featuring standout performances from Cher (who won an Oscar), Nicolas Cage, and Olympia Dukakis, Moonstruck is a witty, heartfelt exploration of family, tradition, and the unpredictable power of the heart.
The Secret of My Success
Runtime: 1hr 51min
Michael J. Fox climbs the corporate ladder with charm, deception, and nonstop energy. Slick, silly, and peak ‘80s.
The Secret of My Success (1987) is a fast-paced, feel-good comedy that follows Brantley Foster, a fresh-faced college graduate from Kansas, as he arrives in New York City with big dreams but quickly finds himself stuck in the mailroom of a massive corporation. Refusing to let corporate hierarchy or lack of experience hold him back, Brantley creates a fake executive persona and begins climbing the ladder in secret. As he juggles dual identities, romantic entanglements, and office politics, his ambition and charm drive the chaos. Starring Michael J. Fox at the height of his popularity, the film offers a satirical yet optimistic take on 1980s corporate culture, ambition, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Overboard
Runtime: 1hr 53min
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell team up for this class-swap rom-com about amnesia, revenge, and unexpected love — goofy and beloved.
Overboard (1987) is a romantic comedy with a twist of revenge and heart, starring Goldie Hawn as Joanna Stayton, a wealthy, spoiled socialite who falls off her yacht and loses her memory. Seizing the opportunity for payback after she previously mistreated him, struggling carpenter Dean Proffitt (played by Kurt Russell) convinces her that she’s his wife and the mother of his four rambunctious sons. As Joanna—now “Annie”—adjusts to working-class life filled with chaos, chores, and unexpected warmth, she begins to change in surprising ways. Blending screwball humor with genuine emotion, Overboard turns an outlandish premise into a sweet, funny, and enduring story about love, identity, and second chances.
Throw Momma from the Train
Runtime: 1hr 28min
Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal in a pitch-black comedy about murder, plagiarism, and overbearing mothers — a twisted tribute to Hitchcock.
Throw Momma from the Train (1987) is a darkly comedic tale of murder, miscommunication, and maternal mayhem. Directed by and starring Danny DeVito, the film follows struggling writer Owen Lift, who is desperate to escape his overbearing, abusive mother. Taking inspiration from the Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train, Owen proposes a murder-swap with his writing instructor Larry (Billy Crystal), who is consumed with hatred for his ex-wife. But when Owen takes the idea seriously and chaos ensues, the film spirals into a mix of slapstick, suspense, and biting humor. With Anne Ramsey’s unforgettable, Oscar-nominated performance as the monstrous mom, Throw Momma from the Train is a uniquely twisted comedy that explores frustration, desperation, and the absurd extremes of human relationships.
Adventures in Babysitting
Runtime: 1hr 42min
A suburban babysitter faces a night of escalating chaos in the big city. Fun, fast-paced, and sneakily empowering.
Adventures in Babysitting (1987) is a high-energy teen comedy that turns a quiet suburban night into an unpredictable urban odyssey. Elisabeth Shue stars as Chris Parker, a high school senior whose simple babysitting gig takes a wild turn when she has to rescue a friend stranded in downtown Chicago. With three kids in tow, Chris navigates car thieves, gang fights, and musical showdowns—all while trying to make it back home before the parents find out. Blending action, humor, and heart, the film captures the thrill of youthful misadventure and the unexpected strength of a reluctant hero. It’s a fast-paced romp that helped redefine the babysitter comedy with attitude, style, and surprising stakes.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
Summer School
Runtime: 1hr 38min
Mark Harmon plays a slacker teacher tasked with saving a group of misfits from academic doom. A cult favorite with surprising heart.
Summer School (1987) is a lighthearted, underdog comedy about a laid-back gym teacher, Freddy Shoop (played by Mark Harmon), who’s forced to teach a remedial English class during summer break. With no real interest in academics and a classroom full of misfit students—including surfers, slackers, and horror movie fanatics—Shoop must find unconventional ways to connect with them and help them pass their final exam. Along the way, both teacher and students grow in unexpected ways, forging bonds through humor, empathy, and a shared desire to beat the odds. Blending 1980s charm with feel-good energy, Summer School is a breezy, crowd-pleasing story about second chances and the power of a good teacher who learns as much as he teaches.
Ernest Goes to Camp
Runtime: 1hr 33min
The debut of Jim Varney’s “Ernest” character on the big screen — silly, slapstick, and pure ‘80s nostalgia.
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) is a slapstick-laden family comedy that introduced Jim Varney’s beloved character Ernest P. Worrell to the big screen. Set at a summer camp for troubled youths, the film follows the well-meaning but bumbling Ernest, a maintenance worker with dreams of becoming a counselor. When a group of delinquent teens arrives and a greedy mining company threatens to take over the campgrounds, Ernest steps up to rally the kids and defend their summer sanctuary. With goofy gags, exaggerated expressions, and heartfelt lessons about courage and acceptance, Ernest Goes to Camp blends zany humor with a surprisingly warm message, kicking off a string of Ernest-centric comedies that became cult favorites.
Broadcast News
Runtime: 2hr 7min
A smart romantic workplace comedy set in a newsroom — more cerebral than slapstick, but incredibly sharp.
Broadcast News (1987) is a sharp, intelligent romantic comedy-drama set in the high-pressure world of network television journalism. The film centers on a love triangle between Jane Craig, a brilliant but emotionally guarded news producer (Holly Hunter); Aaron Altman, her witty and passionate best friend and reporter (Albert Brooks); and Tom Grunick, a charismatic but inexperienced anchorman (William Hurt). As the trio navigates professional ambitions, personal insecurities, and the shifting ethics of broadcast journalism, the film offers both biting satire and heartfelt character study. Written and directed by James L. Brooks, Broadcast News blends smart dialogue, emotional complexity, and cultural critique into one of the most acclaimed comedies of the decade.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
A Fairy Tale for All Ages: The Princess Bride flopped at the box office but became a home video and cult phenomenon, now considered one of the greatest comedies ever made.
John Candy’s Finest Hour: Planes, Trains and Automobiles gave Candy a layered role, blending his humor with unexpected emotional depth.
Mel Brooks Still Has It: Spaceballs kept Brooks relevant and beloved, especially among younger fans discovering him through sci-fi parody.
Where to Watch These Today
You can revisit 1987’s comedy gems on:
Streaming: Disney+ (for Princess Bride), Max, Prime Video, Hulu, Criterion Channel
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play
Physical Media: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Raising Arizona are often included in comedy or director-focused box sets.
Closing Thoughts: 1987 Was Comedy in Peak Form
From the heartfelt to the hysterical, 1987 was comedy gold. It gave us lines we still quote, characters we still adore, and stories that never get old. Whether poking fun at genre conventions or diving deep into the chaos of modern life, the best comedies of 1987 proved that cleverness, charm, and just a touch of absurdity never go out of style.
