Best Comedy Films of 1989
- HaHa Jokester
- May 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 20
1989 marked the end of a comedy-packed decade, and it did so in style. This was the year comedy felt mature — without losing its irreverent streak. Romantic comedies grew up. Teen comedies got self-aware. And some of the decade’s most beloved comedic actors delivered career highlights. From megahits to misunderstood gems, 1989 blended slapstick, sincerity, and social satire into a memorable sendoff for one of the funniest decades in film history.
The Comedy Landscape in 1989
The Rom-Com Renaissance
Romantic comedies in 1989 were smarter, sharper, and more emotionally grounded than ever. They explored timing, miscommunication, and love with real depth — and lots of laughs.
Comedy Icons Evolve
Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, and John Candy all starred in films that balanced comedy with character, proving that laughs could come with emotional weight.
High-Concept Still Thrives
While the decade was closing, its love for high-concept comedy hadn’t faded. Twins, ghosts, body-swaps, and man-babies still ran the show — just with more polish.
Top 10 Comedy Films of 1989
When Harry Met Sally...
Runtime: 1hr 36min
One of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan explore whether men and women can truly be “just friends.” Witty, real, and endlessly quotable.“I’ll have what she’s having.”
When Harry Met Sally... (1989) is a romantic comedy that explores whether men and women can truly be just friends. Spanning over a decade, the film follows the evolving relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they navigate chance encounters, deepening friendship, and the complexities of love. With sharp dialogue, memorable scenes (including the iconic deli moment), and heartfelt performances, the film blends humor and emotional insight to become one of the defining romantic comedies of its era.
The ‘Burbs
Runtime: 1hr 41min
Tom Hanks stars in this suburban paranoia comedy about neighbors who might be murderers. Dark, hilarious, and sneakily insightful about American life.
The ’Burbs (1989) is a dark suburban comedy that follows Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks), a restless homeowner who becomes suspicious of his new, reclusive neighbors, the Klopeks. Convinced they’re hiding something sinister, Ray and his eccentric group of friends embark on a paranoid investigation that spirals into chaos. Blending satire, slapstick, and suspense, the film pokes fun at suburban conformity and the fear of the unknown, delivering laughs and mild thrills in equal measure.
Parenthood
Runtime: 2hr 4min
Ron Howard’s sprawling ensemble comedy is heartfelt and relatable, with standout performances from Steve Martin and Dianne Wiest. Funny, moving, and deeply human.
Parenthood (1989) is a heartfelt ensemble comedy that follows the ups and downs of the Buckman family as they navigate the chaos, joy, and uncertainty of raising children. Led by Gil (Steve Martin), a perfectionist father struggling to balance work and parenting, the film weaves together multiple storylines exploring marriage, teenage rebellion, single parenthood, and generational pressure. With a mix of warmth, wit, and emotional honesty, Parenthood captures the messy beauty of family life, offering both laughs and moments of genuine reflection.
Uncle Buck
Runtime: 1hr 40 min
John Candy is pitch-perfect as the inappropriate-but-loveable uncle who turns a dysfunctional household upside down. Classic Hughes family comedy.
Uncle Buck (1989) is a warm-hearted comedy about an unconventional, rough-around-the-edges bachelor who’s suddenly tasked with caring for his brother’s three kids. Played by John Candy, Buck is loud, messy, and totally unprepared for suburban domestic life — but his gruff charm and surprising wisdom gradually win over the skeptical children, especially his rebellious teenage niece. Blending slapstick humor with genuine emotion, Uncle Buck showcases Candy at his best and delivers a funny, touching story about family, trust, and second chances.
Look Who’s Talking
Runtime: 1hr 38min
A talking baby (voiced by Bruce Willis) narrates his way through love, birth, and babysitters in this oddball rom-com that became a surprise hit.
Look Who’s Talking (1989) is a quirky romantic comedy with a unique twist — much of the story is narrated from the perspective of a baby, Mikey, voiced by Bruce Willis. After being left to raise her son alone, career-minded Mollie (Kirstie Alley) meets James (John Travolta), a charming cab driver who unexpectedly becomes part of their lives. As Mikey offers witty commentary on the adult world around him, the film blends sentimentality with slapstick and offbeat humor, creating a lighthearted exploration of love, parenthood, and unconventional families.
Major League
Runtime: 1hr 46min
A ragtag baseball team stumbles into greatness. Great sports comedy with memorable characters and endlessly quotable locker-room one-liners.
Major League (1989) is a sports comedy that follows the misfit players of the Cleveland Indians, a failing baseball team assembled by a new owner who secretly wants them to lose so she can relocate the franchise. Led by a cocky pitcher (Charlie Sheen), a veteran catcher (Tom Berenger), and an eccentric cast of underdogs, the team unexpectedly starts winning, rallying both the city and themselves. With sharp humor, memorable characters, and classic underdog spirit, Major League delivers big laughs and celebrates the joy of improbable comebacks.
The War of the Roses
Runtime: 1hr 56min
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner play a married couple locked in a hilariously vicious divorce. Satirical, savage, and shockingly bold.
The War of the Roses (1989) is a dark comedy that chronicles the increasingly vicious divorce battle between Oliver (Michael Douglas) and Barbara Rose (Kathleen Turner), a once-loving couple whose marriage unravels into all-out warfare. As their dispute over their lavish home escalates, the Roses descend into outrageous schemes and brutal confrontations, turning their domestic paradise into a battleground. Directed by Danny DeVito, who also narrates the story as their lawyer, the film blends sharp satire and physical comedy to explore themes of love, pride, and the destructive power of resentment.
Dead Poets Society (Comedy-Drama)
Runtime: 2hr 8min
While not a comedy in the traditional sense, Robin Williams’ inspiring performance adds warmth and humor to this deeply moving story about youth and rebellion.
Dead Poets Society (1989) is a poignant drama with moments of quiet humor, set at a conservative boys' prep school in 1959. The story follows English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams), who inspires his students through poetry and unorthodox teaching methods to seize the day (“carpe diem”) and think for themselves. As the boys awaken to their passions and question the rigid expectations around them, the film explores themes of individuality, conformity, and the power of art. Anchored by Williams’s heartfelt performance, Dead Poets Society is both moving and thought-provoking, blending inspiration with tragedy.
Ghostbusters II
Runtime: 1hr 48min
The original crew returns in this fun, if messier, follow-up. Still packed with energy, slime, and snappy one-liners.
Ghostbusters II (1989) reunites the original paranormal-fighting team—Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson)—as they return to battle a new supernatural threat in New York City. This time, an ancient evil spirit named Vigo the Carpathian is attempting to return to life through a painting, using a river of negatively charged slime flowing beneath the city. Mixing zany humor, inventive effects, and a dose of heartfelt camaraderie, the sequel captures the charm of the original while exploring the power of positivity in the face of chaos.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Runtime: 1hr 30min
Two lovable slackers travel through time in a phone booth to save their history grade. Dumb, sweet, and completely iconic.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) is a time-traveling comedy that follows two lovable but dimwitted high schoolers, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves), who must pass their history class to keep their rock band — and the future — intact. With the help of a futuristic guide and a phone booth time machine, they collect historical figures like Socrates, Napoleon, and Joan of Arc to ace their final presentation. Filled with goofy charm, quotable lines, and a surprisingly earnest message about friendship and destiny, the film became a cult classic and a defining slice of late-'80s comedy.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
UHF
Runtime: 1hr 37min
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s only starring vehicle is a surreal, bizarre, and brilliant cult comedy about a low-budget TV station. A must-see for absurdist humor lovers.
UHF (1989) is a zany, offbeat comedy starring “Weird Al” Yankovic as George Newman, a daydreaming slacker who unexpectedly finds himself running a failing UHF television station. With wild creativity and zero budget, George fills the airwaves with bizarre, hilarious programming — from “Wheel of Fish” to “Conan the Librarian” — turning the station into a surprise hit. A cult favorite, UHF is a love letter to television absurdity, packed with parodies, slapstick, and surreal humor that showcases Yankovic’s unique comedic vision.
Say Anything...
Runtime: 1hr 40min
While better known as a romance, Cameron Crowe’s debut is full of sly humor and teen insight. John Cusack’s boom box moment is the stuff of legend.
Say Anything... (1989) is a tender, character-driven romantic comedy that follows the unlikely love story between underachieving aspiring kickboxer Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) and brilliant valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye). As they navigate post-graduation uncertainty, familial pressures, and emotional vulnerability, their relationship deepens into something genuine and heartfelt. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the film is celebrated for its smart, sensitive writing and iconic moments — especially Lloyd’s boombox serenade — making it a defining portrait of young love in the late '80s.
Let It Ride
Runtime: 1hr 30min
Richard Dreyfuss stars as a gambler on the luckiest day of his life. A forgotten gem for fans of screwball energy.
Let It Ride (1989) is a fast-paced gambling comedy centered around Jay Trotter (Richard Dreyfuss), a down-on-his-luck cab driver and habitual bettor who experiences a miraculous winning streak at the horse track. Convinced it’s his lucky day, Trotter keeps “letting it ride,” navigating a whirlwind of quirky characters, absurd situations, and mounting stakes. With sharp dialogue and a manic energy, the film captures the thrill, superstition, and chaos of chasing fortune — all while questioning whether knowing you’re going to win makes the ride any less wild.
Comedy Highlights & Trivia
Nora Ephron’s Arrival: When Harry Met Sally... launched Ephron’s reign as the queen of modern rom-coms and redefined romantic dialogue on screen.
John Candy, Beloved and Bankable: Uncle Buck became a sleeper hit and one of the comedian’s most enduring performances.
Comedy Meets Commentary: The War of the Roses and Parenthood tackled real adult issues while keeping things hilarious — setting the stage for the dramedy boom of the 1990s.
Where to Watch These Today
1989’s best comedies are widely available on:
Streaming: Prime Video, Max, Disney+ (Parenthood), Hulu, Peacock)
Rent/Buy: Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play
Physical Media: When Harry Met Sally..., Uncle Buck, and Bill & Ted are staples in any 1980s comedy collection.
Closing Thoughts: 1989 Sent the ’80s Out with a Laugh (and a Tear)
The best comedies of 1989 didn’t just go for easy laughs — they went for lasting ones. It was a year that balanced heart with hilarity, sentiment with sarcasm, and punchlines with personality. As the curtain closed on the ’80s, comedy was more grown-up, more self-aware, and more unforgettable than ever.
