13 Comedies from the 80's and 90's to Keep you Laughing

Comedies from the 80’s and 90’s had a peculiar, charm to them. Brought to life on the screen by brilliant filmmakers like John Hughes—who crafted some of the most memorable films of the decade, Robert Zemeckis, and others, the films of this golden era are still being discovered and embraced by moviegoers, today.

I was just a kid during the 80’s, but I remember many of these comedies fondly nonetheless. Surely, you have your own memories of these great films. Even now, when faced with the decision of whether to watch a comedy or some moody drama, I pick comedies 9 times out of 10.

To prove to you that the staff here at Studio 602 are not suffering from Triskaidekaphobia, we offer you 13 comedies from the 80’s and 90’s to keep you laughing. Yes, we’re breaking new ground. Top ten lists are so David Letterman. No offense Dave.

13 Comedies from the 80’s and 90’s to Keep you Laughing

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters is one of my favorite supernatural comedies of all time. While I wasn’t even in kindergarten when it came out, I still have vivid memories of Slimer scaring me to death. Guess what? You can now follow the StayPuft Marshmallow Man on Twitter.

Tweet created with LemmeTweetThatForYou. This is a parody. To follow the real fake StayPuft Marshmallow man, go to @StayPuft on Twitter.

2.Back to the Future (1985)

What would our lives be like without the time traveling exploits of Doc Brown and Marty McFly? I’m pretty sure I don’t wanna’ know. If you’re ever wondering what I want for my birthday, just buy me a DeLorean and we’ll call it even.

3. The Goonies (1985)

Well before the Harlem Shake was created, there was the Truffle Shuffle. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re missing one of the most ridiculously funny moments in cinematic history. Well, maybe that’s a little hyperbolic, but you should check it out anyway.

You’d be surprised to know that Jeff Cohen, better known as Chunk, is looking less chunky than in this early film outing.

4. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Kurt Russell, mullets, muscles, and tank tops. Throw in some martial arts action, some supernatural samurai warriors, and you’ve got yourself a hit movie. You know what Jack Burton always says in a time like this, right? Who?

5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

I have no doubts that Matthew Broderick is still the coolest human being to ever talk into the camera throughout an entire movie. It was like a soliloquy the likes of Shakespeare might have appreciated.

Not only did I learn that cutting school is awesome, I learned how to, “Stop and look around once in awhile,” because of you. Ferris, you are the sage of a generation.

6. Short Circuit (1986)

Johnny Five is alive. Something tells me that Wall-E is either Johnny Five’s illegitimate son, or a beloved grandchild. You tell me.

Questions of Artificial Intelligence are answered in this Sci-Fi comedy. P.S. Robots have feelings, too.

7. ¡Three Amigos! (1986)

When these Hollywood hacks find themselves in the midst of a real gunfight with real bullets, a pueblo in Mexico wonders whether these are the best people to save the day or not. Will they ride of into the sunset, or will they be buried by high noon?

Featuring Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short, this is a comedy trio you have to see for yourself.

8. Beetle Juice (1988)

It’s Showtime folks! Michael Keaton is the ghostest with the mostest in this undead comedy directed by Tim Burton. A must see for any fan of creepy comedies.

9. Big (1988)

As kids, we all want to grow up fast. Not because we want to go to work, but mostly because we want to do what we want. You know, stay up all night playing videogames and eating pizza.

Tom Hanks plays Josh, a kid who gets his wish to be “Big,” but finds out being an adult is not as fun as it seems.

10. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Time traveling rockers Bill and Ted engage in a brilliant display of science fictional tomfoolery to make a school project come to life. If they graduate, they’ll save the entire universe. Sounds totally logical to me!

11. Home Alone (1990)

Macaulay Culkin is the kind of kid who shouldn’t be left alone, but somehow is, due to an unfortunate oversight by his well-meaning parents. Luckily, he manages to be smarter than a duo of dimwitted cat burglars.

12. Wayne’s World (1992)

We’re not worthy! This was a movie that taught me the ever important skill of headbanging. Bohemian Rhapsody anyone?

13. The Sandlot (1993)

If you’re a baseball fan, you probably find yourself quoting this film on a daily basis. I’m not kidding, but one time I was at a SF Giants game and Daniel Zacapa was sitting two rows in front of me. Crazy stuff.

What are some of your favorite comedies from the 80’s and 90’s? Let us know in the comments section below.

greg says:

04/09/2013 at 1:24 PM

What about 16Candles????? Or National Lampoons Vacation????? Or Hairspray??? Hello????

Alexander Poirier says:
04/09/2013 at 2:25 PM

Vacation is possibly my favorite movie of all time. Good call. “See where it say rib tip?”
- Victor Inzunza says:
  04/09/2013 at 2:53 PM
  
  Christmas Vacation is a fave of mine, too. I love Clark’s meltdown when he doesn’t get his bonus check.
Victor Inzunza says:
04/09/2013 at 2:51 PM

Greg,

I agree. 16 Candles is a great film, as is National Lampoon’s Vacation. I wish I could’ve included more, but that will have to wait for another post.

Hairspray is actually one film I haven’t seen. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for reading!