Best Classic Comedy Films

Last updated: May 22, 2026

These classic comedies are still hilarious decades after they were first released, and they're the perfect way to introduce your kids to older films and icons. Our list has more than 50 of our laugh-out-loud favorites, in genres ranging from slapstick to screwball. Whether you enjoy Charlie Chaplin's physical comedy, Ferris Bueller's mischievous adventures, or Audrey Hepburn's dry wit, you'll love reliving these favorites with your kids. For even more great giggles, check out our lists of Romantic Comedies and Comedy TV Shows.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Modern Times Poster Image

MOVIE

Modern Times

age 6+

Families will cherish Chaplin's silent slapstick.

February 25, 1936 1936 NR (103 minutes)

See full review

Singin' in the Rain Poster Image

MOVIE

Singin' in the Rain

age 6+

Often considered the finest musical of all time.

April 11, 1952 1952 NR (102 minutes)

See full review

The Absent-Minded Professor Poster Image

MOVIE

The Absent-Minded Professor

age 6+

'60s classic is sweet, clever, and funny.

March 16, 1961 1961 G (96 minutes)

See full review

The Court Jester Poster Image

MOVIE

The Court Jester

age 6+

Terrific family fun.

January 27, 1956 1956 NR (101 minutes)

See full review

The Great Race Poster Image

MOVIE

The Great Race

age 6+

Perfect family movie is fun from beginning to end.

July 1, 1965 1965 NR (160 minutes)

See full review

The Muppet Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Muppet Movie

age 6+

First Muppet movie has wonderful songs—and a few guns.

May 31, 1979 1979 G (94 minutes)

See full review

A Night at the Opera Poster Image

MOVIE

A Night at the Opera

age 7+

Marx Brothers masterpiece is still hilarious.

November 15, 1935 1935 NR (96 minutes)

See full review

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Poster Image

MOVIE

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

age 7+

Classic comedy-horror for older kids and teens.

June 14, 1948 1948 NR (83 minutes)

See full review

Duck Soup Poster Image

MOVIE

Duck Soup

age 7+

Classic comedy film with lots of mayhem, slapstick humor.

November 17, 1933 1933 NR (68 minutes)

See full review

Bringing Up Baby Poster Image

MOVIE

Bringing Up Baby

age 8+

Classic screwball comedy with loads of tame laughs.

February 18, 1938 1938 NR (102 minutes)

See full review

City Lights Movie Poster: Charlie Chaplin stands in a boxing ring

MOVIE

City Lights

age 8+

A screen gem. Youngsters and up.

May 8, 2001 2001 NR (87 minutes)

See full review

Harvey Poster Image

MOVIE

Harvey

age 8+

Jimmy Stewart + a 6' rabbit = a family delight.

October 13, 1950 1950 NR (105 minutes)

See full review

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Poster Image

MOVIE

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

age 8+

It's a long, long, long, long classic comedy chase-epic.

November 7, 1963 1963 G (154 minutes)

See full review

Sherlock Jr. Poster Image

MOVIE

Sherlock Jr.

age 8+

Clever, fun-filled intro to silent movies (with subtitles).

April 21, 1924 1924 NR (44 minutes)

See full review

The General (1927) movie poster: Illustration of a train engineer riding a cannonball shot from a cannon

MOVIE

The General (1927)

age 8+

Buster Keaton's famous train film glorifies the Confederacy.

February 5, 1927 1927 NR (77 minutes)

See full review

The Gold Rush Poster Image

MOVIE

The Gold Rush

age 8+

A great silent comedy classic, with comic gunplay.

June 26, 1925 1925 NR (85 minutes)

See full review

The Lavender Hill Mob movie poster

MOVIE

The Lavender Hill Mob

age 8+

Classic British crime comedy has smoking, lacks diversity.

October 15, 1951 1951 NR (81 minutes)

See full review

The Nutty Professor (1963) Poster Image

MOVIE

The Nutty Professor (1963)

age 8+

Jerry Lewis' Jekyll-Hyde spoof is dated but great.

June 4, 1963 1963 NR (107 minutes)

See full review

Father of the Bride (1950) Poster Image

MOVIE

Father of the Bride (1950)

age 9+

Old-fashioned, star-studded father-daughter comedy.

June 16, 1950 1950 NR (92 minutes)

See full review

The Man in the White Suit movie poster: a drawing of Alec Guinness wearing a white suit while running

MOVIE

The Man in the White Suit

age 9+

Classic British sci-fi satire still holds relevance today.

March 31, 1952 1952 NR (85 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.