The world celebrates World Laughter Day every first Sunday of May, and these comedy films prove laughter is an elixir of joy.
“Laughter is the best medicine” is a popular saying worldwide. In May, this adage has an added significance due to the fact that it is the month when World Laughter Day is usually commemorated. It shows the healing powers of humor, as it unites people, promotes camaraderie, alleviates stress, and fosters connections. There is no better way to pay tribute to the occasion than to binge watch the best comedy films of all time.
These movies offer audiences moments of hilarity, memorable punchlines, and heartfelt storylines that aim to uplift and entertain.
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World Laughter Day
BBC reported a doctor in Mumbai led to the discovery of World Laughter Day. Dr Madan Kataria is the founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement. It is a program with a goal to build a global consciousness of comradeship through humor. The occasion launched in 1998, and celebrated every first Sunday of May.
Laughter Yoga said merriment is the easiest and cost-effective way to solve physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
The first club dedicated to the cause started in Mumbai in 1995. It gained so much traction that a special day became solely for fun due to its benefits to people.
“Laughter is contagious,” Kataria said. “People are not happy because we look for happiness in the outer world. We cannot change it in a day, but what we can do is to change our inner world.” He added that through laughter, individuals can change their mindsets and feelings of lowness.
Benefits of comedy films
The Mayo Clinic explained laughter offers more than a momentary distraction, but is also a potent stress reliever. It doesn’t matter if you watch comedy films, a sitcom, or stand-up comedy sets–if you laugh, there are certain benefits.
Short term advantages of comedy include soothing the stress response, relaxation, and stimulates the mind, heart, and muscles. Meanwhile, long term effects consist of pain relief, brightening one’s mood, increasing personal satisfaction, and improving the immune system.
We’ve rounded up the best binge-worthy comedy films of all time below. Remember: having fun is a universal elixir and a source of happiness.
“Dumb And Dumber” (1994)
The movie told the story of “imbecilic” best friends Lloyd and Harry who stumbled across a suitcase full of money in the latter’s car. The pair decided to return the money and went to Aspen, but it was actually connected to a kidnapping. The mission led them to impossible criminal situations, an unexpected love triangle, and a test of knowledge and friendship.
The movie showed the comedic prowess of actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. For a bonus experience: you can include the film’s 2014 sequel, Dumb and Dumber To.
“White Chicks” (2004)
White Chicks is one of the many popular comedy films at present time. FBI Agent brothers Marcus and Kevin Copeland inadvertently disrupt a drug bust. They accept a new mission to escort a pair of socialites, the Wilson sisters, to the Hamptons to avoid being fired. However, due to a car accident the sisters were involved in, the brothers opted to impersonate the two, transforming themselves from black men into white women.
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (2006)
Renowned journalist Borat from Kazakhstan travels to the United States to produce a documentary about the nation’s greatness. While on his journey, absurd scenarios unfold, like insulting everyone he encounters, and falling for Pamela Anderson, an actress. He embarked on a nationwide quest to marry her.
Rotten Tomatoes said in their review that the film is part satire and part shockumentary. Sacha Baron Cohen delivered a spectacular performance through acting offensive in the film in the funniest ways.
“The Hangover” (2009)
The movie shows four friends who embark on a trip to Las Vegas for their friend’s bachelor party. They wake up the following morning without any memory from the previous night and they couldn’t find the groom. The remaining three scramble to piece their shenanigans together and find their missing friend in time for the wedding.
The Hangover shows the hilarious chemistry between its stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis.
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” (2011)
Real estate developer Mr. Popper is successful in his field and is slated for a partnership in a company. His life swerves into a new turn as he receives an inheritance from his father: a live penguin, and is joined by other penguins. He soon realizes that having the penguins somehow becomes a way for him to win back his ex wife and kids.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins may be a comedy film, but it will tug on your heartstrings as it navigates the importance of family and remembering what matters most in the world.
“Ocean’s 8” (2018)
Ocean’s 8 is a crime-comedy film showing an all-female team that assembles for a heist during the Met Gala. They aimed for the $150 million-worth of diamonds around actress Daphne Kluger’s neck. The heist they arranged is not just about the money, but is also a way of revenge.
Sandra Bullock headlined the movie alongside Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Cate Blanchett, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham-Carter.
“Poor Things” (2023)
Put Poor Things on your binge-worthy comedy films list. The Oscar-winning dark comedy follows the tale of Bella Baxter, a woman that unorthodox scientist Godwin Baxter brought to life. She runs off with a scientist on an adventure across continents, determined to stand for equality, liberation, and happiness.
The film earned several film awards from Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and the Academy Awards, among various others. It stars Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, and Mark Ruffalo.
Banner photo from IMDb.
