Comedy movies have a special place in our hearts. They make us laugh, forget our troubles, and bring joy to our lives. In this article, we’ll look at the 10 most-watched comedy movies of all time, based on box office numbers up to 2025. These films have entertained millions of people around the world and left a lasting impact on popular culture.
1. Barbie (2023)
At the top of our list is the surprise hit “Barbie,” which took the world by storm in 2023. This movie, starring Margot Robbie as the famous doll, is more than just a comedy – it’s a cultural phenomenon. The film follows Barbie as she leaves her perfect plastic world and enters the real world, learning important lessons about life and self-discovery along the way.
What makes “Barbie” special is its clever mix of humor, heart, and social commentary. It pokes fun at the Barbie brand while also celebrating it. The movie appeals to both children and adults, with jokes that work on multiple levels. Its bright, colorful visuals and catchy soundtrack also helped make it a massive hit.
The film’s success shows that audiences are hungry for smart, funny movies that also have something meaningful to say. “Barbie” proves that a comedy can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
2. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Coming in second is the highly anticipated team-up of two beloved Marvel characters, “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This movie brings together Ryan Reynolds as the wise-cracking Deadpool and Hugh Jackman returning to his iconic role as Wolverine.
What sets this film apart is its unique blend of action, comedy, and meta-humor. Deadpool is known for breaking the fourth wall and making jokes about the movie industry itself. This film takes that to a new level, poking fun at superhero movies while also delivering an exciting story.
The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is a big part of the movie’s appeal. Their characters’ different personalities – Deadpool’s non-stop joking and Wolverine’s gruff seriousness – create lots of funny moments. The film also pushes boundaries with its R-rating, allowing for more adult humor and action than typical superhero movies.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” shows that superhero fatigue hasn’t set in yet, especially when movies offer something fresh and funny.
3. Hi, Mom (2021)
The third spot goes to the Chinese comedy “Hi, Mom.” This heartwarming and hilarious film tells the story of a young woman who travels back in time to meet her mother before she became a parent.
What makes “Hi, Mom” special is how it balances humor with emotional depth. The movie explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the relationship between mothers and daughters. It’s funny, but it also touches viewers’ hearts.
The film’s success in China and beyond shows the growing global appeal of Chinese cinema. It proves that a good story with universal themes can connect with audiences worldwide, regardless of cultural differences.
“Hi, Mom” reminds us that the best comedies often make us both laugh and cry.
4. Deadpool 2 (2018)
The fourth most-watched comedy is another Deadpool movie – “Deadpool 2.” This sequel continues the irreverent humor of the first film while expanding its superhero universe.
In this movie, Deadpool forms a team called X-Force to protect a young mutant from a time-traveling soldier named Cable. The film’s strength lies in its ability to make fun of superhero team-up movies while also being a good one itself.
“Deadpool 2” keeps the laughs coming with its mix of slapstick humor, clever pop culture references, and unexpected cameos. It also adds more heart to the story, giving Deadpool some emotional depth without losing the character’s essential silliness.
The success of both Deadpool movies shows that audiences appreciate superhero films that don’t take themselves too seriously.
5. Deadpool (2016)
Rounding out the top five is the original “Deadpool” movie. This film was a game-changer when it came out, proving that R-rated superhero comedies could be huge box office hits.
“Deadpool” tells the origin story of Wade Wilson, a mercenary who gets superpowers after a experimental treatment for his cancer. The movie stands out for its fourth-wall-breaking humor, over-the-top action, and willingness to make fun of superhero movie tropes.
What made “Deadpool” so popular was how different it felt from other superhero movies. It was crude, violent, and absolutely hilarious. Ryan Reynolds’ performance as the “Merc with a Mouth” was pitch-perfect, bringing the comic book character to life in a way fans had always hoped for.
The success of “Deadpool” opened the door for more adult-oriented superhero films and showed that taking risks with beloved characters can pay off big time.
6. Detective Chinatown 3 (2021)
The sixth spot goes to another Chinese comedy, “Detective Chinatown 3.” This movie is part of a popular series that follows two detectives solving crimes in different cities around the world.
In this installment, the detectives head to Tokyo to compete in a challenge to find the best detective in Asia. The film combines comedy with mystery, creating an exciting and funny adventure.
What makes “Detective Chinatown 3” stand out is its blend of humor, action, and puzzle-solving. The movie keeps viewers laughing while also engaging their minds with clever mysteries. It also showcases beautiful locations in Tokyo, adding to the film’s visual appeal.
The success of this movie, along with “Hi, Mom,” shows the growing influence of Chinese cinema on the global stage. It proves that comedy can transcend language barriers when the humor is visual and the stories are engaging.
7. Men in Black 3 (2012)
Coming in at number seven is “Men in Black 3,” the third installment in the popular sci-fi comedy series. This movie sees Agent J (Will Smith) traveling back in time to save his partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), with the help of a younger version of K (Josh Brolin).
What makes “Men in Black 3” work is how it freshens up the series’ formula. The time travel plot allows for lots of fun fish-out-of-water humor as J deals with the 1960s. Josh Brolin’s spot-on impression of Tommy Lee Jones is also a highlight, creating great chemistry with Will Smith.
The film balances its comedy with some surprisingly emotional moments, giving more depth to the relationship between J and K. It also maintains the series’ trademark blend of wacky aliens and cool gadgets.
“Men in Black 3” shows that even long-running franchises can find new life with the right twist on their formula.
8. Men in Black (1997)
The eighth spot belongs to the original “Men in Black” movie. This film introduced the world to the secret organization that monitors alien activity on Earth, blending sci-fi concepts with buddy cop comedy.
What made “Men in Black” so popular was its perfect mix of elements. The chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the new agent and the veteran was fantastic. The alien designs were creative and often hilarious. And the idea of a secret alien immigration service was both funny and intriguing.
The movie’s success came from how it made the extraordinary seem ordinary. It presented a world where aliens lived among us, but focused on the humorous aspects of managing this situation. This approach made the film accessible and entertaining for a wide audience.
“Men in Black” launched a franchise and remains a beloved comedy classic, proving that sci-fi and humor can be a winning combination.
9. The Hangover Part II (2011)
The ninth most-watched comedy is “The Hangover Part II,” the sequel to the hugely popular original film. This movie takes the formula of the first film – a group of friends trying to piece together the events of a wild night – and moves it to Bangkok.
While some critics felt it was too similar to the original, audiences clearly enjoyed revisiting these characters and their chaotic adventures. The film pushes the envelope even further with its outrageous situations and raunchy humor.
What makes “The Hangover Part II” work is the chemistry between its lead actors. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis play off each other perfectly, their different personalities creating lots of comedic friction. The exotic setting of Bangkok also adds to the film’s appeal, providing a backdrop for even crazier antics than the first movie.
The success of this sequel shows that when audiences connect with characters, they’re happy to see them in new adventures, even if the formula is familiar.
10. The Mermaid (2016)
Rounding out our top ten is the Chinese fantasy comedy “The Mermaid.” Directed by Stephen Chow, known for his unique brand of humor, this film tells the story of a mermaid who falls in love with the businessman she was sent to assassinate.
What sets “The Mermaid” apart is its blend of romance, comedy, and environmental message. The film uses its fantastical premise to comment on real-world issues like pollution and habitat destruction. But it does so with a light touch, never letting the message overshadow the humor.
The movie’s comedy is often physical and over-the-top, in keeping with Stephen Chow’s style. This makes it accessible even to viewers who might not catch all the dialogue. The film also features impressive special effects, bringing its underwater world to life.
“The Mermaid” shows that comedy can tackle serious themes while still being wildly entertaining. Its success, like other Chinese films on this list, highlights the growing global appeal of Chinese cinema.
Bottom Line
Looking at these ten movies, we can see some interesting trends in comedy. Superhero comedies, particularly those featuring Deadpool, have been hugely popular. Chinese comedies have made a big impact on the global stage. And films that blend comedy with other genres – like sci-fi, fantasy, or drama – often find great success.
What these movies have in common is their ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. They make us laugh, but they also touch our hearts, excite us with spectacle, or make us think about the world in new ways.
As we look to the future of comedy films, it’s clear that there’s room for all kinds of humor. From the smart social commentary of “Barbie” to the raunchy antics of “The Hangover Part II,” from the sci-fi silliness of “Men in Black” to the heartfelt emotion of “Hi, Mom,” comedy comes in many flavors.