Introduction
Comedies? They’ve been here to make us laugh and lighten the mood, especially during challenging moments. As we flip the pages back in time, every generation has some comedy classics. Going from the 70’s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and 20s, the progression of comedy movies has been truly incredible. In this article we will guide you through five decades of comedy, and introduce you to “Manopause,” a new series that humorously taps into being a man over 50 in today’s world. Get comfortable and let’s explore comedy through the decades.
‘Manopause’: Comedy for the Modern Man Over 50
“Manopause” isn’t just a title. It’s a part of life, a feeling, and for Del, Kurt, and Herb, it’s a hilarious reality. As they navigate the challenges of crossing the 50-yard line of life and realizing that their clocks are ticking. They’re freaking out about aging, popping Viagra, and trying to wear clothes that don’t fit. But it’s not just about the men, it’s also about the women who try to keep loving them.
Each episode has a comedic yet relatable glimpse into the challenges of reaching the 50-yard line. Whether it’s Del’s challenges in his second marriage, the temptation of a “guys trip”, Kurt’s professional stresses, or Herb’s funny interaction with his patients.
However the series is not just about the hurdles, but also the ways the trio navigates the complexities of life. Providing moments of laughter and moving scenes that the audience can relate to.
Ready for a roller-coaster of emotions through challenges and the pleasures of life over 50? Don’t miss out on ‘Manopause’. Stream now and share in the laughter!
The ’70s: A New Wave of Comedy
The Three Musketeers (1973)
A thrilling adventure filled with humour and action that offers a new take of the popular Alexandre Dumas novel. D’Artagnan, a young aspiring Musketeer, accidentally gets caught up in a web of intrigue involving Cardinal Richelieu, Queen Anne, and the Duke of Buckingham after arriving in Paris. He joins forces with the Three Musketeers, and together they set out to recover a stolen necklace. By doing so, they disrupt the Cardinal’s political plots and get D’Artagnan a position in the King’s Guard.
Iconic Lines
“All for one, and one for all!” – The motto of the three musketeers
“I may not have the tunic, but I have the heart of a Musketeer!” – by D’Artagnan dedicated to become a musketeer
Cast
Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, Richard Chamberlain, Michael York, Sir Christopher Lee.
Where to Watch
The Three Musketeers has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime with a special double feature with The Four Musketeers, the sequel.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Being one the most frequently mentioned movies in countless media, this British classic is often referred to as one of the greatest comedy films of all time. The story is set in AD 932, where King Arthur and his chosen knight’s journey across Britain, facing comedic challenges and misadventures in their quest for the Holy Grail.
Iconic Lines
“We are the Knights who say… Ni!” – The leader of the Knights who say Ni, demanding a shrubbery.
Cast
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin.
Where to Watch
Monty Python and the Holy Grail has an IMDb rating of 8.2/10 and is available for streaming on Netflix and to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
The ’80s: Comedy Gets Bigger
Airplane! (1980)
Traumatized ex-pilot Ted Striker boards a flight to make up with his flight attendant ex-girlfriend, Elaine. When food poisoning leaves the crew incapable of flying the plane, Ted overcomes his fears to land the plane with guidance from his former commander and Elaine’s support. Airplane parodies the disaster movies genre, with its fast-paced humor setting the standard for future comedies.
Iconic Lines
“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking.” – Said by Steve McCroskey (Lloyd Bridges)
“Surely you can’t be serious.” “I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley.” – A conversation between Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen) and Ted Striker.
Cast
Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty.
Where to Watch
Airplane has an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and is available for streaming on HBO and to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
After being released from prison, Jake Blues reunites with his brother Elwood to save the orphanage they grew up in by reforming their band, the Blues Brothers. Amidst chases, confrontations, and comedic escapades, they perform gigs and evade law enforcement and angered rivals to ultimately achieve their mission, ending up in jail where they entertain fellow inmates. With a unique blend of comedy, music, and action, featuring cameos from several music legends this movie is a must watch.
Iconic Lines
“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark… and we’re wearing sunglasses.” “Hit it.” – Elwood and Jake
“We’re on a mission from God.” – A line repeated by Elwood and Jake throughout the film to explain their determination to reunite their band and save the orphanage.
Cast
John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Carrie Fisher.
Where to Watch
With an IMDb rating of 7.9/10 The Blues Brothers is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
The ’90s: A Mix of Heart and Humor
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Lloyd and Harry, two well-meaning but clueless friends, go on a cross-country journey to return a forgotten briefcase to Mary, unaware it contains ransom money. Their adventures draw the attention of criminals and law enforcement, leading to a chaotic showdown in Aspen. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels deliver incredibly funny and unforgettable performances, which helped cement Jim Carrey as as a comedic superstar.
Iconic Lines
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance… YEAH!” – Lloyd’s overly optimistic response after Mary tells him the odds of them ending up together are one in a million.
“We got no food, we got no jobs… our pets’ heads are falling off!” – Harry pointing out their unfortunate situation
“Mock, yeah! Ing, yeah! Bird, yeah!” – Lloyd and Harry singing along to the song “Mockingbird” in the car.
Cast
Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly.
Where to Watch
With an IMDb rating of 7.3/10 this classic is available to stream on Max and buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
American Pie (1999)
Five high school friends pledge to end their senior year with a bang by losing their virginity on prom night. Their journey involves adventures, misunderstandings, and coming-of-age moments, ending with a memorable post-prom party. Becoming the movie definition of teen comedy of its generation, getting several sequels (American Pie 2, American Pie: The Wedding, American Reunion) shaping the future movies from the same genre.
Iconic Lines
“This one time, at band camp…” – Michelle’s regular opener to a shocking band camp story
“It’s not a space shuttle launch, it’s sex.” – Kevin (played by Thomas Ian Nicholas)
“We’ll just tell your mother that we ate it all.” – Jim’s dad (played by Eugene Levy) attempting to cover up the pie incident.
Cast
Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Shannon Elizabeth.
Where to Watch
American Pie has an IMDb rating of 7.0/10 and is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
The ’00s: Comedy Meets Quirkiness
Step Brothers (2008)
When two middle-aged, immature men, Brennan and Dale, become stepbrothers after their parents marry, they initially clash but eventually bond over shared antics and dreams. After several adventures, they find success with their entertainment company, bringing their family closer together. A must watch movie with Ferrell and Reilly’s dynamic duo delivering comedy gold, making it a laugh out loud experience from start to finish.
Iconic Lines
“Did we just become best friends?” “Yup!” – After realizing they have a lot in common, Brennan and Dale quickly bond.
“You have to call me Dragon.” “You have to call me Nighthawk.” – The nicknames Brennan and Dale choose for each other.
Cast
Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins.
Where to Watch
Step Brothers has an IMDb rating of 6.9/10 and is available to stream on Hulu or rent Amazon Prime.
The Hangover (2009)
Before Doug’s wedding, he and his friends embark on a wild trip to Las Vegas, only to wake up with no memory of the previous night and Doug missing. As they scramble to find him, they unravel a series of chaotic events, finally finding him on a hotel rooftop just in time for the wedding.
Iconic Lines
“It’s not a purse, it’s a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.” – Alan
“I didn’t know they gave out rings at the Holocaust.” – Alan
Cast
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha.
Where to Watch
A must watch movie with an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 available to rent on Amazon Prime.
The ’10s: Diverse Voices and Fresh Perspectives
21 Jump Street (2012)
Mismatched police partners, Schmidt and Jenko, go undercover as high school students to stop a synthetic drug spread, but navigating teenage life leads to unexpected challenges and old school ties. Their investigation reveals the criminals, ending with a wild prom showdown and a new assignment.
Iconic Lines
“You are here because you some Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus lookin’ mfers.” – Captain Dickson (Ice Cube)
“You know what they do to handsome guys like me in prison? It Rhymes with grape!” – Jenko (Jonah Hill)
Cast
Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube.
Where to Watch
21 Jump Street has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
The Nice Guys (2016)
In 1970s Los Angeles, private investigator Holland March and tough enforcer Jackson Healy join forces to uncover a conspiracy involving the auto industry and a mysterious film after a porn star’s suspicious death. As they navigate a web of deception, hitmen, and high-ranking officials, their partnership leads to the truth, danger, and a new detective agency named “The Nice Guys.”
Iconic Lines
“I think I’m invincible. It’s the only thing that makes sense. I don’t think I can die.” – March
Cast
Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice.
Where to Watch
With an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 this movie is available to stream on Netflix or rent on Amazon Prime.
The ’20s: Modern Comedy and the Rise of Streaming
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
On a mission to the U.S. to present a gift to a top official, Borat navigates a transformed America, uncovering political plots and the unexpected roots of the Pandemic in Kazakhstan. Alongside his daughter Tutar, they challenge the longstanding biases and reshape their countries traditions.
Iconic Lines
“I hope quarantine never ends.” – Borat enjoying his time living with two conspiracy theorists
Cast
Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova.
Where to Watch
Borat has an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 and is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
The Man from Toronto (2022)
Teddy Jackson, mistaken for a notorious assassin, becomes apart of an international plot to assassinate the Venezuelan president using a seismic bomb. Navigating a series of deceptions, and confrontations, Teddy teams up with the real assassin, Randy, leading to unexpected alliances, personal growth, and a dramatic showdown in D.C.
Cast
Kevin Hart, Woody Harrelson.
Where to Watch
With an IMDb rating of 5.8/10 The Man from Toronto is available to be streamed on Netflix or rent on Amazon Prime.
