Laughter may be the best medicine, but where can I buy some?
November 17, 2015 10:51 PM Subscribe
Movies, tv shows, YouTube, books .... looking for the BIG LAUGH. Not ironic, not sarcastic. Immediately, viscerally funny.
Mr. K just finished a course of radiation treatments for the "odd lump in his throat" which was indeed cancer. Did that, are now focused on healing and immune strengthening. Norman Cousins claimed Vit. C and Marx Brothers movies did it for him. We find the Marx Brothers kind of tedious. We want out-loud, falling-over-on-the-couch laughing. Things like:
* The "Make 'em Laugh" scene with Donald O'Connor from "Singing in the Rain"
* Laurel and Hardy trying to get the piano up the stairs
* The 1997 Australian movie "The Castle"
* "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
* "Airplane!"
* "Some Like It Hot"
* "Addams Family Values"
We already read out loud; two favorites are the Donald E. Westlake Dortmunder series and anything by P. G. Wodehouse.
I know there's more examples, but I'm too tired to think of titles. Please just bury me in suggestions. Thank you!!
Mr. K just finished a course of radiation treatments for the "odd lump in his throat" which was indeed cancer. Did that, are now focused on healing and immune strengthening. Norman Cousins claimed Vit. C and Marx Brothers movies did it for him. We find the Marx Brothers kind of tedious. We want out-loud, falling-over-on-the-couch laughing. Things like:
* The "Make 'em Laugh" scene with Donald O'Connor from "Singing in the Rain"
* Laurel and Hardy trying to get the piano up the stairs
* The 1997 Australian movie "The Castle"
* "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
* "Airplane!"
* "Some Like It Hot"
* "Addams Family Values"
We already read out loud; two favorites are the Donald E. Westlake Dortmunder series and anything by P. G. Wodehouse.
I know there's more examples, but I'm too tired to think of titles. Please just bury me in suggestions. Thank you!!
Bob's Burgers
posted by rhapsodie at 11:26 PM on November 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by rhapsodie at 11:26 PM on November 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
Black Books
Is It Bill Bailey?
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
Would I Lie To You
see also Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
posted by sebastienbailard at 11:27 PM on November 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
Is It Bill Bailey?
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
Would I Lie To You
see also Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
posted by sebastienbailard at 11:27 PM on November 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
Newsradio is one of my favorite sitcoms of all time and an under-watched gem.
posted by Nerd of the North at 11:42 PM on November 17, 2015 [10 favorites]
posted by Nerd of the North at 11:42 PM on November 17, 2015 [10 favorites]
There are two movies that made me laugh so hard I couldn't see:
What's Up Doc with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal
The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe (orig French version only)
posted by TWinbrook8 at 12:06 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
What's Up Doc with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal
The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe (orig French version only)
posted by TWinbrook8 at 12:06 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Police Squad, if you can find it.
posted by dvrmmr at 12:08 AM on November 18, 2015 [10 favorites]
posted by dvrmmr at 12:08 AM on November 18, 2015 [10 favorites]
I confess, the last time I rofl'd during a movie was while watching "Minions". There, I said it.
Television-wise I have to go with the short (6 episodes) but brilliant "A Touch of Cloth", a British version of "Police Squad" if you will and a gem.
posted by KMB at 12:30 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Television-wise I have to go with the short (6 episodes) but brilliant "A Touch of Cloth", a British version of "Police Squad" if you will and a gem.
posted by KMB at 12:30 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm not totally sure these will meet the non-sarcasm request but these are my go-to comedies:
Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein always make me laugh and I've watched them probably 100 times each.
It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is pretty great as well. The scene with the fire truck ladder cracks me up every time.
See also:
Raising Arizona
Happy, Texas - Steve Zahn as a pageant director is hilarious.
Any and all Minion clips on YouTube. Start here. "Silas Ramsbottom." "Bottom. Heheheh!"
Glad to hear Mr. K is on the mend. Sending you both good thoughts!
posted by Beti at 12:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein always make me laugh and I've watched them probably 100 times each.
It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is pretty great as well. The scene with the fire truck ladder cracks me up every time.
See also:
Raising Arizona
Happy, Texas - Steve Zahn as a pageant director is hilarious.
Any and all Minion clips on YouTube. Start here. "Silas Ramsbottom." "Bottom. Heheheh!"
Glad to hear Mr. K is on the mend. Sending you both good thoughts!
posted by Beti at 12:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
All Mel Brooks
Airplane II (and Police Squad, Naked Gun, etc.)
The first 8 or so Preston Sturges movies (possibly fail the Marx Bros test)
Buster Keaton & Harold Lloyd (silents)
posted by rhizome at 12:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Airplane II (and Police Squad, Naked Gun, etc.)
The first 8 or so Preston Sturges movies (possibly fail the Marx Bros test)
Buster Keaton & Harold Lloyd (silents)
posted by rhizome at 12:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
MST3K and Rifftrax often make me laugh out loud. Like, this video has me in tears no matter how many times I watch it. Here is a good AskMe thread about MST3K episodes.
Following up on the Who's Line Is It Anyway? suggestion: if you don't like to watch full episodes, I can recommend YouTube compilations that focus on a particular game or person. For example: Scenes from a Hat, Let's Make a Date, Weird Newscasters, etc.
posted by neushoorn at 12:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Following up on the Who's Line Is It Anyway? suggestion: if you don't like to watch full episodes, I can recommend YouTube compilations that focus on a particular game or person. For example: Scenes from a Hat, Let's Make a Date, Weird Newscasters, etc.
posted by neushoorn at 12:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
I want to go home by Gordon Korman is hilarious. I loved it when I first read it as a kid and it still makes me laugh until I cry.
posted by kitten magic at 1:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by kitten magic at 1:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Watch all of the Chin Review episodes on YouTube (here's the first one). There are only six and a christmas special, and they're only short so save them for when you need a short but deep cackle.
My fiance introduced me to these and I think it's one of the key reasons I'm marrying him.
posted by greenish at 2:04 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
My fiance introduced me to these and I think it's one of the key reasons I'm marrying him.
posted by greenish at 2:04 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
The Full Monty
Men in Black
The Gods Must Be Crazy (starts slow, be patient)
The Incredibles
Shrek, all of them
Uncle Buck (my 12 year old niece made me watch it)
Cool Runnings
Ground Hog Day
Bedazzled (The one with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, not the remake)
posted by BoscosMom at 3:17 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Men in Black
The Gods Must Be Crazy (starts slow, be patient)
The Incredibles
Shrek, all of them
Uncle Buck (my 12 year old niece made me watch it)
Cool Runnings
Ground Hog Day
Bedazzled (The one with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, not the remake)
posted by BoscosMom at 3:17 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
N-thing Who's Line (and there are so many great clips on YouTube from both the UK and US version, featuring mostly the same cast).
For books Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams.
Movies - The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
TV - Frasier had some hilarious moments - my favourite was "A Valentine for Niles" (link leads to YouTube clip.
posted by A hidden well at 3:24 AM on November 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
For books Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams.
Movies - The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
TV - Frasier had some hilarious moments - my favourite was "A Valentine for Niles" (link leads to YouTube clip.
posted by A hidden well at 3:24 AM on November 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
Try Woody Allen's Bananas.
posted by shortyJBot at 3:38 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by shortyJBot at 3:38 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Rob Parvonian Pachelbel Rant
John Pinette
Billy Connolly. This is really old but it still makes my stomach hurt to watch it. Be forewarned though, lots of swearing.
posted by BoscosMom at 3:42 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
John Pinette
Billy Connolly. This is really old but it still makes my stomach hurt to watch it. Be forewarned though, lots of swearing.
posted by BoscosMom at 3:42 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was very much laughing out loud at many portions of "Master of None", Aziz Ansari's show on Netflix. I haven't enjoyed something that much in a long time, and yet as hard as I pushed cash money against my TV it didn't seem to transmit magically straight to AA ...
posted by barnacles at 3:59 AM on November 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by barnacles at 3:59 AM on November 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
Since you like Wodehouse, watch the Jeeves and Wooster series with Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry! If you like that combo, Blackadder is great (best from series two onward, the first one was a little less funny to me).
posted by meijusa at 4:19 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by meijusa at 4:19 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
Gideon Defoe's Pirates! books make me laugh out loud. Also maybe try Buster Keaton movies? Still genuinely funny.
posted by mskyle at 4:33 AM on November 18, 2015
posted by mskyle at 4:33 AM on November 18, 2015
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is my go-to these days. I'm really enjoying Master of None and Orange is the New Black, but I snarf the most when I'm watching BNN.
Eddie Pepitone might be too ironic/sarcastic for your taste, but I have found myself howling at some of his bits, like "I Love to Tweet" from his album "A Great Stillness."
posted by Sheydem-tants at 4:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Eddie Pepitone might be too ironic/sarcastic for your taste, but I have found myself howling at some of his bits, like "I Love to Tweet" from his album "A Great Stillness."
posted by Sheydem-tants at 4:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Absolutely Fabulous
posted by InkaLomax at 5:23 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by InkaLomax at 5:23 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
While SNL is too scattershot to provide consistent belly laughing, they do periodically come out with things like the Best of Eddie Murphy, etc.
posted by mmascolino at 5:25 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by mmascolino at 5:25 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Mr. Bean. The TV Series. I haven't seen the movies.
(Here's a quick YouTube sample.)
posted by The Deej at 5:26 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
(Here's a quick YouTube sample.)
posted by The Deej at 5:26 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you like the improv style of Whose Line, definitely look for Would I Lie to You. It's a British panel show where celebs/comedians tell stories that may or may not be true, while the opposing team tries to figure out if it's the truth. Two recent favorites.
(on preview, sebastienbailard listed it above. I second the motion.)
posted by specialagentwebb at 5:34 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
(on preview, sebastienbailard listed it above. I second the motion.)
posted by specialagentwebb at 5:34 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
See if there's a laughter club or laughter yoga group near you. They're not for comedy, they're for laughter and stress relief, and can be done standing up or sitting down. At my old job, I was one of the people who did this sometimes at the library or at the senior center. The nurses might know of someone, or maybe ask at a retirement home or senior center if they know of a group. (If you can't find one, try doing the exercises yourselves, as your own little group. Yeah, the laughter is faked and self-concious at first, but then you can't help laughing for real.)
posted by bentley at 5:34 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by bentley at 5:34 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
There's a lot of this with I Love Lucy.
posted by jgirl at 6:01 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by jgirl at 6:01 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
> "Airplane!"
Kentucky Fried Movie
Top Secret!
posted by Gev at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Kentucky Fried Movie
Top Secret!
posted by Gev at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Young Frankenstein and The Gods Must Be Crazy make me double over with laughter even after seeing them god-I-don't-even-know-how-many times.
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Monty Python's fish slapping dance!
posted by tallmiddleagedgeek at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by tallmiddleagedgeek at 6:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
There's Something About Mary
Shaun the Sheep Movie
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
posted by Homer42 at 6:23 AM on November 18, 2015
Shaun the Sheep Movie
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
posted by Homer42 at 6:23 AM on November 18, 2015
My go-to for belly laughs is The Carol Burnett Show, specifically for the interactions between Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. The dentist sketch in particular made me laugh myself right into a migraine.
posted by altopower at 6:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by altopower at 6:36 AM on November 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
WUBBA LUBBA DUB DUB! Watch some Rick and Morty! Get well and get schwifty! Aw yeah, gonna get schwifty.
posted by Rob Rockets at 6:45 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Rob Rockets at 6:45 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Bradley Cooper on Jimmy Fallon when they talk about The a Elephant Man (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YMvYTUSez_0). I have watched this at least 20 times and I always laugh so hard I'm crying. I think it's their laughter that is so infectious.
posted by Sassyfras at 6:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Sassyfras at 6:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I like Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton silent films.
We just watched the wonderful "Safety Last". The climactic scene is pretty hard to beat for humor.
Randomly, I thought Rat Race was terrifically funny, though I watched it with someone who had an incredibly infectious laugh, so hard to know for sure. And of course, "It Happened One Night".
posted by jcworth at 6:52 AM on November 18, 2015
We just watched the wonderful "Safety Last". The climactic scene is pretty hard to beat for humor.
Randomly, I thought Rat Race was terrifically funny, though I watched it with someone who had an incredibly infectious laugh, so hard to know for sure. And of course, "It Happened One Night".
posted by jcworth at 6:52 AM on November 18, 2015
Short clip from The Colbert Report, where Stephen reads the names of 3 contributors to his Super Pac.
posted by Homer42 at 7:11 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Homer42 at 7:11 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Looney Tunes!
Duck Amuck
The Rabbit of Seville
The Abominable Snow Rabbit
posted by Daily Alice at 7:12 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Duck Amuck
The Rabbit of Seville
The Abominable Snow Rabbit
posted by Daily Alice at 7:12 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
It's black comedy for sure, but L.J. Davis' short novel A Meaningful Life is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud, against my will, on the bus several times while reading it.
Also, if the Marx Brothers aren't your bag, you may well be Three Stooges people - I recommend looking into that.
posted by ryanshepard at 7:16 AM on November 18, 2015
Also, if the Marx Brothers aren't your bag, you may well be Three Stooges people - I recommend looking into that.
posted by ryanshepard at 7:16 AM on November 18, 2015
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels! So sweet, so silly, so absurd. And along the same lines, Clue!
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:21 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:21 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Cannot believe I am the first to mention Parks and Rec. The show has so many straight up, laugh-out-loud moments that it really, genuinely put me in a better mood.
posted by bookgirl18 at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by bookgirl18 at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
Kind of base, but what about America's Funniest Home Videos?
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:39 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by JoeZydeco at 7:39 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Corpsing videos on youtube always have me in tears. Colbert, Whose Line, The Daily Show, SNL, and Anderson Cooper 360 are my favorites.
posted by specialagentwebb at 7:42 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by specialagentwebb at 7:42 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story by Leonie Swann. Very, very funny.
The Big Bang Theory.
Hyperbole And A Half, especially Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts, Like Moving. I swear I have never laughed so hard at anything in my life.
posted by Amy NM at 7:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
The Big Bang Theory.
Hyperbole And A Half, especially Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts, Like Moving. I swear I have never laughed so hard at anything in my life.
posted by Amy NM at 7:44 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Yes to Carol Burnett, especially Tim Conway's elephant story.
Father Ted, especially Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep and Speed 3 and, well, the whole feckin' series.
The OSS 117 films (Cairo, Nest of Spies and Lost in Rio) made me double over guffawing in several spots.
The IT Crowd
What We Do In The Shadows was the funniest movie I saw this year. I had tears. Dear dog, it's wonderful.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 7:49 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Father Ted, especially Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep and Speed 3 and, well, the whole feckin' series.
The OSS 117 films (Cairo, Nest of Spies and Lost in Rio) made me double over guffawing in several spots.
The IT Crowd
What We Do In The Shadows was the funniest movie I saw this year. I had tears. Dear dog, it's wonderful.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 7:49 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Allie Brosh's book of H&1/2 made me laugh so hard that I peed in the bath and had to let all the water out and start again.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 7:50 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
OK this is just a two-minute Patton Oswalt standup clip, but I've watched it three times since someone posted it in the Alvin and the Chipmunks thread and it is still laugh-out-loud funny to me
posted by theodolite at 7:56 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by theodolite at 7:56 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
My Cousin Vinny
This is Spinal Tap
I Love You to Death
posted by Dolley at 8:01 AM on November 18, 2015
This is Spinal Tap
I Love You to Death
posted by Dolley at 8:01 AM on November 18, 2015
This Lip Synch battle with Stephen Merchant, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Jimmy Fallon always works for me.
Nthing Hyperbole and a Half about dogs and moving, and The God Of Cake
Merry Christmas, from French and Saunders and Alison Moyet
posted by Mchelly at 8:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Nthing Hyperbole and a Half about dogs and moving, and The God Of Cake
Merry Christmas, from French and Saunders and Alison Moyet
posted by Mchelly at 8:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
This isn't a specific recommendation, but I have found that laughter begets laughter. Try watching some out takes of your favorite comedy shows. There is something hysterical about watching funny people trying not to laugh.
And seconding Carol Burnett and Whose Line is it Anyway. Those get me crying with laughter out loud, even if I am all by myself.
posted by Vaike at 8:22 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
And seconding Carol Burnett and Whose Line is it Anyway. Those get me crying with laughter out loud, even if I am all by myself.
posted by Vaike at 8:22 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really enjoyed the Melissa Mccarthy movie 'Spy' from earlier this year. I'm not a big James Bond/spy movie kind of guy, but I found it absolutely hilarious. Since it's in kind of in the vein of Airplane! you might like it too.
posted by crazy with stars at 8:22 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by crazy with stars at 8:22 AM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
The Parole de Chat youtube channel. Their greatest hit is Dansons la capucine, but most of their videos are hilarious.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:23 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 8:23 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think at some point a few years ago, there was a report that concluded that 30 Rock had the most jokes per minute. That's what I recommend.
posted by General Malaise at 8:43 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by General Malaise at 8:43 AM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Did you ever watch/like MadTV? Try clicking around skits on YouTube. MadTV is one of the few shows I consider "viscerally funny" although not all their skits are top-notch funny. Hype Jingleberries are one of my favorites. Spring Break skit
Or Blind Kung Fu Master: skit
Or this Deal or No Deal parody: skit
Reno 911 is another skit show but just about cops. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest checking it out. I assumed it was the stupidest show ever until I actually saw an episode and my sides were splitting, and almost every episode in the entire run did it for me.
I skimmed through the above suggestions and someone mentioned Frasier - I 100% agree on that suggestion. Top-notch show with a lot of great jokes, great delivery, and doesn't rely on shock/off-color jokes to make it funny.
Curb Your Enthusiasm - if you haven't seen this, it's like Seinfeld 2.0 - meaning even more absurd and side-splitting hilarity galore.
The Simpsons is an obvious one. There are a handful of great jokes in pretty much every episode, at least in the first dozen or so seasons I've seen, even when a particular episode is boring otherwise.
Australian comedian Chris Lilley has done a lot of great mockumentaries. I would start with Summer Heights High. Here's a best-of clip of one of his characters Mr. G. clip
And another clip of another character: Jonah Takalua
The sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun is also top-notch and full of laughs, much in part to John Lithgow's delivery.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - not for everyone, but check it out if you haven't already. If you like it, you'll find a lot of side-splitters in every episode. I've seen every episode multiple times and even their worst, most disappointing episode (which there are very few disappointers) still had my sides splitting at times. Lots of absurdity here.
posted by atinna at 9:22 AM on November 18, 2015
Or Blind Kung Fu Master: skit
Or this Deal or No Deal parody: skit
Reno 911 is another skit show but just about cops. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest checking it out. I assumed it was the stupidest show ever until I actually saw an episode and my sides were splitting, and almost every episode in the entire run did it for me.
I skimmed through the above suggestions and someone mentioned Frasier - I 100% agree on that suggestion. Top-notch show with a lot of great jokes, great delivery, and doesn't rely on shock/off-color jokes to make it funny.
Curb Your Enthusiasm - if you haven't seen this, it's like Seinfeld 2.0 - meaning even more absurd and side-splitting hilarity galore.
The Simpsons is an obvious one. There are a handful of great jokes in pretty much every episode, at least in the first dozen or so seasons I've seen, even when a particular episode is boring otherwise.
Australian comedian Chris Lilley has done a lot of great mockumentaries. I would start with Summer Heights High. Here's a best-of clip of one of his characters Mr. G. clip
And another clip of another character: Jonah Takalua
The sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun is also top-notch and full of laughs, much in part to John Lithgow's delivery.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - not for everyone, but check it out if you haven't already. If you like it, you'll find a lot of side-splitters in every episode. I've seen every episode multiple times and even their worst, most disappointing episode (which there are very few disappointers) still had my sides splitting at times. Lots of absurdity here.
posted by atinna at 9:22 AM on November 18, 2015
In all seriousness, The Golden Girls.
posted by zizzle at 9:29 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by zizzle at 9:29 AM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Have you read Kingsley Amis' Lucky Jim. 1st time I read it ... amused. 2nd time, laugh out loud. My Dad laughed out loud reading Richard Hooker's M.A.S.H., and the movie is quite good.
There's Something About Mary & the 40 Year Old Virgin both made me laugh, as well as all Monty Python movies. The Secret Policeman's Ball is enjoyable to watch, along with subsequent events.
posted by theora55 at 9:35 AM on November 18, 2015
There's Something About Mary & the 40 Year Old Virgin both made me laugh, as well as all Monty Python movies. The Secret Policeman's Ball is enjoyable to watch, along with subsequent events.
posted by theora55 at 9:35 AM on November 18, 2015
There's some great oldies that I don't think have been mentioned yet which are extremely funny. I'd suggest Car 54 Where Are You, any of the old Jack Benny radio shows, and the Bickersons radio shows. I find Garrison Keillor radio shows have a slow build up but a big laugh payoff, too, if you want to dig up some of the Lake Woebegone recordings.
posted by bearwife at 9:41 AM on November 18, 2015
posted by bearwife at 9:41 AM on November 18, 2015
Impractical Jokers
posted by Billiken at 10:08 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Billiken at 10:08 AM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Woody Allen's Take the Money and Run. It has about a zillion laugh lines, so even if you don't care for a few there are still nearly a zillion left. The first time I saw I cracked up so hard through the entire thing that I could hardly breathe.
Also second the original Bedazzled (not the stupid remake with Brendan Fraser). The trampoline scene near the end has me falling off the couch every single time and I've seen it probably a couple dozen times.
posted by holborne at 10:31 AM on November 18, 2015
Also second the original Bedazzled (not the stupid remake with Brendan Fraser). The trampoline scene near the end has me falling off the couch every single time and I've seen it probably a couple dozen times.
posted by holborne at 10:31 AM on November 18, 2015
Since you mentioned Monty Python, NBC is launching their new comedy streaming service "Seeso" on December 3rd. It's supposed to have video-on-demand of 30 Rock, The Office, Kids in the Hall, and Monty Python's Flying Circus, amongst other things. They've already announced a free one month trial when it launches, $3.99/month thereafter.
posted by bluecore at 10:46 AM on November 18, 2015
posted by bluecore at 10:46 AM on November 18, 2015
My go-to videos when I need to laugh IMMEDIATELY:
bad lip reading
musicless videos
shredding videos
posted by mefireader at 11:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
bad lip reading
musicless videos
shredding videos
posted by mefireader at 11:13 AM on November 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
Bringing up Baby
Zoolander
The BBC 's weekly TV show "Have I got news for you" if you can access it
posted by bluedora at 11:29 AM on November 18, 2015
Zoolander
The BBC 's weekly TV show "Have I got news for you" if you can access it
posted by bluedora at 11:29 AM on November 18, 2015
The Man with Two Brains is one of the funniest movies ever. Other Steve Martin movies that are a bit less funny (but still pretty good) are The Three Amigos, The Lonely Guy and The Jerk.
posted by leibniz at 12:09 PM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by leibniz at 12:09 PM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
This John Mulaney bit about the best meal he's ever had makes me laugh every time.
posted by giraffe at 12:14 PM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by giraffe at 12:14 PM on November 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
If you are of a generation where you grew up with the particular type of dopey, formulaic teen movie that the 80s produced in superabundance, I recommend "Better Off Dead" as a dose of nostalgia which embraces, revels in, and then transcends the restrictions of the formulaic cheeze it mimics.
And if nothing else you'll be able to crack each other up for a while by interjecting "I want my two dollars!" at unexpected intervals.
posted by Nerd of the North at 12:25 PM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
And if nothing else you'll be able to crack each other up for a while by interjecting "I want my two dollars!" at unexpected intervals.
posted by Nerd of the North at 12:25 PM on November 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Short, but Everyone's Upstairs Neighbors cracked me up. Netflix has a ton of standup comedy specials.
posted by cnc at 3:24 PM on November 18, 2015
posted by cnc at 3:24 PM on November 18, 2015
I am consistently surprised to find myself laughing out loud at Youtube videos. I don't laugh at much, normally, but watching long reels of News Bloopers or Worst Fails of 2011 or Greatest Freakouts Ever can bring some serious joy.
I can stream Youtube on my TV through Fire TV or a game console. Perhaps you can too.
posted by tacodave at 4:04 PM on November 18, 2015
I can stream Youtube on my TV through Fire TV or a game console. Perhaps you can too.
posted by tacodave at 4:04 PM on November 18, 2015
Response by poster: Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to share laughs with us. We're making a list, and starting to dip into things, and already hilarity ensues. (Mr.K not so much, but football bad lip reading had me gasping I was laughing so much.) And all the things I had forgotten about: Bringing Up Baby! What's Up, Doc! Absolutely Fabulous! Jack Benny on the radio!
I'll be checking back frequently, just in case someone thinks of one more great laugh. Seriously, folks, just having so many people saying "Take at look at this one" has made both of us feel better, even before we started laughing.
posted by kestralwing at 5:12 PM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
I'll be checking back frequently, just in case someone thinks of one more great laugh. Seriously, folks, just having so many people saying "Take at look at this one" has made both of us feel better, even before we started laughing.
posted by kestralwing at 5:12 PM on November 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
duffell's link reminded me - this piece made me laugh till I cried.
posted by Mchelly at 9:04 PM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 9:04 PM on November 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
If you can tolerate some grossness, I swear to god Jackass 2 is the hardest you will ever laugh. Very, very lewd, but holy Moses.
posted by Charity Garfein at 9:06 PM on November 18, 2015
posted by Charity Garfein at 9:06 PM on November 18, 2015
This John Mulaney bit about the best meal he's ever had makes me laugh every time.
In that vein, John Mulaney has a new stand-up special out on Netflix this week called "The Comeback Kid." I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but it's supposed to be very funny.
posted by bluecore at 4:45 AM on November 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
In that vein, John Mulaney has a new stand-up special out on Netflix this week called "The Comeback Kid." I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but it's supposed to be very funny.
posted by bluecore at 4:45 AM on November 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
Greenish, those Chin Review things were indeed hilarious. That fiance may be a keeper.
posted by Ursula Hitler at 5:16 AM on November 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 5:16 AM on November 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
My go-to for belly laughs is The Carol Burnett Show, specifically for the interactions between Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. The dentist sketch in particular made me laugh myself right into a migraine.
posted by altopower
I just clicked that. I'm crying laughing. Brilliant.
posted by azpenguin at 6:50 AM on November 19, 2015
posted by altopower
I just clicked that. I'm crying laughing. Brilliant.
posted by azpenguin at 6:50 AM on November 19, 2015
In that vein, John Mulaney has a new stand-up special out on Netflix this week called "The Comeback Kid." I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but it's supposed to be very funny.
It is very funny. I saw it live earlier this year and of course watched the special and it was just as funny.
posted by Green With You at 10:28 AM on November 19, 2015
It is very funny. I saw it live earlier this year and of course watched the special and it was just as funny.
posted by Green With You at 10:28 AM on November 19, 2015
We had to put my dog down two days ago and when I'm not crying I want Broad City, MST3K, The League, Always Sunny, or The Inbetweeners (original British version). But I love sarcasm and grossly inappropriate humor (as long as it's also witty ). Good luck.
posted by wannabecounselor at 2:55 AM on November 21, 2015
posted by wannabecounselor at 2:55 AM on November 21, 2015
MST3K is great, but for more bite-sized hilarity without the commitment of a full episode, see the various shorts.
A Date With Your Family
Mr. B Natural
Here Comes The Circus
Hired!
Johnny At The Fair
What To Do On A Date
posted by dephlogisticated at 9:36 AM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
A Date With Your Family
Mr. B Natural
Here Comes The Circus
Hired!
Johnny At The Fair
What To Do On A Date
posted by dephlogisticated at 9:36 AM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
The movie Black Cat, White Cat. Here's the trailer.
posted by dhruva at 10:10 AM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by dhruva at 10:10 AM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
I don't know how you feel about graphic novels or raunch, but Fraction and Zdarsky's Sex Criminals makes me laugh hard, like cry-laughing, and I'm not usually a person who even chuckles when I read something funny. The elevator pitch is "two people who can stop time when they orgasm, so they rob banks," but that makes it sound like a farce, and it's actually funny on a bunch of levels -- like, farce, yeah, but also really character-centered stuff, and metahumor, and unexpected reversals, and the weird grit and embarrassments of people's sexual histories, but in a knowing, kind of boisterous way that avoids humiliation humor or anything like that. I recommend the hell out of it.
posted by thesmallmachine at 11:24 AM on November 21, 2015
posted by thesmallmachine at 11:24 AM on November 21, 2015
Can't believe this thread has gone this far with no one else mentioning it, but SCTV did a lot of funny stuff.
As ryanshepard said, if the Marx Brothers are a bit too deliberate for your tastes, the fake-ultra-violent antics of the Three Stooges may hit the spot.
N-thing the recommendations for Looney Tunes and Mel Brooks, especially Blazing Saddles and The Producers. The scene in the latter in which Gene Wilder's character has a complete meltdown once made me laugh so hard that I cried.
Also, for whatever reason, the Edward G. Robinson part of this still cracks me up after 30 years. "Where's your Moses....nnnoooooooowwww?"
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 1:18 PM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
As ryanshepard said, if the Marx Brothers are a bit too deliberate for your tastes, the fake-ultra-violent antics of the Three Stooges may hit the spot.
N-thing the recommendations for Looney Tunes and Mel Brooks, especially Blazing Saddles and The Producers. The scene in the latter in which Gene Wilder's character has a complete meltdown once made me laugh so hard that I cried.
Also, for whatever reason, the Edward G. Robinson part of this still cracks me up after 30 years. "Where's your Moses....nnnoooooooowwww?"
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 1:18 PM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
The British film "Death at a Funeral." (Never saw the remake--that one may well be funny too.)
posted by whistle pig at 4:19 PM on November 21, 2015
posted by whistle pig at 4:19 PM on November 21, 2015
Larva on youtube. There are many many of them, with not a word...
posted by hexatron at 5:34 PM on November 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by hexatron at 5:34 PM on November 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
The funniest book I've read recently was the novel Where'd You Go, Bernadette. My family came to check on whether I was ok, I laughed so hard.
posted by Tesseractive at 6:59 PM on November 21, 2015
posted by Tesseractive at 6:59 PM on November 21, 2015
Absolutely anything with Rik Mayall and Ade Edmundson. Start with Bottom, since that's pretty much their purest distillation cranked to ten. (I'm slightly worried it won't quite click if you're not familiar with their earlier work, but if it does, you'll end up watching all that anyway, and the later stuff.)
posted by Sys Rq at 10:03 PM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Sys Rq at 10:03 PM on November 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm surprised Dave Barry hasn't been mentioned yet. He is almost always laugh-out-loud funny.
I was reading Laurie Notaro's It Looked Different On The Model on a recent flight, but had to stop because I was laughing so hard I was practically screaming. (Not a good idea on a crowded flight. ; ) )
Damn You Autocorrect! never fails to crack me up.
posted by SisterHavana at 12:01 PM on November 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
I was reading Laurie Notaro's It Looked Different On The Model on a recent flight, but had to stop because I was laughing so hard I was practically screaming. (Not a good idea on a crowded flight. ; ) )
Damn You Autocorrect! never fails to crack me up.
posted by SisterHavana at 12:01 PM on November 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
TV:
- Black Books
- Peep Show
- People Like Us
- Futurama
Books:
- Any Douglas Adams
- Scoop by Evelyn Waugh
- Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
- The Best of Myles by Flann O'Brien
With the exception of Peep Show, which can be extremely cringey and cruel (and very adult), all of these are genuine gut-busters with, to my mind, universal appeal for just about any age and situation.
posted by turbid dahlia at 5:44 PM on November 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
- Black Books
- Peep Show
- People Like Us
- Futurama
Books:
- Any Douglas Adams
- Scoop by Evelyn Waugh
- Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
- The Best of Myles by Flann O'Brien
With the exception of Peep Show, which can be extremely cringey and cruel (and very adult), all of these are genuine gut-busters with, to my mind, universal appeal for just about any age and situation.
posted by turbid dahlia at 5:44 PM on November 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
Great thread! Many old & new faves have already been given, but I'll add
- D-Generation's Thunderbirds parody (which was ripped off Pete & Dud, I think)
- The Borat & Bruno movies
- The Austin Powers movies
- Howard Jacobson's novel Coming From Behind
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (the book), and Catch-22 (ditto)
- High Anxiety, an under-appreciated Mel Brooks gem
posted by oluckyman at 7:05 PM on November 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
- D-Generation's Thunderbirds parody (which was ripped off Pete & Dud, I think)
- The Borat & Bruno movies
- The Austin Powers movies
- Howard Jacobson's novel Coming From Behind
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (the book), and Catch-22 (ditto)
- High Anxiety, an under-appreciated Mel Brooks gem
posted by oluckyman at 7:05 PM on November 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
The original Ricky Gervais podcasts from XFM with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:24 AM on November 23, 2015
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:24 AM on November 23, 2015
Very few TV shows have made me laugh like Nathan For You.
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 7:44 PM on November 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 7:44 PM on November 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
Pre-taped call-in show gets me every time.
posted by mmoncur at 12:31 AM on November 24, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by mmoncur at 12:31 AM on November 24, 2015 [4 favorites]
Better Off Ted! Both seasons are on Netflix and DVD.
"Dear Mountain Room Parents" - a very short story by Maria Semple of Where'd You Go, Bernadette
posted by Flannery Culp at 5:07 AM on November 24, 2015
"Dear Mountain Room Parents" - a very short story by Maria Semple of Where'd You Go, Bernadette
posted by Flannery Culp at 5:07 AM on November 24, 2015
Who knows what the full-length movie holds in store, but the trailer for The Secret Life of Pets had me in tears of laughter by the end.
posted by stampsgal at 10:58 AM on November 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by stampsgal at 10:58 AM on November 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
Yeah, recommend this... but don't read it on public transport as it might cause embarrassment
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 3:21 PM on November 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, recommend this... but don't read it on public transport as it might cause embarrassment
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 3:21 PM on November 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
Robin Hood: Men in Tights
posted by pintapicasso at 6:45 PM on November 26, 2015
posted by pintapicasso at 6:45 PM on November 26, 2015
Have you seen the original Ali G show (not the movie)?
posted by surenoproblem at 12:17 AM on November 27, 2015
posted by surenoproblem at 12:17 AM on November 27, 2015
In the quick Youtube clip category:
If you like pets, there's Dogs Scared of Walking Past Cats.
And the classic, baby freaked out by mom's nasal issues.
Also, in honor of the season, let's revisit SNL's music vid, Twin Bed.
posted by NorthernLite at 5:27 PM on November 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you like pets, there's Dogs Scared of Walking Past Cats.
And the classic, baby freaked out by mom's nasal issues.
Also, in honor of the season, let's revisit SNL's music vid, Twin Bed.
posted by NorthernLite at 5:27 PM on November 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
See no Evil, Hear no Evil with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. One is blind. One is deaf. Hilarity ensues. I don't mean this sarcastically. It is very stupidly funny. It's obvious where the humour will come from but as a random surprise when I switched on the TV one day it did the trick. I was laughing like an idiot. Please watch it.
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 10:53 AM on November 29, 2015
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 10:53 AM on November 29, 2015
Now that there's no more Jon Stewart I am primarily getting my weekly news fix from NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me.
posted by allkindsoftime at 11:28 AM on December 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by allkindsoftime at 11:28 AM on December 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
I was just reminded of video game glitch videos, the pinnacle of which may be from Skate 3. Skate 3 part 2.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:26 PM on December 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 11:26 PM on December 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
The thing about laughter yoga is that it isolates laughter as an exercise of sorts, and doesn't require the presence of humor.
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:11 PM on December 5, 2015
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:11 PM on December 5, 2015
Along the lines of Lyn Never's suggestion, I add poonikins the magic warrior princess and poonikins the magic warrior driver, which have very misleading titles, considering that they are Grand Theft Auto IV hack videos involving a horse. They are, however, great.
Here's one and then another GTA IV mod, this time one that changed the air friction constant to a negative number. It is as hilariously an apocalyptic vision as possible.
posted by JHarris at 9:36 PM on December 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Here's one and then another GTA IV mod, this time one that changed the air friction constant to a negative number. It is as hilariously an apocalyptic vision as possible.
posted by JHarris at 9:36 PM on December 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh, you will likely never see this, but here's my list of funniest books:
Hands down, #1 is “Three Men in a Boat” by Jerome K. Jerome. An underappreciated gem, and a true classic.
The Blood of the Lamb by Peter DeVries. DeVries was a humorist, yes, but this one of his books rises above the rest of his output because it was so influenced by his life. It’s the story of a father losing his daughter to leukemia, and it confronts death on both a profoundly real level and an often insanely funny one. Another criminally overlooked masterpiece.
As is #3, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. Sure, you know “A Christmas Story,” but that’s just scratching the suface.
Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen. The movie was okay, but it sucked the soul and spirit out of the story. As an aside, “Ross and Tom,” a book about Heggen and the guy who wrote “Raintree County” is a fantastic autobiography dealing with the troubles of writing and the dangers after initial success. Very depressing and highly recommended.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend. Makes surly Brit adolescence absolutely charming.
Tristam Shandy by Lawrence Sterne. Much-ignored, and that’s a shame. This is a book like no other, and it’s brilliant. And low, too, like the 2- or 3-page setup just to make a masturbation joke.
Huck Finn. Do I even need to explain why?
The Good Soldier Schviek by Jaroslav Hasek.
posted by old_growler at 10:32 PM on December 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Hands down, #1 is “Three Men in a Boat” by Jerome K. Jerome. An underappreciated gem, and a true classic.
The Blood of the Lamb by Peter DeVries. DeVries was a humorist, yes, but this one of his books rises above the rest of his output because it was so influenced by his life. It’s the story of a father losing his daughter to leukemia, and it confronts death on both a profoundly real level and an often insanely funny one. Another criminally overlooked masterpiece.
As is #3, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. Sure, you know “A Christmas Story,” but that’s just scratching the suface.
Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen. The movie was okay, but it sucked the soul and spirit out of the story. As an aside, “Ross and Tom,” a book about Heggen and the guy who wrote “Raintree County” is a fantastic autobiography dealing with the troubles of writing and the dangers after initial success. Very depressing and highly recommended.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend. Makes surly Brit adolescence absolutely charming.
Tristam Shandy by Lawrence Sterne. Much-ignored, and that’s a shame. This is a book like no other, and it’s brilliant. And low, too, like the 2- or 3-page setup just to make a masturbation joke.
Huck Finn. Do I even need to explain why?
The Good Soldier Schviek by Jaroslav Hasek.
posted by old_growler at 10:32 PM on December 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
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posted by picklenickle at 11:13 PM on November 17, 2015 [14 favorites]