The Top 10 Hilarious Films of the 1960s, Ranked

The funniest movies of the 1960s, ranked.

10 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961)

Breakfast at Tiffany's served as the foundation for the evolution of the romantic comedy genre. The storyline revolves around the blossoming romance between Holly Golightly, a privileged young woman portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, and Paul Varjak, a diligent writer played by George Peppard. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Paul and Holly discover a mutual attraction.

The profound influence of Breakfast at Tiffany's can be observed in the subsequent films it inspired, making it appear somewhat outdated in comparison. Although the movie retains its enchanting qualities, it must be acknowledged that there are certain portrayals of ethnic minorities that are now considered offensive.

9 'Charade' (1963)

Charade is often considered as one of the best "Alfred Hitchcock movies" that Hitchcock never actually directed. Released in 1963, this action-adventure comedy has a strong resemblance to films like To Catch A Thief or North by Northwest, almost feeling like a parody. The story revolves around Regina Lampert (played by Audrey Hepburn) and Peter Joshua (played by Cary Grant), two strangers whose chance romantic encounter takes a backseat when they find themselves entangled in an international espionage conspiracy.

One of the highlights of Charade is its clever play on the espionage genre, portraying the absurdity that would arise if amateur spies were cast in leading roles. Director Stanley Donan successfully captures the essence of Hitchcock's suspenseful scenes, further solidifying his reputation as the "Master of Suspense".

8 'The Producers’ (1967)

Mel Brooks, the master of comedic parodies, showcases his unique style in The Producers. While his other films, such as Spaceballs, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, Robin Hood: Men In Tights, and Young Frankenstein, focus on specific titles, The Producers delves into a comprehensive examination of Hollywood cynicism.

This iconic film served as the inspiration for a hit Broadway musical of the same name. The musical was later adapted into a theatrical film in 2005, earning Brooks his sole Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

7 'Tom Jones' (1963)

Tom Jones, the Academy Award-winning Best Picture, is a hilarious movie featuring the late great Albert Finney as the comical young bachelor in search of love in London before his wealth is taken. The fact that Tom Jones won the Oscar, considering the historical snubs of comedy films, is somewhat unexpected. With its light-hearted tone, the film may even appeal to those who aren't typically fans of period dramas, making it a great introduction to the genre.

6 'Daisies' (1966)

Daisies is a charming and chaotic comedy that explores the mischievous power of youth. It centers around two vibrant young women, Jitka Cerhová and Ivana Karbanová, as they unleash a series of increasingly daring pranks on high society.

While Daisies can be interpreted as a witty critique of authoritarianism and outdated gender expectations, its profound significance doesn't detract from its humor. In fact, this film's unexpected inclusion in the prestigious Sight & Sound list of the top 100 films ever made, ranking at #28, only adds to its allure.

5 'The Russians Are Coming, The Russians are Coming' (1966)

Alan Arkin was a remarkably talented comedian who left a remarkable mark with his memorable characters. One of his most humorous performances can be seen in the 1966 comedy film, "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," where he brilliantly portrays the role of Yuri Rozanov, a naval commander from the Soviet Union.

Once Yuri's crew arrives in New England, circumstances compel him to take shelter with Walt Whittaker, a warm-hearted playwright portrayed by Carl Reiner. Despite their apparent differences, "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming" cleverly portrays the unexpected similarities between these two individuals, resulting in laughter throughout the film.

4 'The Graduate' (1967)

The Graduate, directed by Mike Nichols, is a groundbreaking romantic comedy that remains as pertinent today as it did in 1967. This film delves into the themes of gender, class, and age, while following the romantic tale of Benjamin Braddock, a young bachelor played by Dustin Hoffman. Benjamin becomes entangled in a love triangle with the older woman, Mrs. Robinson, portrayed by Anne Bancroft, and her daughter Elaine, played by Katherine Ross. Benjamin's relatable character resonated with many young viewers who were struggling to find their way after college. This relatability adds a touch of humor and cringe-inducing moments as we witness Benjamin's increasingly awkward situations.

3 'The Apartment' (1960)

Billy Wilder, the brilliant writer and director, possessed a unique skill for astutely commenting on the subtle details of societal systems. In the film The Apartment, we follow the story of Bud Baxter (played by Jack Lemmon), a solitary office worker who cunningly tries to curry favor with his superiors by allowing them to use his apartment for illicit activities.

While this satirical approach effectively mocks the notion of success in a corporate setting, the film takes on a more poignant tone when Bud unexpectedly falls in love with Fran Kubelik (played by Shirley Maclaine), the operator of the elevator. The undeniable chemistry between Lemmon and Maclaine adds an element of heartfelt emotion to an otherwise absurd narrative.

2 'A Hard Day's Night' (1964)

Watching The Beatles at the peak of their talent is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Despite the numerous documentaries and biopics about the "Fab Four," it was their appearance as the main characters in the uproarious 1964 comedy A Hard Day's Night, directed by Richard Lester, that truly stood out.

A Hard Day's Life presents a seemingly ordinary day in the lives of these music icons, constantly hounded by adoring fans in between performances. The opportunity to hear the band perform their greatest hits makes A Hard Day's Night an absolute must-watch for any devoted fan of The Beatles.

1 'Dr. Strangelove: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' (1964)

Is it possible for a comedy to evoke both humor and terror simultaneously? Dr. Strangelove: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb unequivocally demonstrates that it is. Stanley Kubrick's remarkable 1964 film delves into the tumultuous decisions made by global leaders as the threat of a nuclear war intensifies.

Peter Sellars delivers a truly exceptional comedic performance, portraying three distinct characters in the film. Dr. Strangelove possesses a peculiar sense of humor, unique to only a handful of comedies that are able to provoke laughter amidst the impending doom of civilization.