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It sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true: some of the smartest comedies ever produced star the dumbest characters reveling in their stupidity. The best smart comedies about dumb people see these bumbling fictional figures getting into jams, with hilarious results. This is a list of the top funny dumb movies including everything from Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy to Airplane! to Wet Hot American Summer.
What comedy favorites will you find on this list of the smartest movies about dumb people? True to its name, Dumb and Dumber appears here. Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne find themselves on the run from murderous kidnappers after making a string of stupid mistakes in this 1994 film. The Farrelly Brothers wrote and directed the project, which grossed over $200 million at the box office. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is another intelligent movie about dumb people. Mike Judge's 2006 movie Idiocracy only gets more relevant as the years go by. Other good films featured here include Best in Show, The Jerk, and They Came Together.
Do you have a favorite movie about dumb people? Take a look at this list and give your favorites a thumbs up to make sure they end up in the top spot. And if you like these movies, check out our list of good movies about smart people.
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- 1
A legendary comedy from the infamous Monty Python troupe, this film follows an irreverent and wildly absurd quest for the titular relic. Allusions to Arthurian legend mix with ridiculous situations and dialogue, resulting in a satire that's as hilarious as it is clever. The humor transcends its medieval setting, remaining relevant and witty even decades after its release.
- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
- 2
This film stars Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin, a bumbling police detective who unwittingly solves crimes through a series of humorous mishaps and misunderstandings. Aided by deadpan delivery and razor-sharp wit, it hilariously satirizes police procedural dramas while pushing the boundaries of slapstick comedy. Through its blend of absurdity and keen observational humor, it remains a standout feature in the realm of cop spoofs.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: David Zucker
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- 3
A parody of disaster movies, this film features a hapless former pilot who must overcome his fear of flying to safely land a malfunctioning plane. Chock-full of visual gags, puns, and slapstick comedy, it thrives on a relentless pace that keeps viewers constantly laughing. By mocking well-worn clichés and tropes, this movie has become a beloved classic in the spoof genre.
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
- 4
This slacker comedy follows two high school friends as they travel through time to assemble historical figures for their history presentation. Juxtaposing the duo's dim-witted antics with the gravitas of iconic historical figures, the film revels in the absurdity of its premise. Beyond the laughs, it also explores the nature of friendship and the importance of believing in oneself.
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Stephen Herek
- 5
A group of egotistical actors find themselves in a real-life war zone when they accidentally venture off the set of their big-budget Vietnam War movie. Through its biting satire on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, this dark comedy expertly skewers celebrity culture and war film conventions. Featuring an ensemble cast that fully commits to the outrageousness, this movie is a laugh-out-loud send-up of filmmaking at its most absurd.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Ben Stiller
- 6
Directed by Carl Reiner and starring Steve Martin in his first leading role, this film tells the story of a clueless idiot who discovers that he is not, in fact, African American. With its combination of slapstick humor, quotable lines, and pitch-perfect physical comedy, this movie showcases Martin's unique brand of comedic genius. Its absurdity and hilarity remain timeless, making it a must-watch for fans of both Martin and classic comedy.
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Carl Reiner
- 7
In this sequel, Leslie Nielsen returns as the bumbling Frank Drebin, who must foil a terrorist plot involving renewable energy sources. Maintaining the hilarious combination of slapstick and wit of its predecessor, it continues to poke fun at police dramas in the most absurd ways possible. As a clear example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," this movie offers more of the same laughs that made the first film a hit.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: David Zucker
- 8
A spoof of Top Gun and other military action films, this movie follows the adventures of a skilled but emotionally unstable fighter pilot. With its rapid-fire gags, visual puns, and memorable one-liners, it remains a prime example of the parody genre. The unapologetically silly humor makes it an enduring favorite among fans of offbeat comedy.
- 9
In this satirical sci-fi comedy, an average man wakes up 500 years in the future to find that humanity has grown monumentally stupid. With its razor-sharp critique of consumer culture, societal decline, and political buffoonery, this film delivers an equal mix of hilarity and social commentary. Despite its exaggerated premise, it maintains a disconcerting level of relevance in today's increasingly vapid landscape.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Mike Judge
- 10
This iconic buddy comedy features Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dim-witted friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to return a briefcase full of money. Known for its outrageous slapstick humor and memorable one-liners, this movie has stood the test of time as a quintessential dumb comedy. Its enduring popularity lies in the genuine chemistry between the leads and the endearing goofiness of its protagonists.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Peter Farrelly, Robert Farrelly
- 11
A modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, this film follows a wealthy and somewhat superficial high school girl as she navigates love, friendship, and teenage drama. While poking fun at the excesses of 90s youth culture, it cleverly showcases the protagonist's intelligence and growth beneath her ditzy exterior. With its sharp wit, timeless appeal, and fashion-forward style, it remains a beloved teen comedy classic.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Amy Heckerling
- 12
This mockumentary follows several eccentric contestants and their beloved pooches as they compete in a prestigious dog show. The offbeat humor, improvised dialogue, and talented ensemble cast create a perfect showcase for director Christopher Guest's comedic sensibilities. By highlighting the absurdity and passion of its characters, it offers a poignant and hilarious look at the world of competitive dog shows.
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Christopher Guest
- 13
This stoner buddy comedy follows two friends on a quest for late-night fast food, leading them through a series of outrageous misadventures. Combining crude humor with genuine heart, it expertly balances its raunchy moments with moments of sincere friendship. As a testament to its hilarity and enduring appeal, the film spawned two successful sequels and helped launch the careers of stars John Cho and Kal Penn.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Danny Leiner
- 14
Written by Tina Fey, this sharp-witted comedy explores the pitfalls of high school cliques and social politics through the eyes of a naive newcomer. With its biting dialogue, memorable quotes, and standout performances, it has become a cultural touchstone and modern classic. Behind the laughs, it offers an insightful examination of the challenges and pressures faced by teenage girls.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Mark Waters
- 15
Picking up where the first film left off, this sequel finds the dim-witted duo facing an evil robot version of themselves in a battle for the future of humanity. Venturing into darker territory with its satirical depiction of Heaven, Hell, and the afterlife, it maintains the series' signature humor and heart. Although often overshadowed by its predecessor, this film delivers plenty of laughs and remains a worthy follow-up.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Peter Hewitt
- 16
From the creators of South Park, this satirical action-comedy features marionette puppets as an elite anti-terrorism task force. With its biting humor, over-the-top violence, and raunchy musical numbers, it lampoons both action movies and political commentary. Though controversial upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following for its irreverent take on global politics.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
- 17
This cult comedy follows two inseparable friends who, feeling inadequate about their lives, concoct elaborate lies for their upcoming high school reunion. A quirky and heartfelt exploration of female friendship, the film hilariously skewers the insecurities and absurdities of growing older. With its memorable one-liners and clever humor, it has become a beloved favorite among fans of 90s cinema.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: David Mirkin
- 18
Based on the popular MTV animated series, this feature-length odyssey finds the titular duo traversing the United States in search of their stolen television. Crude, unapologetic, and relentlessly funny, it delivers the same brand of humor that made the series a cult favorite. Its spot-on satire and absurdity demonstrate the enduring appeal of Mike Judge's unique comedic vision.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Mike Judge, Yvette Kaplan
- 19
In this farcical comedy, two sets of identical twins are mixed up at birth, with each pair growing up unaware of the other's existence. When their paths cross years later, the stage is set for a series of comical misunderstandings and mistaken identities. The film's humor derives from the brilliant performances of Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, who expertly play both sets of twins to great comedic effect.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Jim Abrahams
- 20
Set on the last day of summer camp in 1981, this absurdist comedy boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including several now-famous actors. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and bizarre situations, it offers a loving and hilarious send-up of classic teen summer movies. Though initially a box-office flop, the film has since developed a strong cult following and spawned both a prequel and sequel series on Netflix.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: David Wain
- 21
Another Christopher Guest mockumentary, this film follows a small-town theater group as they put on a musical production in hopes of impressing a visiting Broadway critic. With its improvised dialogue, eccentric characters, and biting wit, it spotlights the delusions and dreams of amateur performers. Like Guest's other works, it expertly mines humor from the exaggerated realities of its subjects.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Christopher Guest
- 22
Directed by Frank Oz and starring Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy, this Hollywood satire follows a desperate filmmaker who secretly films a famous actor to create a low-budget movie. With its clever script and witty performances, the film expertly skewers the movie industry and the lengths to which people will go for fame. As a hilarious and insightful commentary on the nature of success, it remains a fan favorite.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Frank Oz
- 23
Directed by the Farrelly brothers, this outrageous comedy features Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear as conjoined twins who find success, love, and strife in Hollywood. Relying on a mix of slapstick humor and heartfelt emotion, the film explores the notion of individuality and the strength of familial bonds. Its unique premise and strong performances make it a memorable entry in the realm of quirky comedies.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Peter Farrelly, Robert Farrelly
- 24
A spoof of erotic thrillers, this film follows a hapless cop turned lawyer who finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and clever plot twists, it pokes fun at the often-ridiculous conventions of the genre. As an entertaining and intelligent satire, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of parody.
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Carl Reiner
- 25
A clever parody of romantic comedies, this film stars Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler as a seemingly mismatched couple who find love in the most cliché-ridden ways. Through its knowing nods and exaggerated tropes, the movie gleefully deconstructs the genre while simultaneously embracing its absurdity. With its sharp writing and committed performances, it offers a fresh and funny take on familiar romantic plots.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: David Wain
- 26
This dark comedy follows two friends desperately trying to cover up their involvement in the titular character's bizarre death. Combining elements of crime drama with a healthy dose of twisted humor, the film offers an unconventional take on the guilt and desperation that follow tragedy. With a slow-burning plot that keeps audiences guessing, it serves as a sharply observed commentary on small-town life and friendship.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Daniel Scheinert
- 27A disposable employee is sent on a human expedition to colonize the ice world Niflheim. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact.
- Released: 2025
- Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
- 28With the Simi High 10 year reunion around the corner, Xander and his squad embark on a journey to become the sickest versions of themselves in time to flex on all of their old classmates.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Jimmy Tatro
