The 1960s was a golden decade for comedy films. As social norms shifted and Hollywood explored bolder ideas, humor evolved rapidly. These movies showcased clever scripts, iconic stars, and a mix of satire, slapstick, and situational comedy.
Classic movie genres blended freely—romance, crime, and spy thrillers often appeared within comedic plots. From screwball antics to sharp satire, 1960s comedies defined an era. These films continue to influence the film industry today.
1. Some Like It Hot (1959 – Popular into the 60s)
Though released in 1959, its influence dominated the early 1960s. Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, it follows two musicians disguising themselves as women to escape gangsters.
The film is a prime example of cross-dressing comedy and absurd identity swaps. Its impact can still be seen in modern comedy movie plots.
2. The Apartment (1960)
Also directed by Billy Wilder, this romantic comedy blends humor with bittersweet drama. Jack Lemmon plays a man who lends out his apartment to philandering executives in exchange for promotions.
It balances morality, love, and satire with a clever and human script. Shirley MacLaine’s performance earned her critical acclaim and a place in comedy history.
3. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
This epic ensemble comedy directed by Stanley Kramer features a star-studded cast racing across California to find buried treasure.
The film is known for its outrageous stunts and farcical action. It’s one of the grandest slapstick comedies ever filmed and a milestone in ensemble comedy.
4. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Stanley Kubrick’s black comedy satirizes Cold War fears and military absurdity. Peter Sellers plays multiple roles in this razor-sharp political farce.
Its biting humor and social commentary showcase how comedy could challenge serious issues. It remains a relevant satire and critical favorite.
5. A Shot in the Dark (1964)
This sequel to “The Pink Panther” features Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. His missteps and odd investigations create pure comedic gold.
Blake Edwards’ direction and Sellers’ physical comedy make it one of the funniest detective comedies of the era.
6. The Pink Panther (1963)
The introduction of Inspector Clouseau became iconic. David Niven and Peter Sellers shine in this stylish crime-comedy about a jewel thief and a clueless detective.
Its jazzy theme and clever misunderstandings helped redefine the detective genre as ripe for parody.
7. The Nutty Professor (1963)
Jerry Lewis stars as a nerdy professor who invents a potion to become his confident alter ego. This Jekyll-and-Hyde parody mixes science with slapstick.
The film is a cornerstone of physical comedy and shows Lewis at his creative peak as both actor and director.
8. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Though more often seen as a romantic drama, Audrey Hepburn’s quirky portrayal of Holly Golightly brought humor and charm. The dialogue is witty and whimsical.
Its legacy lives on through fashion, film, and comedy movie reviews.
9. What’s New Pussycat? (1965)
Written by Woody Allen, this madcap comedy explores love, lust, and confusion in Paris. It’s colorful, stylish, and full of miscommunication.
Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole headline a chaotic ensemble that pokes fun at modern relationships.
10. The World of Henry Orient (1964)
A hidden gem, this film follows two teenage girls obsessed with a concert pianist. It explores youth, fantasy, and comedic obsession.
The film strikes a balance between innocent fun and sharp social commentary.
11. Bedazzled (1967)
Peter Cook and Dudley Moore star in this comedic retelling of the Faust legend. Moore sells his soul to the devil for love—with hilarious consequences.
The British wit and surreal gags made this a cult favorite that influenced later fantasy comedies.
12. The Graduate (1967)
A milestone in comedy-drama, this film stars Dustin Hoffman as a confused young man seduced by an older woman. Its satirical tone broke new ground.
The soundtrack, visuals, and characters remain iconic in modern cinema.
13. Cat Ballou (1965)
Jane Fonda leads this western-comedy hybrid. She plays a schoolteacher turned outlaw seeking revenge.
Lee Marvin won an Oscar for his dual comic role, and the film successfully parodies Western tropes.
14. The Party (1968)
Peter Sellers plays an accident-prone Indian actor who mistakenly receives an invite to a lavish Hollywood party.
Its near-silent gags and improvisational humor make it a unique entry in comedy history.
15. The Odd Couple (1968)
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau portray mismatched roommates—a neat freak and a slob. Their constant bickering is endlessly entertaining.
Based on Neil Simon’s play, it defined the “buddy comedy” subgenre.
16. How to Steal a Million (1966)
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole team up in this lighthearted heist comedy. Their charm and chemistry shine as they plot to steal a forged statue.
It’s stylish, romantic, and full of smart laughs.
17. Help! (1965)
The Beatles star in this surreal adventure packed with music and slapstick. It’s colorful, chaotic, and full of British humor.
Fans of musical comedies will find it a delightful time capsule.
18. Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
This musical comedy satirizes teenage pop culture and media frenzy as a rock star visits a small town. Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke headline.
It’s playful, exaggerated, and highly entertaining.
19. Viva Las Vegas (1964)
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret bring charm and energy to this romantic comedy. The musical numbers and Vegas setting create non-stop entertainment.
It’s a fun ride through 1960s celebrity culture.
20. That Touch of Mink (1962)
Cary Grant and Doris Day star in this romantic farce about love, social expectations, and misunderstandings.
Their chemistry and comic timing make it a standout in 60s romance-comedies.
21. The Thrill of It All (1963)
Starring Doris Day and James Garner, this romantic comedy explores a housewife who becomes a television star, disrupting her family’s life. It’s filled with witty lines and playful domestic satire.
The film humorously examines gender roles and the clash between traditional values and modern fame in the 1960s.
22. Bachelor in Paradise (1961)
Bob Hope plays a famous author who moves to a suburban neighborhood for inspiration and ends up charming the housewives while learning about domestic life.
The film cleverly mocks suburban culture and provides commentary on the roles of men and women in post-war America.
23. Move Over, Darling (1963)
Doris Day and James Garner star in this screwball comedy where a presumed-dead wife returns to find her husband remarried.
Its comedic premise, mixed with romantic confusion, revives the spirit of 1940s comedies with a 60s sensibility.
24. The Great Race (1965)
Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood headline this globe-trotting slapstick adventure. It parodies early 20th-century automobile races.
With over-the-top stunts and cartoonish villains, it’s a visually spectacular and laugh-filled film for all ages.
25. How to Murder Your Wife (1965)
Jack Lemmon plays a comic strip artist who drunkenly marries a woman and later fantasizes about “removing” her—only for things to spiral out of control.
The dark premise is played for laughs, with clever commentary on male independence and commitment.
26. The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966)
A Russian submarine accidentally runs aground in New England, causing panic and confusion among locals.
This Cold War comedy, featuring Alan Arkin, is both hilarious and heartwarming, emphasizing shared humanity despite global tensions.
27. Fitzwilly (1967)
Dick Van Dyke stars as a loyal butler who turns to theft to support his employer’s charitable work.
The film is a blend of caper, class comedy, and feel-good fun, filled with clever cons and disguises.
28. The Reluctant Astronaut (1967)
Don Knotts plays a janitor mistakenly enrolled in a space program. His cluelessness and fear of heights create hilarious scenarios.
The film’s charm lies in Knotts’ physical comedy and underdog hero story during the height of the Space Race.
29. If a Man Answers (1962)
Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin star in this romantic comedy about a woman using a dog-training manual to improve her marriage.
Its light tone and humorous take on relationships reflect mid-century gender norms with a wink.
30. The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)
Doris Day stars as a NASA employee mistaken for a spy. The film mixes romance, espionage, and slapstick perfectly.
Its stylish settings and Cold War plot deliver both laughs and intrigue, showcasing Doris Day’s comedic brilliance.
31. Carry On Cleo (1964)
Part of Britain’s “Carry On” series, this entry parodies ancient Rome with bawdy humor and cheeky performances.
The film pokes fun at epic films like “Cleopatra,” with irreverent jokes and exaggerated characters.
32. The Americanization of Emily (1964)
Julie Andrews and James Garner star in this wartime romantic comedy that critiques heroism and American values.
Its witty script by Paddy Chayefsky blends romance with biting satire, making it both thoughtful and funny.
33. The Family Way (1966)
This British comedy follows a newlywed couple struggling with privacy in a crowded family home.
The film mixes gentle humor with realism, portraying working-class life and generational differences.
34. After the Fox (1966)
Peter Sellers stars as a criminal posing as a film director to smuggle gold. The satire targets both filmmaking and gullibility.
With a screenplay by Neil Simon and music by Burt Bacharach, it’s a clever and chaotic comedy.
35. The Fortune Cookie (1966)
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau team up in this dark comedy about a cameraman faking an injury for insurance money.
The film explores greed and morality with sharp dialogue and excellent chemistry between the leads.
36. The Knack…and How to Get It (1965)
This British New Wave comedy directed by Richard Lester looks at love and dating in swinging London.
Its quirky style, fast cuts, and playful narrative techniques capture the energy of 60s youth culture.
37. What’s Up, Tiger Lily? (1966)
Woody Allen re-dubs a Japanese spy film with absurd dialogue, turning it into a zany comedy.
It’s an early example of parody done through editing and voiceover, setting the stage for later spoof films.
38. Never a Dull Moment (1968)
Dick Van Dyke plays an actor mistaken for a criminal in this Disney comedy of errors.
Its slapstick chases and goofy mistaken-identity plot make it perfect family-friendly entertainment.
39. Don’t Make Waves (1967)
Tony Curtis stars in this satire of Southern California’s beach culture and fitness obsession.
The film captures the excesses and absurdities of 60s lifestyle trends with bright visuals and physical gags.
40. Boeing Boeing (1965)
Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis play playboys juggling multiple stewardess girlfriends—until things fall apart.
A farcical romp through lies, misunderstandings, and slapstick chaos, it’s classic bedroom comedy at its peak.
41. Luv (1967)
Jack Lemmon, Peter Falk, and Elaine May deliver rapid-fire performances in this adaptation of a Broadway play.
The film is absurd and talkative, tackling themes of love, dissatisfaction, and identity.
42. The Court Jester (Technically 1956, but popular in the 60s)
Danny Kaye stars as a carnival performer caught up in medieval court intrigue. Although made in the 50s, it was widely re-screened in the 60s.
Its clever wordplay and musical sequences make it an enduring favorite among classic comedy fans.
43. Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)
A Treasury worker accidentally destroys money and recruits oddball characters to break into the Mint and reprint it.
The heist comedy combines slapstick and satire in a hilarious critique of bureaucracy.
44. Take the Money and Run (1969)
Woody Allen’s mockumentary debut follows an inept criminal’s life. Its blend of documentary style and absurd humor was revolutionary.
The film helped launch Allen’s career and laid the groundwork for future comedy mockumentaries.
45. The Love God? (1969)
Don Knotts stars as a mild-mannered birdwatcher who inherits a scandalous magazine and finds himself an unexpected sex icon.
This comedy satirizes free love and media sensationalism with typical Knotts awkwardness and charm.
Conclusion
The 1960s delivered a diverse and unforgettable range of comedy films. Whether slapstick, romantic, satirical, or absurdist, these movies reflect the changing landscape of both society and humor.
Many of these titles continue to inspire modern filmmakers and entertain audiences across generations. If you’re new to classic comedies or a longtime fan, these 45 films are essential viewing for anyone who loves to laugh.
