Devin Jacobs
The 1970s were a playground for satire that reveled in breaking every rule in the book. These films didn’t just play with controversy—they danced with it, all while delivering gut-busting laughs. Here’s a look at the decade’s most fearless, unapologetically hilarious movies that dared to be different and forever left a mark on the comedy world.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
This play is a comedic goldmine filled with absurdity, wit, and more coconut horses than you can shake a lance at. From the Knights Who Say “Ni”! to the Black Knight’s legendary “It’s just a flesh wound,” the film redefined what a comedy could be, even in the Middle Ages.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
If there ever was a movie that could ride off into the sunset and still have us doubled over, it’s Blazing Saddles. Mel Brooks took the Wild West and turned it into a satire so sharp it could cut through a cactus. Blazing Saddles’s fearless humor made it clear that nothing was off-limits.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
From the same minds that brought you Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the film Life of Brian is a satirical masterpiece. It is about a man who was born in the same stable as Jesus and gets mistaken for the Messiah. This movie is a comical take on organized religion and historical epics.
Animal House (1978)
Directed by John Landis, this raucous comedy turned college life into an all-out bacchanal. Also, John Belushi’s iconic performance as Bluto is the stuff of legend. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you mixed frat boys, a lot of beer, and a touch of anarchy, this movie’s got you covered.
The Jerk (1979)
Steve Martin’s The Jerk is the quintessential coming-of-age show with a twist of being hilariously clueless. Martin plays Navin Johnson, a man so delightfully naïve. His odyssey from rags to riches to rags again is as touching as it is absurd. It proves that the most bewildered among us can make the biggest impact.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
When Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder team up, you know you’re in for a treat. Young Frankenstein is Brooks’ comedic homage to classic horror pieces, mixing spine-tingling suspense with side-splitting humor. Watch Wilder’s Dr. Frankenstein and his madcap experiments turn the horror genre on its head—quite literally!
Slap Shot (1977)
Paul Newman leads a ragtag team of minor-league players who, with a bit of luck and a lot of brawling, turn their losing streak into a winning strategy. The film takes the rough-and-tumble world of hockey and gives it a humorous twist, showing how, sometimes, the actual game is about getting through the day.
Love and Death (1975)
One of Woody Allen’s earlier works, this piece is a cerebral romp through Russian literature and philosophy wrapped in a comedic bow. Allen’s take on existential crises and epic love is as thought-provoking as it is side-splitting. If you’ve ever wondered how Tolstoy would handle slapstick humor, this movie is your answer.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
It’s time to do the Time Warp again with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This cult classic is an explosive blend of musical, comedy, and bizarre sci-fi. With its zany characters and infectious songs, it’s no wonder the movie has inspired audiences to don fishnets and sing along for decades.
Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen’s Annie Hall is the romantic piece that redefined the genre, combining witty dialogue with a touch of neurotic charm. Diane Keaton’s quirky performance and Allen’s self-deprecating humor create a film that’s as endearing as it is hysterically funny. While not strictly autobiographical, the film draws instances from Allen’s own experiences.
What’s Up, Doc? (1972)
What’s Up, Doc? is a movie that will keep you laughing non-stop from beginning to end. Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal star in this farce that throws mistaken identities, chaotic chases, and a touch of romance into the mix. It’s a laugh fest proving how the 70s knew how to tickle your funny bone.
Meatballs (1979)
Camp isn’t just for kids anymore in this hysterical look at summer camp shenanigans. Bill Murray leads with his trademark humor as a camp counselor who brings a mix of fun and mischief to the great outdoors. Anyone who has ever been to camp will find the film’s antics familiar and uproariously funny.
The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
For a dose of sketch comedy that’s as zany as it is irreverent, The Kentucky Fried Movie delivers. A landmark in the sketch comedy film genre, it is a collection of parodies and short skits that lampoon everything. Be it kung-fu flicks or commercials, with a taste for the absurd.
The Sting (1973)
The Sting combines wit, charm, and a masterful con game in a movie that’s as clever as it is entertaining. Paul and Robert team up in this caper that plays with our expectations and delivers laughs along with its clever twists. The film was a commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards.
The Bad News Bears (1976)
This film delivers a comedic knockout punch. Walter Matthau stars as a disgruntled coach of a ragtag little league team, turning baseball into a chaotic and funny adventure. The Bad News Bears portrays how sometimes the best teams are the ones you least expect. It largely offers an honest and hilarious look at youth sports.