Here are the other ones from my ballot that missed the cut...
#5.
UHF (1989, Levey)
This has been a favorite of mine since forever. Silly, absurd, stupid, and supremely funny in a way that only Weird Al could've made it. But as funny as he is, it always surprises me how he doesn't necessarily hog the camera, or at least not as much as you'd expect, and let the ensemble cast shine very often. Love every little sketch, every little quirky character. Me and my best friends still quote it often.
#8.
Election (1999, Payne)
This is a film I saw a long time ago but always stuck with me. So when I revisited it last year, it really dawned on me how brilliant and well done it is. Here is something I wrote back when I rewatched it last year:
"One of the things that Election does so well is to balance a tone that walks a really tight-rope between dark comedy, serious drama, and socio-political subtext. And depending on your state of mind when you see it, there might be different things that resonate with you."
So yeah, it's good.
#11.
There's Something About Mary (1998, Farrelly)
Saw this one in theaters back in the day and it still stands as one of my favorite movie-going experiences. I've seen it a lot of times since and it's just a genius of both acting and directing. Not only are Stiller, Dillon, and Diaz great, but the Farrellys show how to hold back, and when to unload (uhh, no pun intended).
#14.
One Cut of the Dead (2017, Ueda)
This was my most recent entry, but I think it is well deserved. Saw this last year and it just had me rolling on the floor. Here's something I wrote back then:
"For a genre that has been as beaten to death as zombie films, a film really needs to bring it to surprise us. Whether it is by chance or by design, One Cut of the Dead achieves that with a unique script and execution and a lot of heart. The end result is an undeniably fun film that manages to subvert the tropes of not only zombie films, but also of reality/live TV, and filmmaking in general."
Truly a film that needs to walk in blind. So if you haven't seen it, don't read anything; just see it, and stick with it all the way.
#17.
Wag the Dog (1997, Levinson)
I think that, out of the 25 films on my list, this is the one I haven't seen in the longest time. But it doesn't matter, cause it stuck with me fiercely. A dark comedy about the manipulations of politicians and the media that I'm now realizing might probably ring different in this time and age, but still... funny and sharp.
#18.
Zoolander (2001, Stiller)
Outside of
Liar Liar, and maybe
There's Something About Mary, I think this is the one I'm most surprised that didn't make the list, at least in the bottom 20 or 30. I found this absurdly hilarious. From Ben Stiller to Will Ferrell, in addition to some inspired cameos, and a really, really funny script ("What is this? a center for ants?!") Still makes me laugh every time I see it.
#19.
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002, Oedekerk)
Yet another one I saw in theaters, and yet another one I would classify among my favorite movie-going experiences. Imagine seeing this festival of absurdity and silliness with a group of 10 to 15 teens. Our laughters pretty much took over the theater. And putting aside the absurdity of it, just imagine the patience and skill it takes to assemble a film like this from bits and pieces of other films? It's amazing.
#21.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012, Goddard)
Yet another one I'm a bit surprised that didn't even place in the bottom 20. I think this is a hilarious send-up of the typical horror/slasher film, and I think it's genius the way the director slowly pulls the curtain to reveal what is happening. Here is something I wrote a long time ago when I first saw it:
"I have to give points to the writers (Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard) for originality. Their approach to the clichés of horror films was unique and, well, funny ... Their premise serves as a critique of the genre, while also serving as some sort of homage to classic horror films."
Like
One Cut of the Dead, one that deserves to walk in blind.
#22.
Four Lions (2010, Morris)
Another "recent" one that I wanted to give some love, not only because of how funny it is, but also how thought-provoking it is in the process. A great example of how to make great comedy that's both smart and sharp, and an early testament to how great Riz Ahmed is.
#24.
EuroTrip (2004, Schaffer)
Finally, another one that's so silly and yet so funny that I can't help laugh with it. I think the chemistry between the four leads is great, but the highlight is Jacob Pitts as the sardonic best friend. Also, a hilarious cameo from Matt Damon! But other than that, I love the setpieces and little sketches. If anything, I would say that the final act is lacking, but I don't care. It's hilarious.