The 1980s was a golden age for comedy films, with a wide range of hilarious and enduring classics released throughout the decade. From slapstick farces to witty satires, there was something for everyone in the realm of 80s comedies.
These films not only provided countless hours of entertainment but also left a lasting impact on popular culture. Many of the gags, catchphrases, and characters from these movies have become ingrained in our collective consciousness and continue to be referenced and imitated today.
In this article, we will explore some of the best comedies of the 1980s, examining their unique qualities, cultural significance, and enduring appeal.
1. Originality
Originality is one of the most important qualities of a great comedy. It’s what sets the best comedies apart from the rest. Original comedies are fresh, innovative, and surprising. They make us laugh in ways that we never expected.
The best comedies of the 1980s were no exception. They were full of original characters, stories, and jokes. Airplane!, for example, was a parody of disaster movies, but it was also a completely original film. It featured a cast of quirky characters, including a pilot who is afraid to fly and a stewardess who is addicted to drugs. The film was full of hilarious jokes, many of which have become iconic.
Another example of an original 80s comedy is Ghostbusters. This film was a unique blend of comedy, horror, and science fiction. It featured a group of paranormal investigators who start a business to catch ghosts. The film was a huge success, and it spawned a franchise that includes sequels, a video game, and a cartoon series.
Originality is essential for any great comedy. It’s what makes a comedy stand out from the crowd and become a truly memorable experience.
2. Quotability
Quotability is a key quality of the best comedies of the 1980s. It is what makes these films so memorable and rewatchable. When we think of our favorite 80s comedies, we can’t help but recall the hilarious one-liners and witty dialogue that make them so quotable.
-
Cultural Impact
The quotable lines from the best comedies of the 1980s have had a profound impact on popular culture. They have been referenced in countless other films, TV shows, and even songs. They have become part of our cultural lexicon and continue to be used today.
-
Character Development
The quotable lines in the best comedies of the 1980s often reveal a great deal about the characters who speak them. These lines can be used to develop a character’s personality, motivations, and relationships with other characters.
-
Comedic Timing
The delivery of a quotable line is just as important as the line itself. The best comedies of the 1980s feature actors who have impeccable comedic timing. They know how to deliver a line in a way that maximizes its humor.
-
Universal Appeal
The quotable lines from the best comedies of the 1980s have universal appeal. They can be enjoyed by people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. This is because they tap into basic human emotions and experiences.
In conclusion, quotability is a key quality of the best comedies of the 1980s. It is what makes these films so memorable, rewatchable, and universally appealing.
3. Enduring appeal
Enduring appeal is a key quality of the best comedies of the 1980s. It is what makes these films continue to be enjoyed by audiences today, even though they were made decades ago.
-
Timeless humor
One of the reasons why the best comedies of the 1980s have enduring appeal is because their humor is timeless. The jokes in these films are not based on current events or fads; they are based on human nature. That’s why they can still make us laugh today, even though they were made decades ago.
-
Relatable characters
Another reason why the best comedies of the 1980s have enduring appeal is because their characters are relatable. We can all identify with the characters in these films, even though they may be living in a different time or place. They are funny, flawed, and human, and we can’t help but root for them.
-
Nostalgia
For many people, the best comedies of the 1980s are also nostalgic. These films remind us of a simpler time, when life was less complicated and we could all laugh together. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and it can make us appreciate these films even more.
-
Cultural impact
Finally, the best comedies of the 1980s have enduring appeal because they have had a significant cultural impact. These films have been referenced in countless other films, TV shows, and even songs. They have become part of our cultural lexicon and continue to be enjoyed by audiences today.
In conclusion, enduring appeal is a key quality of the best comedies of the 1980s. These films continue to be enjoyed by audiences today because of their timeless humor, relatable characters, nostalgia, and cultural impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About “best comedies of the 80’s”
This section addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding the topic of “best comedies of the 1980s”.
Question 1: What are the key characteristics of the best comedies of the 1980s?
Answer: The best comedies of the 1980s are known for their originality, quotability, and enduring appeal. They feature unique and innovative characters, storylines, and jokes that continue to make audiences laugh today.
Question 2: What are some examples of the best comedies of the 1980s?
Answer: Some of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s include Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, and When Harry Met Sally.
Question 3: Why are the best comedies of the 1980s still so popular today?
Answer: The best comedies of the 1980s have enduring appeal because they feature timeless humor, relatable characters, and a significant cultural impact. They remind us of a simpler time and continue to make us laugh even today.
Question 4: How did the best comedies of the 1980s influence popular culture?
Answer: The best comedies of the 1980s have had a profound impact on popular culture. Their quotable lines have been referenced in countless other films, TV shows, and songs. They have also helped to shape our sense of humor and continue to be enjoyed by audiences today.
Question 5: What are some of the most memorable moments from the best comedies of the 1980s?
Answer: Some of the most memorable moments from the best comedies of the 1980s include the “Surely you can’t be serious?” exchange from Airplane!, the “I’ve got a plan” speech from The Naked Gun, and the “When Harry Met Sally” orgasm scene.
Question 6: What is the legacy of the best comedies of the 1980s?
Answer: The best comedies of the 1980s have left a lasting legacy on the world of comedy. They have inspired countless other comedians and continue to be enjoyed by audiences today. They are a reminder that laughter is a powerful force that can bring people together.
Tips on Enjoying the Best Comedies of the 1980s
The best comedies of the 1980s are a timeless source of laughter and entertainment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of these classic films:
Tip 1: Watch them with friends or family. There’s nothing like sharing a laugh with loved ones. Watching a comedy with others can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Tip 2: Pay attention to the details. The best comedies of the 1980s are full of clever jokes and sight gags. Take your time to watch the films carefully and you’ll be sure to catch all the humor.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to laugh out loud. The best comedies are meant to be enjoyed. So don’t be shy about laughing out loud. The more you laugh, the more you’ll enjoy the film.
Tip 4: Read about the films before you watch them. This can help you to understand the context of the film and appreciate the jokes more. There are many great books and articles available about the best comedies of the 1980s.
Tip 5: Watch the films in order of release. This can help you to appreciate the evolution of comedy in the 1980s. It can also be fun to see how the same actors and directors changed over time.
Tip 6: Don’t be afraid to rewatch the films. The best comedies of the 1980s are like old friends. They’re always there for you when you need a laugh.
Tip 7: Share the films with others. Introduce your friends and family to the best comedies of the 1980s. They’ll thank you for it.
Tip 8: Enjoy the films for what they are. The best comedies of the 1980s are not perfect. But they are funny, heartwarming, and timeless. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Watching comedies with others can enhance the experience.
- Paying attention to details will help you catch all the jokes.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh out loud.
- Reading about the films beforehand can provide context and enhance your appreciation.
- Watching the films in order of release can help you appreciate the evolution of comedy.
- Rewatching the films can be a great way to revisit old friends.
- Sharing the films with others can introduce them to great comedies.
- Enjoy the films for what they are: funny, heartwarming, and timeless.
Conclusion
The best comedies of the 1980s are a treasure trove of laughter and entertainment. By following these tips, you can get the most out of these classic films and enjoy them for years to come.
Conclusion
The best comedies of the 1980s stand as a testament to the enduring power of laughter. These films captured the zeitgeist of the era, providing audiences with much-needed escapism and entertainment. Through their originality, quotability, and enduring appeal, they continue to resonate with audiences today.
As we look back on these classic comedies, we are reminded of the importance of laughter in our lives. These films have the power to transport us to a simpler time, to make us forget our troubles, and to bring us together. In a world that can often be serious and challenging, the best comedies of the 1980s serve as a reminder that laughter is essential for our well-being.
