The 15 Most Overrated Comedy Movies of All Time, Ranked

Comedy movies can spark joy, bring people together, and leave lasting memories with their clever lines and hilarious moments. But not every film hailed as a comedic masterpiece deserves the praise, often riding on nostalgia, star power, or fleeting popularity rather than genuine laughs.

I’ve put together a list of 15 comedy movies that, despite their fanfare, fall flat when you revisit them or look past the surface. These films, ranked from least to most overrated, have been celebrated far beyond their actual humor or staying power.

15. ‘The Waterboy’ (1998)

Adam Sandler’s charm as Bobby Boucher, a waterboy turned football star, carried this film to massive popularity. Its goofy humor and underdog story clicked with audiences, grossing over $160 million worldwide.

But the jokes lean heavily on Sandler’s signature juvenile antics, which feel repetitive and forced today. The plot is thin, and the humor doesn’t hold up for repeat viewings, making its cult status feel inflated.

14. ‘Billy Madison’ (1995)

Sandler strikes again with ‘Billy Madison,’ where he plays a grown man repeating grades to prove his worth. Its absurd premise and quotable lines like ‘Stop looking at me, swan!’ made it a 90s favorite.

Yet, the comedy often feels aimless, relying on crude gags that don’t land as well now. It’s a nostalgic trip for some, but its acclaim as a comedy classic feels overstated.

13. ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ (1989)

This film about two friends dragging around their dead boss’s body was a surprise hit, blending slapstick with dark humor. It earned a sequel and a lasting fanbase for its wild premise.

The humor, though, leans on repetitive gags and a premise that stretches thin quickly. It’s more bizarre than funny today, and its enduring popularity seems driven by nostalgia rather than quality.

12. ‘Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo’ (1999)

Rob Schneider’s tale of a fish tank cleaner turned gigolo packed theaters with its raunchy humor. It grossed $65 million and spawned a sequel, riding the wave of late-90s comedy.

But the jokes are crude without cleverness, and Schneider’s performance feels one-note. Its popularity feels like a product of its time, not a sign of lasting comedic value.

11. ‘Meet the Fockers’ (2004)

This sequel to ‘Meet the Parents’ brought back Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, adding Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman. It raked in over $500 million globally, banking on the original’s success.

The humor, though, feels forced, recycling the same awkward family dynamics with less charm. It’s a bloated follow-up that coasts on star power rather than fresh laughs.

10. ‘Zoolander 2’ (2016)

Ben Stiller’s return as dim-witted model Derek Zoolander promised more fashion-world satire. With cameos from stars like Justin Bieber, it aimed to recapture the original’s cult appeal.

Instead, it rehashes old jokes with little wit, feeling like a cash grab. Its 22% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its failure to deliver the sharp humor fans expected.

9. ‘Norbit’ (2007)

Eddie Murphy’s multiple roles in this tale of a meek man and his overbearing wife earned an Oscar nod for makeup. It grossed $159 million, showing Murphy’s draw even in weaker projects.

The comedy, though, leans on crude stereotypes and mean-spirited gags that rarely land. It’s a low point for Murphy, and its popularity feels driven by his name rather than quality.

8. ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’ (2015)

Kevin James returned as the bumbling mall cop, and the sequel still pulled in $107 million despite poor reviews. Its slapstick and family-friendly tone appealed to some.

But the humor feels lazy, with tired Segway gags and predictable plots. It lacks the modest charm of the first, making its box office success puzzling.

7. ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’ (2013)

Will Ferrell’s return as Ron Burgundy packed in cameos and absurd humor, earning $173 million. Fans of the original loved its chaotic energy and quotable lines.

Yet, it recycles the first film’s formula with less charm, feeling bloated and forced. Its praise as a comedy sequel feels generous compared to sharper follow-ups.

6. ‘Scary Movie’ (2000)

This horror spoof, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, lampooned slasher films and grossed $278 million worldwide. Its raunchy, over-the-top style made it a hit with teens.

But the jokes rely heavily on crude shock value, and the parody feels dated fast. Its cultural splash outweighs its actual wit or staying power.

5. ‘Caddyshack’ (1980)

With comedy legends like Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, this golf course comedy became a cult classic. Its quotable lines and chaotic energy resonated with 80s audiences.

But the humor feels scattered, and the plot barely holds together. Its enduring praise, especially from nostalgic fans, overshadows its uneven execution.

4. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ (2004)

This quirky tale of an awkward teen grossed $46 million on a tiny budget, becoming a cultural touchstone with iconic lines like ‘Vote for Pedro.’ Its oddball charm won hearts.

The humor, though, is niche and doesn’t always land, feeling more like a curiosity than a comedy masterpiece. Its massive following feels out of step with its limited appeal.

3. ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ (1997)

Mike Myers’ spy spoof was a hit, grossing $67 million and spawning sequels. Its groovy catchphrases and over-the-top gags defined late-90s comedy.

But the humor leans heavily on repetitive jokes and dated references. Its cultural footprint feels bigger than its actual comedic staying power.

2. ‘Grown Ups’ (2010)

Adam Sandler rounds up pals like Kevin James and Chris Rock for a nostalgic comedy about childhood friends reuniting. It grossed $271 million, banking on their star power and easygoing vibes.

The humor, though, feels lazy, leaning on tired gags and weak chemistry. Its massive success seems driven more by the cast than by any real comedic spark.

1. ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)

John Hughes’ tale of a teen skipping school is endlessly quoted, with Matthew Broderick’s charm driving its $70 million box office. It’s often called a defining 80s comedy.

But the humor feels smug, and the plot glorifies a privileged teen’s antics. Its universal praise as a comedy classic overshadows its dated, uneven laughs.

Which comedy movie do you think gets too much love, or did I miss one that doesn’t deserve the hype? Drop your thoughts in the comments!