Everyone likes to have a good laugh and comedic movies are one of the best ways to do so. But while movies such as Anchorman and Mean Girls have contributed a plethora of instantly recognizable quotes into our vernacular, there are many comedies that continue to go largely overlooked. If you’re tired of laughing at the same old jokes and are looking for something new to tickle your funny bone, consider checking out one of these underrated comedies.
In celebration of Michael Keaton’s 67th birthday, here are 15 of the most underrated comedies released over the past 50 years. Enjoy!
15. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Though Wet Hot American Summer is more popular than ever thanks to two Netflix revival series – the prequel First Day of Camp and the sequel Ten Years Later – it’s easy to forget that the original movie was a gigantic critical and commercial flop. Released in 2001, Wet Hot American Summer feels like a spiritual successor to the Zucker brothers school of comedy, such as Airplane! and The Naked Gun, in that it’s packed with all sorts of visual and audio gags (who can forget the repeated window-smashing sound effect?).
The film’s cast is also ridiculously stacked, featuring then largely unknown actors such as Bradley Cooper and Elizabeth Banks in supporting roles. While the absurdist humor on display is certainly juvenile, there’s a charming, timeless quality to Wet Hot American Summer that helps explain why it was able to become such a beloved cult classic in spite of its initial failure.

Source: Screenshot via USA Films