Copyright Screen Rant
Comedy is an incredibly divisive genre, and there are some so-called "bad" comedy movies that are well worth a watch. Critics have historically been somewhat harsh on comedies, and the subjective nature of humor means that some films don't gel with the tastes of the critical establishment. Low-brow humor is especially anathema to reviewers. Because of this, many excellent comedies have been panned throughout history, despite positive reactions from audiences. Even if the movies aren't high art, a good chuckle is worth something, and many underrated comedies deliver the goods. It's all about matching the audience with the movie, something that's easier in the streaming age. Whether they've become cult classics, or are still waiting to be rediscovered, there are a myriad of poorly reviewed comedies that are absolutely worth watching. Some have sidesplitting laughs, great casts, or clever ideas, and those positives make up for whatever shortcomings that critics see in the films. They aren't perfect, but they sure are hilarious. 1941 (1979) Despite combining the talents of Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Bob Gale, 1941 is one of Spielberg's only cinematic failures. Set in the titular year, the film follows a group of overzealous Californians who are determined to protect their state from a potential attack. The movie has a fun, anarchic tone, and Spielberg's signature touches are all present. 1941 was almost universally panned, and only holds a 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, many bad reviews miss the point of the cinematic spectacular. Everything is larger-than-life and weird, and the performances of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are worth the price of admission. 1941 isn't about the story, it's about gleefully embracing chaos. Transylvania 6-5000 (1985) Transylvania 6-5000 was destined to become a cult classic from the start, but the tongue-in-cheek "horror" comedy is still wildly underrated. The story concerns a pair of tabloid reporters who travel to Eastern Europe to investigate a man-made monster. What follows is a loving and hilarious tribute to classic Universal monster movies. Jeff Goldblum and Ed Begley Jr. are a brilliant comedy duo, and the film combines goofball humor with absurdist storytelling. Critics hated it back in the '80s, but it was a modest financial success. It hasn't quite gained cult status yet, but it's surreal humor and horror references are fun, and it has some genuinely hilarious moments. Nothing But Trouble (1991) There's no denying that Nothing but Trouble is a bad movie, but it has a charm that's also undeniable. Chevy Chase stars as a wealthy man who finds himself trapped in a strange small town while traveling to Atlantic City from New York. The Dan Aykroyd-directed flop is best described as the cinematic equivalent of a carnival ride. The production design is stellar, and the movie is so unabashedly strange that it becomes humorous. A surprise appearance from hip-hop group, Digital Underground, gives it a distinctly early-'90s flare, even if it's unflinchingly cheesy. It's worth watching to see what happens when a comedic genius is given freedom to do whatever he wants. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) The wild success of 1994's Ace Ventura: Pet Detective necessitated a sequel, so When Nature Calls was released a year later. Leaving sunny Miami behind, Ace is dispatched to Africa to help recover an extremely rare bat that has been stolen. For a rushed sequel, When Nature Calls actually captures a bit of the magic from the original. With 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that the Jim Carrey sequel was not popular with critics. However, its box office numbers told a different story, and the movie certainly didn't disappoint fans. Though clearly worse than its predecessor, When Nature Calls has some iconic moments, and is worth watching to see Carrey at the height of his comedic powers. Dirty Work (1998) The late comedian Norm Macdonald struggled to find a place in mainstream Hollywood, and his only starring feature film vehicle got terrible reviews. Dirty Work stars Macdonald as a down-and-out man who opens a revenge-for-hire business to make money. Combining '90s slacker movie tropes with dark comedy, Dirty Work is actually brilliant. Dirty Work was the first film directed by Bob Saget. The film can be seen as a predecessor to 2000s comedies, and it has a similar approach to its humor. It revels in its own silliness, and the supporting cast steals the show. It's loose on plot, but the non-stop jokes keep things moving briskly. Dirty Work is a film designed to make critics squirm, but it's quite funny. Idle Hands (1999) As the 1990s was drawing to a close, Idle Hands arrived as one last example of the cultural zeitgeist of the period. The slacker horror comedy concerns a teen whose hand becomes possessed by a demon, causing his life to fall apart. It doesn't skimp on its horror elements, and is surprisingly gross for a comedy. Idle Hands pokes fun at slackers, and its name is taken from a famous phrase about loafing. With a sub-20% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Idle Hands was not popular with critics. While some of the critiques are valid, many reviews missed the point. Its bombastic horror is supposed to be funny, and it's an excellent blending of its genres. Stroker Ace (1983) Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham made several films together, but the stock-car racing comedy, Stroker Ace, is overlooked. A cocky NASCAR driver accidentally signs a horrible contract with a new sponsor, and must suffer a series of indignities on and off the track. The movie has Reynolds at his best, and Needham's signature eye for stunts. Critics immediately rejected the rednexploitation movie out of principle, and its unwavering goofiness caused many to pooh-pooh the film. However, it's a charming little sports movie, and is a delightful relic of the early 1980s. It isn't the funniest movie ever made, but Stroker Ace is a great way to waste an hour and a half. Dragnet (1987) The '80s is often seen as the pinnacle of comedy movies, but 1987's Dragnet is rarely part of that conversation. Spoofing the classic TV show, the film follows a straight-laced cop who teams with a loose cannon officer to stop a mysterious cult. The modest box office success is anchored by Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks in the lead roles. The movie got tepid reviews back in the day, which is a somewhat fair assessment. Dragnet isn't a laugh-riot, nor is it the most well-made comedy in history, but it has a comforting sense of humor that makes it infinitely rewatchable. Hanks and Aykroyd work perfectly together, and the safe comedy deserves a spot alongside other cult classics. Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) Despite getting pretty bad reviews, Drop Dead Gorgeous is one of the best comedy films of the 1990s. The mockumentary follows the young contestants of a local beauty pageant, and the wild lengths that some will go to win it all. What starts as a subtle comedy quickly becomes an over-the-top romp. With a 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, Drop Dead Gorgeous split critics right down the middle. However, its status as an all-time classic is assured, largely because of its biting satire and all-star cast. It isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for viewers who want something irreverent and subversive while staying grounded. It goes off the rails, but not too far. Airheads (1994) If there were awards for misunderstood comedies in the 1990s, Airheads would certainly win Best Picture. Three young rockers sneak into a radio station to get their tape on the air, only for it to accidentally turn into a hostage situation. A quintessential Gen-X movie, Airheads pokes fun at slackers while still understanding their point of view.
