10 Brilliant Smart Comedies Disguised as Stupid: Unveiling the Best in 2023 Release Date

At first glance, these movies may seem outrageously foolish. From ingeniously assembling beds to make room for wild activities, to daringly attempting the impossible challenge of preserving their undergarments intact, or even clumsily toppling shelves filled with cascading marbles, they wholeheartedly embrace their own absurdity. And just when you believe it couldn’t possibly get any zanier, they break into song, expressing their struggles with personified stress.

But here’s the catch – these movies are actually surprisingly shrewd. They take unconventional paths to deliver their humor, injecting clever twists into familiar clichés, and demonstrating a level of artistry that sets them apart from their counterparts. In fact, beneath their seemingly thoughtless laughter, they occasionally hint at something rebellious, something deeper.

These are comedic gems that have a sharp message to share. And the latest addition to this marvelous genre is “Vacation Friends 2.”

1. Airplane!

Airplane! is an iconic disaster movie parody by the Zucker brothers that continues to entertain audiences today with its 87 minutes of nonstop gags. While many of its memorable moments, like Leslie Nielsen’s famous line demanding not to be called Shirley, have been widely memed, the film’s craftsmanship remains undeniable. In fact, it has even managed to replace the films it was mocking, such as Zero Hour!, as the quintessential movie about high-stakes mishaps narrowly avoiding tragedy. This speaks volumes about Airplane!’s superiority and its ability to deliver hilarious moments throughout.

Surprisingly, beneath the avalanche of jokes, there is a well-structured plot that adds another layer of depth to the film. It even climaxes with a crash scene that, while not necessarily the pinnacle of technical excellence in cinema, is undeniably entertaining. Like the subsequent films by the Zucker brothers, Airplane!’s confident and unapologetic silliness is its greatest strength, rather than a flaw to be overlooked.

2. Idiocracy

The reputation of Mike Judge’s Idiocracy may have been salvaged by subsequent events, but it’s hard to deny that the film’s relevance today is more alarming than amusing. Released in 2006, the movie envisioned a future where social standards had plummeted due to a decline in intelligence, pushing humanity to the brink of destruction. Over a decade later, the lack of significant global progress in tackling climate change, the election of a reality TV star as president, and the growing popularity of anti-intellectualism have all made Judge’s once-ignored comedy seem eerily accurate in predicting our path.

In the film, Luke Wilson, Dax Shepard, and Maya Rudolph portray a trio who, despite their limited intellectual capacity (even Wilson’s supposedly advanced intelligence is nothing extraordinary), join forces to save the world by making simplistic, “smart” decisions that appeal to the lowest common denominator. While this premise is solid on its own, it becomes even more powerful as high-stakes blunders continue to be made year after year.

3. Dumb and Dumber

Dumb and Dumber, true to its title, still manages to entertain audiences today with its masterful display of dumb humor. This enduring comedy by the Farrelly brothers, starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, is filled with memorable moments. Who can forget Carrey’s character annoyingly producing the most irritating sound in the world right into the ear of a man determined to end his life? Or the duo’s hilarious fashion choices of outrageously garish formal wear? And of course, there’s Carrey’s iconic line, ‘So you’re telling me there’s a chance.’

What sets this film apart is the perfect chemistry between its two leading actors. Prior to Dumb and Dumber, Daniels was known for his comedic support roles in films like Something Wild and The Purple Rose of Cairo. However, this film showcased a different side of Daniels, revealing his untapped comic talent. It also gave Carrey the opportunity to showcase the insanity that would make him one of the biggest actors of the 90s.

While the movie is filled with hilarious gags, it also has a deeper plot. At its core, Dumb and Dumber can be seen as a class comedy. The combination of Harry and Lloyd’s stupidity, along with their dire financial situation, serves as a driving force for Lloyd’s pursuit of the wealthy Mary. Mary not only represents a romantic interest but also a chance to escape his less-than-ideal life. The fact that he never quite achieves what he hopes for adds to the humor, but also highlights the underlying currents of the story.

4. Step Brothers

Adam McKay’s earlier collaborations with Will Ferrell are hailed as one of the most memorable comedy runs of the 2000s. Movies like Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and The Other Guys have given us countless quotable lines that have become part of our cultural lexicon. But it is Step Brothers that truly exemplifies the unique combination of clever writing and brilliantly stupid execution that defines the McKay/Ferrell partnership.

Step Brothers not only delivers hilarious moments but also showcases the talented performance of Adam Scott as Derek, Ferrell’s obnoxious older brother. And let’s not forget the legendary Catalina Wine Mixer, a scene that has become etched in our collective memory. This film serves as a compelling argument for McKay and Ferrell to revisit their comedy roots.

Beneath the chaos of collapsing bunk beds and drum sets touched by testicles, Step Brothers tells a strangely heartfelt story of two socially awkward individuals who manage to find common ground and form a connection. Their journey is driven, in part, by the desire to please their parents, who are also trying to bridge their own differences. In essence, Step Brothers manages to deliver a simple yet valuable family narrative amidst all the craziness, even though its success does not solely rely on its gags.

5. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Neil Patrick Harris had a surprising career revival thanks to an unexpected vehicle. He was going through a slow period when two guys picked him up outside a gas station and completely changed the way the public perceived him. His performance in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, where he played a wild and unpredictable version of himself who takes control of the duo’s car, was truly outstanding.

The movie is not just about Harris though. It follows Kal Pen’s character Kumar and John Cho’s character Harold as they find themselves caught up in some bizarre and creepy situations in the backwoods. They even manage to fly a hang glider to reach their ultimate destination, the famous White Castle. Even today, the film remains highly entertaining and enjoyable to watch.

What makes this film even more remarkable is that it was released in 2004 as a mainstream comedy that fearlessly challenged cultural stereotypes. It was a rare example of a diverse studio comedy that paved the way for a successful franchise. Looking back, it feels like a small miracle considering the lack of similar films during that time.

6. Zoolander

Zoolander, released almost two decades ago, has some outdated elements. However, it still remains memorable for its iconic scenes like the “centers for ants” and its satirical take on male models as assassins. The movie also handles the sensitive topic of victims of freak gasoline fight accidents with thoughtfulness.

Ben Stiller portrays the titular character, Derek Zoolander, whose reign in the New York fashion world is threatened by Hansel, played by Owen Wilson. Hansel’s laidback demeanor and fascination with Eastern spirituality contrasts with Derek’s sophisticated “Blue Steel” persona.

Although the rivalry between two fashion dummies could have been enough to carry the storyline, the addition of a global conspiracy plot masterminded by the lesser-known Will Ferrell as Mugatu adds a uniquely bizarre touch to the comedy. This unusual combination still holds up upon rewatch, partly because it also explores deeper themes such as aging, artists’ self-criticism, and the fear of disappointing one’s parents.

7. Wet Hot American Summer

Wet Hot American Summer, with its simple premise of a summer camp, delivers a series of classic and hilarious moments. The film boasts an impressive cast including Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Meloni, Paul Rudd, and many other comedy stars from the 2000s. In its 97-minute runtime, the movie is filled with absurdities like talking cans, sweater-fondling, and a clever subplot about substance dependency.

Directed by David Wain, who gained recognition from MTV’s The State, the film marks his transition to the big screen. Several of his sketch co-writers and co-stars also join him in this venture. Wain’s approach to filmmaking, characterized by minimal budgets and concepts that allow funny people to shine on camera, seems intentionally designed to cultivate cult followings.

One of the most memorable aspects of Wet Hot American Summer is the relationship between Michael Ian Black and Bradley Cooper. It is both portrayed with eroticism and devoid of the homophobic humor that was prevalent in comedy during the early 2000s. The film’s refusal to condescend to their relationship is a clever way to subvert audience expectations and remains a reason for its continued popularity today.

8. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a highly underrated film that hilariously satirizes the social media-driven, EDM-influenced, stunt-filled pop music scene of the 2010s. The story revolves around Conner Friel, played by Andy Samberg, as he experiences a rapid decline in his music career. Conner, along with his Lonely Island partner Jorma Taccone, who co-directed the film with Akiva Schaffer, candidly documents his failures through a series of interviews.

As Conner becomes more desperate to regain his stardom, he resorts to increasingly misguided attempts, such as forcing his bandmate to wear a bizarre helmet that combines the 2001 obelisks with a spotlight. He also sings about a sexual encounter likened to the mission that killed Osama bin Laden by the woman involved. These absurdities highlight the film’s clever commentary on the self-absorption and performative nature of famous musicians.

Despite its comedic approach, Popstar also manages to deliver great music consistently. It effectively captures the vulnerability and vanity of its main character, Conner, using humor to expose his desperate need for global recognition. The film presents a surprisingly nuanced message that even the biggest musicians still crave visibility and a connection with their audience.

Popstar also incorporates quirky elements, such as Conner’s close bond with an emotional support turtle and a scene where Grammy-winning singer Seal confronts a pack of wolves. These offbeat touches contribute to the film’s overall charm and entertainment value.

9. Dick

Despite its questionable title, Andrew Fleming’s 1999 Watergate comedy Dick is actually quite clever. The film revolves around a duo of White House dogwalkers, played by Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst, who stumble upon Nixon’s deceitful activities and his eventual resignation. The comedic approach taken in the movie provides more laughter than the actual historical events.

Fleming and his talented cast, including a young Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, highlight the chaotic nature of the scandal that led to Nixon’s downfall. By portraying key figures like Woodward and Bernstein, Henry Kissinger, and Haldeman as self-serving fools, Fleming takes some creative liberties. However, this exaggeration effectively drives home the point that almost everyone involved in the Watergate scandal was corrupt and motivated by their own interests. It’s a surprisingly intelligent perspective wrapped in what may seem like a silly package.

10. MacGruber

In the 2010s, the trend of expanding SNL sketches into feature films declined. However, MacGruber, a parody of MacGyver and general espionage thrillers, argues that this practice should never have disappeared. Lasting for 90 minutes, the movie features an impressive performance by Val Kilmer as Dieter von Cunth, MacGruber’s former best friend turned Bond-esque villain. Cunth plans to detonate atomic warheads during the State of the Union address.

MacGruber, determined to stop him, faces the unfortunate consequence of losing almost everyone he recruits to help him. This highlights a straightforward yet effective observation about many heroes portrayed in action films: they are selfish monsters who don’t deserve the admiration bestowed upon them. While MacGruber eventually relies on his small but devoted team, he cannot help but belittle them. He is not the legendary figure he portrays himself to be and, having witnessed so much bloodshed, he is as vulnerable as anyone else. The film manages to avoid being heavy-handed due to its humor and comedic elements.