Video games have the power to make us feel a wide range of emotions—excitement, fear, nostalgia, and even joy. But when it comes to comedy, the medium often takes a backseat to movies and TV shows. That's a shame, because some of the most memorable gaming moments are the ones that make us laugh until our sides hurt. Whether it's through clever writing, absurd gameplay, or just plain ridiculous physics, these games prove that humor is a vital part of gaming. Here are the funniest video games of all time, ranked.
10. Hitman (2016)
Sometimes, the funniest games are the ones that don't even try to be funny. The Hitman reboot is a prime example. On the surface, it's a serious stealth-action game where you play as Agent 47, a cloned assassin taking out high-profile targets. But the sheer creativity of the sandbox-style gameplay turns every mission into a comedy of errors. Want to kill a target by dropping a chandelier on them? Go ahead. Dress up as a clown and cause chaos? Absolutely. The contrast between the grim professionalism of the assassin and the absurdity of the methods you can use creates a hilarious experience that keeps players coming back for more.
9. Grim Fandango (1998)
Point-and-click adventures are a goldmine for comedy, and Grim Fandango is one of the best. You play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the dead, who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving stolen premium tickets. The game's writing is sharp, cynical, and full of wit, making every conversation a delight. The characters are eccentric, the dialogue is quotable, and the satirical take on the afterlife is both clever and hilarious. It's a classic that proves the '90s were a golden era for comedic gaming.
8. Gang Beasts (2014)
Some games are funny because of their story, but others are funny because of how they play. Gang Beasts is a multiplayer party brawler where you and your friends control floppy, gelatinous characters in a series of chaotic fights. The physics are intentionally terrible, making even the simplest actions—like throwing a punch or climbing a ladder—a laugh-out-loud struggle. The result is a game that's less about skill and more about the sheer absurdity of watching your character flail around and accidentally knock everyone off a platform. It's pure, unadulterated fun.
7. Yakuza 0 (2015)
Yakuza 0 is a masterclass in tonal whiplash. On one hand, it's a gripping crime drama about a yakuza member framed for murder and a disgraced ex-cop trying to get back into the family. On the other, it's a game where you can spend hours doing ridiculous side quests like helping a dominatrix learn to be more submissive or racing a child in a remote-controlled car. The main story is serious, but the side content is pure comedy gold. This blend of drama and humor is what makes Yakuza 0 one of the most entertaining games ever made.
6. The Stanley Parable (2013)
The Stanley Parable is a game that's all about choices—and the lack thereof. You play as Stanley, an office worker who discovers that all his coworkers have vanished. A narrator guides you through the game, but you can choose to follow his instructions or ignore them, leading to a variety of endings. The humor comes from the narrator's increasingly exasperated reactions to your choices, as well as the game's meta-commentary on player agency and video game tropes. It's a witty, intelligent satire that's as thought-provoking as it is funny.
5. Octodad: Dadliest Catch (2014)
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is a game about an octopus pretending to be a human dad. That premise alone is hilarious, but the game takes it to the next level with deliberately awful controls. Simple tasks like making breakfast or mowing the lawn become Herculean feats of coordination, as you struggle to control your flailing tentacles. The game's absurdity is amplified by the fact that everyone around you seems to accept your octopus-like behavior as normal. It's a comedy of errors that's perfect for a laugh with friends.
4. Untitled Goose Game (2019)
There's something inherently funny about being a menace, and Untitled Goose Game lets you do just that. You play as a goose whose only goal is to cause as much chaos as possible in a peaceful village. Steal a gardener's hat, honk at a child, or trip up a farmer—the possibilities are endless. The game's simple mechanics and charming art style make it accessible to everyone, but the real joy comes from the mischievous satisfaction of completing your to-do list of pranks. It's a short, sweet, and utterly hilarious experience.
3. Portal 2 (2011)
Portal 2 is often praised for its puzzle design and innovative mechanics, but it's also one of the funniest games ever made. The writing is sharp, with a perfect blend of dark humor and witty banter between the game's characters. GLaDOS, the AI antagonist, is a masterclass in passive-aggressive comedy, while Wheatley, the bumbling robot companion, provides endless laughs with his cluelessness. The game's co-op mode also features some of the funniest moments, as you and a friend try to solve puzzles while dealing with the game's quirky physics. It's a comedy classic that never gets old.
2. Psychonauts 2 (2021)
Psychonauts 2 is a platformer that's as funny as it is creative. You play as Raz, a young psychic who joins an elite group of mental spies. The game takes you inside the minds of various characters, each with their own unique and often hilarious visual style. The writing is top-notch, with jokes that range from silly to clever, and the characters are full of personality. The game's humor is woven into every aspect, from the dialogue to the level design, making it a joy to play from start to finish.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
It might seem odd to put a dark fantasy RPG at the top of a list of funniest games, but The Witcher 3 is genuinely hilarious. While the main story is serious and epic, the side quests are often filled with humor and absurdity. From a quest involving a talking rooster to a mission where you help a ghost solve a murder mystery, the game is full of unexpected laughs. The writing is sharp, and the characters are memorable, making even the most mundane tasks entertaining. It's a game that proves that even in a world of monsters and war, there's always room for a good joke.
These games show that comedy is a vital part of gaming, and they're sure to keep you laughing for hours. Whether you're in the mood for a clever satire or a chaotic party game, there's something on this list for everyone. And if you're looking for more laughs, check out our list of the worst TV show video games for a good chuckle.
