Since the golden age of Hollywood, comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello have left an indelible mark on cinema. But one partnership that often gets overlooked is the dynamic duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. They met in 1944 as solo performers and teamed up in 1946, making their feature film debut in 1949's My Friend Irma. With Martin's suave charm and Lewis's zany slapstick, they became box office gold, starring in 16 films before splitting in 1956. Here are the six best Martin and Lewis movies that capture their timeless magic.
6. Sailor Beware (1952)
Set in the U.S. Navy, Sailor Beware follows Martin as a confident sailor and Lewis as a bumbling recruit. Their hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings showcase perfect comedic timing. The film also features a young James Dean in a brief locker room scene. A massive hit, it cemented their status as Hollywood's top draws.
5. The Caddy (1953)
In this classic, Lewis plays a timid golfer who becomes a golf instructor, with Martin as his first client. The film features the debut of Martin's signature song "That's Amore," which earned an Oscar nomination. The lighthearted story and laugh-out-loud performances make it a fan favorite.
4. Artists and Models (1955)
This inventive comedy spoofs comic books and pop culture. Martin plays a struggling painter who draws inspiration from Lewis's vivid dreams. With Shirley MacLaine and Dorothy Malone, the film blends colorful visuals, catchy songs, and fast-paced humor, showcasing the duo's unique chemistry.
3. You're Never Too Young (1955)
A gender-swap remake of Billy Wilder's The Major and the Minor, this film has Martin and Lewis in a comedic romp. While not as well-known, it highlights their ability to adapt classic material with their signature style.
2. The Stooge (1952)
In The Stooge, Martin plays a successful singer who hires Lewis as his comic sidekick, only to realize Lewis is the real star. The film explores themes of ego and friendship, with a poignant ending that adds depth to their usual slapstick.
1. Living It Up (1954)
This musical comedy, a remake of Nothing Sacred, has Lewis faking a terminal illness to get a free trip to New York, with Martin as his doctor. The film is a riot of musical numbers and physical comedy, perfectly capturing the duo's magic. It remains their most beloved film.
For more classic comedy rankings, check out The Best Brendan Fraser Movies, Ranked and The Four Films That Topped Sight & Sound's Greatest Movies Poll, Ranked.
