Gary Larson's The Far Side ran from 1980 to 1995, producing over 4,000 single-panel comics that defied easy summary. There was no ongoing narrative, no recurring cast (well, almost), and no grand message—just pure, often absurd, observational humor. Larson's genius lay in taking a simple, everyday scenario and twisting it into something delightfully weird, whether it involved talking animals, hapless humans, or the occasional cow with tools.
While every Far Side fan has their personal favorites, a few strips stand out as universally beloved—the ones that make you laugh, then think, then laugh again. We've combed through the archives to rank the 10 greatest Far Side comics of all time. (And no, Cow Tools isn't here—that one's more of a meme than a masterpiece.)
10. Boneless Chicken Ranch (1983)
Sometimes a Far Side panel needs no caption, and Boneless Chicken Ranch is the perfect example. The image is simple: a ranch with a sign reading "Boneless Chicken Ranch," and in the yard, chickens that are literally boneless—floppy, wobbly blobs of poultry. The joke is right there, and it's brilliant in its simplicity. It's the kind of strip that makes you wonder how Larson came up with it, and why no one else had thought of it before.
9. Shared Dreams of Success (1987)
This one's a bit more wordy, but that's part of its charm. The caption tells the story of three utensils—a fork, a spoon, and a knife named Mack—who share a squalid apartment and dream of fame. The punchline? Mack the Knife makes it big, a nod to the classic song. It's absurd, melancholic, and utterly hilarious, showing Larson's willingness to commit to a weird bit and then triple down on it.
8. Butlers of the World (1993)
If you've ever heard the cliché "the butler did it," you'll appreciate this one. The strip shows a convention of butlers, all gathered for their annual banquet. The joke is in the sheer absurdity of the premise—what do butlers talk about? Why do they have a convention? It's a one-panel gag that could fuel a whole Agatha Christie novel, and it's one of Larson's best murder-mystery riffs.
7. That Place in Texas (1980)
One of the earliest Far Side strips, this one features a soldier who can't quite remember the Alamo. The joke is simple: he's trying to say "Remember the Alamo," but he's forgotten the name. It's a stupid joke that somehow gets funnier the more you think about it, and it's a great example of Larson's ability to find humor in the most basic human failings.
6. For Crying Out Loud, Warren (1987)
While the Jane Goodall strip is more famous, this one is funnier. It shows a group of apes, one of whom—Warren—is making armpit fart noises. The look on his face is pure mischief, and the fact that only one other ape seems bothered makes it even better. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest jokes are the best, and that Warren deserves a spot in the Far Side hall of fame.
5. Beware of Doug (1983)
Another caption-less gem, Beware of Doug shows a sign on a fence that warns of a dangerous dog. But instead of a fierce canine, we see a small, harmless-looking dog named Doug, who is anything but threatening. The joke is in the contrast between the sign and the reality, and it's a perfect example of Larson's dry wit.
4. The Cow Tools (1982)
Okay, we said we wouldn't include it, but we have to mention it. Cow Tools is infamous for being a strip where the joke is unclear—a cow stands next to a table with four crude tools. It's become a meme, but it's not one of Larson's best. It's more of a curiosity, a testament to his willingness to experiment, even if it didn't always land.
3. The Nature of the Beast (1985)
This one shows a bear in a forest, looking at a sign that says "Bear Left." The bear is scratching its head, clearly confused. It's a play on words that's so simple it's brilliant, and it's a great example of Larson's love for puns and wordplay.
2. The Dog's Dinner (1986)
In this strip, a dog is sitting at a dinner table, with a plate of food in front of him. But instead of eating, he's staring at a can of dog food, looking dejected. The caption reads: "The dog's dinner." It's a commentary on the humanization of pets, and it's both funny and a little sad.
1. The Far Side's Greatest: The Cow That Says 'Moo' (1984)
Our top pick is a strip that captures everything that makes The Far Side great. It shows a cow in a field, with a speech bubble that says "Moo." But the cow is thinking, "I wonder what it's like to be a human." It's a simple, existential joke that's both hilarious and profound, and it's a perfect example of Larson's ability to find the absurd in the ordinary.
These 10 strips represent the best of The Far Side, but they're just a taste of Larson's genius. If you're looking for more, check out our ranking of action heroines or our list of historical epics. And if you're a fan of classic comics, you might enjoy our look at Garfield's first strip. For more on the art of the single-panel gag, check out our supernatural thrillers list.
