When we talk about the greatest comedies ever made, we often focus on laughs, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. But there's another measure that matters a lot in Hollywood: box office dollars. After all, even the funniest film needs to turn a profit to be considered a true success. In this list, we've curated ten of the most beloved comedy masterpieces—from the Marx Brothers' anarchic antics to the Coen brothers' stoner noir—and ranked them by how much they earned at the global box office. Note: we're not adjusting for inflation, so older films will naturally have lower numbers. And this isn't a list of the highest-grossing comedies ever (that would be Barbie); it's a ranking of the all-time greats by their financial performance.
10. 'Duck Soup' (1933) — $106,318
As the oldest film on our list, Duck Soup had a tough time at the box office. The Marx Brothers' satirical romp about a bankrupt country electing a fast-talking leader who immediately starts a war was considered a financial disaster upon release, nearly bankrupting Paramount. But time has been kind: its sharp wit, anarchic style, and anti-war humor are now regarded as timeless. While it didn't make much money in 1933, its legacy as a comedy landmark is priceless.
9. 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975) — $5,763,644
Made on a shoestring budget of about $400,000—with funding from rock bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin—Monty Python and the Holy Grail became a cult phenomenon. King Arthur and his knights encounter killer rabbits, hedge knights, and all sorts of surreal absurdity. The film's chaotic, irreverent humor defined a generation of comedy and remains a beloved masterpiece, proving you don't need a big budget to make a big impact.
8. 'Dr. Strangelove' (1964) — $9,440,272
Stanley Kubrick's black comedy about the Cold War turned a terrifying nuclear threat into hilarious satire. When a deranged general orders a nuclear strike, a group of eccentric characters scramble to prevent mutually assured destruction. The film earned nearly ten times its budget, cementing its status as both a financial success and one of the greatest comedies ever made. Its anti-war message still resonates today.
7. 'Some Like It Hot' (1959) — $25,000,000
Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon star in this cross-dressing comedy about two musicians who witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and flee to Florida disguised as women. With a budget of $2.9 million, it grossed $25 million, making it a massive hit. Beyond its flawless comedic timing and tight script, the film challenged gender norms and remains an iconic, important piece of cinema history.
6. 'The Big Lebowski' (1998) — $48,261,691
The Dude abides—and so does his box office. The Big Lebowski barely broke even in theaters, but it became a cult classic on DVD and streaming, earning a devoted following. Jeff Bridges plays a lazy slacker mistaken for a millionaire, getting tangled in a kidnapping plot that ruins his favorite rug. Its surreal comedy-noir style, unforgettable characters, and quotable dialogue have made it a cultural touchstone.
5. 'Airplane!' (1980) — $83,455,874
Leslie Nielsen reinvented himself as a comedy legend in this spoof that many consider the funniest film ever made. When a plane's crew falls ill, an ex-pilot with a fear of flying must land the aircraft. Airplane! pioneered the modern parody genre, packing in rapid-fire jokes and sight gags. It was a huge box office success and remains a gold standard for comedy.
4. 'Tropic Thunder' (2008) — $195,702,963
Ben Stiller's meta-comedy about actors making a war film in the jungle became a surprise hit. With Robert Downey Jr. in blackface (controversial even then) and Tom Cruise as a foul-mouthed studio exec, the film pushed boundaries. It grossed nearly $196 million worldwide, proving that smart, edgy satire can still fill seats.
3. 'Bridesmaids' (2011) — $288,383,523
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo's raunchy, heartfelt comedy about a bridesmaid's meltdown became a cultural phenomenon. It proved that female-led comedies could be both critically acclaimed and massively profitable. With a budget of $32.5 million, it earned over $288 million globally, sparking a wave of similar films and cementing its place as a modern classic.
2. 'The Hangover' (2009) — $467,483,912
What happens in Vegas… becomes a box office juggernaut. The Hangover followed a group of friends on a wild bachelor party gone wrong. Made for $35 million, it earned over $467 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies ever. Its blend of mystery, chaos, and outrageous humor struck a chord with audiences everywhere.
1. 'Home Alone' (1990) — $476,684,675
The undisputed king of comedy box office is Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister defending his house from bumbling burglars became a holiday tradition. With a budget of $18 million, it grossed nearly $477 million globally, making it the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time (unadjusted). Its heartwarming story and slapstick humor have made it a perennial favorite.
These ten films prove that the best comedies don't just make us laugh—they also make a lot of money. Whether you prefer classic satire or modern raunch, there's a masterpiece on this list that earned its place both in our hearts and at the box office. For more great movie rankings, check out our list of the all-time most universally beloved Netflix shows or 2026's best movies so far.
