A unique place in the annals of film history is occupied by raunchy comedy that provokes strong emotions and touch on taboo subjects. These gut-busting movies frequently produce gold at the box office because they blend wild humor, clever dialogue, and bizarre characters. In terms of worldwide box office receipts, the following 20 raunchy comedies are the funniest [1]:
Delve Into to The Top 20 Classic Raunchy Comedy
1. The Sweetest Thing (2002), $68.7 million
“The Sweetest Thing” is a 2002 comedy film from the United States, written and directed by Nancy Pimental and Roger Kumble. Selma Blair, Christina Applegate, and Cameron Diaz are the film’s main stars. It narrates the tale of Christina Walters, a prosperous interior designer in San Francisco, who, while out with her closest pals, Courtney and Jane, encounters Peter, her ideal mate.
Christina and Courtney decide to go look for him after learning that he has left town. They encounter several mishaps on route, such as an exploding toilet, a finding of a glory hole, and a motorcycle rider who is misled into thinking Courtney is getting cunnilingus from Christina while driving. After its April 12, 2002, release, the movie brought in $68.7 million at the box office[1].
2. The House Bunny (2008), $70.4 million
The 2008 American comedy film “The House Bunny” was produced by Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Anna Faris, Allen Covert, and Heather Parry. It was directed by Fred Wolf and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith. The film, which stars Emma Stone, Colin Hanks, and Anna Faris, narrates the tale of a former Playboy bunny who, upon learning that she must vacate the Playboy Mansion [1], agrees to take on the role of “house mother” of an unpopular collegiate sorority.
The protagonist of the film is Shelley Darlingson, an aspirant Playboy playmate who lives a lavish lifestyle in the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner. She finds a note instructing her to pack up and leave when she wakes up the day after turning 27, which appears to be from Hefner. Later on, jealous rival Playmate Cassandra reveals the note to be a fake. Shelley just so happens to stumble upon a group of girls who are lively and attractive, just like her. She pursues them and discovers that they also have opulent lives.
When she tries to become a house mother, the house moms snobbishly reject her. It turns out that they are the Phi Iota Mu sorority, and she is unable to join them because she is not a student. Shelley descends to the Zeta Alpha Zeta residence, which seems to be somewhat less opulent than Phi Iota Mu. The Zeta family is dowdy, uneasy around people, and surprised by Shelley’s vivaciousness, which makes them reject her at first.
The Zetas, fearing that their sorority will be shut down unless it can recruit 30 new pledges, alter their minds and accept Shelley as their new “house mother” after witnessing her ability to draw in boys. While staying with the Zetas, Shelley meets Oliver, a kind, thoughtful man who works at a retirement community, and she finds herself drawn to him. He takes Shelley out on a date. Oliver genuinely wants to get to know Shelley rather than just hook up with her, but her seductive strategies—which work with other guys—fail[1].
3. The Change-Up (2011), $75.5 million
The 2011 comedy film “The Change-Up” was written and directed by David Dobkin in the United States. After a night of drinking and partying, Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds play two best friends who switch bodies in the movie. Mitch Planko (Reynolds) is an unmarried actor without a job, whereas Dave Lockwood (Bateman) is a married lawyer with three kids.
The two wake up from a night of heavy drinking to discover that their bodies have switched. Then, while they attempt to figure out how to swap back, they have to navigate each other’s lives. They pick up insightful lessons about friendship and life along the way.
4. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), $177.4 million
American romantic comedy “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” was released in 2005. It was produced by Apatow Productions and helmed by Judd Apatow. Steve Carell plays Andy Stitzer in the movie, a forty-year-old guy who has never had sex but works at an electronics store.
His coworkers decide to assist him break the news of his virginity after they learn about it. Andy meets Catherine Keener’s character Trish throughout the journey, and the two start to feel something for one another. On a $26 million budget, the movie brought in nearly $177 million worldwide when it was released on August 19, 2005[1][2].
5. The Other Woman (2014), $196.7 million
Scripted by Melissa Stack and directed by Nick Cassavetes, “The Other Woman” is an American romantic comedy released in 2014 that stars Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Kinney, and Don Johnson.
The movie centers on three women who are romantically linked with the same man (Coster-Waldau): Carly (Diaz), Kate (Mann), and Amber (Upton). Once they learn about one another, they exact retribution on him. After its April 25, 2014, release, the movie brought in $196.7 million globally[1][2].
6. The Ugly Truth (2009), $205.3 million
The 2009 romantic comedy “The Ugly Truth” starred Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler and was directed by Robert Luketic. Nicole Eastman, Karen McCullah Lutz, and Kirsten Smith wrote the screenplay.
The movie centers on Sacramento, California, morning show producer Abby Richter, who is compelled to collaborate with chauvinistic correspondent Mike Chadway in order to raise the ratings for her program. Abby is a firm believer in true love and a proponent of sophisticated self-help literature. But Mike’s misanthropic opinions about partnerships make Abby want to dispute him live.
The following day, she finds out that her show’s low ratings are threatening to force the TV network to discontinue it. Mike has been hired by the station owner to do a section for her program. The two had a rough relationship initially; Mike finds Abby to be naive and a control freak, while Abby feels Mike to be crude and repulsive. Nevertheless, Mike persuades her to take his counsel in order to increase her chances of falling in love with Colin, the doctor who lives next door and is the man of her dreams.
Abby is dubious, but they figure out a deal: if Mike succeeds in getting her to meet Colin, as he believes she will, she will work joyfully and amicably with him; if not, he will step down from her show.
Mike is able to increase the show’s viewership, bring co-anchors Georgia and Larry closer together, and give Abby a lot of advice on how to be precisely what Colin would want—for example, to always laugh at his jokes and tell her he’s great in bed.
Both a job offer from another network and an invitation to participate on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” are extended to Mike. In order to convince Mike to stay with her program, Abby is forced to postpone their romantic weekend with Colin, during which they had hoped to finally have a kiss. Instead, she must fly to Los Angeles. After drinking and dancing, Mike says he wants to stay in Sacramento, close to his sister and nephew; therefore, he does not want to move.
They kiss passionately in the hotel elevator before leaving for their individual rooms. Mike phones Abby’s room, struggling with the depth of his affections for her, only to discover Colin has arrived to surprise her ´.
7. The Nutty Professor (1996),$274 million
Eddie Murphy stars in Tom Shadyac’s 1996 science fiction comedy “The Nutty Professor,” an American production. The movie is a reimagining of the Jerry Lewis-starring original from 1963. The narrative centers on Sherman Klump, a compassionate and severely obese professor who creates a remarkable medication that causes weight loss.
He puts it to the test on himself in the hopes of gaining the love of the girl of his dreams. The drug does its job, but it has an unanticipated side effect: it turns him into Buddy Love, a slender but annoying alter ego.
In the movie, Murphy portrays seven different characters, including Sherman and the majority of Sherman’s family. After its June 28, 1996, release, the movie brought in $274 million at box office worldwide,a $54 million budget[1][2][3].
8. Scary Movie (2000),$278 million
“Scary Movie” is an American horror comedy film from 2000 that was written and directed by Shawn and Marlon Wayans. The movie is a spoof of mystery, slasher, and horror movies. It centers on a gang of teens who, after inadvertently killing a guy while driving, are targeted by a masked assassin.
Starring in the movie are Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth, Jon Abrahams, and Anna Faris. On a $19 million budget, the movie made over $278 million in international box office revenue when it was released on July 7, 2000[1][2].
9. American Wedding (2003), $231.5 million
“American Wedding” is a 2003 romantic comedy film from the United States, directed by Jesse Dylan and written by Adam Herz. It is the third installment in the American Pie franchise and the follow-up to American Pie (1999) and American Pie 2 (2001).
The film’s subplot revolves around Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott), and his outrageous antics, such as teaching Jim how to dance for the wedding and competing with Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) for Michelle Flaherty’s (January Jones) affections.
The main plot of the movie centers on the marriage ceremony of Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) and Michelle Flaherty (Alyson Hannigan). After its August 1, 2003 release, the movie brought in $231.5 million worldwide[1][2].
10. American Pie (1999),$235 million
In the 1999 teen comedy American Pie, four high school males strike a deal to become virgins before they graduate. They discover important truths about love, friendship, and self-acceptance as they set out on their humorous and frequently disastrous adventures.
As they negotiate the dangers of puberty, Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), Kevin Myers (Seann William Scott), Oz Levy (Chris Klein), and Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) are followed in the movie.
The boys deal with their concerns and discover that losing their virginity isn’t what they thought it would be through a sequence of ridiculous blunders and gross-out humor.
After earning over $235 million worldwide and inspiring three sequels as well as numerous spin-offs, American Pie went on to become a cult classic[1][2].
11. Bridesmaids (2011), $288.4 million
The 2011 American comedy Bridesmaids was produced by Clayton Townsend, Barry Mendel, and Judd Apatow and helmed by Paul Feig. Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig wrote the screenplay.
The protagonist of the film is Annie (played by Wiig), who encounters a string of bad luck following her invitation to be her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) maid of honor. Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, and Chris O’Dowd are also featured in the movie.
The film, which cost $32.5 million, was released on May 13, 2011. Globally, it brought in $288.4 million. In addition to winning numerous other awards, the movie was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy. The movie received nominations in 2012 for Best Original Screenplay (Wiig and Mumolo 1) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa McCarthy)[1].
12. The Proposal (2009), $317.4 million
The American romance comedy The Proposal, written and directed by Anne Fletcher, was released in 2009. The film centers on Canadian executive editor-in-chief Margaret Tate (played by Sandra Bullock) of a New York City book publishing company, who finds out that she might be deported from the United States after her application for a visa renewal was turned down.
She uses blackmail to force her long-suffering personal assistant, Andrew Paxton (played by Ryan Reynolds), to marry her in order to obtain a green card and prevent deportation. When they are thought to have committed fraud in order to prevent Margaret’s deportation, the narrative thickens. In supporting roles in the movie are Malin Åkerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, and Betty White.
With a $40 million budget, the film debuted on June 1, 2009. Worldwide, it brought in $317.4 million. Critics gave the movie mixed to favorable reviews, praising Bullock and Reynolds’ performances but criticizing the screenplay and what they perceived as a conventional plot structure. Bullock received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Motion Picture[1].
13. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999),$312 million
The second film in the Austin Powers film series, following International Man of Mystery, is an espionage comedy directed by Jay Roach. Mike Myers, a writer and co-producer of the franchise, plays Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Fat Bastard in it. Heather Graham, Michael York, Rob Lowe, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, and Elizabeth Hurley are also featured in the movie.
The title of the movie parodies the 1977 James Bond picture The Spy Who Loved Me. In order to prevent Powers from interfering with Evil’s goals, the movie revolves around Dr. Evil coming back from cryostasis and utilizing a time machine to take away Powers’ charm (or “mojo”) and any other traits that made him a successful secret agent.
The film was a commercial success, with ticket sales of almost $312 million worldwide[1][2][3].
14. There’s Something About Mary (1998),$369.9 million
The Farrelly brothers directed the romantic comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” which was released in 1998. Among the twelve actors in the film are Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillon. Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller), the main character of the story, hires a private investigator to find Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), his high school crush, whom he hasn’t seen in thirteen years. After falling in love with Mary, the investigator Pat Healy (Matt Dillon) tries to keep Ted away from her by providing him with misleading information[1][2].
With global box office receipts of almost $369.9 million, the film was a financial triumph.
15. The Hangover (2009), $467.5 million
The 2009 comedy film “The Hangover” was written and directed by Todd Phillips in the United States. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Jeffrey Tambor 12, and Jeffrey Tambor are among the film’s stars.
The story revolves around four buddies who go to Las Vegas for a bachelor party to celebrate Doug Billings’ upcoming marriage: Doug Wenneck (Bradley Cooper), Stu Price (Ed Helms), Alan Garner (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug Wenneck (Justin Bartha).
But when they awaken the following morning, they have no memory of what happened the night before and find Doug gone. In order to locate Doug and return him to Los Angeles in time for his wedding, the three decide to follow their previous night’s route again.
With global box office receipts of almost $467.5 million, the film was a commercial triumph[1][2].
16. Meet the Fockers (2004), $516.6 million
The 2004 romantic comedy “Meet the Fockers” is an American production directed by Jay Roach. It is a follow-up to the 2000 picture “Meet the Parents.” Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo 12 are among the film’s stars.
In order to meet Greg’s parents, Bernie and Roz Focker (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand), for the first time, Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) and his fiancée Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo) fly to Florida. When the prim and proper Byrnes family—which includes the late CIA agent Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and his wife Dina (Blythe Danner)—meets the eccentric Fockers, they are in for a shock.
With global box office receipts of almost $516.6 million, the film was a commercial triumph[1][3].
17. The Heat (2013), $229.9 million
“The Heat” is a 2013 American buddy cop action comedy film, written and directed by Katie Dippold and Paul Feig. Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock play the lead characters in the film, while Demián Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport, and Jane Curtin provide supporting performances [1][2]. The story centers on Sandra Bullock as FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn and Melissa McCarthy as Boston Detective Shannon Mullins as they attempt to apprehend a mobster in Boston.
Despite a $43 million budget, the film was a commercial success, taking in about $229.9 million worldwide.
18. Ted (2012), $549.4 million
Seth MacFarlane is the director of the 2012 American fantasy comedy “Ted,” which was written by MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild. Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis play the lead parts in the film, while Joel McHale and Giovanni Ribisi provide supporting turns. MacFarlane also provided the main character’s voice and motion capture [1][2].
The story revolves around John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a guy who fulfills a childhood dream of reviving his teddy bear. Ted the bear—voiced by Seth MacFarlane—becomes his closest companion. But as they get older, Ted and John’s friendship starts to get in the way of John’s relationship with his fiancée Lori Collins (Mila Kunis) developing[2].
Despite having a $50–65 million budget, the film was a commercial success, making about $549.4 million worldwide.
19. The Hangover Part III (2013),$362 million
American comedy “The Hangover Part III” was released in 2013. Todd Phillips directed and Craig Mazin wrote the screenplay. Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, and John Goodman are among the film’s stars.
The story follows Doug, Phil, Stu, Alan, and the “Wolfpack” as they work to provide Alan the support he needs following a personal catastrophe. But when an occurrence from the first movie reappears to haunt them, things go wrong.
The film was a financial success, taking in about $362 million globally[1][2][4].
20. The Hangover Part II (2011),$586.8 million
2011 saw the release of the American comedy “The Hangover Part II,” which was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and produced by Legendary Pictures. It is the second part of the “The Hangover” trilogy and the follow-up to the 2009 movie of the same name. Starring in the film are Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Tambor, Ken Jeong, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, and Bradley Cooper.
The story tracks Doug, Alan, Stu, and Phil as they go to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. Stu doesn’t want to take any chances and decides on a quiet, safe pre-wedding breakfast after the bachelor party in Las Vegas. But things don’t go as planned, leaving you with no memory of the previous night and another horrible hangover. To locate Teddy and return him to Los Angeles in time for his wedding, the three need to go back and follow their previous night’s route[1][2][5].
With global box office receipts of almost $586.8 million, the film was a commercial triumph.
