While I have a great appreciation for all genres of film, the one that stands out for me as a personal favorite is the Screwball Comedy. Unfortunately, nowadays not enough people watch the classics to share my love of these films. But you can just watch the ten films below and you’ll have a new favorite genre guaranteed.
- Bringing Up Baby– Staring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and a tiger. That should be all the information you need.
- The Awful Truth- Divorce is a terrible thing especially when the couple in question are still in love. Although it can be terribly funny when the couple in question keeps trying to sabotage each other’s new romances. Some the wittiest banter you’ll ever find in this one. Though it might have you calling up your ex.
- His Girl Friday– A gender-swapped version of The Front Page that far surpasses the original play. Cary Grant is his usual charming self but it’s Rosalind Russell you want to watch this for. Her fast-talking, no-nonsense, just-one-of-the-guys cynical ace reporter Hildy Johnson is one of THE great characters ever to grace the screen and has been imitated, aped, and impersonated for seventy years now. But never has she been replicated.
- My Man Godfrey- A depression era story about a heiress falling in love with the butler, who is more than he appears. Absolutely charming and a great way to learn about the depression without, you know, getting super depressed
- Arsenic and Old Lace- No it’s not your imagination. This is Cary Grant’s fourth appearance on this list already. What can I say, the man had talent. But though he is excellent as always here, he’s not the main draw. The wacky cast of characters around him constantly steal the show.
- The Lady Eve– Not to be confused with the dark drama All About Eve. Henry Fonda (you know, dad to Jane and Peter) is at his most “aww shucks” in this comedy about a con woman who falls for her mark. Fonda is the mark of course and Barbara Stanwyck is the bombshell seductress with a heart of gold. For when you want to feel a little less cynical about the world.
- The Thin Man- This detective story is the opposite of hard-boiled. Sure it’s a murder mystery; but you’re really here for the banter, the martinis, and the dog. And if you like this one, there are five more in the franchise.
- You Can’t Take It with You- This Frank Capra film tends to fly under the radar, but it is a Best Picture winner. Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and the great Lionel Barrymore. It’s quirky, hysterical, and heart-warming. For when you need to be reminded that money isn’t everything.
- Ball of Fire– Barbara Stanwyck being a force of nature (again) only this time she’s playing off the always stoic Gary Cooper. This movie also goes by the title The Professor and the Burlesque Queen which should really tell you all you need to know about the plot.
- The Palm Beach Story- Look the plot and the ending are ridiculous, but it’s a comedy so who cares. This is a signature Preston Sturges film, with the actors throwing quips at each other so fast you’ll have trouble keeping up. But it’s not just the banter, the physical comedy is top-notch as well.