The cast of actors can make or break a movie. It’s all well and good having a fantastic script, but if the actors can’t convey the required emotions, it’s likely you’ll find the project dead in the water. It would also be naive to deny that actors with a certain level of star power are going to be bigger draws and entice more viewers to the movie. Obviously, it’s not the only contributing factor to a movie or movie franchise's success, but it certainly helps.
Regardless of the motive — whether to utilize the actors’ star power or if they’re genuinely the best for the role, or both — assembling impressive casts of A-listers is nothing new in Hollywood. Perfect examples of such can be seen if we look back to the days of The Rat Pack, which saw the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr, among others, appearing in multiple movies together or to The Great Escape, which starred megastars Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, and Charles Bronson.
Below is a list of 10 movies that fall under the comedy genre and feature the most impressive casts ever assembled. (Please note: despite pretty much every actor active at the time appearing in it, Movie 43 has been omitted from the list, because it’s hard to justify its existence as an actual feature film).
10 O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Coen Brothers have a pretty immaculate record when it comes to directing, with many arguing that their comedic output is often their greatest. Following the success of previous comedies Raising Arizona, Fargo, and The Big Lebowski, the Coens recruited Hollywood A-lister George Clooney to star alongside a fantastic cast that include several previous collaborators, including John Goodman and John Turturro.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? delivers everything you’d expect from two of the most highly regarded directors in the industry. Set in rural Mississippi during the 1930s, the basic premise revolves around three escaped convicts on the hunt for hidden treasure while a sheriff relentlessly pursues them. Looking deeper, it becomes apparent that the movie is in fact a clever retelling of Homer's epic Greek poem The Odyssey. There’s humor, heart, satire, plenty of drama, and a phenomenal folk/country soundtrack, which won the prestigious Grammy Award for Album of the Year (via Rolling Stone).
9 Caddyshack
Led by Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight, the cast of Caddyshack delivers uproarious performances that have become legendary in the comedy genre. Chase's suave and witty portrayal, Murray's eccentric and improvisational humor, Dangerfield's boisterous and irreverent charm, and Knight's hilariously pompous persona all contribute to the film's comedic brilliance.
Their interactions on-screen create a unique yet wonderful comedic tapestry that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Michael O'Keefe, Cindy Morgan, and Brian Doyle-Murray all deliver top-notch performances. With a cast of such comedic prowess, Caddyshack remains an enduring classic that continues to entertain and delight audiences with its humor and wit.
8 The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Grand Budapest Hotel directed by Wes Anderson, showcases an exceptional ensemble cast, making it a cinematic gem. The film is a whimsical and visually stunning adventure, and its brilliance is further elevated by the exceptional talent on display. Leading the pack is Ralph Fiennes, who delivers a remarkable performance as the charismatic and eccentric concierge, Monsieur Gustave H. Fiennes brings his impeccable comedic timing and magnetic presence to the role, creating a character that is both endearing and enigmatic.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor embodying their unique and eccentric characters flawlessly. From the deadpan humor of Bill Murray and the dry wit of Edward Norton to the delightful quirkiness of Tilda Swinton and the subtle charm of Jude Law, the ensemble cast breathes life into Anderson's meticulously crafted world.
With an array of talented actors including Willem Dafoe, Saoirse Ronan, Jeff Goldblum, and Adrien Brody, among others, The Grand Budapest Hotel becomes a delightful symphony of comedic performances that enhance the film's whimsical charm. The chemistry and camaraderie among the cast members shine through, creating a cinematic experience that is truly unforgettable.
7 This Is the End
This Is the End is a comedic tour de force that features an incredible ensemble cast, making it a standout comedy film. The movie takes self-referential humor to new heights, as it stars the actual actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Led by James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride, the cast members demonstrate their comedic genius by fearlessly embracing their self-parodying roles.
Their camaraderie and chemistry on-screen are palpable, as they effortlessly bounce off one another with sharp improvisation and hilarious banter. Each actor brings their unique comedic style to the table, resulting in a comedic synergy that keeps the audience in stitches throughout the film.
On top of the main casts there is also slew of cameo appearances by renowned celebrities, further adding to the hilarity (and star power) including notable appearances from Emma Watson, Channing Tatum, and Michael Cera all playing outrageously over the top versions of their real selves. The willingness to poke fun at themselves and their ability to create laughter from absurd situations makes the movie an uproarious and unforgettable experience.
6 Ocean’s Twelve
The original Ocean’s 11 featured an impressive ensemble cast starring some of the biggest names of the time, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. The sharp and stylistic 2001 remake from Steven Soderbergh blew our collective minds by managing to assemble the most impressive (and glamorous) cast of A-listers Hollywood had ever seen consisting of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, and Julia Roberts.
The sequel Ocean's Twelve managed to retain the cast and the fun and energy of the original, and turn it up to, well, 12. Catherine Zeta-Jones joined the main ensemble along with Eddie Izzard in a supporting role. There were also cameos from Topher Grace, Robbie Coltrane, and Bruce Willis as himself.
5 Bridesmaids
In a genre often dominated by men, it was refreshing to see Bridesmaids showcasing the best of women in comedy. Led by the talented Kristen Wiig, the ensemble cast brings a refreshing and empowering presence to the film. Wiig's performance is a testament to her comedic genius, as she effortlessly navigates between humor and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, and Wendi McLendon-Covey, among others, deliver stellar performances, each bringing their unique comedic strengths to the table.
Together, they create a vibrant and dynamic ensemble that highlights the incredible talents of women in comedy. The film's success lies in its ability to portray female characters with depth, wit, and relatability, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the range of comedic brilliance that women can bring to the big screen. Bridesmaids stands as a shining example of how women can dominate comedy and leave a lasting impact on the genre.
4 The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers boasts an exceptional cast that contributes to its status as a beloved classic. Anchored by the dynamic duo of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, the film showcases their incredible chemistry and comedic talents. Belushi's larger-than-life energy and Aykroyd's deadpan humor blend seamlessly as they bring their iconic characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, to life.
The supporting cast is equally remarkable, featuring a lineup of talented performers such as Cab Calloway, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, among others. Their electrifying musical performances and charismatic screen presence add depth and richness to the film. The combination of the main cast's comedic chops and the legendary musical talents of the supporting cast make The Blues Brothers a true gem that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and unforgettable performances.
3 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy & The Legend Continues
It quickly became apparent that the outrageous and irreverent humor of Anchorman had led to more than just another frat boy party flick. The movie garnered praise across the board and still remains one of the most quoted movies to this day. A decade later, Will Ferrell and co. had the unenviable task of trying to create a sequel that could match its predecessor’s success and impact.
While Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues was entertaining enough, it seems their solution was to focus entirely on trying to get every single celebrity they could think of to appear in the movie. The fantastic news team from the original (Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate) all make a triumphant return with additional supporting cast members James Marsden and Kristen Wiig.
While the first movie did have its fair share of high-profile cameo appearances, The Legend Continues went all out with Will Smith, Harrison Ford, Sacha Baron Cohen, Drake, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Carrey, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson, Amy Poehler, Vince Vaughn, and Kanye West all making brief but memorable appearances. This movie could have easily been number one on this list, but given that the movie's cameo appearances are so minor, it didn’t seem fair.
2 Love Actually
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The A-list cast of Love Actually is nothing short of phenomenal, massively contributing to the film's enduring charm and appeal. Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, the movie brings together a collection of talented actors who deliver captivating performances. From Hugh Grant's charismatic charm to Emma Thompson's heartfelt portrayal, each member of the cast brings depth and authenticity to their respective characters.
The film also showcases the comedic brilliance of actors like Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, and Rowan Atkinson, who infuse the story with moments of laughter and levity. Additionally, the cast includes a slew of genuine legends such as Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman, and Laura Linney, among others, who bring their own unique talents to the mix. Their collective performances create a tapestry of love, heartbreak, and humor, making Love Actually a beloved romantic comedy that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
1 Tropic Thunder
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Tropic Thunder received numerous accolades, including an Oscar nod for Robert Downey Jr.’s performance and Golden Globe nominations for both him and Tom Cruise. It has also gone down as one of the most controversial movies of all time as well, with some finding Downey Jr.’s use of blackface, Ben Stiller’s portrayal of a man with developmental disabilities, and Cruise’s overly stereotyped Jewish character, particularly offensive and insensitive.
Controversy aside, the premise is certainly intriguing. Tropic Thunder follows a group of actors, who, while shooting a Vietnam War film in a jungle, encounter real danger and have to rely on what they've learned from acting to survive. In essence, the movie acts as a parody of the Vietnam War epic of the past. The movie also features what is probably the greatest cast ever put together for a comedy movie, including Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, Steve Coogan, Bill Hader, Matthew McConaughey, Danny McBride, Nick Nolte, and more celebrity cameos than you could shake a stick at.