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Top Comedy Movies of the Decade (2001 to 2010)

Kulbhushaan Raghuvanshi
Not many know that the last decade (2001-2010) had five movies that each collected more than $1 billion in worldwide revenues. Out of those five, two movies (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Toy Story 3) managed to create waves of laughter with their funny yet unique storylines.
These were not the only movies which created headlines, here are some more names that managed to tickle the nation's funny bone.
Comedy movies never fail to put a smile on faces even in tough times. Often called stress-busters, these movies can easily lighten up the mood and create a happy atmosphere.

The best part about them is that, they are loved by people from all walks of life.
The 2000's decade showcased an extensive collection of good movies, out of which many comedy movies made quite an impression and left viewers in splits, even now in 2020.

Following are the best comedy films of that decade.
All the names mentioned in this story are the author's personal choice, and in no way are intended to hurt the sentiments of others.

Take your pick...

Bridget Jones Diary, 2001

Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth 

Directors may be hesitant to cast Renee Zellweger in pivotal roles, but she was the main reason Bridget Jones Diary became a blockbuster. It is one of the best movies in which Zellweger effortlessly charmed critics and audiences by putting on 20 pounds.
She plays the role of a British singleton who falls in love first with Hugh Grant and then Colin Firth. From her bad public speeches to listening of sad radio songs in her pajamas, Zellweger does a fabulous job and carries the entire movie on her shoulders with gratitude.

Rush Hour 2, 2001

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker

The best movie from the Rush Hour series, Chan and Tucker display a brilliant on-screen chemistry that is extremely rare to find.
The combination of the fastest hands in the east, and fastest mouth of the west travel to Hong-Kong for the second part where Carter thinks is enjoying a vacation, and Lee is secretly working on a mission. The second part is filled with hilarious situations, and one liners which will leave the audiences in splits.

Scary Movie 3, 2003

Anna Faris, Simon Rex, Charlie Sheen, Leslie Nielsen, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Hart, Camryn Manheim, George Carlin, Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy, Drew Mikuska, Jianna Ballard, Denise Richards, and Regina Hall
One of the best comedies of the decade, the creators of Scary Movie 3 have done a brilliant job incorporating the serious plots of The Ring, The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, Signs, and 8 Mile and made the perfect comedy. The film features the regular Anna Farris, and has some brilliant performances by its supporting leads. A must watch for comedy lovers.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003

Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Geoffrey Rush

The film that cemented Depp's reputation as a bankable star, Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most successful comedies of all time.
Although the movie has an impressive star cast, most critics and audiences agree that it was Depp (Jack Sparrow) who made Pirates of the Caribbean one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. A must watch for all Johnny Depp fans.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet

Charlie Kaufman is known for writing unusually unique and romantic scripts. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play a couple who breakup, and want to erase each others memories.
The problem arises when Carrey again relives those memories, he finds out that their loves is much more than the jealousy, bickering, and insecurity. One of my favorite films of the decade, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is inventive, humorous, and aching at the same time.

The 40 Year-Old Virgin, 2005

Steve Carell, Catherine Keener and Paul Rudd

Judd Apatow has emerged one of the top comedy makers this decade. The 40 Year-Old Virgin, is a big, goofy, hilarious mess that is considered Apatow's best work till date. It is about an electronic store salesman who hasn't done the deed yet, and how his friends help him overcome this awkward situation.
Steve Carell and Catherine Keener play the main leads. This no-nonsense romance is a total fun package with an outrageous premise and lewd jokes which makes it one of the best comedies of the decade.

Juno, 2007

Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, and J. K. Simmons

Juno is a comedy drama which deals with the issue of teen pregnancy. However, as serious as the subject of the movie sounds, the movie is pretty amusing. The heart of Juno's story is Ellen Page.
She has done a brilliant job portraying Juno, and the movie also has an impressive star cast which makes it a complete entertainer. It takes pregnancy for Juno to realize the man of her dreams is always in yellow shorts and is a runner.

Tropic Thunder, 2008

Ben Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr., Jack Black, Tom Cruise, and Matthew McConaughey

Probably the best action comedy of the decade, Tropic Thunder is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story involves around a group of actors who are making a war film but are running a month behind the studio's schedule.
Under the constant abuse from the studio executive (Cruise) and the erratic behavior of the actors, the director drops the entire cast in the middle of a real war-torn jungle and all the actors are forced to rely on their acting techniques for their survival.

The Hangover, 2009

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, and Jeffrey Tambor

Hangover was a low-budget movie made with four actors who were not so well-known. However after release, it grossed $470 million at the box office, and now is considered a cult comedy.
Let's not see just the numbers, "The Hangover" had no built-in audience, no stars, no ride to associate with it, no comic book adaptation, and no fancy actresses. It just had a funny storyline and some solid actors which puts this movie in the top spot.
This is usually the type of movie that falls flat with the critics but that didn't happened. It was equally praised by critics and audiences both.

I Love You Phillip Morris, 2009

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor

One of the best comedies of the decade, I Love You Phillip Morris is simply a great film that shouldn't be missed. It is a romantic comedy-drama inspired by real life characters and events.
The plot is about a gay con artist who is serving prison time, and he falls in love with an inmate and tries every trick in the book to escape from prison, so that they can live happily ever after. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor play the leads and Carrey's comic timing makes it a must watch.

Other Must Watch Comedies

  • Amélie (2001)
  • Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  • Shrek (2001)
  • Heartbreakers  (2001)
  • Legally Blonde (2001)
  • The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
  • Zoolander(2001)
  • About Schmidt (2002)
  • Barbershop (2002)
  • Men in Black II (2002)
  • Boat Trip (2002)
  • Ice Age (2002)
  • 50 First Dates (2004)
  • School of Rock (2003)
  • Johnny English (2003)
  • Finding Nemo (2003)
  • Bruce Almighty (2003)
  • About a Boy (2002)
  • Jackass: The Movie (2002)
  • The Hot Chick (2002)
  • Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
  • Something's Gotta Give (2003)
  • Calender Girls (2003)
  • Shanghai Knights (2003)
  • After the Sunset (2004)
  • Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
  • Are We There Yet? (2005)
  • The Longest Yard (2005)
  • The Whole Ten Yards (2004)
  • Sideways (2004)
  • Along Came Polly (2004)
  • Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle 2004)
  • Ghost World (2004)
  • Shaun of the Dead (2004)
  • DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story (2004)
  • Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
  • Shrek 2 (2004)
  • Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
  • Are We There Yet? (2005)
  • The Longest Yard (2005)
  • The Whole Ten Yards (2004)
  • Sideways (2004)
  • Mean Girls(2004)
  • The Incredibles (2004)
  • Madagascar (2005)
  • Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
  • Kung Fu Hustle (2005)
  • Knocked Up (2007)
  • Night at the Museum (2006)
  • The Break-Up (2006)
  • The Holiday (2006)
  • Accepted (2006)
  • Wedding Crashers(2004)
  • Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
  • The Ant Bully (2006)
  • Borat (2006)
  • Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
  • You, Me and Dupree (2006)
  • Dan in Real Life (2007)
  • 17 Again (2009)
  • Yes Man (2008)
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
  • Meet the Spartans (2008)
  • The Heartbreak Kid (2007)
  • Evan Almighty (2007)
  • Ratatouille (2007)
  • Rush Hour 3 (2007)
  • Good Luck Chuck (2007)
  • The Simpsons (2007)
  • Kung Fu Panda (2008)
  • Sex and the City (2008)
  • Get Smart (2008)
  • I Love You, Man (2009)
  • Cop Out (2010)
  • Date Night (2010)
  • Grown Ups (2010)
  • Up (2009)
  • Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
  • The Ugly Truth (2009)
  • Year One (2009)
  • Funny People (2009)
  • Bruno(2009)
  • Due Date (2010)
  • Kick-Ass (2010)
  • Easy A (2010)
  • The Other Guys (2010)
So what are you guys waiting for? Start watching these amazing comedies and share a hearty laugh with your loved ones.