A laugh as the old adage goes is the best medicine. A laugh, in any form (belly laugh, snort, chuckle, giggle), reduces stress hormones and boosts the immune system by producing more infection-fighting cells and antibodies.
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Therefore, it is occasionally necessary to relax by plopping down on the couch with a bag of peanut butter-filled pretzels and a funny movie. But normal jokes won't cut it in these unusual circumstances. There must be something stronger, movies that will keep you laughing for a long time.
Wet Hot American Summer
It shouldn't be nearly as entertaining as it is to watch a group of people in their twenties and thirties perform a spoof of camp counselors from a handful of ultra-specific 80s movies. If you don't think that Paul Rudd's scene depicting an angry teenager is fantastic, then go keep a journal about it.
Best In Show
Who would have thought that competitive dog breeding would be such fertile ground for comedy? A golden-goblet winner featuring songs about terriers, oblivious hosts, a May-December romance, overzealous trainers, and hypochondriac owners. (Note: Essentially any Christopher Guest movie will do.)
Mean Girls
Any work by Tina Fey is certain to brighten your day. And don't you enjoy it when you can quote a movie and your pals advise you to shut up?
The Fourth Annual Romy and Michele High School Reunion
Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino play their roles as two naive, gorgeous women who are anxiously awaiting their high school reunion so that they may brag about how "successful" they have become. Lots of laughs are guaranteed with the inclusion of late '90s fashion and gummy bear diet jokes.
Rushmore
Are you feeling like making anything out of a Wes Anderson film? All is fair as Max (Jason Schwartzman) and Herman (Bill Murray) compete for the attention of a new first-grade teacher at Max's school.
The Room
The Room, widely known as one of the worst films ever made, is actually more accurately classified as an example of outsider art. Things may get fairly Rocky Horror Picture Show–esque in the film, so if you're looking for a good belly laugh, check to see if any nearby theaters are showing it. There's no escaping it, no turning away.
Legally Blonde
A member of the Delta Zeta chapter in California who is pursuing a law degree at Harvard? Sure, go ahead. (And, of course, you wouldn't want to miss out on seeing Reese Witherspoon in her peak of rosy youth.)
21 Jump Street
As far as I'm concerned, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum have shown themselves to be the most improbable and hilarious team of police officers in the history of cinema. They're perfect together for some reason.
The Perfect Pitch
This comedy about an all-girls collegiate singing club is a must-see whether you enjoy acappella music, Anna Kendrick, choreographed dancing, or cheesy jokes. Just look at it; it's amazing. (As an added bonus, you may watch the sequel right after.)
Absolutely Confidential
Only one film features an underwater bar brawl, a backward sequence set in a "Swedish" bookstore, and a preternaturally young Val Kilmer singing and snooping. So, this is the final chapter.
Bridesmaids
What a fantastic group of actors they have assembled. The movie's female leads are all hilarious and perform at the top of their games. Each scene is a daring new experience in the unpredictable realm of womanhood.
Eleventh: The Creature From the Young Frankenstein
Every single second of this Mel Brooks movie is packed with a joke. The best part is that you really have to pay attention to get them all. The world is full of unexpected treasures.
