Comedy films have the power to bring joy and laughter to global audiences, often mixing humor with heartfelt moments or outrageous scenarios. While animated films like Shrek and Frozen have made significant box office impact, live-action comedies have also raked in impressive grosses over the years. Below is a list of the top 10 highest-grossing live-action comedy films that have captivated audiences worldwide.
10. The Mermaid (2016) - $553,810,228
Directed by Stephen Chow, The Mermaid is a Chinese sci-fi romantic comedy about a mermaid sent to assassinate a businessman who threatens her underwater home. The film’s mix of humor, environmental themes, and romance resonated with audiences, particularly in China, where it became a massive hit. The Mermaid grossed $553.8 million globally, making it one of the most successful films in Chinese cinema history.
9. The Hangover Part II (2011) - $586,764,305
The Hangover Part II followed up on the wildly successful 2009 original, taking the comedic chaos to Thailand. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film reunited the infamous wolf pack for another misadventure, this time in Bangkok. Although it received mixed reviews, its outrageous humor and strong fanbase helped it rake in $586.7 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time.
8. Men in Black (1997) - $589,390,539
The original Men in Black is a sci-fi comedy classic that paired Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as secret agents defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film's clever blend of humor, special effects, and charismatic performances made it a smash hit, earning $589 million worldwide. Its success spawned multiple sequels and cemented its place as one of the most beloved comedy-action franchises.
7. Men in Black 3 (2012) - $624,026,776
The third installment in the Men in Black franchise saw the return of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents dealing with extraterrestrial threats. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film also introduced Josh Brolin as a younger version of Jones' character in a time-travel storyline. With its blend of sci-fi action and humor, Men in Black 3 was a hit, earning over $624 million worldwide.
6. Detective Chinatown 3 (2021) - $686,257,563
Detective Chinatown 3, part of a popular Chinese comedy-mystery franchise, became a massive box office hit in 2021. Directed by Chen Sicheng, the film follows two detectives who travel to Tokyo to solve a major case. Filled with slapstick humor and action-packed detective work, the movie attracted a huge audience and grossed $686 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films in Chinese cinema. 5. Deadpool (2016) - $783,112,979
The original Deadpool shattered expectations when it was released in 2016. Ryan Reynolds brought the iconic Marvel character to life with a blend of dark humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and intense action sequences. As the first R-rated superhero film to reach such box office heights, Deadpool earned over $783 million globally, proving that audiences were hungry for its unconventional and outrageous style of comedy. 4. Deadpool 2 (2018) - $785,046,920
The merc with a mouth returned in Deadpool 2, bringing even more action, laughs, and irreverent humor. Directed by David Leitch, this sequel features Ryan Reynolds reprising his role as the foul-mouthed antihero, this time assembling the X-Force team to face off against a time-traveling mutant. With a perfect mix of self-referential comedy, over-the-top action, and emotional undertones, the film grossed $785 million worldwide, cementing its place in comedy history.
3. Hi, Mom (2021) - $841,674,419
Hi, Mom is a Chinese time-travel comedy-drama that struck a chord with audiences in 2021. Directed by Jia Ling, who also stars in the film, it tells the story of a woman who goes back in time to meet her mother in the 1980s, aiming to improve her life. The film combines heartfelt family moments with humor, resonating deeply with viewers and earning over $841 million, making it one of the most successful comedies in Chinese cinema. 2. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) - $1,331,689,622
This highly anticipated 2024 crossover film combines the humor of the Deadpool franchise with the intense action of Wolverine. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the film delivers a perfect blend of raunchy, irreverent comedy and superhero mayhem. With a staggering $1.331 billion in global earnings, Deadpool & Wolverine ranks among the highest-grossing films not just in the comedy genre, but in superhero cinema as well.
1. Barbie (2023) - $1,445,636,220
Sitting at the top of the comedy box office list is Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. This colorful and imaginative live-action adaptation of the iconic toy doll blended sharp social commentary with humor, making it a cultural sensation. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s scene-stealing performance as Ken helped propel the film to incredible heights. With over $1.445 billion in global earnings, Barbie holds the crown as the highest-grossing comedy film of all time.
These top 10 live-action comedy films span multiple subgenres, from superhero comedies to buddy cop adventures and family dramas. The list is a testament to the versatility of comedy as a genre, capable of combining humor with heart, action, and even science fiction. With box office hits like Barbie and the Deadpool franchise leading the charge, it's clear that comedy films can not only bring laughter but also break box office records around the globe.
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