A movie can be hilariously funny and, at the same time, explore the hardest parts of human existence. Some of the best movies that managed to juggle effectively with those extreme opposites are the ones that people more profoundly through the years.
When people buy tickets to see a comedy movie, they want to leave the theater feeling joy and bliss. Sometimes, though, those same movies can touch an unexpected part of the heart and, in the process, bring tears to the audience's eyes.
50/50 (2011)
It may be hard to believe that there is a comedy about the ups and downs of a friendship when one of them has terminal cancer, but there is, and it is extremely good and funny but irremediably sad too.
Seth Rogen never misses with his comedic timing and sense of humor, but in 50/50, he manages to deliver a touching performance as the loyal friend of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character, who is battling cancer, and the odds of survival are marked in the movie title. The uncertainty of the situation creates a duality between ups (laughter) and downs (in need of tissues).
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
This unforgettable '90s comedy tells the story of a father doing what it takes to be closer to his kids. A father dres as an old woman so he can be with his children might sound like a ridiculous premise, but it is heartwarmingly delightful.
Robin Williams's hilarious performance in Mrs. Doubtfire exploits to perfection all the physical-comedy skills that the late comic had in his pocket, along with his exquisitely delivered dramatic side. It is a story about the consequences of divorce, and many viewers might feel a strong connection to its conflicts. It is funny, comforting, heartbreaking in many parts, including the court scene.
Funny People (2009)
Judd Apatow's Funny People deals with the mortifying fear of death and the inevitable oblivion, but with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. Sandler's character is a successful-yet-depressed movie star who finds out he has cancer and decides to go back to his roots of stand-up comedy.
Great writing and talented comedy actors create a recipe for a hilarious movie, and this one has both. It is also a touching and slow-paced tribute to the question: What does it mean to be successful? The fear of mortality is a concept that might touch some sensitive spots in people, mixed with the joy of watching happy endings.
Life Is Beautiful (1998)
Life is Beautiful is an absolute classic movie that won three Oscars, including the award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1999. It tells the story of a father trying his best to hide from his son the fact that they are immersed in a horrible war full of injustices.
Roberto Benigni's physical-comedy mastery shines throughout the whole movie, giving audiences from all over the world a bit of laughter-infused serotonin before the movie reveals the unfortunate destiny of its main character.
Click (2006)
What seems to be a goofy movie about a guy with a remote that changes time became a memorable film about the significance of life with one of the saddest and most unsettling scenes in any movie, ever.
The film deals with the consequences of poor time management, starting with silly and funny bits about day-to-day activities that can be solved with the remote but progressively morphing into deep territory. The coin-trick scene will break even the hardest of hearts.
Marley & Me (2008)
If there is a movie that can make absolutely anyone cry, it is this one. This romantic comedy examines the life of a married couple and their dog throughout the entire life of their four-legged companion.
Raising a dog is not an easy task, and watching the main characters trying to have normal lives while their dog runs around doing what he likes makes for some funny moments. The end is what breaks even the hardest of people. Knowing that the dog will grow old propels excruciating tension that finally explodes when the inevitable finally happens.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (2012)
The end of the world does not sound so bad when Steve Carell becomes a friend along the way. Teaming up with Keira Knightley, this film centers around an unusual friendship that forms while everyone is waiting for a meteor to hit planet Earth.
This unexpected duo delivers some hilarious moments during the run-time of the movie but also some extremely deep and sad ones. Knowing that the world is going to end raises the tension of every decision each character takes, making for some absurd and wild scenes, mixed with an irreversible ending that might leave the viewer with a lump in their throat.
Patch Adams (1998)
In this kind-of-a-true story, Williams plays American physician, Patch Adams, during his time as a student trying to convince the medical community that humor is a crucial part of healing.
As he did so many times in his career, Robin Williams in Patch Adams makes audiences laugh and cry at the same time. His contagious good humor and clown-like spirit instantly draw smiles to the viewer's faces, erasing them slowly when they discover what happened to his love interest.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Don't Look Up tells the story of a pair of scientists that, after finding out a comet is approaching Earth, try every possible way to let the people know its deadly consequences. The funny/sad part is that no one seems to care.
This satirical film, arguably among the most rewatchable comedy movies of 2021, depicts what happens to important news in modern times, leading to laughable moments the main characters have to encounter in their quest of saving everyone. The obliviousness of most characters (especially Jonah Hill's character) makes room for many hilarious and quotable lines. It is all fun and games until the dreadful final scene arrives, leaving a sense of hopelessness for the world.
Instructions Not Included (2013)
This Mexican film not only became the highest-grossing movie in Mexico's history, but its story managed to touch international hearts, being adapted to different countries and languages.
Having a terminally ill 7-year-old daughter makes for some pretty heartbreaking moments. Comedy legend Eugenio Derbez stars and directs this heart-wrenching movie, and apart from having some hilarious moments delivered by Derbez and his co-star, child actor Loreto Peralta, the resolution will not make for a happy ending.
