Which of These Nostalgic Comedies Aged Poorly?
Some people see it as a big problem that comedies try so hard to be politically correct. In the past, directors weren’t concerned about political correctness, and their films were either funny for the time or they weren’t. But, as time goes on, audiences change, and what’s appropriate to make fun of is naturally going to change with them.
That’s why we scoured the internet and put this list together for you. Some of these comedies are instant classics that have stood the test of time, still certifiably fresh after all these years (one of the films we mention is almost 100 years old!). But, some others, even if they were made with the best intentions, just haven’t stood the test of time.
Do you agree with all of these placements? Let us know in the comments down below!
Aged Poorly: There’s Something About Mary
The Farrelly Brothers had a chokehold on Hollywood throughout the 2000s, and every time they came out with a new comedy, you just knew it was going to be a box office hit. But, all these years later, and the movies just don’t hold up as well as they used to. Maybe it has to do with the antiquated technology that so many scenes are dependent on, maybe it has to do with Brett Favre sending illicit pictures to reporters when he wasn’t asked. Regardless, it’s a shame we can’t enjoy these films like we used to.
With all of that being said, there’s still something about Something About Mary that makes us smile. So, it hasn’t aged perfectly, but we’ll still give it a rewatch every few years.
Still Fresh: American Pie
While we can’t call all of the remakes classics, the original American Pie is a staple of American comedy. The film not only inspired a whole generation of comedies but it also included some classic movie scenes that are still talked about today. We’d be remiss if we didn’t at least bring up Stiffler’s Mom, and the hilarious way she’s used in the films.
We also feel like the directors do a really good job of letting both male and female characters be funny on their own, and not just because of their relationships with one another. It’s a shocking and shameful thing to think how many pies have been ruined over the years thanks to this movie. Who even thinks of something like that?
Aged Poorly: The Hangover
The Hangover debuted to rave reviews when it was released in 2009. The raunchy comedy included an all-star cast, featuring Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper in breakout roles. The movie also wasn’t afraid to bend Hollywood’s rules, so the plot featured all manner of cinema no-nos, like gay jokes, naked men, blackout scenes, and over-the-top references to substance abuse. But, has the film stood the test of time? According to these Redditors… it hasn’t.
The sequels definitely did a number on this film’s reputation. If it had remained a one-off, it would probably still be considered one of the all-time great comedies. Now, it’s just another series that went on for too long.
Still Fresh: Team America
Alright, we’re not telling tales out of school here: Team America is a weird movie. After all, it’s one of the only movies we can think of that’s completely acted out by puppets. It’s political, yet funny, and discusses real-world issues with satire. Frankly, director Trey Parker outdid himself, and every time we go back and watch the film again, we laugh just as hard.
One of the funniest pieces of this film is how Parker allowed the medium to restrict him and used it to create more comedy. In one of the first scenes of the film they play out a bit of hand-to-hand combat with two marionettes, but since they’re so unwieldy, the two puppets really just bump into each other for a few moments.
Aged Poorly: Empire Records
Empire Records falls into a long line of pop culture films on this list whose place in society seems to have gone away as their pop culture muses also disappeared. There are movies about malls, about arcades, and then this– a film about a record store. For kids in the 90s this movie was a relatable, palatable, coming-of-age romp. But someone watching the film nowadays will probably be hard-pressed to remember the last time they were even in a record store!
If this person is surprised that the younger generation doesn’t get their references, just wait until they ask someone to spin something on the ones and twos. That’s going to get you a very, very, blank stare.
Still Fresh: Monty Python And The Holy Grail
The Holy Grail is just as relevant today, if not more so, than all the other Python flicks, simply because its subject matter is so generally removed from any specific reality. The absurdist humor about medieval subjects makes it so anyone can be a part of the joke, not just someone who has experienced a similar situation.
Even small things in this film, like the men riding around without horses, are still hilarious because they remind us of all of the things we did as children. Monty Python will always be fresh and funny, just so long as you can roll with that sort of humor.
Aged Poorly: Mallrats
Kevin Smith was one of our favorite directors a while back. He’s still making hilarious content, and his Instagram health journey has been inspiring to follow as he battles back after a major coronary event that almost closed the curtain on his career. That being said, Smith’s movies are a product of the Northeastern USA’s deeply ingrained alt-rock culture of the 90s, and haven’t been able to capture the attention of younger audiences.
This one isn’t really a surprise. We doubt many kids are still asking their parents to drop them off at the mall so they can hang out with all their friends. We didn’t even have cell phones back when we used to do that!
Still Fresh: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
A lot of 80s movies made this list in the aged poorly section, so we’re glad we got to include a different 80s classic that actually held up. Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or just Fast Times to most people, is an absolute classic thanks in part to the work of director Amy Heckerling.
While many other 80s movies attempted to discuss sex, but only succeeded in creeping people out, Heckerling made a film that stands the test of time. It’s probably not a coincidence Sixteen Candles, Revenge of the Nerds, and some of the other 80s standbys got it wrong. A female director really managed to respectfully portray teens having feelings for one another.
Aged Poorly: Napoleon Dynamite
Napoleon Dynamite was an instant cult classic. We actually weren’t sure whether to list the film as having aged poorly, or kept its charm, since you hear so many people on both sides of the argument. But it seems like more people are getting tired of the film over time than falling in love with it, so we’re leaving it here. Tough taters.
As this person points out, one of the remaining funniest pieces of this movie is Uncle Rico. Thanks to an incredible performance by Jon Gries, we at least have that to fall back on. We’re still curious what would’ve happened if the coach put him in during the fourth quarter, too.
Still Fresh: Hot Rod
We love everything that Andy Samberg is involved in, but Hot Rod might be his funniest work. The film makes great use of a complicated situation. Rod’s story could’ve been something incredibly sad, instead it’s used ironically to further the plot and keep audiences entertained. We also love the performances by Bill Hader and Danny McBride in this one.
Now here’s the question, do you know what two scenes this commenter is talking about? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right, so it could be any of the scenes in the movie. But, we definitely think that the Two of Hearts dance is one of them.
Still Fresh: My Cousin Vinny
Joe Pesci has been a part of a lot of classic movies. Goodfellas, Casino, Home Alone, Raging Bull, Lethal Weapon – the list goes on and on. But our favorite still has to be My Cousin Vinny. Pesci’s electric performance alongside the incredible Marisa Tomei is one for the history books. On top of that, Fred Gwynne is the perfect straight man, and the plot is drawn along at the right pace to keep an audience entertained.
We have too many favorite scenes from this movie to choose from. We love the part where Pesci belts the guy, and then says he’ll be back for his money the next day. We also love the part where Tomei testifies in court. The whole thing is incredible.
Aged Poorly: Overboard
We’re pretty sure this person is talking about the original Overboard, from 1987, although they might just as well have been talking about the 2018 remake, because neither can hold their weight and stay afloat. Both versions of the film feature a pretty sexist storyline, and a litany of jokes based on slapstick humor as opposed to clever punchlines. But, the original is quintessential 80s, and maybe that’s why it hasn’t aged so well too.
Like 80s hair and 80s fashion, we’d rather 80s movies didn’t start making a comeback. Theaters are full of remakes these days anyway. Let’s see something original!
Still Fresh: Young Frankenstein
Put. The Candle. Back! If you’ve never seen Young Frankenstein, stop reading right now and go find it online, please. Mel Brooks directed this incredible film, which he and Gene Wilder wrote together. The film pokes fun at the classic Frankenstein story in the best way possible, and shocked audiences when they realized how much liberty Wilder and Brooks had taken. In one scene, the monster winds up dancing in a tophat and tails!
There are too many funny parts in this movie to even keep track. Frau Blücher (neiiiggghhhh), Igor, Inga, the whole cast of characters are a riot. And, when the town starts rioting towards the end, they somehow make that very funny too.
Aged Poorly: Half Baked
This comment from Reddit tried to explain why their favorite film isn’t as good anymore, and we think they found a good peg to blame it on. In Dave Chapelle’s Half Baked, a bunch of the jokes are given a lot of time to breathe so the audience has time to get the punchline. But, with today’s movies being so much faster-paced, this makes it hard for a current viewer to get into Half Baked without getting bored!
Since he doesn’t get enough credit, shout out to Jim Breuer for his role in this film, and many, many others. His time on SNL was one of the best periods in the show’s history.
Still Fresh: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
You’d think that a film with this title wouldn’t have made it to 2022 without being canceled. But, lo and behold, My Big Fat Greek Wedding did it. This film, written and led by Nia Vardalos, somehow told an immigrant story that remains respectful to everyone. And they didn’t push it and go right into making a sequel even though the film’s box office success opened up that possibility.
They did eventually create a sequel, fourteen years after the fact, but it obviously wasn’t received as well as the first. What’s that they say about catching lightning in a bottle? Oh well, at least we still have the first one.
Aged Poorly: Original Revenge of the Nerds
The Original Revenge of the Nerds was a classic and spawned a number of films in the following years. However, under the microscope of the Me Too movement, the film hasn’t exactly retained its classic charm. One scene in particular, where one of the nerds gets intimate with a woman under false pretenses, has been making people uncomfortable in recent years, so much so that the director had to address it.
At the end of the day, the directors said they shouldn’t have included the scene, but the actress performing in it said she didn’t see an issue.
Still Fresh: Duck Soup
Duck Soup tops out as the oldest film on our list, although as this person remarks, the humor has remained timeless. There’s a reason the Marx Brothers are still listed up there with the comedy greats after all this time. Even though it’s from the thirties, this film somehow has a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and still holds up when you go back for a rewatch.
The plot revolves around a new nation, and two spies sent from the country next door who want to gather info on the President. The whole thing is delivered in typical Marx Brothers fashion, and every time we try to rewatch the film we wind up laughing our butts off. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely worth a look.
Aged Poorly: Zoolander
Zoolander is another movie that is handicapped by its reliance on pop culture. The fashion scene of the late 90s and early 2000s gets a brutal treatment in this film, but since the fashion world has gotten even more ridiculous since then, the film’s critiques don’t hold as much water now. Can you imagine Derek Zoolander in today’s world?
Ben Stiller even tried to make the film last longer in time, and be less offensive to viewers, by going back and digitally removing any scenes that featured the Twin Towers. Still, that didn’t stop this Redditor from commenting, and didn’t stop us from putting the movie on the list.
Still Fresh: Caddyshack
Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Rodney Dangerfield walk into a room, what happens next? It sounds like a joke, but in reality that’s how we got one of the greatest comedies of all time. Caddyshack, directed by Harold Ramis, asks the question of what would happen if a bunch of non-country club types had the run of a really posh club. How would the patrons respond? How long would it last? What’s up with that groundhog?
We’re not sure whose storyline we’re the most invested in as far as this flick goes. Chevy Chase as Ty is a great character. Bill Murray as Carl might be even better. But, if you’re feeling bad for not having seen it, just remember not to sell yourself short, you’re a tremendous slouch!
Aged Poorly: Sixteen Candles
It seems like most comedies from the 80s have had some trouble keeping up with modern times. We think this is because filmmakers of that decade decided to start taking some risks by talking more about sex in their films. But, the nonchalance with which they treated the act is being looked at from a different angle these days. Most people try to reconcile what we now know constitutes sexual assault with what they were shown as acceptable conduct in their youth.
Some John Hughes films found their way onto this list, but we don’t really fault the director for that. His work was so influential to other important directors, that without these films to dunk on, we probably wouldn’t have all the ones we cherish and love.
Still Fresh: Office Space
Since Office Space came out more than twenty years ago, a lot has changed in the workplace. We had the whole pandemic where everyone was out of the office. We have some people transitioning to working from home part-time. We’ve got smartphones, messaging apps, better technology for working, but still, almost everything in Office Space rings true. Bosses suck, printers suck, and frankly, jobs just suck in general.
We kind of felt like Horrible Bosses was supposed to be the Office Space for a new generation, but it just couldn’t capture the same magic. When you’re competing against a certified classic like this one, especially when you’re going head up with dudes like Mike Judge and Gary Cole, you don’t stand a chance.
Aged Poorly: Idiocracy
Idiocracy was a great film for Luke Wilson, who got to play the smartest man in a very, very dumb world. But most of the references, fashions, and cinematic techniques used in the film are early 2000s staples that never should’ve made it past 2005. So, when we try to watch the movie today, it seems even more dated than it already did when it was created way back in 2006.
Surprisingly, the movie has seen a resurgence in popularity in the past few years. That’s probably because with the echo chamber that the Internet has become, people feel their neighbors are getting stupider and they want someone to relate to.
Still Fresh: The Truman Show
Not only is The Truman Show one of the funniest movies of all time, but it’s also one of the most thought-provoking. Jim Carrey does an incredible job in this psychological comedy about a man who realizes that his every movie is being broadcast. This Peter Weir feature is a mind-bender and can definitely shake you up if you’re not ready for it, but at least you’ll be laughing the whole time.
The end of this film will give you the chills. It’s just so poignant. Especially when Truman steps out– we don’t want to spoil anything– we cried for a while though. It takes a good movie to make you laugh and shed tears at the same time!
Aged Poorly: Animal House
So, a big problem in old movies seems to be the flippant way that male characters treat intimacy. Women are presented as objects much of the time, and the act is put forward as some type of right. That’s how we wound up with a certain scene in Animal House. The scene is beyond poor taste, we won’t go into detail but it involves a guy debating whether or not to assault a female character.
What’s worse, the girl in question is supposedly fourteen in the film, making the situation even more grotesque. We understand dark comedy, but we don’t think it worked. The whole thing is just sick and definitely wouldn’t fly today.
Still Fresh: Shrek & Shrek 2
Shrek is a childhood classic that has since risen to meme status. Almost every scene of the movie has a quotable line, and almost everyone we know grew up doing impressions of Shrek and Donkey. What’s different about this entry is that we’re also including Shrek 2 in the still fresh category. Most sequels will wind up ruining a franchise, but Shrek 2 is watchable, fun, and stands alone as its own film.
Mike Myers was never actually supposed to play Shrek. Comedian Chris Farley had almost finished recording all of his lines when he passed away. Myers had to come in and do the whole movie over.
Aged Poorly: Austin Powers
When Austin Powers was created, the world was craving a good, clean satire, and they got way more than they bargained for. He was the raunchiest, funniest character around for a few years, which gave the movies some extra hype and press. But over time, other characters have been able to do similar things to the Man of Mystery, and Powers hasn’t been able to retain his popularity.
There are a few other reasons that these movies might not have aged well. One could be the fact that the actor who played Random Task, one of Dr. Evil’s henchmen, is currently serving a long, long prison sentence for committing some really heinous crimes.
Still Fresh: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a romp from the late 80s that most people didn’t think would stand the test of time, but here we are still talking about it after 40 years! The mix of animation with live-action acting made this a tough film to create, but a hilarious one to watch. Plus, you’ve got actors like Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd, who we always knew and loved. There was no way anyone wasn’t going to enjoy this movie.
We also think that films do better when they have a strong, recognizable female lead, and who is a more recognizable figure than Jessica Rabbit? Almost thirty years later and people who have never seen the film can pick her out of a lineup!
Aged Poorly: Billy Madison
There’s an issue with trying to rewatch movies that we loved as kids. The things that we remembered as being hilariously funny never hold up like we expect them to. Adam Sandler movies seem to go this way a lot of the time. The easy, slapstick laughs we found funny as kids just aren’t as good anymore, and the movies seem to drag without as much laugh value as we remembered.
While we’re on the subject of Billy Madison, we do want to give a big shoutout to Norm Macdonald, who plays Frank. He definitely brings some comedic redemption to this film.
Still Fresh: The Big Lebowski
We’re including The Big Lebowski on our list of movies that are still fresh, and we know what you’re probably thinking: “Dude, that’s just like, your opinion, man,” but hear us out. Most of the Coen Brothers films still hold up and we think it’s because they really focus on clever writing more so than slapstick or easy punchlines. That’s one of the reasons people say you need to watch The Big Lebowski twice to really appreciate it.
The all-star cast of characters also helps to make this such a fun movie. Anytime you’ve got John Goodman and Steve Buscemi together, you know you’re in for a good time. And, of course, Jeff Bridges brings everything together by being one of the funniest and most memorable movie characters of all time.
Aged Poorly: Dodgeball
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, still makes us laugh, but there’s one scene in particular from the film that hasn’t exactly aged well. In the scene, Vince Vaughn is sitting at the bar, drinking, and thinking about quitting dodgeball. Then, in walks international cycling superstar Lance Armstrong, who gives Vaughn an earful about never giving up, and never quitting. He ends the speech by saying, “Good luck to you Peter, I hope this decision won’t haunt you forever.”
If you’re still having trouble understanding why that line hasn’t exactly aged so well– a few years after the movie, Armstrong got caught doping, and was stripped of all of his titles. It’s still a funny film, but this scene might make you cringe.