Top 10 Action Comedy Movies

Top 10 Action Comedy Movies

These movies will make your heart pound in excitement and make you laugh until it hurts. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Action Comedies.

For this list, we’re looking at films that effortlessly blend action and comedy together. We’re excluding other genres, such as horror and science fiction comedies, as we’re only looking at the action genre.

#10: “Tropic Thunder” (2008)

We can thank Ben Stiller for “Tropic Thunder,” as he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in this satirical comedy about a group of actors who are thrust into real danger. The movie features some amazing performances, including Tom Cruise’s indistinguishable Les Grossman and Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar-hungry actor Kirk Lazarus – a role that ironically earned him an Academy Award nomination, which is no small feat for a comedy film. The movie’s action scenes are well-directed and exciting, and the jungle locations are beautiful to look at, making “Tropic Thunder” a visual and comedic treat.

#9: “Pineapple Express” (2008)

You wouldn’t expect to see awesome action scenes in a stoner comedy, but in this flick, it’s the norm. Featuring Seth Rogen and James Franco in a Golden Globe nominated role, “Pineapple Express” follows two stoners as they go on the run from a drug dealer who wishes to take them out. Franco’s performance is hilarious and helped jump-start his comedy career in film. The action is relentless and – we know we said this already – but it’s much better than you’d think. There’s also a sweet friendship and a good message underneath all the blood and smoke.

#8: “48 Hrs.” (1982)

While appearing as the breakout star of “Saturday Night Live” during one of its lowest periods, this movie helped launch Eddie Murphy’s career in mainstream Hollywood, and it deserves a spot on the list for that if nothing else. Murphy and Nick Nolte play a criminal and a cop who join forces to nab a cop killer. The movie is regarded as the first entry in the buddy-cop genre, and its influence is still being seen in the genre today. The performances are what make the movie great, with Murphy’s Golden Globe nominated role as convict Reggie Hammond being a true highlight. It’s an undeniable, influential classic.

#7: “Bad Boys” franchise (1995-2003)

While still appearing on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Will Smith made himself known across Hollywood as a true movie star capable of more than just family sitcoms. Teamed up with funnyman Martin Lawrence, they play two wisecracking cops as they hunt down drug dealers. The movie has some gut-busting scenes, mostly due to the hilarious banter between the partners. Most notable, though, are the over-the-top, yet mesmerizing, action sequences that only director Michael Bay can bring to the big screen, which add some welcome heart-stopping moments in between the goofy dialogue and characters.

#6: “True Lies” (1994)

Following “Terminator 2,” James Cameron wrote and directed “True Lies” starring A-listers Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film follows the married couple as Helen discovers that Harry isn’t a boring computer salesman as she thought, but is actually a counterterrorism officer. At the time of release, this was the most expensive film ever made, and with Cameron at the helm, you better believe that we see all that money on the screen in its high octane, adrenaline-fueled action scenes. The set pieces are enormous, the action exciting, the laughs hysterical and the performances all top notch.

#5: “Hot Fuzz” (2007)

The second film in Edgar Wright’s acclaimed Cornetto trilogy, “Hot Fuzz” follows Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as cops who discover that their small town is not what it seems. Both a spoof and a loving homage to cheesy ‘80s action films, this movie features all the action clichés you love, including a developing bromance between the partners and ridiculously over-the-top action scenes. The fact that this all occurs in small town England is just icing on the already hilarious cake, and proved that Wright was a director to watch out for.

#4: “Jump Street” franchise (2012-14)

A remake of the television drama of the same name, these movies – like “Hot Fuzz” – serve as both a hilarious parody of and a tribute to terrible ‘80s culture. The films follow Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as cops who infiltrate various institutions in order to bust criminals. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their witty interplay is always great for a laugh. Some fantastic action scenes and cameos only add to the fun, making these films a true blast to watch, even if you’ve never seen the original show.

#3: “Rush Hour” franchise (1998-2007)

Who knew the pairing of legendary martial artist Jackie Chan and comedian Chris Tucker would work so well? These buddy cop movies follow two perfectly opposite detectives as they thwart various criminals and get into mischief along the way. The movies are notable for their intricate action sequences, particularly those involving Jackie Chan, who never used a stunt double and had our jaws dropping because of it. Tucker provides some welcome laughs, and the two make an entertaining, enjoyable duo that no one would’ve expected to work.

#2: “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise (1984-94)

Clearly the action comedy genre works for Eddie Murphy, as he stars in this trilogy as officer Axel Foley. While “48 Hrs.” got Murphy’s name out there, these films shot him to superstardom, as his performance was unanimously praised by fans and critics alike. The first movie was even nominated for the Best Original Screenplay Academy Award, which is almost unheard of for comedic action films. With Murphy’s star-making performance and the memorable, catchy theme song, these movies are considered some of the best of the genre and were insanely popular when respectively released, and to this day.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions:
- “Starsky & Hutch” (2004)

- “The Other Guys” (2010)

- “In Bruges” (2008)

- “The Heat” (2013)

- “The Rundown” (2003)

#1: “Lethal Weapon” franchise (1987-98)

The quintessential action comedy comes in the form of this franchise, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched police officers Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. Every action comedy fan knows the influence that these movies had on the genre, with the cops’ witty banter and exciting action scenes ramping up the tension with each new entry to the series. The performances are always excellent, the dialogue is always on point, and the friendship the two cops share provides a welcome heart to all the laughs and carnage. These are truly the defining action comedy films.

Do you agree with our list? What action comedy film blew you away? For more exciting top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.