Top 10 Underrated Raunchy Comedy Movies
#10: “Private Resort” (1985)
They say that everyone needs to start somewhere, and for actors, that “somewhere” is often the world of b-grade movies in the horror and comedy realm. Johnny Depp is absolutely one of those now-A-list celebrities who spent his time working in these types of films. “Private Resort” was the sort of VHS staple from the 1980s that was sold on the premise of wacky hijinks and gratuitous nudity. Depp, who made his first movie debut in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” just the year before, gets star billing for the first time. “Private Resort” delivers all of the raunchy content you’d expect from a film called, well … “Private Resort.”
#9: “The Overnight” (2015)
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What goes into the creation of a truly raunchy comedy? Well, explicit content and zany hijinks are key ingredients, “The Overnight” certainly delivers on both counts, particularly during its closing, ahem, “climax.” The film focuses on a couple, Alex and Emily, who are new to L.A. and keen to make friends. They meet another couple and bring their kids together for a playdate. However, the other couple happens to be swingers, and this crazy night quickly goes off the rails in an orgy of unexpected and very adult comedy.
#8: “Kingpin” (1996)
The Farrelly Brothers enjoy a proven track record when it comes to delivering some truly outrageous comedy. “Kingpin” arrived right smack dab in what could be considered an apex of the siblings’ creative success: the mid-nineties. The film, which stars Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Bill Murray and Vanessa Angel, is a sports movie of sorts, albeit in the raunchiest way possible. It’s the world of professional bowling that gets the spotlight here: a down and dirty world that feels miles away from the polished athletics of football or basketball. There’s tons of sexual sight gags and poor behavior to be found, as well as plenty of genuine laughs, making “Kingpin” a strong recommendation for your next raunchy retro movie night.
#7: “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (2008)
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Do raunchy comedies need to be raunchy all the time? We don’t think so, especially when they’re as fun as “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” The film, alternatively known simply as “Zack and Miri,” details the exploits of friends who are struggling financially, and need to find some quick cash. They decide to make a ramshackle adult film, but end up falling in love in the process. “Zack and Miri” didn’t do well critically or financially during its initial run in theatres, and we honestly don’t know why. The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith with his usual wit and heart, and deserves some raunchy-comedy reappraisal.
#6: “Sex Drive” (2008)
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There are a myriad of different plot devices that can set the wheels of an average raunchy comedy in motion. The “let’s save the rec center” is an all-time classic, as is the idea of a white-tee car wash. Perhaps chief among those plot tricks is the good old-fashioned road trip. A lot of things can happen while on a long drive, and 2008’s “Sex Drive” ensures that there’s no shortage of outrageous situations on the open road. There’s a hot pursuit, angry state troopers and a whole lot of shenanigans to be had behind the wheel… Oh, and tons of laughs, too!
#5: “Meatballs” (1979)
Is the OG “Meatballs” from 1979 the raunchiest film in this franchise? No. That would be its bonkers second sequel, “Meatballs III: Summer Job.” However, it all started here with what’s still the highest-grossing Canadian film of all time. Yup, it turns out that a LOT of moviegoers wanted to see what really happens at Camp North Star. Not that we can blame them, especially when Bill Murray is in charge of the camp counselors. “Meatballs” balances out a smart and funny script with just enough heart to keep the film from feeling too sleazy. Maybe, somehow, director Ivan Reitman already knew that “Meatballs III” would end up covering ALL those bases only a few years later.
#4: “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004)
Like “Meatballs”, stoner comedy “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” was also successful enough to muster up a franchise, earning sequels in 2008 and 2011. The OG “Harold and Kumar” is a comedy of errors as these two friends take on an otherwise innocuous mission for fast food. While it isn’t the raunchiest film in our list, the scene involving Freakshow and his wife certainly goes to … unexpected places … By the end of their mission, the duo has a story that, if it were real, would NEVER be believed by your friends. Or our friends. Or anyone for that matter! Well, except maybe Neil Patrick Harris.
#3: “Little Darlings” (1980)
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Did you ever wonder what sort of movie “Wet Hot American Summer” was parodying back in 2001? Well then you need to go back and watch 1980’s “Little Darlings.” Its plot of two teenagers racing to see which can lose their virginity first is actually handled with (to quote film critic Roger Ebert) “some of the dignity it deserves.” The film was yet another omnipresent title on VHS before falling into obscurity thanks to musical rights associated with its hit soundtrack. Seriously, “Little Darlings” is funny, raunchy and memorable, with GREAT music.
#2: “The Kentucky Fried Movie” (1977)
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It all started here for the Zucker Brothers, who would find mainstream success with the “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun” film series. “The Kentucky Fried Movie” is the gold standard for that brief cinematic trend in the ‘70s of developing sketch comedy movies. This transgressive and anarchic comedy takes potshots at everyone and everything. There’s one long-form narrative sketch that parodies Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon,” but elsewhere it’s anything goes. Parodies of commercials? Check. Running gags? Double check. Director John Landis ensured that “The Kentucky Fried Movie” was packed with as much silliness and gratuitousness as humanly possible. You’ve been warned!
#1: “The Last American Virgin” (1982)
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Ask anyone who’s seen “The Last American Virgin” and they’ll immediately mention one thing: THAT ENDING. This film, from director Boaz Davidson, was a remake of a film Davidson directed in his native Israel, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. For starters, it has a soundtrack to die for, including tracks from Journey, Devo, The Cars and The Police. Additionally, the well-worn plot of “losin’ it” takes on a whole new meaning with some real moral stakes at risk for the characters. There’s a lot of sex and nudity, sure, but also consequences for the actions of the protagonists. Then, there’s the ending, which we won’t spoil here, but we’ll just say one thing: you’ll NEVER see it coming.
