When it comes to comedy movies, it’s not just the jokes that stick with us. A great soundtrack can turn a funny scene into an unforgettable one, adding rhythm, mood, and a touch of magic. From catchy tunes to iconic anthems, these songs have the power to lift our spirits and bring extra life to the funniest moments on screen. If you're curating a playlist that captures the essence of what makes comedy movies so delightful, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a look at some of the top comedy movie songs that are sure to bring a smile to your face and make your playlist pop.
Beverly Hills Cop
Eddie Murphy
Judge Reinhold
John Ashton
Lisa Eilbacher
Ronny Cox
Steven Berkoff
James Russo
Jonathan Banks
Stephen Elliott
Gilbert R. Hill
Art Kimbro
Joel Bailey
In Beverly Hills Cop (1984), directed by Martin Brest, Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) brings his street-smart wit to Beverly Hills in pursuit of his friend's killer. The film is known for its blend of action and comedy, enhanced by its iconic soundtrack. Axel drives through Beverly Hills, his surroundings appearing both glamorous and unfamiliar. This sequence is enhanced by the vibrant, upbeat tune of "Stir It Up" by Patti LaBelle, which perfectly complements the mix of intrigue and excitement Axel experiences. The music underscores the scene's energy and amplifies Axel's sense of wonder and adventure in this new world.
Check out the full Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack here.
Napoleon Dynamite
Jon Heder
Efren Ramirez
Tina Majorino
Aaron Ruell
Jon Gries
Haylie Duff
Emily Kennard Dunn
Shondrella Avery
Sandy Martin
Diedrich Bader
Carmen Brady
Trevor Snarr
Napoleon Dynamite (2004), directed by Jared Hess, follows the awkward high schooler Napoleon (Jon Heder) as he navigates life in rural Idaho. One of the film’s most memorable scenes is Napoleon’s talent show dance routine. As he nervously steps onto the stage, "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai starts playing, turning his awkward movements into an epic and hilarious dance. The song's upbeat rhythm contrasts perfectly with Napoleon’s eccentric performance, making it an iconic comedic moment.
Check out the full Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack here.
Little Miss Sunshine
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7.8
Greg Kinnear
Toni Collette
Steve Carell
Paul Dano
Abigail Breslin
Alan Arkin
Bryan Cranston
Beth Grant
Wallace Langham
Matt Winston
Julio Oscar Mechoso
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, Little Miss Sunshine (2006) centers around a dysfunctional family road trip to get young Olive (Abigail Breslin) to a beauty pageant. One of the film’s most iconic moments comes during the final pageant scene when Olive performs an unexpected and hilarious dance routine to "Super Freak" by Rick James. The song’s funky, provocative beat perfectly contrasts the innocence of Olive’s character, turning the moment into a cringe-worthy and heartwarming display of family support. It’s a comedic highlight that captures the quirky spirit of the movie.
Check out the full Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack here.
Madea Goes to Jail
Tyler Perry
Derek Luke
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Ion Overman
Sofía Vergara
Vanessa Ferlito
Viola Davis
David Mann
Tamela Mann
RonReaco Lee
Aisha Hinds
Benjamín Benítez
Madea Goes to Jail (2009) is a comedy film written and directed by Tyler Perry. It’s part of the popular Madea franchise, featuring Perry’s iconic character, Madea—a tough, no-nonsense grandmother who often finds herself in humorous and outrageous situations. In this installment, Madea is unexpectedly thrown into jail, leading to a series of comedic events and life lessons. The song "She's a Lady" by Tom Jones is a catchy track that plays as Madea drives recklessly in her car, showing off her larger-than-life personality. Along with a lively and humorous sequence that introduces images from Madea's life getting arrested through her years. This comedy of the scene highlights Madea's confidence and no-nonsense demeanor.
Easy A
Emma Stone
Penn Badgley
Amanda Bynes
Dan Byrd
Thomas Haden Church
Patricia Clarkson
Cam Gigandet
Lisa Kudrow
Malcolm McDowell
Aly Michalka
Stanley Tucci
Fred Armisen
In Easy A (2010), directed by Will Gluck, Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) finds herself in a series of hilarious and awkward situations as she navigates high school rumors and a fake reputation. "Pocketful of Sunshine." Olive’s energetic and carefree sing-along while staying home for the weekend, complete with dancing and enthusiastic lip-syncing, perfectly captures her rebellious and playful spirit. The scene is funny and endearing, showcasing Olive's escapism and the song’s infectious, upbeat vibe.
Check out the full Easy A soundtrack here.
Bridesmaids
Kristen Wiig
Maya Rudolph
Rose Byrne
Chris O'Dowd
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Ellie Kemper
Melissa McCarthy
Jon Hamm
Jill Clayburgh
Rebel Wilson
Matt Lucas
Michael Hitchcock
Directed by Paul Feig, Bridesmaids (2011) follows the chaotic journey of Annie (Kristen Wiig) as she navigates her role as maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding. One of the film’s standout musical moments is when Annie and Helen (Rose Byrne) engage in a competitive sing-off to "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips during Lillian’s bridal shower. The song’s uplifting, cheesy 90s vibe is hilariously out of place, heightening the tension between the two women and adding to the awkward, comedic brilliance of the scene. Wilson Phillips even makes a cameo performing the song at the wedding, adding an extra layer of humor and nostalgia.
Check out the full Bridesmaids soundtrack here.
Hangover Part III
Bradley Cooper
Ed Helms
Zach Galifianakis
Justin Bartha
Ken Jeong
John Goodman
Melissa McCarthy
Jeffrey Tambor
Heather Graham
Mike Epps
Sasha Barrese
Jamie Chung
In this final installment of Hangover Part III (2013) series, directed by Todd Phillips, the notorious Wolfpack—Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha)—returns for one last adventure. The film takes the friends on a wild ride through Las Vegas as they search for their missing friend, Doug. The song Alan sings during the funeral scene for his father, Sid Garner, is "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert. Alan’s rendition adds a comedic and somewhat awkward touch to the scene, fitting his character’s eccentric personality.
Check out the full Hangover Part III soundtrack here.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Chris Pratt
Zoe Saldaña
Dave Bautista
Vin Diesel
Bradley Cooper
Lee Pace
Michael Rooker
Karen Gillan
Djimon Hounsou
John C. Reilly
Glenn Close
Benicio del Toro
Directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) opens with a memorable sequence as Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) explores an alien planet to the tune of "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone. The lighthearted, funky rhythm of the song contrasts with the sci-fi setting, immediately setting the playful, irreverent tone for the film. This catchy song, part of the Awesome Mix Vol. 1, not only defines Quill's character but also introduces the movie's unique blend of action, humor, and retro music, making it an unforgettable opening.
Check out the full Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack here.
Pixels
Adam Sandler
Kevin James
Michelle Monaghan
Peter Dinklage
Josh Gad
Matt Lintz
Brian Cox
Denis Akiyama
Sean Bean
Jane Krakowski
Dan Aykroyd
Affion Crockett
Directed by Chris Columbus, Pixels (2015) is an action-comedy that brings video game characters from the 80s to life, threatening the world with digital destruction. A character named Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler), along with his friends to save the world. During a climactic fight scene, “We Will Rock You” by Queen plays, perfectly capturing the epic and retro vibe of the movie. The high-energy, rebellious anthem syncs with the action when Sam faces off against a giant version of Donkey Kong, delivering both nostalgia and adrenaline in one memorable sequence.
Check out the full Pixels soundtrack here.
Tag
Ed Helms
Jon Hamm
Jeremy Renner
Jake Johnson
Hannibal Buress
Annabelle Wallis
Isla Fisher
Rashida Jones
Leslie Bibb
Maxwell Ross
Brayden Benson
Jaren Lewison
Tag (2018), directed by Jeff Tomsic, is a comedy inspired by the true story of a group of lifelong friends who maintain an ongoing game of tag into adulthood. The plot revolves around these friends as they reunite to play one final epic game of tag. Bring along a journalist named Rebecca (Annabelle Wallis), who is writing about them. Their mission: to tag Jerry (Jeremy Renner), the only friend who has never been tagged. The film combines hilarious antics with a touch of nostalgia and heart. The film stars Hogan (Ed Helms), Chilli ( Jake Johnson), Bob (Jon Hamm,) and Sable (Hannibal Buress).
One of the film’s standout ending scenes happens during the climactic tag game, as the friends navigate through a series of wild chases despite significant life changes. The song “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by Crash Test Dummies plays during this scene, providing a humorous contrast to the frenetic energy of their game. The song's reflective, slow-paced melody adds a nostalgic touch to the chaos, perfectly capturing the film’s blend of comedy and genuine friendship.
Check out the full Tag soundtrack here.
Music and comedy go hand in hand, creating moments that stick with us long after the credits roll. The right song can turn a good joke into a classic scene, amplifying the laughter and making the experience unforgettable. Next time you enjoy a comedy film, notice how the songs boost the fun and excitement. Adding these memorable tracks to your playlist will bring a touch of that cinematic magic into your day-to-day life. Whether you’re revisiting your favorite movie moments or simply in the mood for some lighthearted fun, these comedy hits are perfect for keeping the smiles coming.
