With the long held wisdom that only PG-13 comedies could attract wide audiences and deliver big box office returns quickly fading, movies like Sean Anders’ Sex Drive are poised to attract a new generation of comedy fans.
Here is CraveOnline’s list of the best R rated comedies of the last ten years, part 1.
The Dave Chappelle stoner comedy came in under the radar but quickly became a cult classic. Half Baked tells the story of four stoners who become dealers in order to raise money to get their friend out of jail. The film featured cameos from comedians like Tommy Chong, Steven Wright, Janeane Garofalo and Jon Stewart as well as musicians like Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg.
The Bad Lizard (Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske) comedy group starred in and wrote Super Troopers, which became a hit on cable and DVD. The film follows five State Troopers who struggle to keep their station from being closed. Super Troopers is filled with slapstick humor as the cast acts more like the crew from Jackass than actual police officers.
Bad Santa is the most outrageously hilarious Christmas film ever. The Coen Brothers produced film starred Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, the late Bernie Mac. The film follows a foul mouthed, alcoholic burglar (Thornton) who steals from department stores while playing Santa. Billy Bob Thornton refines his iconic asshole character to perfection in this now classic Christmas story.
Old School - 2003
Old School is not only one of the best R rated comedies of the last ten years; it is also one of Will Ferrell’s (and Vince Vaughn’s) best films. The film tells the story of three adult men who return to college and start their own fraternity. The film contains many familiar themes from college underdog films like Animal House or Revenge of the Nerds while also coming off like a comedic version of Fight Club.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is the first in a series of stoner comedies starring Kal Penn and John Cho. The film follows two recent college graduates who go on a smoke filled road trip to get some tasty burgers from White Castle. the highlight of the film is Harold and Kumar crossing paths with a coked up, stripper chasing, Neil Patrick Harris. The film did well enough on video to warrant a sequel, making it one of the few R rated comedy franchises.
Check back for part 2 covering 2005-2008
