7 80s Comedy Movies That Aren’t Funny Anymore

The 1980s were filled with classic comedies that once had audiences laughing in theaters. But with the passage of time, humor changes, and some of these films just don’t hold up the same way anymore. Whether it’s outdated jokes, awkward stereotypes, or humor that’s simply no longer funny, these seven 80s comedies have lost much of their charm.

1. Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

At the time, Revenge of the Nerds was seen as a fun underdog story, pitting nerds against their jock tormentors. But looking at it now, it’s hard to ignore the movie’s problematic content. From inappropriate pranks to disturbing behavior passed off as comedy, this film is far from the lighthearted story it once appeared to be.

Honorable Mention: Porky’s (1981) – Another 80s comedy about teens and pranks, Porky’s also suffers from outdated jokes and uncomfortable scenes that don’t sit well with modern audiences.

2. Caddyshack (1980)

When Caddyshack was released, it became an instant hit thanks to its irreverent humor, zany characters, and star-studded cast. Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Rodney Dangerfield made it a box-office success. But despite its nostalgic charm, much of its humor now feels outdated and tired.

Honorable Mention: The Cannonball Run (1981) – Like Caddyshack, this comedy filled with car chases and slapstick humor hasn’t aged as well over time, losing its comedic impact on new generations.

3. Bachelor Party (1984)

Starring a young Tom Hanks, Bachelor Party follows the wild antics of a groom and his friends as they throw a chaotic bachelor party. While it may have been a hit in the 80s, its humor is largely based on crude jokes, absurd scenarios, and over-the-top raunchiness that doesn’t translate well today.

Honorable Mention: Police Academy (1984) – While funny in its time, Police Academy shares Bachelor Party’s problem of relying too heavily on crass humor and slapstick, which don’t always appeal to modern audiences.

4. Soul Man (1986)

In Soul Man, a college student pretends to be African American to get a scholarship, setting off a series of misguided jokes and awkward situations. At the time, this film was seen as a bold commentary on race and privilege, but today, it comes across as offensive and out of touch.

Honorable Mention: Short Circuit (1986) – Another movie with questionable content, Short Circuit features a non-Indian actor in brownface, a decision that doesn’t sit well today.

5. Three Amigos (1986)

Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short star as actors mistaken for heroes in a small Mexican village in Three Amigos. While its premise sounds fun, the film relies on exaggerated stereotypes and slapstick gags that don’t land as well in today’s world. What was once seen as goofy comedy now feels forced.

Honorable Mention: Spies Like Us (1985) – Another Chevy Chase comedy, Spies Like Us hasn’t held up well either, with its Cold War humor feeling outdated.

6. Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)

Weekend at Bernie’s is about two friends pretending their dead boss is alive to avoid trouble. While the dark humor was considered clever in the 80s, the movie’s premise quickly becomes repetitive, and the slapstick gags wear thin after a while. The morbid humor that drove the plot feels like it drags on for far too long.

Honorable Mention: Mannequin (1987) – Another film with a strange premise, Mannequin’s humor doesn’t hold up well, making it feel like a relic of its time.

7. The Toy (1982)

Starring Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason, The Toy revolves around a rich man who buys a man to be a “toy” for his spoiled son. Even in the 80s, the concept was odd, but today it’s seen as inappropriate and problematic. The racial and economic undertones are hard to ignore.

Honorable Mention: The Great Outdoors (1988) – Another film with Pryor’s comedic talent, The Great Outdoors doesn’t fare well with its heavy reliance on physical comedy.