It happens all the time: you’re watching a movie and a scene with food starts your salivary glands pumping. There are plenty of eatery choices around the world, but sometimes we pine for that perfect malt or spaghetti dinner we virtually experienced on the big screen the night before. It’s sad, really, because it’s movie food — no matter how hard you crave what you’re seeing, you just can’t get the same experience. Or can you? Here are 15 movie restaurants we’d love to try — real or not.

Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally

When Harry Met Sally is a classic best remembered for a scene in which the title characters are enjoying a lunch at Katz’s Deli in Manhattan. While arguing whether or not men know when a woman fakes orgasm, Sally, played by a young Meg Ryan, proves her point by faking one right at the table — fully clothed of course. Katz’s deli is a real place, and has been serving up mouth-watering sandwiches since 1888 and has seen the likes of US presidents and celebrities. We would like to have what she had.

Athenian Inn – Sleepless in Seattle

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The Athenian Inn was featured in a memorable scene in Sleepless in Seattle between characters Sam (Tom Hanks) and Jay (Rob Reiner). They share a heaping plate of clams while Jay advises Sam, a widower. The Athenian Inn is another restaurant that exists just as it does in the movie, waterfront view and all, as it has since 1909. If you’d like to stop by to sit in Tom Hank’s seat, the restaurant is located right at the heart of Seattle — in the famous Pike Place Market.

Mooby’s – Clerks II

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Featured in many a Kevin Smith movie, Mooby’s is a favorite imaginary fast-food restaurant shot at a shut-down Burger King in Buena Park, California. Granted, it’s not the cleanest, but the employees are good for a Star Wars vs Lord of the Rings trilogy-debate. And we can’t forget how awesome the hats are.

McDowell’s – Coming to America

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It’d be refreshing to come across a McDowell’s, with so many McDonald’s restaurants everywhere. Especially if you don’t like sesame seeds on your Big Mick buns. With awesome uniforms and Golden Arcs, how could you resist? Of course, McDowell’s is only a dream, and the Coming to America team had to get permission from McDonald’s before using the name. I can’t help but think it was win-win anyway. The building used for the McDowell’s set is now a Wendy’s, of all things, in Queens, New York.

Pig Burger – Better Off Dead

Impossible to forget is the awful burger joint that Lane, played by John Cusack, was forced to work in for the first half of Better Off Dead. The singing, dancing, and overall just plain awesome claymation hamburger made for one of the most memorable bits of 80’s film, and the restaurant itself served later in the film as the setting of some much-needed romance. As an act of homage, the owner of Pig Burger was none other than Porky from Porky’s. Unfortunately this one’s pure fiction.

The Frosty Palace – Grease

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The Frosty Palace was completely crafted on a sound stage – inside and out – but Grease immortalized the idea of a picture-perfect diner. Home of many a make-up and break-up in the film, we’d imagine the Frosty Palace would serve perfect malts amongst other tasty treats. It’d be a jump back to a simpler time with footsies and doo-wop, when a burger was a burger. We wonder if the namesakes of the Frosty Palace compete with the film-version, but that would mean a trip all the way out to Idaho.

Chotchkies – Office Space

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We all know those restaurants. The ones with the kitsch covering every inch of the walls and the employees. Although another imagined restaurant, Chotchkies from Office Space would make any of us crave some potato skins from TGI Fridays, since really, it’s the closest thing. You may leave disappointed though if you go in expecting the enthusiasm of Brian and his 37 pieces of flair.

Jack Rabbit Slim’s – Pulp Fiction

Jack Rabbit Slim’s from Pulp Fiction keeps us craving diner food. What makes this place special, though, would have to be the waitstaff resembling 1950s personalities like Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe, along with seating arrangements modeled after vintage cars. There have been copy cats of this movie diner, but none are the real thing. Miramax kingpin Harvey Weinstein wanted to build a chain of the diners, but Tarantino talked him down, which makes us sad, because that Five Dollar Shake sounds amazing.

White Castle – Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

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White Castle is one of those restaurants that many people weren’t aware of before Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle – mainly because its only located in the Northeast and Midwest of the U.S. After the movie, it left us all craving the chain’s signature diminutive and delicious sliders like raging stoners. Yes, White Castle is real, and you can find one here. And if you’re not up for a roadtrip, your local supermarket may carry them in the frozen food section. Much of the South can get a near equivalent at Krystal’s, as well.

The Hitching Post – Sideways

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Sideways follows two friends through the Santa Barbara wine country over a weekend of women and food, despite the fact that they were supposed to be preparing for one of them to get married. The delights of The Hitching Post in Buellton, California feature old and new food traditions – ribs and chicken to ostrich and smoked duck breast. The movie filmed on location, and if you can’t get out to the Buellton Hitching Post, you can stop by the Casmalia location. Either way, you’re in for tasty fare and beautiful wine country to boot.

Cafe des Deux Moulins – Amelie

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Despite the whimsical nature of Amelie, the Cafe des Deux Moulins is real! Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere — the quaint cafe, with its 1950s decor, mustard ceiling, and lace curtains, has all been preserved. Even if you go to look for the unisex restroom, it’s there. The menu has pretty much remained the same as well, if you’re craving beef filets, calf liver, pig’s brains with lentils, or simply a hamburger with an egg on top or a green salad with warm goat cheese, this is your place. Cafe des Deux Moulins is a prime little spot in Paris, especially for the cult of Amelie.

Chez Quis – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

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We should all take tips from Ferris Bueller when trying to get into the hottest restaurant in town. Pretend you’re the Sausage King of Chicago. It should work, really! Whether or not we wield any influence, we’d still want to hit up the posh Chez Quis for the high class service and to relive the moments of this classic film. Unfortunately, the inside of the restaurant was filmed in Los Angeles, and the exterior is now a remodeled house in Chicago.

Dancing Zorba’s – My Big Fat Greek Wedding

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It can be tough to find authentic Greek food, at least, depending on your location — but the Dancing Zorba brings it that much closer. Sadly, It’s all a ruse, as the interior was shot on a sound stage. My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s Dancing Zorba inspired a slew of namesake Greek restaurants to pop up all over the place, so by all means, hit them up if you’re still hankering for a bite.

Louis’ Restaurant – The Godfather

Louis’ Restaurant in The Godfather was indeed a real restaurant, with a different name, but if you’re looking to “mangia” you’re out of luck. The restaurant where Sollozzo and McClusky were gunned down was shot in the old Luna Restaurant. It’s no longer in business, but was located under the elevated White Plains Road IRT in the Belmont, more commonly known as Little Italy, New York.

The Bamboo Lounge – GoodFellas

Everyone loves a good mafia hangout, like The Bamboo Lounge in GoodFellas. What’s not to love, after all? A combination night club, casino, and flea market could do your wallet a lot of damage. The kitschy decor aside, Joe Pesci did his famous “Funny Guy” scene in this restaurant — why wouldn’t you want to sit where he sat? Well, you won’t exactly get to do so, as the location was flipped from the Hawaii Kai Restaurant to a stylish Japanese restaurant these days. No more South Seas vibe, but at least you can say you’ve visited. Doesn’t that amuse you?

11. Bad Boys (1995)

Martin Lawrence
Will Smith
Téa Leoni

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do… whatcha gonna do when Will Smith and Martin Lawrence pair up? Short answer: laugh your ass off. Bad Boys isn’t short on comedy or action, and serves up Will Smith before he became a mega-super-duper-star and Martin Lawrence in one of his funniest roles. The polar opposite cops that Smith and Lawrence play are never short on humor, with Will Smith proving that his first starring role was only the start of a huge career.

10. 48 HRS. (1982)

Nick Nolte
Eddie Murphy
Annette O’Toole

Before Nick Nolte became a drunky old curmudgeon, he played tough guy Jack Cates opposite new comedian on the scene Eddie Murphy in his first big screen gig. The cop/convict teaming of 48 HRS delivered loads of hilarious comedy nuggets – Nolte is still gruff, but the balance of his tough cop with Murphy’s off-the-wall con is a nice mix, setting the bar high for the buddy cop genre.

9. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Kurt Russell
Kim Cattrall
Dennis Dun
James Hong
Victor Wong

Big Trouble in Little China is that 80s gem that’s become a legendry cult classic – Kurt Russell plays idiot-turned-hero expertly, the everyday truck driver Jack Burton who rises to the occasion to take on the Chinese baddies in one of the best loved comedies of the decade. Maybe it’s a stretch for a best action-comedy list, but there is plenty of high praise for Big Trouble – the little bit cheesy, low budget special effect, John Carpenter classic.

The exploding dude scene is always a treat:

8. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Burt Reynolds
Sally Field
Jackie Gleason
Jerry Reed

Smokey and the Bandit is one long hilarious car chase, as Bandit works to keep Smokey off the trail of a bootleg shipment of beer driven by truck driver Jerry Reed and his sidekick, Fred the basset hound. Jackie Gleason all but steals the show as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, who rips on his bumbling boob of a son with zingers like “There’s no way, *no* way that you came from *my* loins. Soon as I get home, first thing I’m gonna do is punch yo mamma in da mouth!”

7. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Ben Stiller
Jack Black
Robert Downey, Jr.

Ben Stiller pulls together a dream cast including Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. for this humorous look at prima donna actors dropped in the jungle to capture their best performances for a war movie. Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for an Academy Award for his turn as “the dude playin’ the dude, disguised as another dude!” and hell, making Tom Cruise seem like less of a douche only ups the ranking of Tropic Thunder. That’s no small feat.

6. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Stephen Chow
Yuen Wah
Yuen Qiu

Kung Fu Hustle has to be the coolest action-comedy flick to make our list, for its super unique film making that makes even those who hate subtitles sit up and take notice. Kung Fu Hustle is a non-stop martial arts action flick with excellent choreography, camera work and special effects… plus, it’s hilarious. Check out this great scene:

5. True Lies (1994)

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Jamie Lee Curtis
Tom Arnold

You can’t do an action movie list without Schwarzenegger, but Arnold on the comedy list too? With supporting players Jamie Lee Curtis as a conservative housewife who transforms into a sexy action movie goddess (how many times did you watch her striptease scene?) and silly sidekick Tom Arnold, they’ve got the funny bits down amid a sea of action. Oh yeah, and Arnold ain’t no slouch either.

4. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Eddie Murphy
Judge Reinhold
John Ashton
Ronny Cox

Beverly Hills Cop was another Eddie Murphy masterpiece back when Murphy was cranking out the funny flicks. His Detroit cop Axel Foley, on the case to solve his friend’s murder, crosses paths with the uptight Beverly Hills police. From the banana in the tailpipe to his turn as Ramone (see clip below), Eddie Murphy owns this film. Watch Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley get into a members-only club as “Ramone:”

3. Rush Hour (1998)

Jackie Chan
Chris Tucker

Rush Hour is the quintessential buddy flick, pairing Jackie Chan’s action with Chris Tucker’s comedy. Jackie Chan is a detective trying to get back the Chinese consul’s daughter from kidnappers. Chris tucker is an out of control LAPD cop assigned to keep Jackie Chan’s character from poking into the kidnapping case. East meets West equals comedy gold in Rush Hour:

2. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Simon Pegg
Nick Frost
Jim Broadbent
Timothy Dalton

A big-time London cop is making the rest of his colleagues look bad, so they ship him off to the dullest beat ever – a small, safe village where he has nothing to do. Oh, and he gets a bumbling new partner to boot. Luckily, the hilarious Simon Pegg uncovers a huge murder cover-up… and… let the action begin. Life in this small town will never be quite so dull again.

1. Pineapple Express (2008)

Seth Rogen
James Franco
Danny R. McBride

Pineapple Express is one of the funniest action comedies in recent years – with laughs that appeal to the stoner set and anybody just looking for a funny movie. Pineapple has the perfect characters in James Franco’s Saul, Seth Rogen’s Dale Denton and a hilarious secondary character in Danny McBride’s Red – the one dude that just NEVER dies, despite the near-death experiences. Can we get a Red-centric sequel… please?

21. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Billy Crystal
Meg Ryan
Carrie Fisher
Bruno Kirby

When Harry Met Sally answers that age old question of “can men and women JUST be friends?” Harry Met Sally is probably the most intellectual comedy of this 80s bunch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not funny. Well written with a great cast, Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan just gelled as those unlucky in love friends who find their way into each other’s hearts. And it just works.

20. Raising Arizona (1987)

Nicolas Cage
Holly Hunter
William Forsythe
John Goodman
Frances McDormand

There’s some dispute over whether this Coen brothers film should land on any best lists – some people flat-out hate it or rate it low on the rundown of Coen flicks. On our 80s list though, Raising Arizona shines for its unique comedy that only the Cohen brothers can deliver. Honestly, there’s little in the 80s comedy landscape that comes close to this kind of movie. H.I. (Nicolas Cage) is a fuck up criminal trying to do right by Ed (Holly Hunter) – but old habits die hard when a woman’s desolate wasteland of baby making territory leads the couple to steal a baby. Hilarity ensues, complete with yodeling soundtrack.

19. Beetlejuice (1988)

Michael Keaton
Alec Baldwin
Geena Davis
Winona Ryder
Catherine O’Hara

Tim Burton does quirky like nobody else – add Michael Keaton when he was still funny (remember that?) as the ghost with the most and a young brooding Winona Ryder, paired up with newly dead ghosts learning the ropes Alec Baldwin and Gina Davis – and it’s comedy gold. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… well, I better not go for a third time… but bonus points for a sing-along of “Day-O” (check the video below).

18. Fletch (1985)

Chevy Chase
Tim Matheson
Joe Don Baker
Dana Wheeler-Nicholson

Chevy Chase does funny well – almost as well as in Vacation and Caddyshack (see further down the list) – taking on numerous undercover personas to get the scoop as investigative newspaper reporter Irwin M. Fletcher. Fletch is so well written and expertly executed, we can’t wait to see what wise-ass Fletch will do next – John Cocktoston at the country club (put it on the Underhills’ bill) or talking wise as a fake airplane mechanic (investing $.49 in a pair of novelty teeth to go undercover). Too many funny Fletch moments to count.

17. Big (1988)

Tom Hanks
Elizabeth Perkins
Robert Loggia
John Heard

A boy who just wants to be big gets his wish – and a shitload of grownup stuff he never would have counted on. Yes, another switcheroo comedy, but Tom Hanks plays the boy inside with perfection – from the giant piano in FAO Schwarz to the fancy dinner where he hilariously nibbles the baby ears of corn, Big is tender sweet and yes… very funny.

16. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

John Cleese
Jamie Lee Curtis
Kevin Kline
Michael Palin

A Fish Called Wanda is one of the shining moments of 80s film, and there are few movies that have pulled off an ensemble comedy that comes anywhere close to Wanda. With stellar comedic performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Kevin Kline, this comic caper is one of the best. I’ve always had a soft spot for Otto (Kevin Kline) taking offense to being called stupid and his distaste for Ken (Palin): “It’s K-K-K-Ken c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-kill me.”

15. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Molly Ringwald
Justin Henry
Michael Schoeffling
Haviland Morris
Gedde Watanabe
Anthony Michael Hall

Seriously, John Hughes OWNED the 80s! It’s some of the little things in Sixteen Candles that make it such a great comedy though. Sure, you’ve got the teen angst of Samantha’s (Molly Ringwald) forgotten birthday and her pining for the popular guy at school… but you’ve also got gems like Anthony Michael Hall’s self-described “King of the Dipshits” getting trapped under a glass table and showing off panties in the bathroom, the foreign student “No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food”… and Joan Cusack’s small role delivers big laughs.

14. Tootsie (1982)

Dustin Hoffman
Jessica Lange
Teri Garr
Bill Murray

Dustin Hoffman had a whole lot to pull off in this 80s classic – including pantyhose and a wig. An unemployed actor discovers a way to break into a soap opera role… by playing a woman. Of course, a man in drag is funny enough, but Hoffman really delivers as Dorothy, fooling the older men falling for her/him, while trying to figure out how to get the girl when he’s a girl!

13. Better Off Dead (1985)

John Cusack
David Ogden Stiers
Diane Franklin
Curtis Armstrong

Better Off Dead immediately brings to mind “I want my two dollars!!!” – but there’s plenty of funny in this kooky 80s comedy. John Cusack plays loser Lane Meyer so well that you feel for him in the worst way. The highlight of his parents’ Christmas gifts are a variety of frozen dinner, for shit’s sake! Throw in the ridiculous neighbor kid Ricky, pal Charles De Mar, ex-girlfriend Beth and jock asshole Roy Stalin, plus a French hottie… and oh, don’t forget the Howard Cosell drag racers… well there’s too many funny moments to sum up in one paragraph.

12. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Judd Nelson
Molly Ringwald
Emilio Estevez
Anthony Michael Hall
Ally Sheedy

John Hughes strikes our list again… The Breakfast Club is so great it made our list of funniest high school movies too. Forced to sit in Saturday detention (seriously, do schools actually do this?), we get a funny look at a variety of characters that likely graced the halls of your high school… finding out that we all have our hang-ups, but we’re not so very different at the core.

11. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Rob Reiner
Michael McKean
Christopher Guest
Harry Shearer

No 80s greatest comedy films list would be complete without a mention of one of the most unique comedies of the era. This is Spinal Tap was a foray into the world of the mockumentary and paved the path for a slew of brilliant Christopher Guest mockumentaries to come. This is one you don’t have to turn up to 11 to appreciate.

10. Airplane! (1980)

Robert Hays
Julie Hagerty
Leslie Nielsen
Robert Stack
Lloyd Bridges
Peter Graves

Airplane offers up some of the best one-liners of any comedy on film. Whether you fancy “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue” or “Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?,” the funny doesn’t stop with the dialogue. Airplane is also the king of site gags – from the shit literally hitting the fan or ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker sweating a virtual ocean of perspiration, there is no shortage of stuff to laugh at. And that’s no jive talk.

9. A Christmas Story (1983)

Peter Billingsley
Darren McGavin
Melinda Dillon

A Christmas Story is everyone’s go-to hilarious holiday classic – forget White Christmas or that Jimmy Stewart thing… reach for your abused copy of A Christmas Story with the cautionary tale “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Heck, TBS devotes an entire day to A Christmas Story every holiday season – you can never get too much of Ralphie, his quest for the Red Ryder BB gun and his crazy f’d up family.

8. Ghostbusters (1984)

Bill Murray
Dan Aykroyd
Sigourney Weaver
Harold Ramis

Who ya gonna call? A team of unlikely ghost exterminators get gig after gig in ghost infested New York City in this 80s gem starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis. So many funny moments, including the BIG ending – when Ray says “I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us. Mr. Stay Puft!” Nice thinkin, Ray.

7. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Sean Penn
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Judge Reinhold
Phoebe Cates

You can’t round up the best comedies of the 80s without Fast Times at Ridgemont High making the list. This coming-of-age movie has all of the classic characters and life lessons you could ever want. And Spicoli. Oh, Spicoli. Sean Penn pulls off the stoner brilliantly – couldn’t you just see a glimmer of Sean Penn’s talented future career in Spicoli? Okay, so maybe you have to read between the lines. But seriously, “All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine” about sums it all up.

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin
John Candy

John Hughes strikes again in an unlikely buddy comedy that teams up the comedic force of Steve Martin and John Candy as they cross paths and share rides to get home for Thanksgiving. Among the many great scenes is when the two end up spooning in the fleabag motel room they’re sharing – Martin asks where Candy’s hand is, and he replies “Between two pillows.” The horror when Martin exclaims, “Those aren’t pillows!!” is one of the funniest in movie history.

5. Back to the Future (1985)

Michael J. Fox
Christopher Lloyd
Crispin Glover
Lea Thompson

Hello?? McFly?? This time travel comedy was awesome – the characters of Doc Brown, Marty McFly and hapless dad George McFly were genius. Seeing an 80s kid go back to the 50s while trying not to change the course of history too much offers up tons of laughs. With moments like Calvin Klein underwear, the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance and the notion that Marty could influence Chuck Berry… well, if that doesn’t get your Flux Capacitor fluxxing, nothing will.

4. Spaceballs (1987)

Mel Brooks
John Candy
Rick Moranis
Bill Pullman
Daphne Zuniga

Mel Brooks is back at it with the always entertaining Spaceballs, a spoof on Star Wars/Star Trek-esque films. Whether you love Dark Helmet, Barf (“I’m a mog: half man, half dog. I’m my own best friend!”), Lone Starr or Princess Vespa, there is no shortage of great lines. Check out this video compilation of some of Spaceballs funniest moments:

3. Caddyshack (1980)

Chevy Chase
Rodney Dangerfield
Ted Knight
Michael O’Keefe
Bill Murray

Be. The. Ball. Caddyshack tops our funniest sports movies list too, so it’s no surprise it lands in the top three of our 80s comedy list. Caddyshack is one of the undisputed funniest movies of all time. With an all-star cast that includes Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray and Ted Knight, Caddyshack is timelessly funny because of the great one-liners and characters.

2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Matthew Broderick
Alan Ruck
Mia Sara

John Hughes hit another home run with Ferris Bueller, a role that really put Matthew Broderick on the map. Main character Ferris talking to the camera while showing us how he pulled off the ultimate school ditch with hot girlfriend Sloane and neurotic pal Cameron is brilliant. Throw in principal Edward Rooney for an extra dose of fun, as Ferris and friends run amok in Chicago, taking in a ball game, dining at a fancy restaurant (Abe Froman) and joining a parade – among other diversions – because “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

Chevy Chase
Beverly D’Angelo
Anthony Michael Hall
Dana Barron
Randy Quaid

When Clark Griswold packs up the gang in the family truckster (“You think you hate it now, but wait till you drive it”) and hits the road for Walley World, you have no idea just how crazy this road trip is going to be. From cousin Eddie, to dead Aunt Edna – throw in a dash of Christie Brinkley – there’s no shortage of things that can (and do) go wrong. And when the family finally arrives to see Marty Moose, well, it’s not quite what Clark had in mind. Vacation speaks to anybody who’s ever had to take a long family trip in a smelly car with their crazy family

10. Slap Shot (1977)

Paul Newman
Strother Martin
Micheal Ontkean

Wannabe sports comedy film writers/directors, take note – Slap Shot is the granddaddy of them all, showcasing Paul Newman among an undeniably hilarious cast. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or sport illiterate – if you know funny, this one can’t miss. The Hanson Brothers bring on plenty of hockey brawling to lift the down-and-out-team, with raunchy and funny results:

9. Annie Hall (1977)

Woody Allen
Diane Keaton

They don’t make romantic comedies like Woody Allen’s Annie Hall much these days. The intellectual humor is amazingly well written and acted – making it the smartest comedy on our list. This scene featuring Alvy and Annie standing in line while a loud windbag behind them rattles off his intellectual analysis of Fellini and Marshall McLuhan is but one of the amusing moments of the film:

8. The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)

Peter Sellers
Christopher Plummer
Catherine Schell
Herbert Lom
Burt Kwouk

You can probably name a long list of comedy sequels that didn’t come close to being as funny as the original, but in the 70s, the Pink Panther sequels didn’t fail to disappoint. The Return of the Pink Panther features the return of comedy genius Peter Sellers as clueless Inspector Jacques Clouseau, with plenty of slapstick and memorable scenes that make this one film that seems to get better with repeat viewings.

This Cato vs. Clouseau fight scene never gets old:

7. Animal House (1978)

John Belushi
Tim Matheson
John Vernon
Verna Bloom
Thomas Hulce

Animal House has widely been imitated by other campus comedies, but none come close to the hilarity of the fratboy craziness of this 70s comedy. With memorable scenes like John Belushi’s Bluto Blutarsi shoving food into his piehole to impersonate a zit, to the mother of all food fights – to the toga party and the brilliant sabotage of the homecoming parade – Animal House is full of comedy gold.

TOGA!

6. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Gilliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin

The funny moments of Life of Brian may be too numerous to count, but let’s get a few choice moments out: the stoning scene (“Come on! Who threw that? Who threw that stone, come on!”), the sermon on the mount, where those too far from Jesus Christ hear phrases such as “Blessed are the cheesemakers” and “The Greek shall inherit the Earth”… and of course the ending, which does a brilliant job of reminding us to “always look on the bright side of life:”

5. Up in Smoke (1978)

Cheech Marin
Tommy Chong

Up in Smoke also makes our list of Best Stoner Flicks – and with good reason. This shit is hilarious, whether you’re stoned or not. Following Cheech and Chong around, there’s never a dull moment, especially in this classic car scene where the boys smoke one of the hugest joints ever to grace the big screen, even if it is part Labrador (because the dog ate the stash):

4. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Gene Wilder
Peter Boyle
Marty Feldman
Cloris Leachman
Teri Garr
Madeline Kahn

Young Frankenstein is a gem of a comedy – pure genius, served up Mel Brooks style. Not only do we have the amazingly talented Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (”It’s pronounced Frohn-ken-Shteeeen”), but an all-star cast that brings the funny effortlessly. A smart satire about old-school Frankenstein horror films, the good Doctor gets a little help from his friends – assistant Inga (Teri Garr), Igor (the marvelously bug eyed Marty Feldman) and Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman). Peter Boyle does an amazing turn as the monster, while Madeline Kahn makes a lovely bride.

One of the great scenes below, when Frankenstein warns “Do not open this door…”

3. The Jerk (1979)

Steve Martin
Bernadette Peters

Steve Martin wasn’t a jerk in the traditional sense of a complete asshat – but he did play dimwitted dufus with hilarious precision. From the intro of “I was born a poor black child…” to finding his “special purpose” and his rise and fall, Naven R. Johnson made audiences laugh for the whole ride. As we see his many successes and missteps along the way, we love him more and more for his ridiculous stupidity than any other brainless character in movie history.

Here’s a great rundown of highlights from The Jerk:

2. Blazing Saddles (1974)

Cleavon Little
Gene Wilder
Slim Pickens
Harvey Korman
Madeline Kahn
Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks pushed the politically correct envelope in 1974’s Blazing Saddles, peppering the dialog with the “n” word and pulling no punches to make fun of, well… basically every stereotype. And it worked brilliantly. Would a movie like Blazing Saddles work if it was released today? Maybe not, so let’s just be glad that Mel Brooks got in his brilliant jabs during a time when it wasn’t such a crime to be politically incorrect.

For your viewing enjoyment, the cowboy fart scene for the adolescent in all of us:

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Graham Chapman
John Cleese
Terry Gilliam
Eric Idle
Terry Jones
Michael Palin

The Monty Python films owned 70’s comedy – just try to argue it. Monty Python and the Holy Grail took fans on an adventure with King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and… duh… the search for the Holy Grail. And all with hilarious results – part slapstick, part crazy comedy, Holy Grail offered up some of the most quotable lines of any movie of its era.

Here’s but a taste of one of the great scenes from Holy Grail, where King Arthur cuts off all of the Black Knight’s limbs:

Check out the list of hottest bikini movie moments – did they get it all right (we applaud them for thinking outside the box, so to speak, for their Varsity Blues entry)… or is something missing?

And do you agree with number one? Perhaps one of the most unforgettable bikini scenes in movie history!

• 5. Kevin Kline – “Dave”
• 4. Bill Pullman – “Independence Day”
• 3. Michael Douglas – “The American President”
• 2. Morgan Freeman – “Deep Impact”
• 1. Harrison Ford – “Airforce One”

There are a few more movies releasing in 2008 that might do well, but it’s tough to say. Here are my guesses.

1. 10,000 BC. [Mar 7] The 10,000 BC story sounds utterly boring and unoriginal, the cast is mostly unknown, but the CGI prehistoric animals look really good.

2. Don’t Mess With the Zohan. [Jun 6] Personally, I think this Adam Sandler flick (written by him and the superhot producer Judd Apatow) has far more potential than Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder, but seems to be getting less buzz. Maybe it’s too soon to tell.
3. Indiana Jones 4: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Does the title sound cheesy or what? And it’s been a loooong time since the last one. Do we need another? I like Harrison Ford a great deal, but Indy was one of my least fave characters of his. Still, this might do well, even without Sean Connery.
4. Iron Man. [May 2] I’ve never been a big fan of Robert Downy Jr, and the trailer for Iron Man is hardly impressive in terms of special effects. But Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Samuel L. Jackson, Stan Lee and Ghostface Killah are some of the cast members. Could be big, and it opens well before summer blockbuster season.
5. James Bond 22. [Nov 7] Daniel Craig is my absolute least favorite James Bond, but this untitled 22nd film in the franchise also boasts the terrific Dame Judi Dench and Giancarlo Giannini. And apparently some people like Craig.
6. Journey 3-D. [Jul 11] Anytime a movie boasts 3-D, I’m already leery, but there’s buzz about this, and Brendan Fraser is in it. It’s up against some heavy competition on or around opening day, though.
7. Rambo IV. [Jan 25] Does Sly Stallone still have it? We’ll see soon. The last one was 20 years ago, but this one is written and directed by Sly.
8. Starship Dave. [May 30] Once, long ago, Eddie Murphy could do no wrong. But after Norbit, I’m afraid to see his movies. But there are miniature aliens and a spaceship in this.
9. South of the Border. [Aug 8] This is star-studded comedy [Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek, Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Edward James Olmos, Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Cheech Marin], but director Raja Gosnell has only directed a few movies and they were serious stinkers. Though he did edit Home Alone, Pretty Woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Nine Months. Then again, this one revolves around a lost, ritzy Beverly Hills chihuaha.
10. The Incredible Hulk. [Jun 13] On second thought, no. I don’t think Ed Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt can do anything for this. And wasn’t there a Hulk movie not so long ago with really crappy CGI?
11. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. [Aug 1] It’s tough to say whether this third Mummy installment starring Brendan Fraser, Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh (as an evil wizard) has a chance. It might be good, but how many people will drop money to see it in the theaters?
12. The Spiderwick Chronicles. [Feb 15] This looks like it could be a lot of fantasy fun for the family, and it starts well before the blockbuster season. Could become another fantasy classic with cool CGI, but I think that’d be even without Seth Rogen, Nick Nolte, Martin Short, Andrew McCarthy and Joan Plowright.
13. WALL-E. [Jun 27] I haven’t a clue what this one is about, other than it’s an animated movie from Pixar, directed Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), and there’s a 700-year old robot. Maybe, maybe not.
14. Wanted. [Jun 27] The only reason I’m mentioning this movie is because it’s based on a graphic novel. Oh yeah, and it stars James, McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Common, Terence Stamp, and Angelina Jolie. Might be big, might bomb.
15. What Happens in Vegas. [May 16] This is another big maybe starring Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Rob Corddry and others.

These are my guesses as to which flicks will do well in the box office, based on the buzz and regardless of merit. Note, also, that some of the video clips below are fan trailers.

1. Cloverfield. [Jan 18; Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas] Cloverfield’s trailers so far come across as a bunch of unknown actors in a mysterious monster flick. Doesn’t excite me, but everyone else seems to be wetting themselves. It is a J.J. Abrams’ film, but I’m waiting for Star Trek. I’m seriously thinking it’s a Godzilla/ Gojira or Mothra type of flick – in which case it’ll be a dud. It’s too soon since the last one, and Mothra just isn’t big box office. Or it could be something really original. And scary.

2. Get Smart. [Jun 20; Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne "Rocky" Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp.] I can only take Steve Carell characters in small doses – kind of like when Will Ferrell does his loud-mouth characters in movies. But it is Steve Carell, and he’s hot right now, even if he did do Evan Almighty. (What do you want a bet there’ll be a third in that series?) A good Get Smart remake has a lot of potential across a few generations of moviegoers, and Carell does seem suited for the role.

3. Hancock. [Jul 2; Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Lauren Hill.] Will Smith can’t seem to lose these days, even if he was declared one of the more overpaid actors. Maybe his reign is just starting to end, but he’s got several good years left before he’ll switch to directing. In Hancock, he’s a down and out superhero. Also known as Tonight He Comes.

4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. [Nov 21; Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane.] How could this possibly lose? Harry and the gang could all wear garbage bags on their heads and jump around speaking in tongues and fans would probably still go spend their money. Just kidding. If you’ve seen the previous installments, you’re saving your pennies for this one – and for Deathly Hallows in 2010.

5. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. [Jul 11; Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor.] Love Hellboy or hate it, Hellboy 2 is going to kick ass, both on film and probably in the box office. I’m always into cult films of this type, and whether or not anyone else liked it, I loved Ron Perlman as Hellboy.

6. Star Trek XI. [Dec 25; Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Winona Ryder, Leonard Nimoy.] Trekkies, Trek fans, and the mildly interested are all waiting with baited breath for this long-overdue sequel/ prequel – even without William Shatner. (I always went to see Spock anyway.) That’s all I know about it, but hey it’s Star Trek. And hopefully another TV series will be revealed soon, too.

7. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. [May 16; Liam Neeson, Ben Barnes, Tilda Swinton (rumored).] Sure, it’s based on the third book instead of the second one (which will be a movie next) but The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series enjoyed by generations. This series, when complete, will no doubt be another legendary fantasy movie series. I missed the first installment, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but I’ll grab the DVD and watch it before Prince Caspian comes out.

8. The Dark Knight. [Jul 18; Christian Bale as the Joker, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Aaron Eckhart, Anthony Michael Hall.] As someone in the comics world is known for saying, “enuff said.” (Gawd, my memory is bad.) Ok, maybe not, but it’s a Batman movie, and there’s enough momentum from Christian Bale’s last Batman flick for this to be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2008. Bale is without a doubt my favorite Batman of all time, primarily because Bruce Wayne and Batman were not separated: they are one and the same person. That and the fact that Batman Begins was so much grittier than its predecessor. It’s much truer to Batman’s origins in the comic books.

9. The Love Guru. [Jun 20; Mike Myers, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley, Samantha Bee.] Admit it. You’re craving another movie with Mike Myers – probably the most successful SNL alumnus ever. Well, I despise Justin Timberlake, who I think is overpraised for his mediocre musical talent (is he even an actor?). But Ben Kingsley is in this, for crying out loud. Yeah, in a comedy.

10. Tropic Thunder. [Jul 11; Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Nick Nolte.] I love Ben Stiller but even though this is a comedy, it’s also kind of a war movie – something I’ve never, ever, ever been into. Show me a war movie and I’ll show you a boring pile of political propaganda (most of the time). On the other hand, Ben Stiller is acting and directing, so something good might come out of it. It’s opening the same day as Hellboy 2, and followed by The Dark Knight, so it’s hard to say how it’ll do. [Sorry, no trailer yet.]

11. Sex and the City: The Movie. [Added Sun Dec 30th] [May 30; Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Chris Noth.] I somehow completely forgot about Sex and the City: The Movie, so I’ve added it to the end of this list. The movie will no doubt be a big hit, purely on the basis of the popularity of the HBO TV series about four New York City women whose sex lives we learned about and whose antics we grew to enjoy. (I only ever watched the show because of super cute Kristin Davis, hoping she’d get naked. She apparently did, eventually, but I missed that episode.) They’re already talking sequels for the movie, which will probably also be big hits as well.

This is merely my own personal short list – ordered alphabetically – of either “Christmas” movies I’ve seen many times or which are on my shortlist to see.

1. A Christmas Carol. Released Dec 16, 1938. Starring Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn. One of the classic “Ebenezeer Scrooge” movies.

2. Christmas Vacation. Released Dec 1, 1989. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, Randy Quaid, Doris Roberts. How can you not like the Griswolds and the zaniness of their family Christmas?
3. Die Hard. Released Jul 15, 1988. Starring Nicolas Cage, Bonnie Bedelia. Not released in December but an Xmas flick still the same.
4. Home Alone. Released Nov 16, 1990. Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, John Heard, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy. A modern classic of kookiness and fun for the holidays.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Released Dec 18, 1966 (made for TV, animated). Narrated by horrormeister Boris Karloff. This one is so much more fun for the family than the scary 2000 live-action version with Jimmy Carrey.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life. Released Jan 7, 1947. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. This is it, the classic, and my favorite Xmas flick, as well as tops in my favorite Jimmy Stewart movies. Directed by Frank Capra, father of Frank Capra, Jr.
7. Miracle on 34th Street. Released May 4, 1947. Starring Maureen O’Hara, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood. Is this Santa real as he claims, and has to defend himself in court?
8. The Family Man. Released Dec 22, 2000. Starring Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Saul Rubinek. Despite being an original story, it’s strongly reminiscent of It’s a Wonderful Life.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Released Oct 29, 1993 (animated). Voices by Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Reubens. It’s a bit creepy for Christmas, but hey, it’s directed by Tim Burton.
10. The Sound of Music. Released Mar 29, 1965. Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer. Not sure why it’s such a big Xmas flick as I can’t sit through a whole showing, but I’ve listed it for a dear young friend who loved it and passed away during this season many years ago.

That’s my list, love it or hate it. Maybe some of the new crop of Christmas week movie releases will have place on a “classics” list someday.

1. Pulling a “Winona Ryder” and only stealing a lighter (Britney Spears).
2. Not showing up in court (Britney Spears, R. Kelly, Daniel Baldwin). Though R. Kelly and Daniel Baldwin had legitimate reasons.
3. Being a male gold-digger (Larry Birkhead, Kevin Federline, Casey Aldridge?).
4. Sleeping with people other than their spouses. Oh wait, that’s “normal”,
5. Flashing their privates on purpose (Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, etc.)
6. Pregnant (nearly everyone), pregnant at 16 (Jamie Lynn Spears), or pregnant in jail (Jessica Sierra).
7. Possibly facing statutory rape charges (Casey Aldridge, Jamie Lynn Spears’ baby daddy).
8. In jail for a DUI charge on their birthday (Kiefer Sutherland).
9. Having to have their kids drug-tested (Britney Spears).
10. Wandering around half naked with white powder on their nostrils (Amy Winehouse).
11. Suffering botched plastic surgery (Tara Reid, Michael Jackson, etc.).
12. Suffering from weight problems (Chastity Bono, Kirstie Alley, etc.) or anorexia.
13. Getting married to several losers in a row (Pam Anderson).
14. Being a really dumb blonde (Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Elizabeth Hasselbeck).
15. Saying really dumb things in public (too many to list all, but Michael Richards, Mel Gibson, Sherri Shepherd, etc.)
16. On the run from tax evasion charges.
17. Doing really bad movies (too many to list).
18. Doing really bad reality shows (Landers twins). Wait, they’re all bad,
19. Wearing really bad wigs (Christina Ricci, Katie Holmes). Ok, it’s not officially a crime.
20. Having reunion tours (Spice Girls) and thinking anyone cares. Unless you’re Led Zeppelin.
21. Filming naked with Philip Seymour Hoffman (NSFW).

Talk about excessive lifestyles (and I didn’t even mention celebrity sex tapes and attacking or running over paparazzi). I don’t remember such a high percentage of stars behaving like this ever. Or maybe they’ve always been like this but didn’t get busted for it, like Michael J. Fox says. Well, I guess everyone can’t be like Denzel Washington and donate a million dollars to a school.