Martin Short Reveals His Picks for Flawless Film Comedies

Comedians rarely get a breather, given how swiftly the landscape of humour shifts. Martin Short, who’s spent decades navigating these changes, has managed to keep himself in the public eye, not least through his role as the hapless, dip-loving ex-theatre man turned amateur detective in the much-discussed Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. Alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, Short has found a way to connect with a new generation of viewers, all while maintaining his reputation among those who remember his earlier work.

It’s never straightforward to predict which comedies will age gracefully. Short’s own filmography is a testament to this unpredictability. Titles like Captain Ron and Three Amigos didn’t exactly set critics alight on release, yet both have since attracted loyal followings. Even Clifford, which Roger Ebert famously panned, has found a second life as a cult oddity, appreciated for its sheer eccentricity.

Changing Tastes and Timeless Laughter

Reflecting on his career in conversation with Screen Slate, Short was quick to acknowledge the shifting sands of comic taste.

“Tastes change through the years,”

he observed, before adding that a select few comedies seem immune to the passage of time.

“I just think it’s always interesting, particularly with comedy, what ages well and what doesn’t. I mean, I can still look at Young Frankenstein, and I think it’s literally perfection, and I feel that about Annie Hall. There are certain films that just have never been altered by time, and some have become less funny with time, and some become funnier.”

His admiration for Young Frankenstein is hardly surprising. Mel Brooks’ affectionate send-up of the Universal monster films has only grown in stature, especially since its stage adaptation. The film’s cleverness and warmth have inspired a host of imitators, and it’s now spoken of in the same breath as the classic horrors it parodies.

Legacy and Complications

Annie Hall presents a more complicated case. Its influence on the romantic comedy genre is undeniable, yet the film’s legacy is tangled up with the reputation of its creator, Woody Allen. Allen’s fall from grace has made it difficult for many to view the film in isolation. Still, as Short points out, the film’s place in the canon is secure, not least thanks to Diane Keaton’s remarkable performance—her passing in 2025 only adding a bittersweet note to its history.

Short himself tends to downplay his own contributions, but he’s no stranger to films that have found lasting affection. Father of the Bride remains a family favourite, with Short delivering one of his most memorable turns. More recently, audiences have begun to reassess Inherent Vice, Paul Thomas Anderson’s divisive noir, where Short’s performance stands out as one of his most inventive.