Quentin Tarantino Reveals His Pick for Funniest Film
Quentin Tarantino has shared which film he considers the most hilarious of the past quarter-century, surprising many with his choice and offering insight into his comedic tastes.
Quentin Tarantino, renowned for his stylised approach to cinema and penchant for the unconventional, has never shied away from expressing his admiration for films that embrace the absurd. While his own work is often associated with sharp dialogue and graphic spectacle, he has a well-documented appreciation for productions that lean into the ridiculous, especially when it comes to comedies that push boundaries.
Recently, Tarantino has been making headlines, not for updates on his much-anticipated tenth and final project, but for his candid remarks during a podcast appearance with Bret Easton Ellis. The director’s comments, particularly those critical of certain actors, have sparked considerable debate online. Yet, much of the conversation has overlooked the more positive aspects of his interview, where he enthusiastically discussed his favourite films of the 21st century.
Unexpected Choices and a Standout Comedy
As is typical with Tarantino’s lists, his selection featured a blend of established classics, divisive releases, and a handful of lesser-known gems. Topping his ranking was Ridley Scott’s intense war drama Black Hawk Down, a film often cited for its unflinching portrayal of conflict. Also making the cut were Pixar’s heartfelt sequel Toy Story 3 and Sofia Coppola’s poignant romantic comedy-drama Lost in Translation.
While it was hardly a shock to see works from directors like David Fincher and Woody Allen included, one entry caught many off guard: Jackass: The Movie. Tarantino was effusive in his praise, declaring it the most side-splitting film he had encountered in recent memory.
“This was the film I laughed at the most in these last 20 years,”
he remarked.
“I don’t remember laughing from beginning to end like this since Richard Pryor. As I was making Kill Bill, I thought this film was so bloody funny I had to show it to the crew. So we found a print, watched it, and just lost it.”
Jackass: Outrageous Humour and Lasting Impact
Jackass: The Movie picked up where the notorious MTV series left off, reuniting Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Steve-O, and Dave England for another round of wild, often reckless pranks. At the time, critics seemed unsure how to respond, but for a generation raised on the show’s anarchic energy, it struck a chord. The film’s success led to three sequels, each gradually winning over more sceptical reviewers.
Tarantino’s fondness for the Jackass crew’s antics is perhaps less surprising when considering his own background. The spirit of friends coming together to create something purely for the thrill of it echoes the independent ethos that defined his early career, particularly with Reservoir Dogs in 1992. That same do-it-yourself attitude has inspired countless aspiring filmmakers since.
Other Comedic Favourites
Although Tarantino’s list included other notable comedies such as Shaun of the Dead and The School of Rock, none seemed to elicit quite the same reaction as Jackass: The Movie. For him, it remains unmatched in its ability to provoke laughter from start to finish, a rare feat in contemporary cinema.