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Here are 8 iconic comedy short films that you definitely need to see — each showcases brilliant humor, tight storytelling, and lasting influence in the world of cinema:
1. The Music Box (1932) – Laurel and Hardy - This Oscar-winning short features the classic duo struggling to deliver a piano up a massive flight of stairs. It's physical comedy perfection and a timeless example of slapstick humor.
2. A Trip to the Dentist (2001) – Tim and Eric - Part of the early 2000s absurdist comedy wave, this surreal short plays with awkward timing and gross-out humor, influencing the style of Adult Swim and alt-comedy.
3. Hotel Chevalier (2007) – Wes Anderson - A prelude to The Darjeeling Limited, this short balances melancholy and dry wit with Anderson’s signature style. Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman deliver a quietly humorous performance full of emotional tension.
4. Unfinished Business (2003) – Anderson & Buxton - This British gem from Channel 4’s Comedy Lab highlights mundane office life with a deadpan, mockumentary twist — think early Office vibes.
5. Six Shooter (2004) – Martin McDonagh - An Oscar-winning dark comedy short starring Brendan Gleeson. It blends tragedy and humor with razor-sharp dialogue — a precursor to McDonagh’s later work like *In Bruges*.
6. The Black Hole (2008) – Phil Sansom & Olly Williams - A simple premise — a man discovers a black hole on a piece of paper — turns into a darkly comic morality tale. It’s minimalist but clever and has been widely used in film schools as a teaching example.
7. Kung Fury (2015) – David Sandberg - A 30-minute explosion of '80s nostalgia, over-the-top action, and absurd comedy. It became a viral hit thanks to its hilarious mix of cop clichés, Nazis, and dinosaurs.
8. Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969) – Marv Newland - This ultra-short animation (under 2 minutes) is legendary for its unexpected punchline. It’s been referenced and parodied for decades and remains a cult favorite.
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