There’s nothing better than laughing together in the cinema. But great comedy can also challenge us to think.

Fooling about became a fine art through the early decades of cinema, but comedy genius is too often under-recognised. It’s the gift of perfect timing, an expertly executed sight-gag, a zinging wise-crack, a giddy rush of manic energy. Whether perfectly choreographed, brutally raw, or conjured out of improvisation and collaboration, the best comedy is ultimately disruptive. It punctures pomposity, and blows a raspberry at social convention: the proto-feminist whiplash of screwball wit, the rambunctious working-class revolt of Carry On, the purposeful anarchy of alternative comedy. 

To celebrate the BFI's nationwide Comedy Genius season, we've selected a range of classic comedy tiitles to get you laughing. Browse the collection here.