20 Comedy Movies You Must See Before You Die

2. Annie Hall (1977)

Granted, Annie Hall is just as much a relationship drama as it is a romantic comedy, but there's no denying the craftsmanship and care that has gone into each and every one of its very funny - and very famous - jokes. After success with more full-on comedy vehicles such as Bananas and Love and Death, Woody Allen set out to create a more "serious" comedy picture; indeed, this is the flick that bridges two stages of his career to brilliant effect.

On one side, his "older, funnier" films; on the other, his dour, intellectual pursuits; and right in the middle, this undeniable masterpiece. In its most basic terms, then, Annie Hall tells the entire story of a single relationship - its good points, its bad points - and channels them through a compulsively clever, non-linear narrative that only Allen could have conjured up.

In 90 very deft minutes, by way of Allen's stand-up comic protagonist Alvy Singer talking directly to us (an inspired move), we learn what makes two people fall in love before it all ultimately breaks down; the results are equally hilarious and melancholy; the whole thing is rendered beautifully and realistically. And every single joke hits the mark.