20 Comedy Movies You Must See Before You Die

14. Team America: World Police (2004)

There is arguably no comedic idea quite so instantly appealing as that of "the guys from South Park make an R-rated movie with Thunderbirds puppets" - and it's no wonder that the results are about as shocking, provocative, and downright hilarious as you'd expected.

The core idea behind Team America stems from Parker and Stone's perceived view regarding the United States' self-appointed duty to "police the world," but they also use the movie as a vehicle to lambast celebrity culture ("Matt Damon!"), the filmmaking business and foreign policy in general. The plot settles on optimistic Broadway actor Gary Johnston, recruited as a member of "Team America," who's tasked with stopping Kim Jong Il from blowing up the world with a ton of WMDs.

Of course, Team America cause more damage than they actually prevent - a point Parker and Stone are keen to make very obvious. Through a collection of hilariously self-aware scenes that pokes fun at the marionettes, and songs that will stick with you long after the movie is over, this is broad satire at its best; and as always with Park and Stone's work, there's an emotional core, too.