Nowadays, comedy endures in all its permutations and can guarantee a great time at the movies—when executed properly. Since making a successful comedy is easier said than done, there are numerous clunkers for every bona fide hit. However, when a solid comedy does indeed land its punches, it powerfully permeates the pop culture sphere, often for decades at a time.

Stacker compiled a list of the 50 best comedy films of all time, according to critics. Using data from Metacritic, we selected films listed or co-listed as comedies and organized them by their Metascore (ties are broken internally by Metacritic).

Its unforgettable characters and lasting influence continue to shape comedy decades after its original release.

What goes around comes around... Join us as we count down the funniest instant karma moments in comedy movie history! From Regina George getting flattened by a school bus in "Mean Girls" to Bob Barker destroying Happy Gilmore in a fistfight,

Several of the movies below twist the genre into new directions (including “Obsession”), and a few of these movies even mark the return of the romantic comedy, albeit updated for generations that are understandably impatient with mom and dad’s brand of cheese.

Its biting satire, unforgettable performances, and clever writing prove great comedy never gets old.