by While Michael Jackson is best known worldwide as the “King of Pop” for his groundbreaking music and iconic dance moves, what many fans may not know is that comedy was also a huge passion of his. Jackson had an innate sense of humor and loved bringing laughter to others.
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Though there is no public record of his actual favorite funny movies, given his appreciation for physical comedy and performers like Charlie Chaplin, we can make some educated guesses about what films may have regularly cracked him up.
The Three Stooges
One act that Jackson was likely a big fan of was the legendary comedy trio The Three Stooges. Consisting of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard (and later Shemp Howard and Joe Besser filling in after Curly’s death), The Three Stooges made over 200 short films between 1922 to 1970 that featured their brand of over-the-top slapstick and verbal wit. Their films were filled with eye pokes, slaps to the face, pratfalls, and other absurd physical gags.
The Stooges pioneered a manic style of comedy focused on punches, kicks, and other acts of violence played strictly for laughs rather than to offend or harm. Though their humor may seem crude or unsophisticated by today’s standards, it undeniably worked – The Three Stooges were hugely popular worldwide for generations and a formative influence on countless other comedians. Their zany antics and ability to find humor even in pain perfectly captured the spirit of slapstick that Jackson loved.
In a 1993 interview, Jackson called The Three Stooges his “favorite physical comedians of all time.” He admired their fearlessness in throwing themselves into ridiculous stunts and scenarios without concern for dignity or safety. That sense of abandon and willingness to look foolish for a joke no doubt resonated with Jackson’s own playful nature. The fast-paced silliness of The Three Stooges’ shorts would have provided Jackson with endless laughs. It’s easy to imagine him rewatching their films time and time again to cheer himself up.
Silent Movie Comedies
Another major influence on Jackson’s comedic tastes were undoubtedly the silent films of the early 20th century. Born in the late 1950s, Jackson grew up in an era when many classic silent comedies were still widely available and enjoyed a resurgence on television. Comedians like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and others perfected a physical, visually-oriented style of humor that didn’t require dialogue.
Through clever mime, exaggerated facial expressions and body language, meticulously planned stunts, and creative visual gags, silent film stars were able to elicit laughter without words. This fit perfectly with Jackson’s talents for vivid storytelling through dance and pantomime. He must have been in awe of stars like Chaplin, who could hold an audience spellbound through slapstick alone.
Some of the most beloved silent comedies revolved around Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character, such as Modern Times and The Gold Rush, using pathos and physical comedy to comment on social issues. Buster Keaton specialized in deadpan stunts and adventures that pushed the limits of believability for laughs. These films inspired Jackson and countless others with their boundless creativity and ability to draw the viewer into a nonverbal comic world. For an artistic soul like Jackson who loved visual performance, silent movies were comedic gold.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
A film that may seem like an unorthodox choice but was likely among Jackson’s favorites was Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, the 1985 blockbuster comedy starring Paul Reubens as the childlike man-boy Pee-wee Herman. At first glance, it doesn’t seem to fit the mold of classics like Chaplin or The Three Stooges. However, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure was a bonafide pop culture phenomenon upon its release and resonated strongly with celebrities of the era like Jackson.
The offbeat humor and surreal situations Pee-wee finds himself in, from getting his beloved bicycle stolen to embarking on a cross-country search for it, would have perfectly matched Jackson’s own playful sensibilities. Pee-wee Herman brought an innocence, wonder, and lack of self-consciousness to his adventures that Jackson could relate to. The film also featured a standout performance from a young and charming Johnny Depp as one of Pee-wee’s eccentric friends.
While Pee-wee’s Big Adventure may seem like a strange cult film today, it captured the imaginations of many in the 1980s with its quirky characters, nonsensical plotlines, and anything-can-happen spirit of adventure. This fit Jackson, who never lost his own sense of childlike wonder even as a global superstar. The film’s celebration of individuality and rejection of conformity no doubt resonated with him as well. For these reasons, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure stands out as a comedy Jackson undoubtedly enjoyed.
Other Possible Favorites
Of course, this is just speculation based on the humor Jackson publicly praised. He had eclectic tastes and was always discovering new talents, so there were surely other films that brought him to tears of laughter. A few other possibilities include:
Marx Brothers comedies like Animal Crackers and Duck Soup – The zany verbal and physical slapstick of Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx was hugely influential.
Laurel and Hardy films such as Sons of the Desert and Way Out West – The lovable duo’s bumbling adventures and struggles against fate were comedy gold.
Walt Disney animated classics like The Three Caballeros and Fun and Fancy Free – Jackson loved Disney as a child and their humor appealed to both kids and adults.
Mel Brooks spoofs like Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs – Brooks perfected sending up other genres with wit, satire and absurdity.
Monty Python films like Life of Brian and The Holy Grail – Their surreal British humor pushed boundaries and featured visual gags aplenty.
While we can’t know for certain, it’s not hard to imagine Jackson finding endless joy in the timeless physical and verbal comedy of these films throughout his life. Laughter was so important to his spirit, and these movies were filled with the kinds of hilarious absurdity and visual humor he loved. They no doubt provided Jackson with an escape and reminded him of his passion for creative performance.
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