Martin Short Reveals His Picks for Comedy’s Timeless Masterpieces
Martin Short spotlights a select group of comedy films he believes have achieved true cinematic perfection, including Young Frankenstein and Annie Hall, and reflects on what makes certain comedies endure across generations.
Comedians often find themselves in a constant race to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of humor. Martin Short, a veteran of the genre, has managed to stay relevant by embracing these shifts. Known for his roles in some of the most iconic comedies from the 1980s and 1990s, Short has also found a new audience through his performance as the quirky, theater-obsessed amateur detective in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.
For someone with such a diverse career, it ’s not always easy to predict which films will stand the test of time. Movies like Captain Ron and Three Amigos didn’t receive universal praise upon release, but have since developed devoted followings. Even Clifford, which was harshly criticized by Roger Ebert, has gained a reputation as a cult favorite for its so-bad-it’s-good charm.
Comedy That Lasts Through the Years
In a conversation about his career, Short emphasized how comedy evolves:
“Tastes change through the years,”
he noted, but he’s convinced that a handful of comedic classics will always resonate.
“I just think it’s always interesting, particularly with comedy, what ages well and what doesn’t. I mean, I can still look at Young Frankenstein, and I think it’s literally perfection, and I feel that about Annie Hall. There are certain films that just have never been altered by time, and some have become less funny with time, and some become funnier.”
Why These Films Endure
Short’s admiration for Young Frankenstein is especially notable. The film ’s popularity has only grown, thanks in part to its acclaimed musical adaptation. Mel Brooks’ parodies have aged remarkably well, but this particular movie stands out for its affectionate nods to the original Universal monster films. Its influence is so strong that it’s now considered on par with classics like James Whale’s Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein.
On the flip side, Annie Hall has left its mark on nearly every romantic comedy that followed. However, its legacy is complicated by the controversies surrounding its creator, Woody Allen, who has been largely ostracized from Hollywood. Despite the difficult conversations about the filmmaker, the movie itself remains a significant part of film history, not least because of Diane Keaton’s unforgettable performance, especially poignant after her passing in 2025.
Short’s Own Place in Comedy
Though he tends to downplay his own achievements, Short has starred in several films that aim for universal appeal. Father of the Bride stands out as a cherished family comedy, featuring one of his most memorable roles. More recently, audiences have begun to appreciate his work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s noir mystery Inherent Vice, where Short delivered one of his most inventive performances.