5 Hilarious Marilyn Monroe Comedies Guaranteed To Make You Laugh

The starlet was more than just a blonde bombshell. She was also FUNNY!

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Updated on 11/25/17

The absolute definition of a superstar, Marilyn Monroe was also an extremely talented comedic actress. After she perfected her patented persona, the breathy, naive, blonde bombshell, circa 1953, she became a megawatt ingredient for splashy Hollywood comedies. Meanwhile, in dramas, her almost cartoonish aura could make her seem out of orbit, otherworldly, not unlike Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Take a look at dreamy Marilyn fluff -- and try to keep your eyes on the jokes.

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"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953)

What a package! (I'm talking about the movie here, people.)

Howard Hawks directs Monroe and her notoriously sexy brunette equal Jane Russell in a film that is unquestionably Marilyn's finest spotlight. The cruise ship showgirls romp and romance to Paris, singing five tunes, including "Two Little Girls From Little Rock" and the iconic "Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend." (Modern fans will also recall that Madonna paid tribute to that song/scene with her music video for "Material Girl.")

The color on the restored DVD is stunning.

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"How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953)

The pin-up girl of the '40s, Betty Grable, teams with the pin-up of the '50s, Marilyn Monroe. The always-fabulous Lauren Bacall rounds out this hubby-hunting trio who are hellbent on snaring checkbooks and, okay, men.

The three beauties pool their resources, sharing both an apartment and secrets, while dating the likes of William Powell, Rory Calhoun, and David Wayne. There is one little hitch: Love.

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The Seven Year Itch" (1955)

Is there a more iconic photo of Marilyn than this one? I think not!

It's a long, hot summer in the city. Your wife of 84 or so months is away for the season and there's no one around except the (OH, BOY! WHAT A) girl upstairs. A mind can wonder, as it does for lonesome Tom Ewell.

Director-writer Billy Wilder was forced to cut the infidelity out of the hit Broadway script, thanks to uptight 1950s Hollywood standards. The results are implied amusements, not belly laughs. But who cares? Marilyn is radiant and wearing that white dress we love so much.

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"Monkey Business" (1952)

Not to be confused with the Marx Brothers' 1931 "Monkey Business," director Howard Hawks ("Bringing Up Baby") tailored this uproarious slapstick farce for Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers. Nearing the end of her supporting roles phase, Marilyn is credited fourth behind blustery Charles Coburn. She enhances several sequences and provides sexual tension. When chemist Cary concocts a turn-back-the-decades youth formula with the unknown assistance of his chimp, fast transformations and hijinks ensue!

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"Some Like It Hot" (1959)

We saved the best for last!

Many people believe that this 1959 comedy by writer-producer-director Billy Wilder is one of the best funny movies of all time. In fact, this movie is one of the rare few that still holds up in today's modern age.

The plot: Desperate musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) who are on the run from the mob decide to hide out in an all-girls band in order to stay alive. Naturally, this means that they'll have to dress in drag to blend in with the other girls. Marilyn plays Sugar Cane, a sweet and sultry singer who always seems to get the short end of the stick, romantically.

Hijinks ensue, and you absolutely will NOT believe what happens in the end. MUST WATCH!

This article was edited by Beverly Jenkins on September 21, 2016.

NEXT UP: You'll Love These 20 Worst Celebrity Photoshop Fails!

We can't ALL be Marilyns! For the rest of us, there's Photoshop.