Top 10 Ancient Comedy Films

Description: This film, based on the Broadway musical, follows a cunning slave who tries to win his freedom by helping his master woo a courtesan. It's a comedic take on Roman life with a lot of slapstick humor and mistaken identities.

Fact: The film was directed by Richard Lester, known for his work on the Beatles' films. It also features Zero Mostel, who originated the role of Pseudolus on Broadway.

Description: A young Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Hercules, who is banished from Mount Olympus to New York City. The film is a mix of slapstick comedy and the fish-out-of-water scenario.

Fact: This was Schwarzenegger's first major film role, and he was dubbed by another actor for his voice.

Description: While not strictly about ancient Rome, this Monty Python film includes scenes set in Judea under Roman rule. It's a satirical look at religion, politics, and society with a lot of humor derived from historical inaccuracies.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its controversial content, but it has since become a cult classic.

Description: Mel Brooks takes us on a comedic journey through various historical periods, including a segment on ancient Rome where he plays Emperor Nero. The humor is broad, irreverent, and often anachronistic, making it a unique take on history.

Fact: The film includes a famous scene where Brooks, as Moses, delivers the Ten Commandments, only to drop one of the tablets, leaving only five commandments.

Description: This French comedy film brings the beloved comic book characters to life in a story where they help Cleopatra build a palace to prove her greatness to Julius Caesar. It's filled with humor, both physical and verbal.

Fact: The film was a massive box office success in France and features a cameo by Gerard Depardieu as Obelix.

Description: Two lazy hunter-gatherers from ancient times accidentally stumble into various biblical events. The film uses modern humor to comment on ancient history and religion.

Fact: The film stars Jack Black and Michael Cera, known for their comedic roles in other films.

Description: Part of the famous "Carry On" series, this film parodies the story of Cleopatra, with the usual British humor involving mistaken identities, double entendres, and slapstick comedy.

Fact: The film was shot at Pinewood Studios, where the sets from the epic "Cleopatra" were still standing, allowing for some authentic-looking scenes.

Description: Set in ancient Pompeii, this film follows the misadventures of Lurcio, a Roman slave, as he navigates through a series of comedic mishaps. It's a British comedy with a lot of innuendo and slapstick humor.

Fact: The film was based on a popular British TV series of the same name, and it features Frankie Howerd, known for his distinctive comedic style.

Description: Another Asterix adventure where the Gauls challenge the Romans to complete twelve impossible tasks. The humor comes from the absurdity of the tasks and the clever ways Asterix and Obelix solve them.

Fact: This film was one of the first European animated features to gain international recognition.

Description: This lesser-known film takes the ancient Sumerian epic and turns it into a comedic adventure, focusing on the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, with plenty of anachronistic humor.

Fact: The film was an attempt to bring one of the oldest known stories to a modern audience with a humorous twist.