Strikes can be serious business, but they've also provided a rich vein of comedy gold for filmmakers. From workplace shenanigans to union disputes, these films capture the lighter side of labor unrest. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or looking for a modern laugh, this curated list of comedy films about strikes will entertain and enlighten you on the humorous aspects of industrial action.
The Secret of My Success (1987)
Description: A young man, after losing his job, schemes his way into a high-ranking position at a corporation, sparking a humorous strike among the employees.
Fact: Michael J. Fox was originally considered for the role of Brantley Foster, but it went to Michael J. Fox.
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Working Girl (1988)
Description: A secretary, after her boss steals her idea, decides to take matters into her own hands, leading to a comedic strike against corporate exploitation.
Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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The Full Monty (1997)
Description: A group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield, England, decide to stage a male striptease act to make money, inadvertently starting a strike-like protest against unemployment.
Fact: The film's title is British slang for "the whole thing" or "everything," referring to the complete striptease the men perform.
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Office Space (1999)
Description: This cult classic follows Peter Gibbons, who, after a hypnotherapy session, decides to slack off at work, leading to a comedic strike against his mundane office job.
Fact: The film was inspired by a Milton comic strip by Mike Judge, who also directed the movie. The character Milton was based on a real person Judge knew.
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The Replacements (2000)
Description: When the professional football players go on strike, a ragtag group of replacements steps in, leading to comedic chaos on and off the field.
Fact: The film features real-life NFL players like Gene Hackman, who played a former coach.
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Fired Up! (2009)
Description: Two high school football players join the cheerleading squad to avoid summer training camp, inadvertently sparking a strike-like protest among the cheerleaders.
Fact: The film was initially titled "Cheerleaders" but was changed to avoid confusion with another movie.
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The Campaign (2012)
Description: While not directly about a strike, this political comedy features a candidate who uses a strike-like campaign strategy to win an election, showcasing the absurdity of political tactics.
Fact: Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis improvised many of their scenes, adding to the film's comedic spontaneity.
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Norma Rae (1979)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film has humorous moments as Norma Rae, a textile worker, leads a strike for better working conditions, showcasing the lighter side of union organizing.
Fact: Sally Field won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Norma Rae.
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The Internship (2013)
Description: Two middle-aged salesmen, after losing their jobs, intern at Google, where their old-school methods clash with the tech-savvy interns, leading to a comedic strike of sorts.
Fact: The film was shot at Google's real headquarters, with many Google employees making cameo appearances.
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9 to 5 (1980)
Description: Three female office workers, fed up with their sexist boss, fantasize about revenge, leading to a comedic strike against workplace inequality.
Fact: The film was inspired by a song by Dolly Parton, who also stars in the movie and wrote the theme song.
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