- The Mouse That Roared (1959)
- Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
- The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966)
- The President's Analyst (1967)
- The Atomic Cafe (1982)
- Spies Like Us (1985)
- The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
- The Secret Agent Club (1996)
- Fail-Safe (1964)
- The Day the Fish Came Out (1967)
While the topic of nuclear weapons might seem grim and serious, there's a surprising number of films that manage to find humor in such dire situations. This curated list of 10 comedy films about nuclear weapons showcases how filmmakers have used satire, dark humor, and absurdity to explore this potentially catastrophic theme. From Cold War paranoia to modern-day mishaps, these movies offer a unique blend of laughs and lessons, making them not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Enjoy this collection that proves even the most serious subjects can be approached with a comedic twist.

The Mouse That Roared (1959)
Description: In this comedy, a tiny European nation declares war on the United States to gain economic aid, but accidentally captures a doomsday device, leading to hilarious international incidents.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Leonard Wibberley. Peter Sellers plays three different roles in the movie, showcasing his comedic versatility.


Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Description: This iconic film satirizes the Cold War fears of nuclear war, showcasing the absurdity of military bureaucracy and the potential for human error to lead to global catastrophe.
Fact: Stanley Kubrick wrote the screenplay in just three weeks. The film was originally supposed to be a serious drama but was changed to a comedy due to the real-life Cuban Missile Crisis.


The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966)
Description: A Soviet submarine runs aground near a small New England town, leading to a comedic misunderstanding and a race to prevent a nuclear incident.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was based on the novel "The Off-Islanders."


The President's Analyst (1967)
Description: A psychiatrist to the President becomes embroiled in a plot involving a secret organization and a device that can control people's minds, with nuclear weapons as a backdrop.
Fact: The film features a cameo by James Coburn, and its plot was considered quite prescient regarding issues of privacy and surveillance.


The Atomic Cafe (1982)
Description: A documentary with a comedic twist, it compiles archival footage from the 1940s to the 1960s to satirize the American government's propaganda about nuclear safety and preparedness.
Fact: The film uses no narration, relying entirely on the juxtaposition of the footage for its humor and commentary.


Spies Like Us (1985)
Description: Two inept government agents are sent on a mission that involves nuclear weapons, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and international incidents.
Fact: The film was directed by John Landis, who also directed "The Blues Brothers." Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd star, known for their comedic chemistry.


The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic England after a nuclear war, this film uses surreal humor to explore the absurdity of life in a world where people mutate into objects.
Fact: The screenplay was adapted from a play by Spike Milligan and John Antrobus, with Milligan also starring in the film.


The Secret Agent Club (1996)
Description: A spy comedy where a father, who is a secret agent, must save the world from a villain with a nuclear weapon, all while keeping his identity hidden from his son.
Fact: The film stars Hulk Hogan, known more for his wrestling career than acting, adding to the film's comedic appeal.


Fail-Safe (1964)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film has elements of dark humor as it portrays the tension and absurdity of a nuclear crisis, with a plot eerily similar to "Dr. Strangelove."
Fact: The film was released the same year as "Dr. Strangelove," leading to comparisons between the two. Henry Fonda plays the President of the United States.


The Day the Fish Came Out (1967)
Description: This British-Greek comedy involves a NATO base where a nuclear weapon is accidentally dropped, leading to a series of comedic events as the military tries to cover it up.
Fact: The film was shot on the Greek island of Mikonos, which was relatively unknown at the time, helping to put it on the tourist map.
