This Is Spinal Tap Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest's spoof rock documentary is the greatest comedy film ever made.
Zoolander Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson try out their Starsky and Hutch pairing in a hilariously dumb film that would never get made in Britain because it's a) not a "rom-com" and b) funny.
Monty Python's Life of Brian Whoops, take that last one back. The Pythons get far more satiric use and laughs than Mel Gibson managed to squeeze out of the same material.
Laurel & Hardy in the Music Box A classic (and if it's unavailable, you could always rent My Gaff, My Rules, the first live DVD featuring Al Murray as the pub landlord, out now on VVL Video. See www.publandlordlive.com for more information).
... AND FOR A TRULY HORRIBLE WEEKEND
Pete Clark, Evening Standard writer and horror-film aficionado
Dawn of the Dead Keep one step ahead of the recent fashion for zombie movies by going back to the originals. George Romero's masterpiece is the finest of the genre.
The Evil Dead series For shocks and laughs at the same time, these films can't be beaten, particularly Evil Dead II, in which the hero's arm becomes possessed and turns against him.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Tobe Hooper's film remains a must for those who have pigged out over the holiday season. That Leatherface is quite a caution.
The Shining The great scourge of hotel bookings, particularly those made out of season.
