Sleeper (1973)

Sleeper is special because it turns the future into a playground for comedy, blending Woody Allen’s neurotic charm with the pure, physical snap of classic silent-era slapstick—only now the banana peels are high-tech. The movie moves with exhilarating pace, firing off sight gags, verbal riffs, and clever sci-fi parody so steadily that even its throwaway jokes feel engineered for maximum lift. Beneath the absurd inventions and authoritarian farce, there’s a surprisingly sweet, sparky rapport with Diane Keaton that keeps the film buoyant rather than merely silly. It’s not for everyone—some humor is broad and the sexual satire (including the infamous “Orgasmatron”) is very much of its time—but if you want a smart, inventive comedy that never stops dancing, it’s an easy yes.

Sleeper is Woody Allen trying to mash up slapstick, sci-fi dystopia, and philosophical riffing into one brisk, goofy satire, and when it clicks it’s charmingly clever. The catch is that it’s more controlled than manic, so if you’re hoping for nonstop comedic crescendos, it can feel pleasantly steady rather than hilariously explosive. A lot of the humor is very much of its era—neurotic banter, broad physical gags, and sexual jokes (including the infamous Orgasmatron)—which will either amuse you or make you roll your eyes. If you like lightweight sci-fi worldbuilding used as a playground for jokes and Diane Keaton’s offbeat energy, it’s worth your time; if you want sharper stakes or wilder comic highs, you may find it mild.