‘Bridesmaids’ turns 10: five of the funniest scenes from the ground-breaking female comedy movie

As the stars of the Kristen Wiig-written comedy take to social media to celebrate a decade of delighting audiences, we pick five moments from the film that will never not be funny

From left to right: Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig in the infamous bridal shop scene in 'Bridesmaids', a film which would prove the catalyst for woman-centric comedies. Courtesy Universal PicturesShow less

Although there had been woman-led comedies before 2011's Bridesmaids, with Goldie Hawn's Private Benjamin in 1980 a standout, they were few and far between.

Which is why when it was released this week 10 years ago, Bridesmaids, the film about six women coming together in the run-up to their friend's wedding, not only nabbed a bunch of comedy awards, but also broke box office and film genre records.

Spawning the kind of timeless quotes that turned other woman-led films such as Mean Girls and Clueless into classics, the film's six stars, though already established actresses, found an entirely new level of fame thanks to their performances.

In particular, Melissa McCarthy, who steals every scene as the groom's sister Megan, was best known for her role of Sookie St James on Gilmore Girls', while Australian actress Rose Byrne, who plays Helen, had been lamenting being typecast as a dramatic actress and was looking for a way to show off her comedic chops.

Kristen Wiig, who co-wrote the film with friend Annie Mumolo (who makes a cameo as a terrified woman on a plane) stars as Annie, a baker-turned-jewellery store worker. Her already somewhat chaotic life goes into a tailspin when her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) asks her to be maid of honour at her wedding.

Enter Lillian's wealthy and glamorous new friend, trophy wife Helen (Byrne). She along with Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), Becca (Ellie Kemper) and Megan (McCarthy) make up the wedding party.

Paul Feig, the director behind woman-centric comedies such as The Heat, Spy and the rebooted Ghostbusters, producer Judd Apatow as well as the cast and crew took to social media to celebrate the anniversary.

“Exactly 10 years ago, these two amazing people let me direct their brilliant script and it came out in theatres,” Feig wrote on Instagram. “I will forever be indebted to them, @juddapatow and our amazing cast for one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I love you all.”

Wiig and Mumolo received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Screenplay for the film, while McCarthy was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Wiig told the Los Angeles Times: "We wanted to write a comedy, not a female comedy, just a comedy that has a lot of women in it. There's a difference."

"Who knew the recipe for joy would involve vomit, a carpal tunnel glove and a Kangol hat," wrote McCarthy on Instagram. "Happy 10-year anniversary Bridesmaids! I'd marry you all over again."

Bridesmaids is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Here are five scenes guaranteed to make you laugh out loud...

1. The toast-off

With both instantly jealous of the other's relationship with Lillian, Annie and Helen attempt some one-upmanship during the engagement party toasts. After Annie delivers a simple yet heartfelt message to her childhood friend, Helen goes all out in an attempt to prove she is closer to Lillian, speaking about Friday nights at Rock'n Sushi in a toast-off that ends in an unforgettable duet.

2. Megan and the air marshal

Refusing to take her fellow passenger’s word for it when he insists he isn’t an air marshal, Megan proves that her often ridiculous behaviour hides a sharp intellect. And what’s more, she’ll “take the first watch”. Adding to the hilarity is the fact that air marshal Jon is played by McCarthy’s husband, Ben Falcone.

3. Annie’s sobriety dance

Burning off some of her post-engagement party frustration in her car, Annie swerves all over the road, which leads to her being pulled over by Chris O’Dowd’s Officer Rhodes. In a bid to prove her sobriety, Annie busts out some impromptu dance moves that lead Rhodes to beg her to stop.

4. Annie is ready to paaartaaay

In the scene that spawned a thousand memes, Annie decides to abandon economy class in favour of hanging with her friends in first class, letting them know she’s “Ready to paaartaaay”. Also hilarious is her “I'm over it” expression in response to Helen's backhanded offer of help.

5. 'Is this your husband?'

Newlywed Becca wants everyone to be as in love as she and Kevin are. Which is why her first assumption when meeting Annie, is that the man standing rather creepily behind her is her husband. Lillian’s face says it all.

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