30 of the best far side cartoons of all time

3 min read 11-03-2025

30 of the best far side cartoons of all time

The Far Side, Gary Larson's iconic comic strip, captivated readers with its darkly humorous and often surreal take on everyday life. From quirky animals to bizarre scientific scenarios, Larson's unique style left a lasting impact on the world of humor. This article showcases 30 of the best Far Side cartoons, guaranteed to evoke laughter and perhaps a little existential dread. Prepare to revisit the genius of Gary Larson and his unforgettable creations.

A Closer Look at the Genius of Gary Larson's The Far Side

Gary Larson's The Far Side wasn't just a comic strip; it was a cultural phenomenon. Running from 1980 to 1995, it consistently delivered unexpected, thought-provoking humor. Larson's cartoons often featured animals behaving strangely, humans encountering the absurd, and a healthy dose of dark humor that resonated with readers of all ages. His unique blend of surrealism and observational comedy made The Far Side instantly recognizable and endlessly quotable.

30 Unforgettable Far Side Cartoons

Choosing just 30 of the best is a Herculean task, but here are some of the most memorable and frequently cited gems, categorized for easier browsing. Note that finding high-resolution images for all of these can be challenging, as many are protected by copyright. However, searching online for the specific panel description (e.g., "Far Side Cow on Moon") should yield results.

Animals Doing Animal Things (But Weirdly)

The Cow on the Moon: This is arguably the most iconic Far Side cartoon. A single cow stands contemplatively on the lunar surface. The simplicity and inherent absurdity make it perfect.
The Squirrel-Powered Aircraft: A bizarre contraption powered by frantic squirrels. Classic Larson absurdity.
The Birds Examining a Roadkill: A morbidly humorous look at nature's circle of life (or death).
The Fish in a Bowl: A fish observes a human, suggesting we're the strange ones.
The Dogs Playing Poker: A parody of a classic artwork, with darkly funny canine interpretations.

Science and the Absurd

The Microscope Showing a Face: A magnified view of someone's skin revealing a tiny, disgruntled face.
The Evolution Chart with a "Missing Link": A funny take on evolutionary theory.
The Alien Autopsy: A chillingly funny depiction of a classic science fiction trope.
The Scientist with the Bird Brain: A scientist's head is replaced with a bird's brain.
The Dinosaur with a Microwave: A hilarious juxtaposition of prehistoric and modern times.

Human Behavior at Its Most Bizarre

The Office Meeting: Depicts the monotony and awkwardness of office life.
The Family Portrait: A seemingly normal family portrait with a disturbing element.
The Guy at the Bar: A simple scene in a bar that becomes strangely unsettling.
The Woman Talking to Her Cat: A conversation that highlights human-animal communication mishaps.
The Man with the Giant Head: A simple but effective illustration of disproportion and absurdity.

The Existential and the Unexpected

The Man in the Cave: A man discovering a cave painting that depicts him discovering the painting.
The Two Men in a Field: One man observes the other, creating a moment of eerie observation.
The Woman in the Forest: A woman encounters a peculiar sight that questions reality.
The Man with the Giant Chicken: A man is completely dwarfed by a gigantic chicken.
The Man Thinking in a Field: A simple but profound reflection on the nature of thought.

More Hilarious Scenarios

The Wedding Photo: A strange and unforgettable wedding picture.
The "I'm Sorry" Card: A card with a hilariously inappropriate apology.
The Golf Course: A scene on a golf course that reveals a hidden truth.
The Nightmare: A depiction of a common nightmare in a surprisingly funny way.
The Dentist's Office: A darkly funny take on the fear of the dentist.

More Animals Being Animals

The Sheep on a Tightrope: A seemingly impossible feat executed with surprising ease.
The Armadillo in a Suit: A formal armadillo stands out in its absurdity.
The Cat Watching Television: A cat's reaction to television highlights interspecies communication gaps.
The Monkeys with the Typewriter: A playful parody of the "infinite monkey theorem."
The Goat with the Sunglasses: A cool, stylish goat that perfectly embodies The Far Side’s spirit.

The Enduring Legacy of The Far Side

Gary Larson's The Far Side continues to resonate with audiences today. Its unique blend of dark humor, surrealism, and observational comedy is timeless. These 30 cartoons represent just a fraction of his genius. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering The Far Side for the first time, these cartoons are sure to provide a healthy dose of laughter and reflection. So, take a moment to appreciate the quirky genius of Gary Larson and the enduring legacy of his unforgettable work.