Think of how many movies wouldn’t get made today. Animal House is one that comes to mind.
Don't forget one of the greatest films of all times - Blazing Saddles.
None of the Animal House knockoffs (or R-rated comedies that have come since) got that formula right.
Played it straight for the most part. Elmer Bernstein did the score.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfFZjxdBvqU
Adapted from somewhat true tales that were serialized in National Lampoon and other magazines...
This trailer was made for a different era. It certainly doesn’t seem like something that would be a huge hit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FWvTjGRQVg
A different film, and an adapted novel adapted by the author, but maybe something (a little less slapstick) similar to Animal House, maybe more nostalgic:
The Wanderers (1979)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh_eAu0_2xg
At the end of Animal House, as the end credits roll, we are assured that most of the Deltas went on successful professional careers in medicine and politics. The fraternity phase was a passing turn. Today’s films are about adults who never grew up.
Other R-rated comedies of the 80s got the crass comedy in there but not much else, and things like The Hollywood Knights don’t “feel” like they take place in an older era.