The 26 Funniest Comedies on Netflix Right Now
Everyone’s definition of funny is a little different, so it’s great that Netflix offers an impressive variety of films that represent a broad genre. If you’re looking for something that will make you laugh, you can choose a smart classic that received critical acclaim or a brainless comedy that critics hated.
From highbrow satire to expertly timed farts, many of the best comedies combine the highbrow and the lowbrow, but at the end of the day, the best comedy is the one that makes you laugh the most.
Barbie (2023)
A film that has completely captured the zeitgeist of 2023 is also, perhaps surprisingly, a ton of fun. Greta Gerwig’s Mattel-based fantasy includes some sharp commentary, as well as incredibly funny sequences involving horses, dream homes and the skills needed to have a good time on the beach. You can stream Barbiehere .
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
While that’s not necessarily saying much, given a pair of lackluster sequels, the fourth Beverly Hills Cop film is almost certainly as good as the series has been since the first film came out way back in 1984. Here, Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy, of course) returns to California when his old partner (Judge Reinhold) warns Foley that his estranged daughter (Taylor Page), a lawyer who stood up to the wrong people, is in danger. Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser and Bronson Pinchot return from the original film, joined by Axel’s new partner, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. As far as old sequels go, this one is better than it has any right to be. You can stream Axel Fhere .
Friday (1995)
Craig and Smokey (Ice Cube and Chris Tucker) are just a couple of guys hanging out looking for something to do. They had to be careful what they wished for because on this impossible Friday they would be involved in burglaries, shootings and overexcited pastors. It’s not always in the best taste, but like the best buddy-stoner comedies, it’s all goofy fun. Friday can be streamed here .
Bad Trip (2021)
I’m not a fan of hidden camera-style comedies, which often seem mean-spirited and arrogant, making fun of people for the crime of not getting the joke. Bad Trip, starring Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery and Tiffany Haddish, brings a couple of innovations to the form: adding an overarching narrative and, more importantly, approaching everything with heart. In one of the best sequences, Andre’s Chris receives love advice from an older guy sitting on a bench who inspires him to break into song, a musical moment that takes him across the street to the nearest shopping mall – the kind of thing that happens a million times in movies, but here the scared, annoyed and confused reaction makes sense. The film even ends with footage of the pranked people finding out they’re in the film, and their excitement is funny in itself. You can stream Bad Triphere .
The Addams Family (1991)
Director Barry Sonnenfeld and company had a lot of fun turning The Addams Family lore into a full-blown tribute to weirdness—just when we needed it most. Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd and Christina Ricci lead the cast. The sequel is even better. You can watch The Addams Family TV series here .
We Have a Ghost (2023)
Christopher Landon, writer-director of innovative horror-comedy films such as Happy Death Day and Freaky (and the follow-up Scream ), helms this equally fun, but more family-friendly effort. Anthony Mackie stars as Frank Presley, who buys a cheap fixer-upper with his family only to have his son Kevin (Jahi Winston) discover a ghost (played by David Harbor) unliving in the attic. Familiar territory so far, but Kevin wants to help their new ghost and Dad only wants to make money, so their ghost goes viral. You can stream We Have a Ghosthere .
Money Pit (1986)
While this very loose remake of Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is a little less known than other comedies in the ’80s pantheon, it is filled with impressively constructed gags directed by leads Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. A stranded young guy-girl couple learns of a mansion that’s up for sale for absolute pennies (well, $200,000, which was real money in 1986). While it’s not exactly in their price range, it seems too good to be true. Which, of course, it is, and their efforts to renovate the place themselves take their relationship well beyond the breaking point. This is all pretty self-explanatory if you’ve ever owned a home of any size. You can stream The Money Pit here .
Ted (2012)
Seth MacFarlane’s stoner buddy comedy may not be this funny or charming, but here we are. Mark Wahlberg plays John Bennett, whose childhood wish for his favorite teddy bear to come to life comes true, and it’s no secret that the whole world knows about Ted (voiced by MacFarlane). John’s girlfriend Laurie (Mile Kunis) begins to feel that John is spending too much time smoking weed with his stuffed best friend – we’ve seen this plot before, but here it’s done smartly, and the film has enough spirit to sell the stakes. You can stream Tedhere .
Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016)
This truly sweet Pee-wee movie was Paul Reubens’ swan song for the unforgettable character. If we have to say goodbye, there could be no better farewell than a film that opens with a joyful Rube Goldberg-inspired introduction that wouldn’t feel out of place in the Theater and takes Pee-wee on a journey through an America that could only exist in Reubens’ imagination. With Joe Manganiello as his companion and quasi-romantic interest, it also feels like a true character study that never loses its sense of whimsy and fun. You can stream Pee-wee’s Big Holidayhere .
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
One of the most loved rom-coms of Bollywood. Shah Rukh Khan’s Rahul Khanna has had no thoughts other than caring for his daughter Anjali for eight years since her mother died. Anjali’s mom left letters for her daughter, one of which needs to be read every year on her birthday, and when she comes to the last one, she finds out that her father was almost in a relationship with another woman when he was in college. Naturally (according to the rules of a romantic comedy), Anjali decides that her father needs a girlfriend and that she is going to set him up with his old potential flame. The second half of the film gets a little more serious, but the silly complexities of the early part of the film are often very funny in a way that only ’90s rom-coms can be. You can stream Kuch Kuch Hota Haihere .
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
In a rare road movie full of fast cars and bootleg beer, Smokey stars Burt Reynolds as a driver who interferes with a truck carrying 400 cases of Coors from Texarkana to Atlanta. In his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, he evades Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) while starting an unlikely romance with runaway fiancee Carrie (Sally Field). A classic combination of comedy and dynamic action. You can stream Smokey and the Bandit here .
50 First Dates (2004)
It’s not a movie that was ever going to win an Oscar, but this pairing of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler (after The Wedding Singer ) did just as well at the box office, riding on the charm of the two leads. This movie has a premise that is equal parts brilliant, stupid, and offensive, as it follows a young teacher with a type of amnesia that resets her short-term memory every day. At first, the inevitably short-term nature of their relationship attracts a commitment-phobic marine veterinarian who falls in love with her, but he eventually vows to win her over every day. You can stream 50 First Dateshere .
Bad Words (2013)
Jason Bateman’s directorial debut is a caustic, incredibly disgusting comedy that is a parody of any of those cute movies where an adult bonds with a child. Here, Bateman plays against type as Guy Trilby, who enters a children’s spelling bee on a technicality: since he never completed eighth grade, he is still eligible. He eventually becomes close with one of his competitors (Rohan Chand) after raiding a child’s hotel minibar, teaching him how to steal and drink for a night out. As we eventually learn, there’s a greater mission behind Guy’s determination to go far in the competition, but that doesn’t make him any better. You can stream Bad Wordshere .
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
In a very narrow sense, Spike Lee’s 1986 debut proves that black characters (and audiences) have as much right in the teen sex comedy genre as anyone else, but Lee has never been a copycat, and She’s Gotta Have It adds a sexual frankness that feels particularly innovative and forward-thinking. Like many ’80s films that dealt with sexuality, there are disturbing moments that put an asterisk on the film’s reputation, but it’s still a brave, smart and often funny debut from one of America’s most important directors. You can watch She’s Gotta Have Ithere .
Revenge (2022)
Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke star in this dark teen comedy based on Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train , which also takes aim at teen comedies of the past. Think Scream , but for fans of She’s All That and Mean Girls . I know there are a lot of references here, but the film is full of them – mostly for the better. And yet the comedy is so sharp that it stands apart from the classics of the “High School is Hell” genre. You can stream Do Revengehere .
My name is Dolemite (2019)
Eddie Murphy gives one of the best performances of his career as real-life comedian Rudy Ray Moore from Hustle & Flow director Craig Brewer. Moore was a stand-up (as well as a singer, actor, producer and rap pioneer) who decided to bring his popular pimp character Dolemite to the big screen, resulting in a trilogy of Blaxploitation classics. The film has a lot of fun with the stereotypical elements of Moore’s background and the trappings of the era, positioning Moore as a more savvy Ed Wood of the 1970s. You can stream Dolemite is My Namehere .
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of the Fire Saga (2020)
While nothing can beat the real Eurovision for laughter, thrills and pure joy, considering we have to wait a whole year between competitions, The Story of Fire Saga is a fun and hilarious way to fill the time. Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell play plucky Icelandic best friends and leaders of the band Fire Saga, who dream of taking home a prize for their country, even though the people back home only want to hear them sing the traditional song Ja Ja Ding Dong. The original music is silly and fun, in the best Eurovision spirit. You can stream Eurovisionhere .
Glass Bow (2022)
Having created the excellent detective comedy Knives Out , writer-director Rian Johnson is back with this sequel that almost surpasses the original and certainly surpasses it in size and scope. Daniel Craig returns as the slow-moving, quick-witted detective Benoit Blanc, this time sent to a billionaire’s island and, as expected, with many murders to solve. Like the original, the film combines fast-paced, compelling characters with incredible social satire. The supporting cast makes up the entire A-list, with two cameos marking the final screen performances of Stephen Sondheim and Angela Lansbury. You can stream Glass Onionhere .
Unfrozen (2024)
Critics were split down the middle on this one, with some absolutely hating it while others were almost raving about it (it was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Movie… that’s all). Part of your reaction may have to do with your tolerance for Jerry Seinfeld, who directed, produced, wrote and starred in the film as Bob Cabana, a rough version of the real-life William Post, the guy who led the team that created Pop Tart. It’s a sharp and powerful satire that takes a highly fictionalized look at the corporate conflict between various cereal companies trying to simultaneously create toasters. So what happened to Pop Tarts? You can stream Unfrostedhere .
Hitman (2024)
Glen Powell (who co-wrote this dark comedy with director Richard Linklater) plays Gary Johnson, an introverted New Orleans professor who gets sucked into a part-time job he’s surprisingly good at: impersonating hitmen to help the police. People wanting to hire an assassin come to Gary, believing him to be a hitman, only to find that they have fallen into a trap. Things get more complicated when he is approached by Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman with an abusive husband whom she wants removed. Suddenly it’s not so clear which side he’s on. You can stream Hit Manhere .
Anyone But You (2023)
This loosely plotted Much Ado About Nothing stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as a couple who meet, first hit it off, and then promptly anger each other so that neither of them really wants to see each other again. Until, of course, they need wedding dates (that old thing!) and find themselves surrounded by devious friends who are plotting to get them back together. It’s not as wild as romantic comedies, but it’s fast-paced and boasts strong chemistry between the leads. You can stream “Anyone But You”here .
Mitchells vs. Machines (2021)
At the heart of this Netflix animated film is the relationship between college-bound aspiring director Kate Mitchell and her technophobic father Rick, which develops from the start into intra-family conflict and quickly escalates into a global war against a rogue AI that, frankly, seems less stupid now than it did just a couple of years ago. With the rest of the family caught in the middle, Kate and Rick are forced to find a middle ground as the world crumbles around them. Great voice acting from Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride and Maya Rudolph ground the film in such a way that the fast-paced plot and outrageously funny situations still feel somewhat real. You can stream Mitchells vs. the Machineshere .
Wendell and Wild (2022)
Wendell and Wilde are a pair of demons (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele) who meet their match in Kat (Lyric Ross), a punk-loving teenager who has few friends except Raul (Sam Zelaya), a cute trans boy who is also a talented artist trying to expose the injustices of his city’s corrupt prison system. From The Nightmare Before Christmas / Coraline director Henry Selick, the film expands on the creepy possibilities of those early films, creating something both scarier and funnier, with playful jokes ranging from a possessed scarecrow named Baby Bear, a hair cream for balding men that can resurrect the dead, and a worm in candy that is responsible for numerous deaths. You can stream Wendell & Wildhere .
You weren’t invited to my Bat Mitzvah (2023)
Adam and many of his fellow Sandlers appear in this film from Fiona Rosenbloom’s bestselling teen novel. Whether you like the lore or not, the elder Sandler takes a backseat here, playing the dorky father figure in favor of Stacy Sunny Sandler and her best friend Lydia (Samantha Lorraine). It’s a solid teen comedy that gets a lot of laughs from the awkwardness and confusion of growing up. You can stream “You’re So Uninvited to My Bat Mitzvah”here .
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Stylish, funny and very dynamic, this genre mash-up spins a lot of plates and manages to keep them from breaking most of the time. John Bodega plays Fontaine, a drug dealer in a world this side of ours (there’s definitely some Blaxsploitation influence in the clothing styles). After a run-in with former pimp of the year Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx), Fontaine is shot and then wakes up in his bed, seemingly unchanged. Teaming up with Slick Charles and sex worker Yo Yo (Teyonah Parris), he draws the three of them into an incredible web of scientific conspiracy. It shouldn’t work, but the stellar cast and Jule Taylor’s confident direction sell it. You can watch They Cloned Tyronehere .
Archives (2023)
Archie’s gang has proven itself to be surprisingly adaptable, from wholesome family comic to zombie horror, whatever the hell you want to classify Riverdale as. So this playful 60s Indian version doesn’t even seem that far-fetched. The film’s Riverdale is a harmonious Anglo-Indian enclave, home to Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), wealthy Veronica (Suhana Khan) and bookish Betty (Khushi Kapoor), all recreating a version of this time-tested love triangle. It’s sweet, funny and sincere, with lots of charming musical numbers. You can stream The Archieshere .