If you’re done with those movies that advertise themselves as funny in the name of unnecessary lameness, and need an actual laughter riot, you’re at the right place. We’ll cover from good-to-best, the latest, the classics, my personal favorites and everything relevant and comedic in between.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Claimed as the greatest comedy of all time, banned in several countries and condemned by religious groups, yet this movie remains as sharp and relevant as the day it was released. Brian Cohen is born in the stable next door to Jesus (intriguing), and spends his life being mistaken for the Messiah. He desperately tries to convince his followers he is not the chosen one, but they refuse to listen.
As much as people like to assume, this film is not about religion. It is about people who follow leaders without thinking practically, and can’t get out of the “I’m always right” oblivion.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, fuboTV, and Peacock Premium Plus.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The title is enough to reek of the movie’s humour. The Farrelly brothers redefined physical comedy for a new generation. The iconic duo, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels have perfect comedic chemistry and the film is packed with moments that are still quoted today.
Two dimwitted friends, Lloyd and Harry, embark on a cross country road trip to return a briefcase to a woman who left it behind. They have no idea the briefcase is full of ransom money. They are loyal, optimistic, and genuinely happy in their ignorance. So, it’s a bonus comedy + feel-good.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Netflix, available to rent or buy Amazon Prime Video, and free with ads on Tubi.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Highly relevant as it invented the mockumentary format that later gave us these classics: The Office, Best in Show, and What We Do in the Shadows. Many real rock stars (that counts me too) thought it was a real documentary when we first saw it.
The story starts when a documentary crew follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on a disastrous American tour. The band members are oblivious to their own mediocrity, with no instrument working the way it should. My favorite part of the whole movie is how the satire is affectionate not mean.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on HBO Max, Hulu with HBO Max add on, and YouTube TV.
Groundhog Day (1993)
This counts as one of the few comedies that is also a genuine philosophical meditation. Cynical weatherman Phil Connors is sent to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day and gets stuck reliving February 2nd forever, like a prison world with people. At first, he uses the loop for selfish pleasure. Then naturally, he descends into despair.
Finally he learns redemption, to use it for genuine good and selfless acts. The film is secretly about Buddhism and the cycle of samsara; as complicated as that sounds, I promise it’s fun. The movie is a masterclass in character development disguised as a high concept comedy premise.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Philo, and also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Starting with some flex: Wes Anderson’s most acclaimed film won four Oscars and is widely considered his masterpiece. In the 1930s, the concierge of a famous European hotel, M. Gustave, is framed for murder after the death of a wealthy elderly guest. He and his loyal lobby boy Zero must clear his name while navigating a web of family feuds, art theft, and rising fascism.
So, another bonus, humour+suspense. M. Gustave represents a dying breed of old world charm being replaced by brutality, somewhat true. The comedy part stems from the contrast between his fastidiousness and the chaos around him, making us laugh and feel melancholic at the same time.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Hulu. Also available on digital rental and purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
21 Jump Street (2012)
This iconic movie reinvented the charming buddy-cop genre for a new generation and proved that Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill had perfect comedic chemistry, leading to one of the rare sequels that is actually better than the original. (as rare as me eating healthy).
The plot: Two underachieving police officers are sent back to high school as undercover students to bust a drug ring. The twist is that the popular kid from ten years ago is now the awkward nerd, and the nerd is now the cool kid. Not sure about the drug ring, but they definitely bust the changing high-school hierarchies.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Essential and YouTube TV.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Finally, we land on my personal recommendation. This movie is a testament that women-led comedies could be just as raunchy, heartfelt, and commercially successful as male driven ones, like the ones we talked about above. All the 2000s girlies know it’s a classic.
Annie, a bad-luck baker, is asked to be maid of honor for her best friend Lillian. The problem is that Lillian’s new friend Helen is richer, more polished, and determined to outshine Annie at every turn. What follows next is a series of escalating disasters including a messy bridal shower and a plane ride nobody will forget.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Starz, Peacock Premium, and Philo. Also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV.
The Hangover (2009)
The Hangover matters because it single-handedly revived the R rated comedy and became one of the highest grossing comedies of all time, spawning a franchise with two more parts and countless imitators. It is a satirical movie hiding mystery.
The story follows four friends waking up after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night. The groom is missing. A tiger is in the bathroom. A baby is in the closet. Someone has stolen their friend’s tooth. Every clue leads to something more absurd than the last.
Where To Watch:
Available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Sure, the name sounds serious, but that’s exactly how funny it is. The most quotable comedy of the 21st century, Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy is one of the greatest funny characters ever created, influencing an entire generation of improv comedy.
Ron Burgundy is the top rated news anchor in San Diego, a man who believes he is the king of journalism. When female reporter Veronica Corningstone joins the station, his fragile male ego collapses. I was honestly rooting for an enemies-to-lovers romance here but never mind, the story is still meaningful.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus with Showtime, fuboTV, and MGM+ Amazon Channel.
Superbad (2007)
Congratulations! You reached the top of the list. It is the definition of a teen comedy of the 2000s, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg when they were actually teenagers themselves, capturing high school awkwardness with painful accuracy, that we relate to against our will.
The plot: Two best friends, Seth and Evan, are about to graduate and go to different colleges. They have one last chance to party together but need alcohol. Their desperate attempts to buy booze involve the classic: fake IDs, stolen liquor, and a car full of cops who will not stop talking about guns.
If you ask me, the story is surprisingly very real and moving, capturing the just the right emotions.
Where To Watch:
Streaming on Starz and also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
I won’t get in your way now and let you stream my fantastic recommendations based on whatever vibe you wanna go for. Just remember to show some gratitude and thank me later. Happy, or should I say, funny watching!
