The 15 best comedies to stream on Netflix

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Are you feeling like watching a classic romantic comedy from Adam Sandler, a notable figure in 21st-century romcoms, or maybe a hilarious mockumentary? You’ll find some top-tier comedies on Netflix!

Humor, perhaps more than any other type, tends to be highly personal; some individuals might dislike Airplane! (“Surely you can’t be serious,” I’d remark… and so on), while opinions vary widely as to which film is superior in Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Cornetto Trilogy (many argue it’s Shaun of the Dead, a movie also regarded by some as one of the finest horror films ever made).

Choosing a movie that brings laughter to everyone in the group can be quite challenging, particularly when it’s the first time watching it together. No one wants to risk suggesting a film that fails to resonate with everyone, leaving them as the only one enjoying it.

Looking forward to Tires Season 2 and Ginny and Georgia Season 3, both premiering in June on Netflix? You might find yourself craving some laughter. Not a problem! We’ve curated a list of 15 top-notch comedies available on the platform for you to enjoy.

15. The Mitchells vs the Machines

  • Release date: April 23, 2021
  • Directors: Mike Rianda, Jeff Rowe
  • Cast: Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph, Eric André, Olivia Colman
  • Regions: Everywhere

The Main Theme: When a sudden technology revolution transforms everyday gadgets like Furbys into ruthless tyrants, an unruly family becomes the world’s only chance for survival.

Why we enjoy it: Initially, its charm lies in the watercolor-inspired animation that was recycled from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Yet, there’s more to appreciate. The Mitchells vs. the Machines is not only visually appealing but also heartwarming, funny, and thoughtfully emotional, making you feel the urge to reach out to your dear ones (or perhaps even stop arguing with them about the internet connection). And let’s not forget the unique addition of Olivia Colman lending her voice to a ruthless AI.

If you’re into science fiction, we’ve also got a list of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix.

Words by Daisy Phillipson

14. Trainwreck

  • Release date: March 15, 2015
  • Director: Judd Apatow
  • Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, John Cena, LeBron James
  • Regions: US

As someone who’s always embraced the notion that monogamy might not be achievable for everyone, I’ve spent the past two decades living life on my own terms – working as a columnist at a men’s magazine, indulging in social gatherings, and exploring romantic connections with numerous individuals. Yet, my perspective shifts dramatically upon encountering Dr. Aaron Conners.

Trainwreck stands out because it’s surprising that Schumer’s candid, self-deprecating humor combined with Apatow’s growing sentimentality would work. However, it ranks among the best romantic comedies of the past decade, delivering countless laugh-out-loud moments (John Cena and LeBron James are particularly funny), and a pair we genuinely care about. The brilliant move was casting Bill Hader as the lead in a romcom; he is truly exceptional and raises the entire film to new heights.

Words by Cameron Frew

13. Shiva Baby

  • Release date: June 9, 2021
  • Director: Emma Seligman
  • Cast: Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, Danny Deferrari, Polly Draper
  • Regions: US

As for me, I’m a college student juggling exams and late-night gaming sessions when my parents unexpectedly drag me to a Jewish funeral service. To make matters worse, I bump into an old acquaintance – my former sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend! The atmosphere is tense as we navigate through the ceremony, trying to avoid any awkward encounters.

Why I can’t get enough: Rachel Sennott has truly stolen my heart with her hilarious wit that feels so authentic for her generation. This black comedy was her grand entrance into the spotlight, and it remains her most impressive performance yet. Inside this house, characters say things they shouldn’t, feel emotions they can’t express, and act on impulses they can’t control – and it’s both delightfully uncomfortable and captivating to witness.

Words by Jasmine Valentine

12. Burn After Reading

  • Release date: September 12, 2008
  • Directors: Joel & Ethan Coen
  • Cast: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, J. K. Simmons 
  • Regions: US

In a Nutshell: My thrill as a fan lies in the unexpected collision of lives between two hapless gym staffers and an ex-CIA analyst. The story unfolds when a mysterious disc with supposedly confidential data goes missing, triggering a whirlwind of chaotic incidents.

What makes it appealing: The Coen Brothers deliver an offbeat and hilarious take on espionage, deception, and questionable hairstyles in this movie (which made our top list of spy films). Featuring a cast of bumbling geniuses, including Frances McDormand who desires plastic surgery, Brad Pitt who acts like an enthusiastic golden retriever in gym shorts, and George Clooney working on some mysterious project in his basement. This film is full of chaos, darkness, and unexpected philosophical moments that will leave you giggling uncontrollably when everything comes crashing down.

Words by Daisy Phillipson

11. Cunk on Life

  • Release date: December 30, 2024
  • Director: Al Campbell
  • Cast: Diane Morgan
  • Regions: US

Topic Overview: Join Philomena Cunk, Britain’s least informed host, as she guides you (albeit confusingly) on a humorous exploration of humanity’s past. Be prepared for blunders, awkward silences, and the occasional gem of insight.

From the moment Morgan Cunk made her appearance on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, we’ve been captivated. Her dry humor and sharp wit shine brightly in this comedy special as she poses profound questions that touch our most sensitive spots. You’ll be left bewildered, rolling with laughter, and perhaps even picking up a thing or two (just not from Cunk herself).

Words by Daisy Phillipson 

10. Big Daddy

  • Release date: June 25, 1999
  • Director: Dennis Dugan
  • Cast: Adam Sandler, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Leslie Mann
  • Regions: Everywhere

The main story revolves around Sonny, a 32-year-old man who’s been living off an insurance settlement and hasn’t finished law school. One day, unexpectedly, a five-year-old boy shows up at his doorstep. This child isn’t his own, but to improve himself and win over a girl, he decides to take care of him.

Big Daddy is a classic Sandman film that remains amusing even today, despite its silly moments. It boasts a charming lead character, an unlikely love interest, an excellent soundtrack featuring Garbage’s ‘When I Grow Up’, and scenes that might tug at your heartstrings. Compared to other films starring the same actor like Little Nicky and The Waterboy, Big Daddy has held up remarkably well over time.

Words by Cameron Frew

9. Anyone But You

  • Release date: December 22, 2023
  • Director: Will Gluck
  • Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp
  • Regions: US

The story revolves around Bea and Ben: they develop feelings for one another, experience disagreements, and struggle to suppress their emotions during a scenic and at times tumultuous destination wedding in Australia.

The reason we enjoy it: Every few years, romantic comedies are said to be extinct, but a popular film always resurrects the genre. In late 2023, Anyone But You did exactly that, much to the dismay of critics, yet captivating audiences with a massive box office revenue of $220 million. This success also hinted at Hollywood’s fresh set of leading stars – Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell – who ignited the screen as the feuding couple in this movie.

Words by Chris Tilly

8. Kneecap

  • Release date: August 23, 2024
  • Director: Rich Peppiatt
  • Cast: Mo Chara, DJ Próvai, Móglaí Bap, Jessica Reynolds, Michael Fassbender
  • Regions: All

The narrative revolves around two local misfits, Naoise and Liam Óg, who manage to enlist a teacher’s aid in realizing their aspirations – forming an Irish hip-hop group. Not long after, they emerge as the emblematic figures of a campaign to preserve their native language.

What we appreciate about it: Despite not being in the news much due to their recent film, Kneecap was undeniably one of the top movies of 2024. It showcased a unique blend of raw energy and fearless audacity, making its origin story as genuine as it was amusing. The humor wasn’t always suitable for all audiences, but it certainly packed a punch with its unexpected humor.

Words by Jasmine Valentine 

7. Hit Man

  • Release date: May 24, 2024 
  • Director: Richard Linklater 
  • Cast: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao
  • Regions: Everywhere

The story revolves around Gary Johnson, a university lecturer who also works part-time as a police contractor, who unexpectedly finds himself in the limelight when he pretends to be an assassin. As Gary seemingly excels at his new role, he becomes acquainted with a woman struggling to escape from her abusive husband, and soon develops feelings for her.

The reason we enjoy it so much: This movie, unfortunately, didn’t get a proper cinema release. However, it’s ideal for watching with a group of people. Trust us on this! Hit Man is a film you’ll find yourself rewatching due to its fascinating and relatable characters, who bring to life an unconventional police strategy we’ve long been curious about. As the protagonist, Gary, grows more accustomed to his multiple roles, the humor becomes rapid-fire (special mention goes to the final double bluff scene, which is nothing short of genius).

Words by Jasmine Valentine

6. The Gentlemen

  • Release date: January 1, 2020
  • Director: Guy Ritchie
  • Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
  • Regions: US 

Main Topic: Mickey Pearson, a prominent drug lord in the UK, desires to exit his marijuana empire, find a buyer, and enjoy a peaceful life. With the assistance of his advisor Raymond, they explore potential buyers. However, trouble doesn’t take long to surface, as violence erupts, and as his wife warns, there seems to be deceit unfolding.

If you’ve been yearning for the charm of Snatch and Lock Stock, The Gentlemen is just the movie to satisfy that craving. It brings us back to Guy Ritchie at his peak, with electrifying performances from stars like Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, and Colin Farrell. In essence, it’s a captivating blend of naughtiness, nastiness, and energy – and its TV spin-off is a standout on Netflix.

Words by Cameron Frew

5. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

  • Release date: November 23, 2022
  • Director: Rian Johnson
  • Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae
  • Regions: US/UK

The main subject involves detective Benoit Blanc taking a vacation on a beautiful Greek island, only to become entangled in a puzzle surrounding the death of a wealthy tech entrepreneur.

One reason for their popularity: The Knives Out films have earned praise for their intricate plot twists, but they often overlook the fact that they are also incredibly humorous. Daniel Craig brings laughter as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, while in Glass Onion he’s joined by a cast of witty characters, including standout performances from Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, and, notably, Edward Norton, who adds unexpected humor to the mix.

Words by Chris Tilly

4. Barbie

  • Release date: July 21, 2023
  • Director: Greta Gerwig
  • Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Ariana Greenblatt
  • Regions: US

In the magical realm of Barbieville, both Barbie and Ken, in their various forms, lead picture-perfect lives. However, a summons sends Barbie on an adventure to the actual world, where she discovers that reality often deviates from appearances.

What appeals to us: Barbenheimer seems like an era long past, yet it’s left us basking in a cultural euphoria ever since. Admittedly, we’re likely to shed tears when the ‘What Was I Made For?’ montage unfolds, but Robbie’s Barbie character is the unexpectedly hilarious gem we never knew we wanted. The ensemble of supporting Barbies and Kens deliver their lines with perfect timing (and dance steps), while Helen Mirren as narrator serves up some of the best wit – and you’ll find her jokes to be both surprising and side-splittingly funny.

Words by Jasmine Valentine 

3. Uncle Buck

  • Release date: August 16, 1989
  • Director: John Hughes
  • Cast: John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffman, Macaulay Culkin, Amy Madigan
  • Regions: US

Main Topic: Since Cindy’s father experiences a heart attack, she needs to be away from town for several days. With no other available caretaker for the children, their parents ask for help from Uncle Buck – a man who loves gambling, smoking cigars, and lives life without a care, yet always has a compassionate heart. However, it proves challenging for him to gain Tia’s approval, the eldest daughter.

Why it resonates: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles might be Candy’s funniest film, but Uncle Buck stands out as the side-splittingly hilarious exhibition of what made him a global comedy legend. Hughes wisely gave him free rein, from his uproariously funny scenes with Culkin and Hoffman to “Buck Melanoma” and practically every moment he’s on camera. It earns bonus points for its poignant freeze-frame ending, which carries an emotional impact even today.

Words by Cameron Frew

2. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

  • Release date: June 3, 2016
  • Director: Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
  • Cast: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
  • Regions: US

Main Topic: After the breakup of pop group The Style Boyz, their lead vocalist, Conner Friel, transforms into a solo act known as Conner4Real. However, he soon realizes that he lacks the same success without his former bandmates.

What makes it appealing: The creation of comedy group The Lonely Island, Never Stop Never Stopping, much like Spinal Tap with heavy metal, satirizes pop music. Despite its initial failure, it has garnered a devoted fanbase over time due to its catchy songs and outrageous appearances by artists such as Seal, Mariah Carey, Martin Sheen, Katy Perry, and Ringo Starr.

Words by Chris Tilly

1. Crazy, Stupid, Love

  • Release date: July 29, 2011
  • Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
  • Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
  • Regions: US/UK

Topic Overview: In the midst of a divorce, Cal Weaver seeks guidance on dating from an expert playboy, unaware that this charming young man harbors feelings for Cal’s daughter.

The reason we enjoy it: Crazy, Stupid, Love stands out as a mature romantic comedy with an unusual structure – instead of falling in love at the end, the characters Cal and Emily Weaver split up throughout the film only to reconcile later. The witty Dan Fogelman script ensures plenty of humor, while Ryan Gosling’s on-screen chemistry with his co-stars significantly enhances the material. Viewers will find sparks flying between Gosling and Emma Stone, and they’ll also appreciate the humorous pairing of Gosling and Steve Carell.

Words by Chris Tilly

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2025-05-29 15:21