Because 2020 was… you know, stressful, we all need a little extra comedy. They say that laughter is the best medicine. Given that we are suffering through a pandemic, a healthy and constant dose of new comedy movies could be just what the doctor ordered.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right? Well, a laugh a day might help keep a nagging sense of total doom at bay. At least we can hope. In many ways, it’s vital for humans to laugh whenever we can, especially in times of crisis. Laughter is a natural stress reliever, and everyone could use a few doses right now.
So, curl up with a glass of wine and let these funny, witty, or just plain silly picks wash over you. Even if you’re not the type to laugh out loud at comedies, the following films are sure to elicit a small giggle, or perhaps even one of those loud guffaws. And bookmark this list for later because we’ll be adding to it as more comedy movies come out throughout the year. From classics of the genre to Amazon originals to films that were in theatres recently, there’s a bit of everything on this list. Hopefully, a few of them will hit your funny bone in just the right way.
1. Baywatch
Director
Seth Gordon
Star Cast
Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra
IMDb Rating
6.5/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
If you’re like me, you laughed at the trailers for Baywatch, the feature-film comedy sendup of/homage to the cheesy lifeguarding adventure TV series. This comic adaptation of the 90’s beach-set TV series revolves around an elite lifeguard crew — headed by Mitch Buchannon (Dwayne Johnson) — who must stick together to keep their shores clean and secure from baddie Victoria Leeds (Priyanka Chopra). The movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but those who like to LOL will surely enjoy it.
2. Hitch
Director
Andy Tennant
Star Cast
Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James
IMDb Rating
6.6/10
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Hitch is always a noteworthy mention in most lists of the best romantic movies online, thanks to an awesome cast and a refreshing on-screen romance. If you sit through the movie, you’ll find yourself laughing uncontrollably at the goofy scenes and feeling smitten by the chemistry between the lead characters. Hitch is a chick-flick and an exceptionally good one within the category.
3. The Intern
Director
Nancy Mayers
Star Cast
Robert De Niro, Anne Hattaway, Rene Russo
IMDb Rating
7.1/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
If you want to end your day with a feel-good comedy-drama then The Intern is a good choice. Starring Robert De Niro as the tirelessly benevolent retiree who becomes fashion entrepreneur Anne Hathaway’s unlikely guide to work-life equilibrium, this is smooth white-linen entertainment by director Nancy Meyers. Meyers doesn’t just make movies, she makes the kind of lifestyle comedies you sink into, like it is all relatable. Her movies are frothy, playful, routinely maddening, and generally pretty irresistible even when they’re not all that good. This movie will certainly take your mind off weekday blues.
4. Isn't It Romantic
Director
Todd Strauss-Schulson
Star Cast
Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam Devine, Priyanka Chopra
IMDb Rating
5.9/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
Totally funny, delightful, and entertaining flick with such a strong message, “Self-love comes first as a priority”, which is majorly missing these days! It is a story of a girl who believes that romance and happy endings as shown in movies are far-fetched thoughts. Fate takes a sudden turn when she is mugged at the subway and goes unconscious to find herself waking up in a world where everything is picture perfect. The journey of her self-discovery forms the rest of the plot. This movie truly is relatable to all the introverts who lack confidence, though in reality are capable of anything.
5. Rumour Has It
Director
Rob Reiner
Star Cast
Jennifer Anniston, Mark Ruffalo, Shirley MacLaine
IMDb Rating
5.5/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
A great movie to enjoy during the long summer afternoons. The plot is a little twisted and might be unsettling for a lot but it comes out like a movie where things do not fall apart but definitely to their own place when the protagonist discovers the truth by her father. The plot, written by Ted Griffin, sounds like a gimmick. That's because it is a gimmick. But it's a good gimmick. And "Rumor Has It" works for good reasons, including sound construction and the presence of Kevin Costner, who is posted sturdily at the balance point between Mrs. Robinson and her granddaughter.
6. Shrek
Director
Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Star Cast
Mike Myers (Voice), Eddie Murphy (Voice), Cameron Diaz (Voice)
IMDb Rating
7.9/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
Once upon a time, in a faraway swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers) whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of annoying fairy tale characters. We all have read the book, and now you can enjoy the animated version of the book too. The movie is an astonishing visual delight, with animation techniques that seem lifelike and fantastical, both at once. No animated being has ever moved, breathed, or had its skin crawl quite as convincingly as Shrek, and yet the movie doesn’t look like a reprocessed version of the real world; it’s all made up, right down to Shrek’s trumpet-shaped ears. Amazing casting and a great story makes it a superb choice, way ahead of its time.
7. Jumanji
Director
Joe Johnston
Star Cast
Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt
IMDb Rating
7.0/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
At first, the trailer might seem quite mediocre and generic, but as you delve into the movie, it takes a shift. The plot revolves around two children who come across a magical board game. While playing, they meet Alan, a man trapped in the game, and attempt to free him while facing different kinds of danger. There were tons of instances of comedic commentary, romantic teases, and stunning scenery shots. Some films can never surpass the original, this is one of them.
8. Groundhog Day
Director
Harold Ramis
Star Cast
Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
IMDb Rating
8.0/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
Boasting a concept so simple (a man is forced to live the same day over and over again until he gets it right), you wonder why nobody thought of it before, Groundhog Day is not only one of the finest comedies of the ’90s, but actually remains fresh, funny and original after repeat viewings. The premise is very strong, as are the dialogue, performances and editing (especially the editing). But what I love most is the way it moves up through the gears. It starts off promising. Promising becomes fun. Fun gives way to intriguing. Intriguing turns into challenging, then it's thought-provoking, absorbing and finally absolutely delightful.
9. Charlie Wilson`s War
Director
Mike Nichols
Star Cast
Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams
IMDb Rating
7.0/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
It’s honestly an underrated gem, great chemistry between all of the huge stars that is rarely achieved. Watch this if you want to understand behind-the-scenes of American politics and the background of how and why we even got involved with Afghanistan in the first place, with a comedic angle. The plot revolves around Charlie Wilson, a congressman, who lets go of his cavalier lifestyle to support the Afghan troops against Soviet invaders with the help of Joanne Herring, a socialite.
10. Bad Boys
Director
Michael Bay
Star Cast
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Lisa Boyle
IMDb Rating
6.9/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
Originally released in 1995, this action-packed and comically perfect movie is the foundation movie of the Bad Boys trilogy. The epic duo of two Miami cops Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) makes every bit of the movie’s duration enjoyable. Bad Boys, boasting a solid storyline, is all about the daily adventurous encounters of two of the coolest cops of Miami Police department, who are also bestest friends. They solve their crime cases via pumping action sequences, adrenaline-packed car chases, and super comic punchlines.
11. Bean
Director
Mel Smith
Star Cast
Rowan Atkinson, Peter MacNicol, John Mills
IMDb Rating
6.5/10
Image Courtesy: The Indian Express
Bean is a throwback to the classic British sitcom, and also adds a nice story to the character Mr Bean. Although the first half feels slow and kind of dull, it is still entertaining enough. But the second half is the real treat. The comedy in this film is just like the sitcom, brilliant, innovative and funny. Rowan Atkinson is pure genius, and single-handedly carries the film on his shoulders, delivering physical comedy like no one else.
12. 17 Again
Director
Burr Steers
Star Cast
Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann
IMDb Rating
6.4/10
Image Courtesy: Flixlist
A dashing looking Zac Efron, ready to make you weak in the knees. But eye candy isn’t all that 17 Again has — it’s actually quite funny. The story is about a high school basketball champion who gets a second shot at life when he’s miraculously transformed into a teenager and offered the opportunity to redefine his future.
13. Dumb and Dumber
Director
Peter Farrelly
Star Cast
Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly
IMDb Rating
7.3/10
Image Courtesy: Shat The Movies Podcast
Dumb and Dumber is unapologetically crass. The Farrelly Brothers deliver non-stop, gut-churning laughs for adults as well as kids. The plot, such as it is, takes road movie form: Lloyd (a mop-topped Jim Carrey), a chauffeur with more room upstairs than the Goodyear blimp, drives the babelicious Mary Swanson (Holly) to the airport, and is instantly smitten. When she leaves her briefcase at the terminal, he retrieves it, and soon he and his equally foolish bud Harry (Jeff Daniels), are journeying halfway across America to return the case to the object of his desire.
14. The Hangover
Director
Todd Phillips
Star Cast
Zach Galifianakis, Bardley Cooper, Justin Barta
IMDb Rating
7.7/10
Image Courtesy: The Cinemaholic
A very funny comedy that is raunchy, unique and extremely engaging. One of this film’s biggest strengths is it’s script and the way its characters pull the lines off the page. And they do so in a way that is so consistently funny and entertaining. Without these actors in the roles that they’re in, the movie might not work as well, but everyone (especially Zach Galifianakis, arguably the best part of this movie) is cast perfectly.
15. Meet the Parents
Director
Jay Roach
Star Cast
Ben Stiller, Robert Di Niro, Teri Polo
IMDb Rating
7.0/10
Image Courtesy: Tribeca Film Festival
This comedy movie is truly one for the ages! The combination of Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro is superb. Meet the Parents shines with its universally understood premise of the awkward meeting of your potential in-laws, and delivers memorable moments that are hilarious and at times, are too uncomfortable to the point of making you want to look away in embarrassment. Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro flourish in this dynamic, and to this day, I marvel at how naturally these two ease into their respective roles.
16. Kindergarten Cop
Director
Ivan Reitman
Star Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pamela Reed, Penelope Ann Miller
IMDb Rating
6.2/10
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Kindergarten Cop, a beautiful yet old classic comedy film starring Arnold Schwazenegger and Pamela Reed. Despite being a cop film, the film is mostly light. The little ones are the shining light and the saving grace of Kindergarten Cop. Had this movie been geared around pre-teens like School of Rock, than this film would have been a flop. Never-the-less, if one can look beyond the plot holes and some good acting, then Kindergarten Cop is an enjoyable and heartwarming, family oriented classic, meant to be viewed over and over again for years to come.
17. You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
Director
Dennis Dugan
Star Cast
Adam Sandler, Emmanuelle Chriqui
IMDb Rating
6.5/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com
Adam Sandler the main character takes you on a fun ride. Each scene will tickle your funny bone. This movie serves a very specific series of purposes. It's a very political movie, though the comedy makes it palatable: this is sort of Sandler's point though. Basically, war and fighting is stupid: why do that when we can laugh, love and be happy together. It surely tops the list of must watch comedy moies online.
Watch it on Amazon Prime Here
18. The Mask
Director
Chuck Russell
Star Cast
Jim CarreyAmy YasbeckRichard Jeni
IMDb Rating
6.9/10
Image Courtesy: Flikering Myth
This best comedy movie online is anything but conventional. Stanley Ipkiss is a nervous and shy pushover who wants a little self-confidence in his life. His prayers are answered when a mysterious mask washes up and he puts it on, transforming into the insane and indestructible Mask. But, a local gangster also has his eyes out for the mask and he'll do anything to get it. This superhero film is funny as it is action-packed. With Jim Carrey in the saddle, this film will get us laughing all the way to the end.
19. Big Sick
Director
Michael Showalter
Star Cast
Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan
IMDb Rating
7.5/10
Image Courtesy: The Indian Express
It's a cleverly written film and a beautiful one. Once you get past the situations contrived out of popular notions, it's an emotional ride and filled with brilliant moments of fun. Kumail's parents were indeed reduced to stereotypes and their part was mostly forced humor. But then, most stand up is loosely based on stereotypes which in itself is an intricate part of the screenplay Amazing job by Ray Romano (Terry) and Holly Hunter (Beth) as Emily's parents. The entire sequence between Kumail and Emily's parents when Emily is in the hospital seems so genuine and heart felt.
20. Bridesmaids
Director
Paul Feig
Star Cast
Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph
IMDb Rating
6.8/10
Image Courtesy: Frolic Media
Marriage tends to lead to disaster, but this downward spiral starts before it happens. When her best friend is getting married, Annie tries to make the day special in any way she can. But, that's hard with multiple bridesmaids and her own life is a mess. Multiple incidents occur and it seems like the wedding may be ruined if something isn't done. This best comedy movie online touches in places we never expected to be touched. It's not a romance movie, but a movie about growing up and moving on.
21. Daddy’s Home
Director
Sean Anders
Star Cast
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg
IMDb Rating
6.2/10
Image Courtesy: Films in Town
Radio executive Brad Taggart attempts to be a good father to his stepchildren but his problems increase multifold when their biological parent, Dusty Mayron, suddenly comes back into their lives. Daddy's Home was okay for a modern comedy movie. With a few really funny exceptions, most of the time the jokes just got a small smile out of me. Although I think the heart of the movie lies within its characters. Both Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell did a good job with their roles.
22. The Duff
Director
Ari Sandel
Star Cast
Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell
IMDb Rating
6.5/10
Image Courtesy: ABC News
"The DUFF" is smart, sassy, and spirited -- exactly what you'd want in a coming-of-age high school movie (as long as you're OK with some crude, racy humor/talk). If you’re looking for something fun, romantic and not too goofy, and you miss being a teenager, its the right choice. In this movie plot when Bianca realises that she is being used by people to get to her popular friends, she decides to change. She begs her former friend to rebuild her image in exchange for teaching him science.
23. Horrible Bosses
Director
Seth Gordon
Star Cast
Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston
IMDb Rating
6.8/10
Image Courtesy: Empire
Raunchy, gross and frequently laugh out loud, Horrible Bosses is a well made adult comedy. It has a great cast and the scenes move along at a brisk pace. Certainly worth a watch. In this one of the best comedy movies online, Nick, Dale and Kurt have personal grudges against their bosses. After a night of drunken revelry, they decide to hire a hitman and assassinate their bosses but things do not go as planned.
24. Neighbours
Director
Nicholas Stoller
Star Cast
Zac Efron, Seth Rogen
IMDb Rating
6.3/10
Image Courtesy: NY Daily News
Don't you just hate it when your neighbors are too rowdy? A couple and their baby daughter has learned that a frat house has just moved in next door and try to ask them to keep it down. But, the frat leader has no intention of being quiet and things quickly escalate. Now, it becomes a total turf war with each side betting everything on the outcome. Amazing casting and funny fights is what makes this film perfect. With heart as well as humor, this film makes a name for itself.
25. Brittany Runs a Marathon
Director
Paul Downs Colaizzo
Star Cast
Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins
IMDb Rating
6.8/10
Image Courtesy: Variety
Think of a pro feminist take on "Run, Fatboy, Run". Jillian Bell is at her best: dramatically, comedically, and physically. While Jillian is probably just as funny as Simon Pegg, the story caters the character differently so it's not an equivalent. Depending on your perspective, this can be more emotionally driven in several good ways. There is a very particularly point that had me welling up a bit as it was really touching and we could relate to that pivotal point.
A tub of cheesy popcorn, a cosy knitted blanket and a comedy tale on your screen...life may not be perfect but that moment certainly would be!
