In the midst of all the real-world issues going on today, many people seek to escape through comedy, bringing a much-needed lighthearted element into their lives. But with so many options and streaming services available, it can be difficult to filter out the best content. Fortunately, given that Netflix continues to be one of the most popular streaming giants, there’s no better place to search for humor. Here are the best comedy movies currently available to stream on the platform.
21 Jump Street Is a Comedy Staple of the 2010s
21 Jump Street’s release in 2012 marked a turning point in both Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s respective careers, with Tatum making a surprising impression as a comedic actor and Hill cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s funniest leading men. Following two rookie cops as they go undercover to bust a drug ring at a local high school, 21 Jump Street boasts a variety of comedic styles, carried heavily by clever writing and outstanding slapstick performances from Tatum and Hill.
The Hangover Features a Cast for the Ages
When people think of acclaimed comedies, there’s a decent chance The Hangover franchise comes to mind. While there are three entries to date, the original film is by far the most well-crafted, as well as the most popular. The film revolves around a group of groomsmen putting the pieces together after they wake up from a night of bachelor party shenanigans to find their memories hazy and the groom nowhere to be found. Starring Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, this irreverent comedy is elevated to a new level by the chemistry between the actors and the creative storytelling.
Caddyshack Is a Bonafide Classic
Widely known as one of the funniest movies of all time, there wouldn’t be a list of the best comedies without Caddyshack finding a spot on the roster. Sports comedies can be a niche area of the genre, but Caddyshack proves there can still be mass appeal within subgenres. Likewise, the film also proves well-written classic comedies can still hold up to the evolving standard of modern humor. Following a young teen working as a cabby at the snobby Bushwood Country Club in hopes of winning a caddy-exclusive scholarship, what makes this film a standout is the variety of comedic styles present, from Chevy Chase’s deadpan delivery and Bill Murray’s exaggerated performance to Rodney Dangerfield’s expertly-crafted one-liners.
Scooby-Doo Is as Much for Adults as It Is Kids
Anyone born in the ’90s is no doubt familiar with the live-action Scooby-Doo and its not-so-subtle adult themes. Marketed as a kids movie, Scooby-Doo centered on the classic Mystery Inc. gang reuniting to solve a string of paranormal occurrences on Spooky Island before the Spring Break hot spot has to close its doors forever. What makes this film so impressive is its appeal to both kids and adults, with the movie feeling more mature the older the audience is. With stoner jokes galore and no shortage of sexual innuendos paired with a child-friendly plot, Scooby-Doo is a prime example of versatility in comedy, making it a cult classic that is still revered today.
Don’t Look Up May Be a Newbie, but It’s a Goodie
Comedy can take many forms, but satire is perhaps the most clever. The only Netflix original movie and the most recent release on this list, Don’t Look Up’s satirical approach to real-world issues like climate change and misinformation is not only humorous but thought-provoking. Following the desperate press tour of two low-level astronomers trying to warn the human race of an incoming comet that will destroy life as they know it, Don’t Look Up boasts a cast full of powerhouse actors, led by Academy Award-winners Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, and a clever script that will leave viewers laughing while pondering its implications.
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