Best Funny Movies to Watch: 10 Comedies That Still Land
The best funny movies to watch are the ones you end up quoting for years. Comedy is the most personal genre, so this list covers different kinds of funny: sharp satire, absurd silliness, awkward friendship stories and ensemble farces. Each film has a strong audience score and a loyal fanbase. Scan the short notes below, pick the style of humor you are in the mood for, and press play.
1. Airplane! (1980)
A flight crew and passengers face one disaster after another in a joke-a-minute spoof. The gags come so fast that you will catch new ones on every rewatch.
2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
A confident 1970s San Diego news anchor faces a rival in the form of a new female reporter. Endlessly quotable and absurd in the best way.
See the cast, trailer and where to watch Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
3. Mean Girls (2004)
A new student learns the social rules of a high school clique. Smart, fast and written so well that its lines are still everywhere.
4. Superbad (2007)
Two friends try to get through the last weeks of high school and one big party. It is crude, warm and surprisingly sweet about friendship.
5. Hot Fuzz (2007)
A top London police officer is transferred to a sleepy village where things are not what they seem. A parody of action films that is also a great action comedy.
6. Step Brothers (2008)
Two grown men who still live at home become stepbrothers when their parents marry. Chaos follows, and it is gloriously silly.
7. Tropic Thunder (2008)
A group of actors shooting a war movie end up in a real jungle conflict. A sharp, outrageous satire of Hollywood.
8. Bridesmaids (2011)
A maid of honor tries to hold her life together while planning a wedding. Big laughs, real heart and a great ensemble cast.
9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A legendary concierge and his young lobby boy get tangled in a theft and a family fortune. Wes Anderson’s most charming and meticulously designed comedy.
See the cast, trailer and where to watch The Grand Budapest Hotel
10. Game Night (2018)
A couples’ game night turns into a real mystery when a kidnapping seems to be part of the fun. Fast, clever and ideal for a group.
How to pick a comedy for tonight
If you are watching with a mixed group, Game Night, Mean Girls and Bridesmaids are the safest choices. If you want pure absurdity, go for Airplane! or Step Brothers. For something with a lighter, more stylish touch, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a great fit. To browse more, see the full list of the best comedy movies, ranked by audience score.
Open any film above to see the cast, trailer and where to watch it right now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the funniest movie of all time?
Humor is subjective, but Airplane! is often named at the top of comedy lists thanks to its non-stop gags, with Anchorman, Superbad and Bridesmaids close behind.
What are the best comedy movies to watch with friends?
Game Night, Superbad and Hot Fuzz are strong picks because they are fast and quotable, and everyone in the room tends to laugh at the same time.
Are there funny movies the whole family can watch?
Yes. See our guide to the best movies to watch with family for comedies and animated films that work for all ages.
More movie guides
- Best scary movies to watch
- Best movies to watch with family
- Best movies to watch with friends
- Best movies to watch as a couple
Sources: movie details, ratings and images from TMDB; streaming availability from JustWatch. Scores and availability change over time.
