Best Comedy Movies Streaming on Max

Pretty much everyone loves a good laugh. Ever since we could etch words into clay, people have written comedy skits and cracked lame puns and dirty jokes for the enjoyment of others. It’s a good way to relieve stress, and it’s a fantastic means to reconnect with others. And, if Patch Adams is to be believed, it’s also the best medicine. After a successful rebranding, the streaming service Max is back with even more comedic films for an uproarious day off.

Countless slapstick, surreal jokes, and retro throwbacks can be found throughout Max’s backlog, meaning there’s something for just about everyone. We’ve done the hard work of assembling the best of the best Max has to offer, meaning you can sit back, relax, and watch these laugh-out-loud comedies at your leisure.

28 Get Shorty (1995)

Besides Quentin Tarantino with Jackie Brown, no one has better adapted the ingenious works of Elmore Leonard than Barry Sonnenfeld with his Get Shorty. The movie is loaded with Leonard’s trademark dialogue, and director Sonnenfeld could not have lined up a better cast to spout it. John Travolta is on point as Chili Palmar (one of Leonard’s more interesting, laissez-faire protagonists), just as Rene Russo is sublime as femme fatale Karen Flores.

All Elements of the Movie Work Perfectly in Harmony

While the aforementioned aspects all contribute to Get Shorty‘s effectiveness, what really makes it stand out (especially when it comes to fellow Leonard adaptations) is the constant sense of fun that permeates it. The actors are poking fun at their own industry, and that gives it a level of meta-appeal that’s also an asset. Lastly, Gene Hackman is incredible as Harry Zimm, a character who is constantly taking a beating (played by an actor who usually doles those out, e.g. in The French Connection).

27 Election (1999)

An early and extra special work from The Holdovers‘s Alexander Payne, Election is a treat. What works best about it is its positioning of two very likable performers (Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon) as two very different unlikable people. Witherspoon’s Tracy Flick is a bit much at all times, and incredibly full of herself, but at least she isn’t a dirtbag like her teacher, Jim McAllister.

A Dark Comedy So Effective It Can Be Off-Putting

Everything about Election works. Heck, besides American Pie, it’s the only movie to find a decent usage of Chris Klein. But, it is a dark comedy, so it’s only truly going to be great for those who can get on its wavelength. For those who can’t, it’ll definitely be a little unsettling (though certainly not to the extent of fellow indie dark comedyHappiness from one year before).

26 Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantánamo Bay (2008)

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is easily one of the aughts’ funniest films, even going so far as to be one of the best stoner films ever made. The same, too, can be said of its immediate sequel: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. That said, it depends on how one feels about Rob Corddry.

Classic Stoner Comedy

If the viewer doesn’t care for him, Corddry’s performance in Guantánamo will be the apex of his insufferable nature. But, for those who can get on his wavelength (not to mention the wavelength of his Children’s Hospital), they’ll find his intentionally ultra-idiotic racism hysterical. There’s also a hilarious cameo from a fake George W. Bush, which was certainly more timely back in 2008 but holds its impact even now.

25 A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

An early theatrical venture for Will Ferrell, A Night at the Roxbury teams him with Chris Kattan as they reprise their Saturday Night Live roles of Steve and Doug Butabi, respectively. Like most of the other SNL-inspired films that came out in the ’90s, A Night at the Roxbury doesn’t have enough juice to make it a truly great motion picture.

For Those Who Miss the Glory Days of SNL

Like the all-time classic Wayne’s World, the looseness of the narrative works for A Night at the Roxbury more often than not. Furthermore, Ferrell and Kattan continue to have great chemistry after the sketch comedy show, and Dan Hedaya steals every one of his scenes as the duo’s perpetually disappointed father. This is also a bittersweet reminder of SNL‘s better days. While this isn’t technically from the show itself, that’s where the idea was born.

24 Office Space (1999)

The ultimate accomplishment of Beavis & Butt-Head‘s Mike Judge, Office Space is one of the most rewatchable comedy movies ever made. It’s also flat-out the best comedy movie of the ’90s, filled with sharp dialogue and immensely likable characters. The lightly-plotted film follows an office drone who grows so bored with his existence he just checks out. But, when a coworker comes up with a scheme to slowly steal millions from their company, he livens up…even if they have no idea what they’re doing.

Classic ’90s Cinema

Ron Livingston is wonderfully dry in the lead role of office drone Peter Gibbons, but the supporting cast is just as fantastic. David Herman as the hysterically named Michael Bolton (no relation), Jennifer Aniston as the Kung-fu movie-loving Joanna, Ajay Naidu as the perpetually angry Samir, Diedrich Bader as nosey next-door neighbor Lawrence, Stephen Root as cinema’s best sheepish character, Milton Waddams, and, of course, Gary Cole as “Yeahhhh” Bill Lumbergh are all classic character portrayals of the comedic cinema world.

23 Fargo (1996)

While watching The Coen brothers’ dark-humored Fargo, one can expect laughs, Midwestern accents, and an endless stream of clumsy violence. The film follows Jerry, a car salesman who is deep in debt and comes up with a plan to kidnap his wife in a scheme to extort money from his wealthy father-in-law. On the surface, it’s a simple plan whose primary objective is to help him get rid of his debt, but things take a turn for the worse when people start dying. On the case is an extremely resourceful and self-assured Police Chief, Marge Gunderson (Francis McDormand) who will stop at nothing to get to the end of the truth.

Surprising and Darkly Comedic

Whether it’s the sublime script or equally engrossing performances from McDormand, Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy, Peter Stormare, and John Carroll Lynch, just about everything that makes Fargo has gone on to become iconic. Not to mention, it may have the most shocking use of a woodchipper ever committed to celluloid. It’s a movie that feels realistic, sheds light on the animus of humanity, and does so with a uniquely grim sense of humor.

22 Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Despite being an animated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox is honest and intelligent with its messaging and emotion, making it a film for both children and adults alike. The plot follows the patriarchal Mr. Fox, who foolishly steals from some human neighbors’ garden only to have them come back with a vengeance. Some of its many stars include George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray.

Pitch-Perfect Style and Substance

A light, family-friendly entertainer, Wes Anderson’s animated film is an evergreen movie experience that never ceases to amaze and delight. The film is based on a Roald Dahl story of the same name and is considered to be one of Anderson’s best animated works, grossing over 46 million dollars while also racking up three Academy Award nominations, including Best Animated Picture… If you’re in the mood for something funny yet intelligent, be sure to check this out.

21 Shiva Baby (2021)

Rachel Sennott sets the screen on fire as Danielle in Shiva Baby. The rising star gave a noteworthy performance in Emma Seligman’s debut film, where she played the role of a directionless college student with a morally wavering compass. It’s a riotous debut from writer and director Emma Seligman, who went on to create the hit comedy Bottoms.

Intense Yet Hilarious

Loud, wild, and unapologetic, Shiva Baby accurately brings to light the many pains of navigating young adulthood touching on all aspects of life, from relationships to career prospects. Despite not being the ideal family entertainer, Shiva Baby is a laugh riot that dares to capture and present the awkwardness that comes to the surface when conservative parenting meets modern teenage problems.

20 Stranger Than Paradise (1984)

Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise revolves around a group of drifters that aimlessly wander the streets of America, engaging in mindless conversations, and witnessing time float by. For the narrative snob, Stranger Than Paradise might seem like a college film with no plot to guide it, but for people with eclectic cinematic tastes, Jarmusch’s film is a treat to the eyes and the mind.

Unique and Influential

Known for his idiosyncratic and stylistic approach to filmmaking, Jim Jarmusch inadvertently contributed to defining the independent American film movement. With his second feature, Stranger Than Paradise, Jarmusch aimed at propelling a hip film that’s stylistically simple and leverages dead-pan humor while being told at a relaxed pace.

19 Spy (2015)

Paul Feig’s Spy hit theaters with solid reviews and a respectable box office tally, but it still doesn’t get enough credit. The film is just as solid as the director’s Bridesmaids from four years prior, which is no small compliment. Melissa McCarthy is in her element as an underutilized woman with aspirations of much greater responsibilities. Rose Byrne, likewise, has a blast with the villain role. Jude Law, meanwhile, brings a lot of dimwitted tenderness to his role of an arrogant Bond-type spy.

An Underrated Feig Movie

The highlight is the usually-stoic Jason Statham, who doesn’t change that aspect of his performing style for Feig’s film but rather utilizes it to show his character is an even bigger dummy than Law’s. Statham’s rambling monologues about his past death-defying accomplishments are particularly hysterical, especially because the audience knows there’s no way he’s done any of it.

18 Scary Movie (2000)

The first and still the best, Keenen Ivory Wayans’ Scary Movie was one of the 1990s’ biggest financial successes. As a parody of some of the late ’90s most iconic horror films, it’s a comedy that throws jokes at the audience at a rapid-fire pace. If you’ve ever chuckled at the ridiculousness of certain horror movies, you’ll love this over-the-top comedic take on that very subject.

A Winning Horror Parody

Riding high off the success of Scream, Scream 2, and I Know What You Did Last Summer, it’s a film that came out at just the right time. Toss in the fact it’s very funny and intermittently smart and Scary Movie is a winner. But its biggest accomplishment is putting Anna Faris in the lead role, effectively introducing her to worldwide audiences as a comedy legend right out of the gate.

17 The Naked Gun (1988)

Originally a film continuation of 1982’s Police Squad!, The Naked Gun is easily one of the funniest comedies of the 1980s. Leslie Nielsen, after a hilarious performance in Airplane!, returns to lead this comedic crime film as Lieutenant Frank Drebin. Despite his bumbling ineptitude, Drebin puts all his efforts into avenging the death of his partner, only to uncover a nefarious plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth.

It’s Impossible Not to Have Fun With This

The Naked Gun is an absolute farce. Visual gags and puns take priority over dramatic storytelling, and it’s all carried effortlessly by Nielsen’s amusing deadpan performance. It’s a rare instance of a film where just about everyone is having fun: the actors, the production crew, and most importantly, the viewer. The Naked Gun is practically essential viewing for anyone who enjoys spoof movies or slapstick comedies, as some of the gags on offer here will leave you in stitches.

16 Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Singin’ in the Rain is a fantastic introduction to the musical genre. Co-directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin’ in the Rain is a movie about movies set in the late 1920s. It was a particularly interesting time for filmmaking, largely due to the introduction of simultaneous sound and spoken dialogue in the burgeoning “talkie” format. While a quartet of actors finds themselves struggling to adapt to this new technology, two of them may find love in a place they never expected.

Wonderfully Funny and Charmingly Poignant

Singin’ in the Rain is a good time from start to finish, carrying with it some of the most recognizable musical numbers in film history. The title songs, “Good Morning,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and more are all infectiously catchy, made all the more humorous by the stunning choreography and physicality of the actors singing them. It’s a terrific time from start to finish that never lets up.

15 The Beach Bum (2019)

Harmony Korine’s films are always unique, and his 2019 comedy The Beach Bum is no different. Matthew McConaughey plays the lead role of Moondog, a hedonistic poet, as he lives his days along the coastline of Florida. As he attempts to finish a new novel, he’ll have to contend with familial tragedy, tenuous relationships, and a gripping addiction to his various illicit substances.

The McConaughey Stoner Comedy You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Beach Bum is a “stoner” comedy in every sense of the word. Snoop Dogg even shows up to play a fairly significant role as “Lingerie,” Moondog’s musician friend and drug supplier. It’s an intriguing examination of perspective and escapism, one made all the more pleasing through its stunning cinematography. If you ever wanted to see McConaughey become a full-on surfer dude, The Beach Bum is a movie for you.

14 Safety Last! (1923)

Safety Last! is one of the best comedies of the silent era, headlined by one of its greatest performers, Harold Lloyd. The film sees Harold Lloyd playing a character of the same name, who takes on a job at the De Vore Department Store. A case of mistaken identity, a need to impress his girlfriend, and a promise of $1,000 (or, $17,000 today) leads to Lloyd climbing a twelve-story building.

Iconic Slapstick Comedy

It also features one of the most iconic images of the silent era: Harold Lloyd dangerously dangling off the side of a building from the minute hand of a clock. Safety Last! serves as a brilliant introduction to one of the titans of silent slapstick comedy. This gem from the silent era deserves to be seen in the modern-day.

13 The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)

The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is an animated romantic comedy with a particularly striking art style. Largely made by the same team behind The Tatami Galaxy, the film tells a deceptively simple story: an unnamed man seeks to confess his romantic feelings towards a girl at a university. However, a series of increasingly surreal inconveniences keep the two apart throughout. Will the two ultimately end up together? Or are these two simply not meant to be?

A Winning Experiment in the Rom-Com Genre

It’s probably the only romantic comedy you’ll ever see that features drinking contests, natural disasters, musical numbers, and other fever-dream scenarios that only make sense in the world of animation. The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is a film that does a lot with its modest runtime and premise, all while taking full advantage of the animated medium to dazzle the senses.

12 Man Bites Dog (1992)

Putting the “dark” in “dark comedy,” Man Bites Dog is a film that was originally released in the 1990s. In this mockumentary, we follow the fictional exploits of a serial killer as a documentary crew tags along, filming his various antics and musings before they get caught up in the madness themselves. A low-budget piece, this film teeters less on jokes and more on the absurdity of the situation, making the over-the-top cruelty its biggest punchline.

Controversial and Ahead of Its Time

While it’s not for everybody, Man Bites Dog has since become a cult film for its bizarre setup and off-color moments. Beloved by both Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino, the film’s legacy also had a hand in inspiring future hand-held horror films decades later. Just be aware of what you’re getting into, if the film’s controversial poster wasn’t enough of a red flag.

11 I, Tonya (2017)

Read Our Review

If you’ve been a long-time viewer of the Winter Olympics, then the name “Nancy Kerrigan” may hold some weight. I, Tonya, a 2017 comedy directed by Craig Gillespie, is not about her. Instead, this comedic mockumentary follows the life of Tonya Harding, a competing figure skater who orchestrates the controversy that befalls Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

More Dark Laughs

We get an examination of what — allegedly — happened from Harding’s perspective, which paints a completely different context for the events that transpired on that faithful day. Scoring critical praise for Margot Robbie’s performance as the lead, I, Tonya is a dark, but still hilarious twist on a controversial story that has long since fallen to the wayside. But even outside the real event it’s based on, I, Tonya is just as effective as a standalone story, one no doubt carried by both Margot Robbie and Allison Janney.

10 Click (2006)

Adam Sandler comedies may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s something special about Click that just makes it stand out. The movie stars Sandler as Michael Newman, a workaholic who comes across a major discovery. When a universal remote control is mysteriously gifted to him by a man named Morty, Newman discovers that it has the power to manipulate time with just the “click” of a button.

A Rare Emotionally Resonant Sandler Flick

A shockingly sentimental film, Click is easily up there as one of the better entries in Adam Sandler’s vast filmography. Yes, the typical Sandler staples are still alive and well, but there’s an emotional core underneath the cheesy jokes and gross-out gags here that most will appreciate. At the very least, it’s a comfortable, easy-viewing film that’s sure to entertain, if just for a little while.

9 Modern Times (1936)

Charlie Chaplin remains one of the all-time greats of the silent era. Nowhere is this more apparent than with his very last performance as his “Little Tramp” character. Modern Times, released in 1936, sees Chaplin struggling to adapt to a world that keeps on chugging along without him as the modernized industrial revolution begins to take hold in society.

Delightful and Thoughtful Silent Slapstick Comedy

Underneath the over-the-top slapstick, there’s an intriguing examination of how incorporating technology into everyday life has both positive and negative aftereffects. With AI becoming frighteningly competent and convenient in recent years, this throwback feels eerily appropriate. Looking past the gloom in Modern Times‘ themes, however, there are plenty of memorable moments strewn throughout. Chaplin’s physical comedy is on point. Combined with an optimistic core amid a hilarious climax, it’s a wonderful introductory piece to the world of silent film.