The Best Comedy Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now

Netflix is constantly acquiring a colorful and diverse film catalog, with some of Hollywood’s most celebrated and fan-favorite comedies being added. Regardless of what kind of humor viewers are looking for, the streaming platform is sure to satisfy any needs with its extensive list of feel-good flicks. Some of the big screen’s most beloved performers headline the movies available, with big names like Adam Sandler, Jack Black, and Ryan Gosling.

From universally beloved classics like Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Ben Stiller’s awkward tour de force performance in the sidesplitting Meet the Parents, Netflix always brings laughter and humor to audiences with some of the best comedy movies to watch right now (in no particular order).

Updated on Mar. 20, 2024, by Adam Symchuk: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

24 The Other Guys (2010)

The Other Guys is one of the most underrated comedies of the twenty-first century, starring Will Ferrell, Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mark Wahlberg. Terry Hoitz and Allen Gamble are two disgraced New York detectives referred to as “Other Guys” by their coworkers owing to their unwillingness to take risks. As they continue to fulfill their duty by filling out the paperwork for Danson and Highsmith, two of the cops they idolize, a shady investigation results in the deaths of the latter two. Terry and Allen now must find the courage to investigate the deaths of Danson and Highsmith, but will they survive to tell the tale for tomorrow? Or will they simply remain the other guys?

An Outstanding Action Spoof Featuring a Solid Ensemble

The Other Guys is a compelling comedy film that is heavily reliant on the characters’ performances, which the leading ensemble delivers flawlessly with seamless remarks that do not go unnoticed. While the humor is largely slapstick, it is not overdone but appears sparingly throughout its surprisingly engaging narrative. With every other aspect of the film being highly effortful, The Other Guys remains one of the funniest films ever made.

23 School of Rock (2003)

School of Rock is a comedy film tailored for Jack Black, who steals the show by playing a guitarist. After being sacked from his own rock band, Dewey Finn takes up a job at an elementary school to make ends meet. As he meets young talents there, he forms a new rock band to compete in the “Battle of the Bands” competition and win the prize money, which would help him solve his financial problems while keeping his dream alive.

One of Jack Black’s Finest Works

Jack Black delivers one of his best performances in School of Rock, which is both vibrant and hilarious. Despite incorporating typical children’s stereotypes that have been used many times before, the film sends a beautiful message that gives its story a whole new meaning. It tells you about dreams, deceit, the brilliance of children’s minds, and how a film can be spectacular while still being humorous.

22 Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Despite its peculiar title, Hot Tub Time Machine is funnier than most people anticipate before watching. The story revolves around three friends, Adam, Nick, and Lou, who have been friends since they were teenagers. Although their lives had turned miserable for personal reasons, they never made an attempt to stay in touch. When an unforeseen circumstance brings them together, Adam, his nephew Jacob, Nick, and Lou meet at a winter resort they used to frequent. However, after taking a dip in the room’s hot tub, everyone, including Jacob, is transported to 1986. With a fresh start in life, the trio is about to change their destiny, but Jacob is more concerned that these changes might result in him not being born.

A Timeless, Raunchy Comedy With 1980s References

Hot Tub Time Machine has no inherent traits that merit its extensive praise, but it simply exists to provide a fun experience for movie lovers. The film is jam-packed with 80s references, fashion, and music, which, despite being overshadowed by its crude humor, serves as a great nostalgic factor in taking us back to the good old days. If you want to see a more raunchy version of classics like Back To The Future, Hot Tub Time Machine is an excellent choice.

21 Meet the Parents (2000)

Meet the Parents is one of Ben Stiller’s most entertaining films. Greg Focker is a male nurse who is madly in love with Pam and wants to marry her. However, he quickly learns that Pam has a strict upbringing, and before proposing to her, he must first obtain her father’s approval. Apparently, Pam’s father, Jack, is a CIA officer with a lie detector in his basement and has a knack for uncovering the truth, whether it’s about a perpetrator or someone who is about to marry his daughter. Will Greg find a way into his father-in-law’s heart before the latter gets into his head?

A Touching Comedy About Approval

Meet the Parents is a humorous and touching comedy film that connects with its audience on a personal level. It addresses a very basic concept of a man trying to make the best impression in front of his father-in-law but manages to triumph without overdoing it. Furthermore, the main couple’s relationship is far from uninteresting, as both Greg and Pam are presented in such a way that we can’t help but fall in love with them as individuals and together.

20 Blazing Saddles (1974)

Blazing Saddles is a howling comedy written and directed by the Academy Award winner Mel Brooks. The film is set in 1874 in a town where everyone is enigmatically named Johnson, but it is in the way of a railroad, and Hedley Lemar, a greedy land developer, is determined to build his project anyway. To rid the inhabitants, Lemar concocts a plan in conjunction with a mad governor, which results in the arrival of a new sheriff, Bart, to town. Unfortunately, Bart employs the Waco Kid, a washed-up gunslinger with a mysterious past. It looks like the town can finally fight back against Lemar’s cruelty, especially given the Waco Kid’s unexpected moves.

An All-Time Mel Brooks Classic

Blazing Saddles is an over-the-top Western full of wonderful slapstick comic set pieces. Despite its hysterical sequences, which resonate more with the 1970s audiences, the film nevertheless competes with modern comedies, making it a fascinating work of art. All in all, it delivers precisely what you’d expect from Mel Brooks, but in such huge quantities that it is difficult not to laugh. If you enjoy classic comedies set in the Wild West, Blazing Saddles might be just what you’re looking for.

19 No Hard Feelings (2023)

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The film that has brought raunchy comedies back for mainstream audiences to enjoy, No Hard Feelings follows Maddie, a 32-year-old woman who is on the verge of losing her childhood home because of piling debts. As an Uber driver, there’s only so much she can do to pay her dues. But when a bizarre newspaper ad about a wealthy couple offering a Buick Regal in exchange for “dating” their 19-year-old son, Percy, earns her interest, Maddie goes for it.

A Refreshing Modern Rom-Com

The movie is a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. Although there is less romance and more laughter and warmth than you’d expect, it is Jennifer Lawrence who is the real scene-stealer. With her genuine acting and relatable personality, she imbues every scene with a vibrant appeal that’s hard to match. Moreover, Gene Stupnitsky is an instant classic for adding an extra layer of charm with all the Gen Z references.

18 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

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The latest installment featuring our favorite fearless hero, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, takes viewers on a hilarious and action-packed adventure. The notorious feline, Puss, has just found out that he is down to his ninth life, which sends him spiraling. He sets out to find the legendary Last Wish, a magical relic that has only ever been heard of in stories, so he can make a wish and get his nine lives back. But in the process, Puss reunites with old friends, faces new foes, and encounters dangerous challenges.

A Magnificent Comedy Film Filled With Spectacular Performances

From the stunning animation to the lovable characters, the movie has everything you need for that healthy dose of laughter. Antonio Banderas lends his voice to the character of Puss, and his energy is very infectious and filled with wit and charm. The comedic timing of the rest of the voice cast, including Florence Pugh, John Mulaney, Salma Hayek, and Olivia Colman, is on point too. Overall, the film is a must-watch comedy that will entertain viewers of all ages.

17 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

In their recent outing, the Coen Brothers made one of their most inventive films that plays out as an anthology set against a Western theme. The film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, features six short films all occurring in the landscape of post-civil war America, and has an abundance of oddball characters that the Coens have come to be known for.

A Dark, Humored Take On the Western Genre

Over time, the Coen Brothers have become household names synonymous with great cinema. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs features most of the stylistic traits associated with the directors and provides a dark-humored take on a somewhat rigid and conventional genre. With an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights featuring across the six different stories, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has something for everything.

16 They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

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They Cloned Tyrone revolves around a trio of oddballs (a sex worker, a pimp, and a drifter) that stumble upon a nationwide conspiracy targeting Black communities across America by making them guinea pigs in evil experiments.

One of the Best Comedies of 2023

Despite being a throwback to the Blaxploitation films of the ’70s, Jules Taylor’s directorial film is well-rounded, modern, and funny. Jamie Foxx and John Boyega are at the heart of They Cloned Tyrone as their performance is rooted in a mix between emotional awareness and outrageous stupidity. Part sci-fi, part comedy, total entertainment, They Cloned Tyrone is a strong contender for one of the standout comedies of the year and deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list.

15 Murder Mystery (2019)

Playing on the trope of inept detectives trying to solve a larger-than-life case, Adam Sandler stars as a New York cop who’s on a vacation with his wife, Audrey (Jennifer Aniston). It’s on this vacation that a chance encounter sees them framed for the murder of an elderly billionaire.

A Witty Murder Mystery Film With Memorable Moments

Aptly titled, Murder Mystery is a bona fide family entertainer that operates on the functioning of a mystery with the added inclusion of humor and suspense. In search of a spark, but met with a fire, the couple, Sandler and Aniston, put on display prime stupidity about how not to go about a case, eluding bouts of laugh-out-loud moments along with an overall pleasant viewing experience. For fans who have enjoyed the film, there’s also a sequel that recently dropped on Netflix.

14 White Noise (2022)

White Noise revolves around a somewhat dysfunctional family that’s forced to evacuate their comfortable suburban lives, leading to conflict and chaos within their ranks. Steeped in humor, eccentricity, and an over-the-top approach to disaster management, White Noise provides a hilarious spin on a somewhat grave and morbid genre.

An Absurd Dramedy Driven by the Main Cast

Straight from Noah Baumbach’s unconventional stable of filmmaking, White Noise is an absurdist dramedy that’s adapted from Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name. Due to its premise, the movie might seem a bit of a gamble but fans with an eclectic, retro-driven taste might enjoy this one. With an abundance of Adam Driver’s charm and Greta Gerwig’s goofy antics, White Noise makes for an absurd yet endearing cinematic experience.

13 Bad Trip (2021)

Bad Trip is outrageously juvenile and unique in its approach to humor. A cross between a road trip movie and a social experiment about pranks, Kitao Sakura’s film lets Eric Andre loose on clueless onlookers as the comedian-turned-actor takes the viewers through a squirm-worthy journey of awkwardness. In the movie, they’re simply being filmed as they embark on an adventure filled with pulling delightful pranks on strangers.

A Hilarious Story About a Boy Chasing His Girlfriend

A vicarious exercise in the death of the ego and intense sessions of humiliation, Bad Trip barely operates on the typical narrative where a boy goes on an outrageous quest to win back the girl of his dreams. Conventional quest aside, Sakura’s film aggressively tests the patience of the onlookers while providing a constant stream of cringe-worthy entertainment for the viewers, terrorizing them of bumping into Andre on the streets.

12 Dolemite is My Name (2019)

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Dolemite is My Name is based on American comedian Rudy Ray Moore’s life and revolves around his alter-ego Dolemite. The film charts Moore’s struggles as a standup comic and his transformation into the volatile Dolemite. Communicating the idea of self-belief and sacrifice, Moore’s life was tainted with rejection and refusal before he finally went on to make it.

Chronicles Rudy Ray Moore’s Life as a Stand-Up Comedian

Very much in the same vein as The Disaster Artist, Dolemite is My Name is self-aware of its own identity and doesn’t seem to be bothered about it in the least. The film also serves as a watershed moment for Eddie Murphy, who’s at his humorous best, going full blast with his motor mouth rendering of Dolemite.

11 You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

Centered around Stacy and Lydia, two girls who have been BFFs ever since they could talk, You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah follows their journey towards planning and executing their dream bat mitzvahs. Despite having it all planned to the T – the reading from the Torah, the dress, the entrance video, the guest list – their infatuation with a popular guy, Andy Goldfarb, drives them to crazy extents and leads to a lot of middle school drama.

A Charming Tween Comedy That Succeeds in All Aspects

With a killer title like that, Netflix sure gathered all eyes on this stirring preteen comedy drama. However, blanketed within all the jokes is a perfect Gen Z gem that features cool music, full-hearted comedy, and wild dances. While the entire Sandler clan joins in on the fun, it’s Sandy Sandler who shows massive promise, leaving the audience excited and willing to see more from her in the future.

10 The Nice Guys (2016)

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The Nice Guys is set in 1970s LA, and with the aesthetics on point, it follows Jackson Healy, a private enforcer hired by a young woman to stop Holland March, another down-on-his-luck detective from pursuing her. However, when she mysteriously disappears, the two guys decide to reluctantly team up and find her whereabouts.

A Buddy Cop Comedy Starring Ryan Gosling

Taking the buddy cop trope to creative new heights, The Nice Guys features Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as a memorable duo. Realizing that things might be more perilous than they expect, Healy and March showcase the kind of scene-stealing chemistry rarely seen in a neo-noir thriller. The movie features an infectious vibe and director Shane Black deftly combines action, humor, and witty dialogue to create a refreshing comedy.

9 Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is Rian Johson’s follow-up to his wildly popular whodunit. ​It transports us to a private Greek Island filled with the most alluring scenic shots. Most importantly, this sequel brings back the charming and all-knowing Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). When an eccentric billionaire, Miles Bron (Norton), invites his inner circle to come for a murder mystery party weekend, Blanc sure feels out of place. But once things start to pick up pace, he is drawn to the case.

A Fantastic Addition to the Popular Franchise

Johnson ups the ante here by doing multiple things together. It features another star-studded ensemble that includes Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Madelyn Cline, Dave Bautista, and Janelle Monae. Of course, there are the same seamless twists and clever wit the first movie was famous for. Sharper, funnier, and way more immersive, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery proves some franchises know just how to keep getting better.

8 Bullet Train (2022)

Brad Pitt’s Ladybug is the heart and soul of the film, Bullet Train. He plays a former assassin in a bit of an existential crisis about his job, repudiating its nature and the impact it has on him. In a last-minute replacement, Ladybug is ordered to board a train and retrieve a briefcase. Trouble brews when other elite assassins board the train looking for the same briefcase, clashing with a halfhearted Ladybug who’s left with no choice but to shun his first-world problems and embrace the job he’s been running away from.

No Dull Moments Here

A hybrid cross between a sloppy action film and the byproduct of situational comedy, Bullet Train has a lot going for it on both fronts. David Leitch’s film complies with the tropes of the genre but not without offering its take on them. A moving train inhabited by oddball characters isn’t the most revolutionary idea, but Leitch interjects the film with a plethora of weird characters and plays them off each other to derive humor.

7 Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Wreathed in the vast landscapes of Scotland, Monty Python and the Holy Grail takes the viewer on a medieval journey primarily told through the story of King Arthur and his knights. They traverse across the length and breadth of the land in search of the Holy Grail, encountering questioning bridge-keepers, incredibly deadly cave monsters, and the Knights Who Say “Ni!” on the way.

A Medieval Story Told Through Well-Written Gag Humor

An interesting aspect about Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones’s film is that even about 48 years since its release, it’s still funny, relatable, and visually gorgeous. A classic comic treat for the ages, this is one of the most densely packed comedies from the legends of Monty Python. Playing out like an adventure that’s filled with jokes, gags, and moments of sheer innovative genius, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a film with a continuous barrage of laughter.

6 Bad Words (2013)

Jason Bateman made his directorial debut with the raunchy 2015 black comedy Bad Words, in which the Arrested Development star also portrays a 40-year-old misfit. He causes quite an uproar when he enters a national spelling bee competition after discovering a loophole, leading to a media sensation in the process.

One of Bateman’s Best Works To Date

Bateman originally had no intention of appearing as the lead in the film, but after struggling to find the right actor, he concluded it would be easier to play the sardonic Guy Trilby himself to accurately capture his “tricky tone” and personality. The funnyman enlisted the help of fellow comedic performers like Allison Janney, Kathryn Hahn, and Ben Falcone for the rude and crude flick, all of whom helped push the envelope for the racy satire; many considered it to be one of Bateman’s best movies and praised his profanity-laced performance.

5 She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

She’s Gotta Have It follows Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a young graphic artist in Brooklyn juggling relationships with three men: Jamie Overstreet, Greer Childs, and Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee). Nola refuses to commit fully to any of the men, cherishing her freedom and unwilling to settle. This leads to tension when the three men discover Nola is dating others. The movie would mark Spike Lee’s feature film debut.

Spike Lee’s Debut Comedy

Spike Lee’s place in cinema, particularly regarding tackling controversial topics and making powerful commentary in his work, was already obvious from She’s Gotta Have It. The movie tackled gender roles and feminism from a cultural perspective and still stands out as a landmark today. Besides the significance of the film, the movie is a witty comedy, delivered as an unconventional rom-com with fascinating characters; it still stands as one of Spike Lee’s best works.