Best Comedy Movies on Paramount+ to Watch Right Now

While some genres are plain and transparent, comedy charts a different territory. Even after a century of filmmaking, it remains one of the most subjective and personal film genres. After all, humor is something that clicks for some and completely misses the mark for others. But that’s okay. Because a truly transcendent comedy rises above the whole idea of interpretation to be consumed and enjoyed universally. By delivering laughter that is contagious and suitable for all ages, these movies also layer their stories with heart and inspiration.

As for devouring this content, several streaming services offer colossal options. Among them, Paramount+ houses something to tickle every funny bone, whether you lean toward romantic comedies or genre parodies. With big stars playing wacky characters, these movies aid themselves with clever dialogues and situations that feel unexpected at best. Physical comedy combines with the perfect timing and the result is a movie that becomes unforgettable. While all of us have our favorites, we’ve decided to round off a bunch of comedy movies available on Paramount+ that you can discover or revisit any time you want.

Updated on Apr. 3rd, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

23 Airplane! (1980)

A disaster comedy written and directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, Airplane! follows Ted Striker, a former pilot and war veteran with PTSD who has long given up flying. Other than a fear of flying, Ted is also a heavy drinker. To win his girlfriend back, he boards a flight to Chicago, but when the crew falls ill from food poisoning, he is the only man qualified to land the plane. Will Ted be able to overcome his fear, help other passengers, and save his relationship with Elaine?

A Timeless Disaster Movie Parody

Abrahams and the Zuckers take parody comedy to hilarious levels with this classic. By sending an airplane in the air and adding a mild disaster, they squeeze out jokes and breakneck pace. Stars Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty have pitch-perfect timing and they leave the audiences clutching their bellies. Over 40 years later, the movie remains timeless and hilarious in its humor. So much so that its influence in the industry has created standards for visually comic filmmaking.

22 Raising Arizona (1987)

Raising Arizona is a heartwarming crime comedy from the wonderfully zany minds of the Coen Brothers. Its premise sees ex-con Herbert “Hi” McDunnough and his police officer wife Edwina “Ed” McDunnough finding out that they cannot have children. Desperately wanting to raise a child, however, they decide to kidnap one of the quintuplets of a rich businessman and keep them as their own. But their absurd tricks lead to unforeseen complications and the involvement of an obsessive criminal.

Absurd and Heartfelt in Equal Measure

Hilarious from start to finish, Raising Arizona had the Coens put all their energy into taking an outlandish premise and weaving a story around it that is both touching and ridiculous. Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter are a delightful pair as two down-on-their-luck kidnappers injecting their many quirks into an already funny storyline. The supporting cast includes Trey Wilson, William Forsythe, Frances McDormand, and more. Despite having met with lukewarm reviews at the time of release, the movie established itself as a lo-fi comedy classic.

21 Almost Famous (2000)

In Almost Famous, Patrick Fugit plays the role of a teenage journalist named William Miller. He is assigned by Rolling Stone magazine to tour with and write about the band Stillwater. Reluctant and shy at first, William dives headfirst into the rock star world of sex, drugs, poker games, and conflict. What’s more? He falls for the experienced groupie Penny Lane.

A Rich and Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story

Almost Famous is a coming-of-age tale first and an exploration of rock journalism next. Directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the generation-defining comedy infuses teen drama tropes with profound insights on youth and fame. Kate Hudson was a star as the elusive but intimidating Penny Lane. Being set in the 1970s, the movie stays true to the decade’s roots and its music, finding nostalgia in every little moment.

20 The First Wives Club (1996)

After graduating from college in the ’60s, four friends, Annie, Brenda, Elise, and Cynthia, go their separate ways and marry wealthy men. In the present day, the latter leaves a note for the former trio and commits suicide because of her husband’s affair. When they reunite and learn of each of their husband’s extramarital exploits as well, Annie, Brenda, and Elise plot comedic revenge against them. Along the way, they rediscover their self-worth and advocate girl power.

A Hilarious Revenge Caper

The First Wives Club is adapted from Olivia Goldsmith’s novel of the same name by Hugh Wilson. With razor-sharp humor and an effortless chemistry between Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, the movie gave a novel twist to the revenge trope. It also paved the way for themes of friendship and female empowerment, and in the process, swept the audiences off their feet as they cheered for the middle-aged women getting their happy endings. That said, the sitcom-like movie also struck a chord with critics, of whom Roger Ebert called it “heavy on incident but light on plot.”

19 The Terminal (2004)

The Terminal takes a surprisingly inspirational true story and turns it into an entertaining and rewatchable comedy. In the movie, Viktor Navorski arrives at JFK Airport with the aim of fulfilling his late father’s wish. However, a military coup in his home country of Krakozia has made his immigration documentation invalid. Now, he’s stranded at the airport as a citizen of no country and assigned to live in the terminal, where he must maintain his optimism.

A Surprisingly Uplifting Comedy

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film crafts a funny fish-out-of-water story and blends it with drama and humanity. Tom Hanks is perfectly suited to the role of an everyman who ends up being liked by everybody because of his quiet determination and good nature. The overall setting where a man is stuck in an endless bureaucratic loop makes up for a witty observation of a country’s system as well as the inner workings of an airport. Overall, The Terminal is a feel-good film.

18 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

A proud record-holder for being the highest-grossing buddy comedy, Beverly Hills Cop follows a Detroit police officer Axel Foley, who travels to Beverly Hills, California, to investigate the murder of his best friend. Without local jurisdiction in place, he seeks help from two detectives and uses his street smarts to crack the case. But in the process, he shakes up the laid-back LAPD and ends up clashing with a criminal gang and corrupt tycoons.

Eddie Murphy at His Best

Few buddy comedies end up being so iconic that their magic does not fade away even decades after their release. Eddie Murphy is electric as the wise guy, tossing off one-liners while also staying sharp and keeping the action gripping. Paired with his talents are Martin Brest’s vibrant direction and the stylish L.A. aesthetics, making the franchise an instant success.

17 Bad Santa (2003)

Every decade has some quintessential Christmas movies that make the holidays more fun. Bad Santa is a genre-busting classic that follows a cynical con man named Willie Soke and his angry sidekick Marcus as they pull off a Christmas heist by dressing up as Santa and his elf at the local shopping mall. Their agenda is simple, but this year, things get a tad messy when Willie becomes friends with an eight-year-old kid, which jeopardizes their plan.

An Alternative Christmas Classic

Bad Santa redefined Christmas movies by being outrageous, offensive, and R-rated. The movie stars Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox as the iconic duo, who give their career-best performances dressed in their hilarious costumes. But the best part about the movie is its bold and gleeful humor, which holds its own by teetering between being crass and charming. Fans still make sure to put the film on every holiday, so there’s clearly something special about it.

16 Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Neal Page (Steve Martin) is an advertising executive who simply wants to get back home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. But when his flight gets canceled, he is stuck spending an endless amount of time with Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower curtain ring salesman. With Neal being obsessed with tidiness and order and Del annoying him endlessly, the misadventures that ensue on their cross-country journey force them to loosen their rigid ways.

The Ultimate Chalk and Cheese Dynamic

Perhaps the most astounding thing about Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is the fact that it portrays interpersonal communication between its protagonists in the most leisurely and realistic way. As an enduring ode to friendship, the movie showcases some emotional truths while also being a road trip classic. Director John Hughes shares humor in an unlikely manner, reminding us that even opposites attract.

15 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

A film that is as thought-provoking as it is funny, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off centers around the titular character (Matthew. Broderick), a popular high school student, faking sickness to take a day off from school and spend it with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) instead. The trio embarks on an adventure, cruising down the streets of Chicago and blowing off steam. Meanwhile, the school’s principal desperately tries to catch him red-handed.

A Hall of Famer

As far as iconic ‘80s comedies go, this one remains timeless. Matthew Broderick is phenomenal as the mischievous yet adorable title character. He possesses an irresistible charm that makes you root for his success, however ridiculous it may seem. The film is directed by John Hughes, who is known for his masterful ability to balance out the fun-loving hijinks with more thoughtful moments that make you feel nostalgic.

14 The Addams Family (1991)

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this deliciously twisted tale follows the family welcoming someone they believe is a long-lost relative, Uncle Fester, into their home. While in reality, the man is an imposter hired by a bunch of con artists who wish to rob the Addams of their fortune. The family isn’t a stranger to things that go bump in the night. But their detached personalities and torturous ceremonies sure make them seem as charming and as demented as ever.

Grand and Gothic

America’s most macabre and aristocratic clan has shared several bizarre adventures with viewers since 1973. Overall, The Addams Family is a definitive family horror movie that is perfect for a fun night. Sonnenfeld’s direction is airtight, but the key to Addams‘ effectiveness is the chemistry between the cast (all perfectly suited to their roles) and its astoundingly detailed set design.

13 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days centers around Kate Hudson’s Andie Anderson, who is a magazine writer, and Matthew McConaughey’s Benjamin Barry, who is an advertising executive. He makes a bet that he can woo any woman in 10 days, while Andie aims to drive away any guy at the same time, who among the two will win?

A 2000s Delight

The best rom-coms have a perfect blend of hilarity and heart, and that’s what makes them so satisfying. While the 2000s had a surge of films in the genre, few managed to stand out from the rest. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is among them. After all, when two leads share perfect chemistry, the film as a whole is elevated. The classic film features a rollercoaster of fun scenes one after the other, before ending on a happy note.

12 Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)

Ben (Tye Sheridan), Carter (Logan Miller), and Augie (Joey Morgan) have been Boy Scouts since they were kids. On the eve of their last camp-out, a zombie outbreak occurs in the city, and that’s when all their acquired skills, honor, and friendship are put to the test. As high school sophomores and lifelong friends, the three confront the undead in a wild frenzy. As the stakes rise and the number of zombies continues to grow, the boys come up with the most hilarious tricks to get rid of them and save their brains from being eaten.

A Well Balanced Zom-Com

Combining the zombie genre with comedy is always a great pairing — it’s a tried and tested theory. Not to mention, Sheridan, Miller, and Morgan have great on-screen chemistry. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse features madcap adventures throughout its 90-minute runtime, so there’s never a moment to get bored.

11 Clerks (1994)

Clerks continues in the tradition of the slacker movie that was prominent in the decade by introducing us to two counter jockeys, Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson), who simply let the hours slip by. Their daily routine includes troubling customers, indulging in absurd conversations, and making wild comments on movies and pop culture.

Creating Comedy from Boredom

Kevin Smith entered the filmmaking arena with this low-budget buddy comedy that was released back in 1994. The film is shot in black-and-white, which reflects the mundanity of the overall setting. Even after two decades, this indie gem proves itself as an innovative project that nailed the rhythm of bored brains seeking to be toyed with, in any way possible.

10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

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An earnest and easily likable addition to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchising, this 2023 movie launches viewers into a non-stop riot of our beloved mutants willing to do anything to be accepted as normal teenagers. For this, the brothers enter New York and meet April O’Neil (played wonderfully by Ayo Edebiri), who leads them to a mysterious crime syndicate, so they can win the hearts of people.

The Revival That the Turtles Deserved

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is exactly what its title suggests. Plus, it has a lot of heart, which makes it one of the best animated movies of the year. From showcasing their classic martial arts techniques to sharing inside jokes, the characters present themselves as relatable, creative, and humorous. Moreover, the villains in the movie are also innovative and spectacular enough to delight fans.

9 Three Months (2022)

Shot under the poignant gaze of director Jared Frieder, Three Months follows 17-year-old Caleb (Troye Sivan), who, on the eve of his high school graduation, discovers that he was exposed to HIV. After going to get tested himself, Caleb has to wait three months before the results come out. In the meantime, he meets Estha (Viveik Kalra), who is closeted as a result of living with a conservative family. The two form an unlikely bond and the film delivers belly laughs and heartwarming moments in equal proportions.

An Intimate Slice of Life

Sivan shines in the role of Caleb and mirrors every teen going through a personal crisis. He also lends his voice to the outstanding soundtrack that supports the film. In its one-hour and 45-minute runtime, Three Months will make you worry about its characters, delight you, and amuse you with its witty and refreshing storyline.

8 Mean Girls (2004)

The quotable classic Mean Girls follows a new girl, Cady Heron, who has been homeschooled her whole life. She must now immerse herself in the world of high school cliques and the rivalry of manipulative queen bee Regina George. As Cady learns the ins and outs of locker room politics and cafeteria hierarchies, she also finds her place in the social scene by being true to herself.

Arguably the Most Iconic High School Comedy

Teen comedies like Mean Girls play a huge part in keeping our memories (both good and bad) of high school alive. With the popular girls, hallway hijinks, and drama, it’s a heightened version of what we’ve all experienced in our teenage years. Furthermore, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan, and Tina Fey deliver unparalleled performances that fill the film with comedy and wit.

7 School of Rock (2003)

School of Rock stars Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a bumbling rock enthusiast who fakes his way into a prestigious school by pretending to be a substitute teacher. Finn is short on cash and has got bills to pay, so without so much as giving it a thought, he decides to transform his class of privileged rich kids into a rock band and train them for a battle of the bands. What begins as a desperate effort to stay afloat soon turns into a person’s intense dedication to music. As the kids realize their hidden potential, their chaos only fuels Finn’s passion.

Charming Through and Through

After working his magic in the romance genre, director Richard Linklater switched to comedy with the hope of winning the audience’s hearts once again, and that he did. The film is a gem. But it wouldn’t be this way if the exact right people weren’t brought in for their roles. Most important is Jack Black, who turns a niche comedy into a full-fledged star vehicle, not unlike Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop.

6 Clueless (1995)

The seminal ‘90s rom-com that set standards for several future rom-coms, Clueless is a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma. It follows Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), the most popular girl at her Beverly Hills high school. Despite being hugely privileged, Cher remains kind and unpretentious. When Tai (Brittany Murphy), a new student joins the school, she decides to give her a makeover and boost her social status. Between matching her outfits and trying to set up Tai, she’s one busy queen bee. In the process, Cher also discovers her dreams and desires.

A Pitch Perfect Modernization of Jane Austen

With a talented cast including Silverstone and Paul Rudd in their breakout roles, Clueless also features sharp dialogue and memorable ‘90s fashion, both of which became iconic representations of their decade. Perfect for a lighthearted evening to put you in a good mood.

5 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves follows a handsome thief named Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine). Leaving his questionable profession behind, Edgin was content making a life with his wife and daughter. But the past comes catching up to him and eventually, he teams up with a group of adventurers to retrieve a powerful relic that is stolen. Pursued by a villain who seeks the artifact, our heroes must brave dragons, tough terrain, and high stakes to stop her.

Finally a Good Dungeons & Dragons Movie

The movie includes a star-studded cast, with the likes of Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page, who lead the adventure and show us how even the most unexpected journeys become bearable with friends around. Emerging as an epic love letter to the game, the players, and the fans, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a wonderful heist comedy worth seeking out.

4 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Adam McKay made his directorial debut with this cheesy and glorious comedy that will have you in stitches from start to finish. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is set in the male-dominated world of 1970s San Diego where a well-known newscaster continues to revel in his success. Along with his dimwitted crew, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) almost sees himself as a TV alpha. His world is shaken up when an ambitious female journalist named Veronica (Christina Applegate) enters the office and eventually the industry.

An All-Star Comedic Cast

Anchorman is a legendary comedy, with Ferrell giving one of his best performances. The absurd humor combined with an incredible cast — including Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, and Kathryn Hahn — makes for hilarious, if cringe-inducing, jokes. There’s a reason this stands as so many people’s favorite comedy, so why not see what it’s all about?