25 Best Comedies on Netflix to Stream for a Night of Laughs
Updated: Jul. 01, 2022In the mood for a funny flick? Check out the comedies on Netflix that will leave you in stitches before the credits roll.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Stream the best comedies on Netflix for a humor-filled movie marathon
They say laughter is the best medicine for (almost) anything—and luckily for us, there are plenty of funny movies to watch when we need a big ol’ dose of humor. Some of the best movies ever made are comedies; they’re movies that let us escape from the real world for a bit and indulge in a ridiculously fun world where there’s no shortage of laughter. Sounds pretty great, right? If you’re looking for some comical films to stream, consider the best comedies on Netflix.
From classic family movies to endearing romantic comedies and comedy blockbusters, this list has a little something for everyone. There’s no shortage of slapstick, wit, and straight-up goofy stories to indulge in.
How we chose the best comedies on Netflix
We chose the best comedies on Netflix by looking at several factors, including box office success and critic and audience reception. Some of these movies are comedy classics, whereas others are funny hidden gems. Read on to see which comedies you can start streaming now—and let the hilarity commence!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Released: 1989
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid
The third movie in the National Lampoon franchise proves slapstick comedy never takes a break—even during the holidays. The Griswolds are hoping for the perfect Christmas, complete with lots of family bonding and elaborate decorations. But in true Griswold fashion, things go haywire. It’s unfortunate for them but hilarious for us. The physical comedy and kick-him-while-he’s-down surprises (see the Jelly of the Month Club scene) make it one of the funniest Christmas movies out there.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Released: 2004
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner
Star-studded and seriously goofy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is one of those movies where silly comedy works its magic. Watch as the boys club of a 1970s newsroom, led by crude hotshot anchor Ron Burgundy, is shaken to its core after a woman is hired to coanchor the news. Comedic chops from an über-talented cast (which includes Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Seth Rogen in smaller roles) make the film a hit; it even scores an impressive 86 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Don’t forget to check out these movies that got rotten reviews when they came out.
Something’s Gotta Give
Released: 2003
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves, and Diane Keaton
Don’t be fooled: Something’s Gotta Give may be a romantic movie on Netflix, but there’s great comedic chemistry between Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in this flick. Nicholson stars as Harry, a womanizer who, after having a heart attack while on a vacation with his younger girlfriend, is confined to bed rest at her family beach house—and soon finds himself falling for her mother, Erica. The cast’s performance is on point in this one, with Diane Keaton’s authentic and refreshing portrayal of Erica earning her an Oscar nod. Add it to your rom-com watch list for lots of endearing laughs.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Released: 1975
Rated: PG
Starring: John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman
We couldn’t list the best comedies on Netflix without mentioning the beloved comedy classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This silly gem features the Monty Python comedy group trudging through the Middle Ages as King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, who are on the hunt for—you guessed it—the Holy Grail. Watch as the group encounters some truly ridiculous (but hysterical) obstacles on their quest. Fair warning: You’ll be quoting this critically acclaimed and fan-favorite flick long after the credits roll.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian
Released: 1979
Rated: R
Starring: John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman
Make it a Monty Python night by streaming Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian back-to-back. Watch as the comedy group takes a satirical look at religion by following the life of Brian, a man who experiences some misadventures after being confused for the Messiah. It’s another beloved, albeit controversial (it was banned in several countries) Monty Python flick that spotlights the group’s comedic genius.
Hello, My Name is Doris
Released: 2015
Rated: R
Starring: Sally Field and Max Greenfield
Certified “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes (and boasting an audience score of 76 percent), Hello, My Name is Doris has won over fans and critics alike. The dramedy stars the timeless Sally Field as Doris, a woman finding herself attracted to her much younger coworker (Max Greenfield). The film’s comedy is witty and genuine without being corny, and it’s woven into the plot extremely well. Plus, Fields’s stellar performance is one for the books.
Little Evil
Released: 2017
Rated: TV-MA
Starring: Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly, and Owen Atlas
Fans of a good comedy-horror combo will find delight in Little Evil, a film starring Adam Scott as a stepdad trying to connect with his young stepson. The catch? He’s convinced the boy is evil … like, really evil. With funny nods to classic scary movies like The Omen and Poltergeist, Little Evil delivers heartfelt laughs—and the occasional set of goosebumps—as Scott’s character navigates two unknowns: the supernatural and fatherhood.
Bo Burnham: Inside
Released: 2021
Rated: TV-MA
Starring: Bo Burnham
If you’re looking for a clever and wonderfully produced musical comedy special, add Bo Burnham: Inside to your Netflix streaming list. Watch as comedian Bo Burnham masterfully performs an award-winning special he wrote, produced, and performed all on his own over the course of a year during the pandemic—a time when we were all inside and unsure. The laughs feel extra personal and reflective in this one. It’s a hit with audiences and critics, scoring an impressive 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and a 93 percent audience score on the website.
The Takedown
Released: 2022
Rated: TV-MA
Starring: Omar Sy, Laurent Lafitte, and Izïa Higelin
The Takedown is a French buddy-cop action comedy that will have you hooked from the beginning. Two cops who are complete opposites are reunited to work a case that seems straightforward enough but evolves into something much bigger—and more dangerous. Following along for laughs and thrills.
Don’t Look Up
Released: 2021
Rated: R
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, and Meryl Streep
Don’t Look Up is a comedy on Netflix with mixed reviews; some critics and audience members are none too pleased with the film’s satirical tone. But others praise the stellar cast’s performance and commentary on current events—and it was a huge streaming success for Netflix. So really, its comedic value is in the eyes of the beholder. Stream the disaster comedy about astronomers trying to warn a disengaged world about an Earth-ending comet and see where it ranks on your comedy list.
The Duff
Released: 2015
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, and Ken Jeong
Let’s be real: Even the high school years can have their funny moments, as hilariously proven in The Duff. Based on the teen book of the same name, the movie is about a teenager named Bianca (portrayed by Mae Whitman in a seriously funny performance) who enlists the help of her jock neighbor (Robbie Amell) to change her image. Filled with comical awkward antics and charming coming-of-age moments, The Duff is a teen comedy classic that’s guaranteed to get some laughs.
When Harry Met Sally
Released: 1989
Rated: R
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, and Carrie Fisher
Acclaimed by both audiences and critics, the quintessential rom-com When Harry Met Sally easily makes our list of the best comedies on Netflix to stream. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan shine as Harry and Sally, two seemingly opposite strangers who, over the course of more than ten years, develop a friendship … and maybe a little something more. Crystal and Ryan’s chemistry and banter are screen-stealing as the film strives to answer the age-old question: Can men and women really just be friends? Don’t miss the diner scene, which gave us the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” line—easily one of the funniest movie quotes ever.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Released: 2016
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Sam Neill and Julian Dennison
Delightfully hilarious and totally underrated, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a comedy on Netflix that will get you laughing in no time. You’re in for a comical ride as a young boy and his foster father get lost in the New Zealand woods—and become the targets of a manhunt. Fans and critics adore the title, proven by its stellar score of 97 percent on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and a 91 percent audience score on the site. Plus, it’s written and directed by Taika Waititi (who codirected What We Do in the Shadows), which further cements its status as comedy gold. (P.S. If you’re looking to unlock hidden titles, try using these Netflix codes.)
Dumb and Dumber
Released: 1994
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels
With a movie title like Dumb and Dumber, the audience has a pretty good concept of the comedy they’re about to watch. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are comedic geniuses in the film, starring as two brainless best pals who take a road trip to return some cash—not realizing they’ve stumbled into a kidnapping scheme. The screwball comedy is a cult classic, capitalizing on foolish and cringey antics that make viewers groan between laughs. Stream it now to see what makes it one of the best comedies on Netflix.
The Adam Project
Released: 2o22
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldaña, Jennifer Garner, and Mark Ruffalo
Sci-fi action-adventure meets some impressive comedic moments in The Adam Project, which stars Ryan Reynolds as a time-traveling pilot named Adam who must partner with his younger self to complete a crucial mission. The snarky comedy flows naturally throughout the film, and the banter between older Adam and younger Adam is both witty and endearing. Add it to your streaming list for a fantastic mix of comedy and adventure.
The Lovebirds
Released: 2020
Rated: R
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae
The Lovebirds has a little bit of something for everyone: love, laughs, and a murder mystery. Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae’s chemistry and comedic timing is on point in the film, which follows a couple on the brink of a breakup trying to clear their names in a murder case. Stream it now and strap in for a funny ride.
Dolemite Is My Name
Released: 2019
Rated: R
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, and Keegan-Michael Key
Scoring an amazing 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and a 91 percent audience score on the website, Dolemite Is My Name is a must-watch comedy jam-packed with stars like Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, and Snoop Dogg. Eddie Murphy stars in the dramatized biopic as Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy pioneer who shot to fame after creating a lewd alter ego named Dolemite. Murphy’s performance is remarkable and heartfelt, with gleaming moments of sentiment woven into the laugh-out-loud comedy.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Released: 2021
Rated: PG
Starring: Maya Rudolph, Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, and Eric André
Those looking for a more family-friendly funny flick should stream The Mitchells vs. the Machines, easily one of the best comedies on Netflix right now. Joyful and wildly entertaining, it tells the story of a family road trip interrupted by the robot apocalypse—and now it’s up to the brood of oddballs to save the world. No biggie. It’s one of the best cartoon movies on Netflix right now, praised by both viewers and critics alike. Start streaming now to see why.
You’ve Got Mail
Released: 1998
Rated: PG
Starring: Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Charming and chuckle-inducing, You’ve Got Mail reunited Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (they did Sleepless in Seattle in 1993) for another rom-com must-watch. They star as two rivals in the books business who unwittingly have fallen for one another over email. Seeing the contrast between their online relationship and real-life relationship is comical, and the enemies-to-lovers (or is it lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers?) arc is entertaining to watch unfold.
Murder Mystery
Released: 2019
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston bring their comedic chemistry to the screen with Murder Mystery, a movie about a cop and his wife who, while on a European trip, get framed for a billionaire’s murder. Now they have to figure out who the real killer is before they’re hauled away in handcuffs. Sandler and Aniston’s give-and-take is fun to watch as they navigate the twists and turns of solving a case.
Set It Up
Released: 2018
Rated: TV-MA
Starring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, and Taye Diggs
Set It Up is a Netflix romantic comedy that’s smart, delightful, and downright amusing. It’s the story of two overworked assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) who set up their bosses with the hope they’ll fall in love—and take it easy on them at the office. As their bosses fall for one another, feelings start brewing between them too—and, well, things get complicated. It’s a great movie for the hopeless romantic who’s looking for some sweet, genuine laughs.
Due Date
Released: 2010
Rated: R
Starring: Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr.
Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr. star in this opposites-stuck-together comedy about a man desperate to get home for the birth of his child—so desperate, in fact, that he agrees to drive across the country with a well-intentioned but bumbling aspiring actor that he just met. Patience is tested, things go epically wrong, and the audience comes along for the hilariously dysfunctional ride.
The Edge of Seventeen
Released: 2016
Rated: R
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, and Woody Harrelson
Scoring a 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, The Edge of Seventeen has firm footing as a coming-of-age drama/comedy classic. Hailee Steinfeld gives an authentic and hilarious performance as Nadine, an awkward teen whose world gets turned upside down when her best friend starts dating her seemingly perfect older brother. Seeing her deal with this, plus the other tribulations of being a teen, is endearing and nostalgic—anyone who’s been a teenager can relate. The flick reminds us that growing up, while tough at times, can also be pretty funny.
Mindhorn
Released: 2016
Rated: TV-MA
Starring: Julian Barratt and Essie Davis
One of the best comedies on Netflix is also one of the streaming platform’s most underrated. Mindhorn, a ridiculously fun film about a down-on-his-luck actor who reprises his hit role as a 1980s detective to help catch a twisted killer who thinks the fictional detective is real. It’s a trip from beginning to end and won the hearts of many critics; it scores a solid 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. Start streaming now and crack up while Detective Mindhorn cracks the case.
Sorry to Bother You
Released: 2018
Rated: R
Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Steven Yeun
A fresh and unapologetic satire, Sorry to Bother You is easily one of the best comedies on Netflix right now. It’s about a telemarketer who achieves incredible success after taking a coworker’s advice. Soon, he finds himself in a world of greed—a world he may not be able to escape. Creatively shot and filled with comical lines, Sorry to Bother You is a movie that’s sure to make itself home on your streaming list.
