Many of the best comedy movies of 2021 have taken an unorthodox approach to the genre. In a year that was replete with superhero blockbusters and epic sci-fi films, comedy refused to take a break and took on the second year of the pandemic head-on. Indeed, 2021’s comedy lineup offers strange new premises, clever twists on old movie tricks, and genre-bending comedies.
While it remains to be seen whether or not 2021 will be the funniest year of the new decade, this year’s comedies certainly aimed at pushing the very limits of the genre. And the result is a superb lineup of fresh and genuinely funny new films. From the high concept sci-fi comedy of political humor of Moxie, comedy films take on a new dimension in 2021.
Many of the best comedy movies of 2021 are a mish-mash of different genres. As with any year in film history, these movies are a reflection of the year’s events and sociopolitical climate, which is apparent in almost every film on this list. Here’s a closer look at the 2021 comedies that are worth enjoying over and over again.
Free Guy
One of the most popular films of the year, Ryan Reynold's vehicle Free Guy set the bar high for comedy movies in 2021. The smash-hit follows Millie (Jodie Comer) and Walter (Joe Keery), who develop a unique independent game with an advanced state-of-the-art AI, which gets stolen by Soonami CEO Antwan (Taika Waititi) in order to develop the NPCs of Free City, an open-world first-person RPG. However, the theft of Millie and Walter’s code soon comes to light when their proprietary software results in the awakening of the first true AI: Ryan Reynold’s Guy, an NPC who starts exhibiting signs of sentient behavior. Apart from being a CGI-powered laugh-out-loud comedy, Free Guy is a realistic AI creation story that raises real questions about society’s development in the era of widespread online gaming. And despite its heavy political themes, Free Guy still succeeds at being a laidback feel-good comedy.
Bad Trip
This film is the unofficial culmination of comedian Eric Andre’s hidden camera comedy style, a content creation method that he has developed over the years as the host of Adult Swim’s surreal sketch comedy series The Eric Andre Show. Bad Trip’s genuinely hilarious and touching scenes, pushing the limits of what hidden camera comedy can do.
Moxie
In the Amy Poehler-directed Moxie, Vivian (Hadley Robinson) is a 16-year-old who gets fed up with how the girls at her high school are being blatantly bullied and harassed by a group of sexist jocks. She turns to her mother Lisa (Amy Poehler) for guidance, and Lisa shows her daughter how she used to stick it to the man back when she was 16: by harnessing the power of the almighty political zine. This leads Vivian to create the feminist zine Moxie, which introduces protesting and shifts the culture of sexism at her high school. Considering how Amy Poehler plays a totally different version of a “cool mom” in this movie, comparisons between Moxie’s masterful mix of feminism and dry comedy stands tall as a solid entry into the coming-of-age comedic drama subgenre on its own.
Don’t Look Up
Almost no other entry on this list is as star-studded as acclaimed comedy director Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up. A highly-satirical take on politicians' responses to real-world crises, Don’t Look Up stars Leonardo di Caprio and Jennifer Lawrence as two astronomers who struggle to find a way to warn the world about an approaching world-shattering comet. This quasi-parody of the blockbuster formula – made famous by films like Don’t Look Up has come out to mixed reviews, it’s certainly one of the most unique 2021 comedy movies.
Blithe Spirit
Based on a 1941 theatrical play of the same name, Blithe Spirit is a period rom-com with a unique premise and strong performances. Madam Arcati (Judy Dench) is a mystic who helps writer Charles Condomine (Dan Stevens) summon the spirit of his dead wife Elvira (Leslie Mann) through a séance. Charles’ skepticism is shattered when Elvira appears inside his home, which results in Charles finally getting over his writer’s block, much to chagrin of his current and living wife Ruth (Isla Fisher). Peppered with laugh-out-loud moments, Blithe Spirit more than lives up to its farcical premise.
Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar
In Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar’s cast of veteran comedic actors, the story’s insane premise is definitely a breath of fresh air for even the most hardcore comedy fans.
Willy’s Wonderland
In this weird combination of action, comedy, and grindhouse horror, Nicolas Cage stars as a quiet drifter who gets a flat tire on a remote country road and gets stranded in Hayesville, Nevada. The drifter ends up striking a deal with the owner of Nic Cage also never speaks throughout the movie, making it a great example if physical comedy.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
One of the most hotly anticipated movies of the year, Ghostbusters: Afterlife pays homage to the source material while also successfully introducing new and interesting elements to the classic and beloved franchise. No wonder Ghostbusters: Afterlife is in almost every list of the best comedy movies of 2021.
