With the script for Free Guy. It's not surprising that s on Ranker have voted the blockbuster as the best recent comedy movie, along with some other gut-busting flicks that should be considered essential viewing for fans of the genre.
From silly whodunnits to superhero movies, audiences are bound to find something they like among the top-rated comedy movies on the site. These are the perfect films to put on for a fun movie night with family and friends.
Murder Mystery (2019)
Available to stream on Netflix.
When Nick and Audrey get invited to an extravagant yacht party in Murder Mystery, they don't expect to be at the center of a murder investigation after one of the attendees is stabbed. They uncover wild things as they attempt to clear their names, while also repairing their 15-year marriage in the process.
The goofy whodunnit is full of hilarious visual gags and jokes, with most making fun of society's obsession with true crime. It's also surprisingly easy to get invested in the story and root for the likable protagonists, who get into increasingly wacky situations. Fans who enjoy it will be glad to know that a sequel, Murder Mystery 2, is expected to premiere sometime this year.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Set in 1969 Los Angeles, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood revolves around the experiences of TV star Rick Dalton and stuntman Cliff Booth, as they navigate the ever-changing movie industry. They also happen to be neighbors with actor Sharon Tate and her husband, director Roman Polaski.
Often described as his tribute to Hollywood's golden age, there are numerous Quentin Tarantino trademarks like idiosyncratic dialogue in the critically-acclaimed film. Instead of focusing on the looming Manson murders, the director chooses to give a comedic overview of what Hollywood was like at that time.
Booksmart (2019)
Available to stream on Hulu.
Longtime best friends Amy and Molly realize they should have partied more in high school in Booksmart, as they see that their peers who had fun still managed to get into the same prestigious university they're attending. The two of them devise a plan to make this right, organizing the ultimate party to make up for all the nights they spent studying instead of going out with friends.
The pair are woefully unprepared for the difficult task ahead of them, which makes the entire process of planning the party humorous. It's entertaining even to just listen to their funny conversations, as the duo has strong chemistry and a clear comedic dynamic.
Shazam! (2019)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
14-year-old Billy Batson's life is changed forever after an ancient wizard chooses him to be his champion in Shazam!. By uttering the magic word, the protagonist can turn into an adult with superpowers. He then has to learn to use these newfound powers against the villains Dr. Thaddeus Sivana and the Seven Deadly Sins.
The superhero film has been lauded for its lightheartedness, as most fans would agree that it's a feel-good movie with genuinely hilarious moments. Audiences who become fans of the likable hero will be happy to discover that a sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, is coming out on December 21.
Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
The long-awaited sequel to the 2009 classic Zombieland: Double Tap. The post-apocalyptic comedy sequel follows the survivors that fans know and love as they continue to navigate the zombie-filled world, while also dealing with growing tensions within their makeshift family.
There's no shortage of comical moments and hilarious quotes in Double Tap as Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock get into absurd situations with new "strains" of zombies involved. There are also some witty references to the first movie that eagle-eyed viewers may be able to spot.
Good Boys (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Three sixth-grade boys embark on an epic adventure in Good Boys as they prepare themselves for a party with the cool kids. Having been considered weirdos for the longest time in their school, they do everything to prove their peers wrong. From learning how to kiss to buying a beer, they cram an unbelievable number of adult activities in one day.
Much of the humor from the underrated comedy film comes not just from the boys' misadventures, but from the adult concepts that fly over their heads as they seek help from teenagers. It's amusing to see them overcome obstacles at every turn to make it to their party.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Audiences who like dark humor and history should consider Jojo Rabbit a must-see. The film depicts the titular young protagonist Jojo's story as he discovers that his mother is hiding someone in their attic. What he learns and experiences soon after will shake his belief system in unimaginable ways.
The anti-hate satire is not for everyone, but those who enjoy that type of irreverent humor will likely find that the film is a new favorite. The unapologetic outrageousness and daring political commentary make it easy to fall in love with the genuinely unique movie.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Often cited alongside some of the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and the fourth entry in the massively successful Jumanji franchise. It follows the same group of characters (with a few new additions) as they brave the dangerous game once again to rescue an old friend.
From the immediate major comical error that happens after they land in Jumanji to the countless visual gags and well-written jokes throughout the game, there are more than a few scenes that will have audiences laughing. It's an exhilarating movie from start to finish.
Palm Springs (2020)
Available to stream on Hulu.
A seemingly normal wedding turns into a neverending disaster when former strangers Nyles and Sarah get stuck in a time loop together in Palm Springs. The funny rom-com portrays their attempts at escaping, enjoying, and hating the time loop and each other, as they go through different stages of understanding what their situation means for their lives and their futures.
The cool time loop movie adds its own spin to the concept by exploring what would happen if two people were stuck instead of the typical one. The premise pays off, as the relationship between the compelling characters becomes the focus of the film – it helps that they have incredible chemistry and humorous lines.
Free Guy (2021)
Available to stream on Disney+.
Guy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he's an NPC in a video game in Free Guy. His daily routines and boring bank job are never the same, and things get even messier when he finds out that the game is about to go offline. The film depicts his experiences working with a player to prove that the CEO plagiarized her work while trying to rescue his friends and community Free City.
With its shocking cameos, numerous video game and pop culture references, and original story, the popular film deserves all the praise it gets. The likable protagonist's jokes almost always land and his bizarre storyline is oddly charming. Audiences who enjoy the film hopefully don't have to wait too long for its highly-anticipated sequel.
