The recent Netflix comedy movie Senior Year is an excellent showcase for the considerable talents of Rebel Wilson, and it is also a hilarious homage to the culture of the early aughts. As the success of this movie demonstrates, Netflix continues its well-established tradition of producing very funny original movies.
In fact, the streamer has been responsible for some very uproarious comedies. The streamer has largely led the way when it comes to the production of entertaining and funny movies, and these are their best so far.
Tallulah (2016)
Tallulah takes its place as one of the best dramedies of the 2010s. Focusing on a young woman who takes a baby from its mother and then pretends it’s her own, it is the type of movie that benefits from both a very strong script and outstanding performances from both Elliot Page (it’s one of his best roles) and Allison Janney.
What’s especially remarkable about Tallulah is how deftly it weaves together the comedic and dramatic elements of its story, and while there are some very dark moments, there is also genuine joy to be found here as well.
The Polka King (2017)
There’s no question that Jack Black is one of the finest comedic actors of his generation. Somehow, he always manages to bring out the sublimely ridiculous and the deeply resonant in the characters he plays, and that is especially true in Polka King, where he portrays the real-life figure of Jan Lewan, who was imprisoned for running a Ponzi scheme.
Given that this is a Jack Black vehicle, it features some moments of true hilarity where he gets to showcase his skills, but it also never loses sight of the human being at the center of the story.
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
From the very first moments of The Incredible Jessica James, its star Jessica Williams casts a spell that is infectious and irresistible. She plays the character of Jessica James, a playwright struggling to make it while also contending with the various aspects of her life, both romantic and otherwise.
Though there are some predictable elements of the plot, it’s to James’ credit that she makes the viewer forget about all of that. The audience is led to sympathize with her and also to laugh with her, and the movie is filled with an infectious humor that none can resist.
Always Be My Maybe (2016)
The Always Be My Maybe, which focuses on two people who unexpectedly reconnect after years of not having seen one another. It’s the type of movie that toggles effortlessly between its witty and romantic elements, blending them together in a seamless whole.
Ali Wong and Randall Park turn in very strong performances, and though the movie hits all the expected beats, it has a charm and humor that overcomes its predictability.
When We First Met (2018)
Throughout his career, Adam DeVine has shown that he is a formidable talent, and he has many comedic roles under his belt as an actor. He brings his considerable charm to bear in When We First Met, in which he plays the character of Noah Ashby who, having been transported back to the past, tries to use the knowledge he has of the future to win the girl of his dreams.
Though it treads some of the same territory as other similar movies, DeVine’s charm and ability to sweep the viewer up in the humor means that the movie succeeds nevertheless.
The 40-Year-Old Version (2020)
The 40-Year-Old Version deserves to be seen not just as one of the funniest Netflix original movies, but also one of their best original movies writ large. Directed,written by, and starring Radha Black, she plays a playwright who turns to rapping in her middle age. It is a beautiful movie–shot in black-and-white–but it is in its humor that it truly shines.
Though sometimes understated, there is a sharpness to the lines and the dialogue that land with the precision of a scalpel, which is precisely what makes it such an insightful and hilarious comedy.
Moxie (2021)
Though she is probably best known for her many great comedic roles, Amy Poehler has also shown that she is quite skilled behind the camera. In this movie, which focuses on a young woman who starts a feminist magazine in order to help fight back against the many oppressions that young women face, Poehler shows why she deserves so much respect.
In addition to being quite hilarious, it is also a movie that feels ever more timely, given the extent to which it addresses issues that continue to be of importance to young women everywhere.
Wine Country (2019)
Wine Country is something of an embarrassment of riches when it comes to its cast, which includes many of the most notable alumni of Saturday Night Live. Focusing on a group of women who go to California’s wine country for a birthday celebration, it is filled with moments of both genuine hilarity as well as powerful pathos.
More than anything else, however, it is a movie that is a testament to the extraordinary friendships that develop between women and the importance of holding onto those bonds.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
best movies of 2021. It’s easy to see why. Directed by Adam McKay, it shows the director’s signature bite, and it is a searing indictment of the ways in which far too many are willing to willfully turn aside from the catastrophic danger of imminent climate disaster.
As a satire, it succeeds quite well, and its humor is underscored by the hilarious performances given by its all-star cast, which includes the likes of Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Like the best movies of the Coen Brothers, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a mix of different genres, including western, comedy, and drama. However, it is to the directors’ credit that they are able to tie all of these elements together into a movie that is not only coherent but also hilarious.
There is, as always, a bit of pointedness to the movie’s sense of humor and there are also moments of divine absurdity. Fortunately, in hands as dexterous as the Coens, it works, and it certainly helps that they are also working with a very talented cast.
