33 votes

What are some great actual comedies made in the last twenty years?

I'm a big fan of IMDB's Advanced TItle Search but it is kinda useless for finding movies that are primarily comedies. By which I mean films with a main focus on producing laughter or comedic amusement. The problem is that the genre/tag "comedy", while often present, rarely means that a movie is a comedy first and foremost. For example: technically Marvel movies are comedies, but they are really more like action with jokes. There are also many comedy dramas and "dramedies" and that is not what I am look for at all.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is maybe one of the few "almost pure" comedies on TV today.

I miss watching movies that put comedy first even if they are a mix of different genres.

Any suggestions?

41 comments

  1. [3]
    qob
    Link
    I can't think of any movie that is just a comedy. They all need a theme they can make fun of where an actual story takes place. Otherwise it would just be a collection of jokes. My favorite...

    I can't think of any movie that is just a comedy. They all need a theme they can make fun of where an actual story takes place. Otherwise it would just be a collection of jokes.

    My favorite (horror) comedies are Tucker and Dale vs. Evil and What We Do in the Shadows.

    23 votes
    1. lou
      Link Parent
      You're right, nothing is just a comedy. I believe that is true of every genre. But some films prioritize the comedy over other aspects ;)

      You're right, nothing is just a comedy. I believe that is true of every genre. But some films prioritize the comedy over other aspects ;)

      5 votes
    2. Asinine
      Link Parent
      Tucker and Dale is possibly the best movie I've seen in ... around 2 decades? I don't watch much, because I've become jaded with movies and shows in general, but this was a gem (and only just saw...

      Tucker and Dale is possibly the best movie I've seen in ... around 2 decades? I don't watch much, because I've become jaded with movies and shows in general, but this was a gem (and only just saw it in January!)

      5 votes
  2. [3]
    cloud_loud
    (edited )
    Link
    All of Akiva Schaffer’s films: The Naked Gun, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Hot Rod Seth Rogen productions: This is the End, Superbad, Neighbors, The Interview Adam McKay’s earlier work:...

    All of Akiva Schaffer’s films: The Naked Gun, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Hot Rod

    Seth Rogen productions: This is the End, Superbad, Neighbors, The Interview

    Adam McKay’s earlier work: Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, The Other Guys

    The Hangover trilogy, Bridesmaids, Tropic Thunder, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Macgruber, 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street

    Something more high brow: The Nice Guys

    Edit: I can’t believe i forgot this but Barbie is probably the biggest comedy of the decade

    22 votes
    1. chocobean
      Link Parent
      Came to suggest many of these, especially Phil Lord and Chris Miller's 21 Jump Street and 22. Their "kids films" like Cloudy with A Chance of meatballs, Lego were great as well. And Super Bad...

      Came to suggest many of these, especially Phil Lord and Chris Miller's 21 Jump Street and 22. Their "kids films" like Cloudy with A Chance of meatballs, Lego were great as well.

      And Super Bad (2007)

      Laughs can be easy in a theatre seat, but great writing with tight execution makes the funny last forever. Which is why Hot Fuzz has always been top of the list for me.

      14 votes
    2. TheRTV
      Link Parent
      The Other Guy is genuinely hilarious. If you only watch one, this if the one I recommend! The jump street movies are also really good.

      The Other Guy is genuinely hilarious. If you only watch one, this if the one I recommend!

      The jump street movies are also really good.

      5 votes
  3. CannibalisticApple
    Link
    I just saw the new Naked Gun movie, and haven't heard a theater full of people laughing that much in a long time. Then there's the Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and This is the...

    I just saw the new Naked Gun movie, and haven't heard a theater full of people laughing that much in a long time.

    Then there's the Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and This is the End. Even the trilogy status is the result of a joke after realizing the first two both had different flavors of Cornetto ice cream.

    21 votes
  4. [2]
    DefinitelyNotAFae
    Link
    A reminder for folks that anything before 2005 isn't in the past twenty years. My back hurts after checking a few favs

    A reminder for folks that anything before 2005 isn't in the past twenty years. My back hurts after checking a few favs

    19 votes
    1. vord
      Link Parent
      I was like "Obviously Supertroopers." Then I checked years. :(

      I was like "Obviously Supertroopers." Then I checked years. :(

      2 votes
  5. [3]
    conniereynhart
    Link
    The last real comedy I watched was Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007). Pretty funny imho :-)

    The last real comedy I watched was Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007). Pretty funny imho :-)

    13 votes
    1. [2]
      JXM
      Link Parent
      I think that's a great pick because it's laser focused on being a comedy. It has some other genres mixed in (like melodrama) but they are all in service of the comedy. There are a dozen scenes...

      I think that's a great pick because it's laser focused on being a comedy. It has some other genres mixed in (like melodrama) but they are all in service of the comedy.

      There are a dozen scenes that crack me up, but my favorite is by far the rehab scene.

      5 votes
      1. Requirement
        Link Parent
        I would go a small caveat: it's laser focused on making sure there's comedy. It's incredibly genre-conscious the entire run time; it clearly knows every intimate detail of how music biopics are...

        I would go a small caveat: it's laser focused on making sure there's comedy. It's incredibly genre-conscious the entire run time; it clearly knows every intimate detail of how music biopics are presented and chooses at every point to make the joke. It ruined music biopics for a decade.

        6 votes
  6. [2]
    Eji1700
    Link
    Hundreds of Beavers jumps to mind.

    Hundreds of Beavers jumps to mind.

    10 votes
    1. JXM
      Link Parent
      Absolutely. I can’t think of a movie that made me laugh harder in the past 5 years. It’s got such a density of jokes compared to most movies.

      Absolutely. I can’t think of a movie that made me laugh harder in the past 5 years. It’s got such a density of jokes compared to most movies.

      1 vote
  7. EsteeBestee
    Link
    I thoroughly enjoyed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, definitely recommend if you want something funny!

    I thoroughly enjoyed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, definitely recommend if you want something funny!

    9 votes
  8. [2]
    slade
    Link
    I would put Superstore in this genre. There are very few heavy moments. It even seems to make fun of the dramedy genre a little by setting up tropy drama moments and then subverting them for laughs.

    I would put Superstore in this genre. There are very few heavy moments. It even seems to make fun of the dramedy genre a little by setting up tropy drama moments and then subverting them for laughs.

    6 votes
    1. lou
      Link Parent
      That is a solid show that's for sure ;)

      That is a solid show that's for sure ;)

      1 vote
  9. [2]
    streblo
    Link
    The funniest movie I’ve seen in the last few years (disclaimer, don’t watch a ton of movies) is The Holdovers (2023). It’s full of all the usual prep school tropes but I found it quite funny.

    The funniest movie I’ve seen in the last few years (disclaimer, don’t watch a ton of movies) is The Holdovers (2023).

    It’s full of all the usual prep school tropes but I found it quite funny.

    5 votes
    1. AnthonyB
      Link Parent
      I loved that movie! I thought it was going to be lame holiday stuff but it was very well done. Dominic Sessa was a hell of a find.

      I loved that movie! I thought it was going to be lame holiday stuff but it was very well done. Dominic Sessa was a hell of a find.

      1 vote
  10. [3]
    JXM
    Link
    The Legend of Foggy Mountain from the comedy group Please Don't Destroy, is a straight up comedy. It's focused on the comedy, everything else in the movie is incidental.

    The Legend of Foggy Mountain from the comedy group Please Don't Destroy, is a straight up comedy. It's focused on the comedy, everything else in the movie is incidental.

    4 votes
    1. The_Schield
      Link Parent
      This is such a breakout movie, I absolutely loved it. Every pitch and bit is so gleefully funny and whip cracking - definitely a modern comfort movie

      This is such a breakout movie, I absolutely loved it. Every pitch and bit is so gleefully funny and whip cracking - definitely a modern comfort movie

      2 votes
    2. Requirement
      Link Parent
      I just recently found out about and watched this movie. It's fantastic! Is it a good movie? Not really! Is it a comedy and is every bit fully committed to? Yes! It's a fun, light, comedic film...

      I just recently found out about and watched this movie. It's fantastic! Is it a good movie? Not really! Is it a comedy and is every bit fully committed to? Yes! It's a fun, light, comedic film that should have done better based on starring names and should have been more fully embraced as a pure comedy released post 2020. If you want more comedies made, you have to pay to see them people!

      1 vote
  11. themagiulio
    Link
    I’d like to contribute with some non-English contents: my favourite tv show (+ movie), Boris, and the trilogy I can quit whenever I want. Both are Italian products that I love, but I don’t know...

    I’d like to contribute with some non-English contents: my favourite tv show (+ movie), Boris, and the trilogy I can quit whenever I want. Both are Italian products that I love, but I don’t know how well they could be understood by foreigners, especially the first one.

    Staying in the USA, Community and Arrested Development are gold.

    4 votes
  12. [5]
    xk3
    (edited )
    Link
    Surreal comedies are often quite funny--even foreign ones as normal comedies usually rely more on cultural references or taboos. But you are right, there doesn't seem to be as many non-arthouse...

    Surreal comedies are often quite funny--even foreign ones as normal comedies usually rely more on cultural references or taboos. But you are right, there doesn't seem to be as many non-arthouse surreal films being made compared to 30 years ago. But maybe you haven't seen some of these:

    • All's Well, Ends Well (Hong Kong 1992)

    • Instant Swamp (Japan 2009)

    • The Holy Mountain (Mexico 1973)

    There's also genre satire films like Hot Fuzz... Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) and Poor Things (2023) were popular ones made recently.

    But you are right... while there are films that try to copy the Baby's Day Out formula, the Three Stooges, etc... most of them are just not that good compared to what they imitate so they don't become widely distributed. Maybe you could try The Onion Movie (2008) or MacGruber (2010)?

    If you don't like any of these... what are some of the older comedies that you consider comedies?

    3 votes
    1. entitled-entilde
      Link Parent
      I want to second this recommendation, I love this film, and basically everything Satoshi Miki makes.

      Instant Swamp (Japan 2009)

      I want to second this recommendation, I love this film, and basically everything Satoshi Miki makes.

      1 vote
    2. [3]
      chocobean
      Link Parent
      All's Well, Ends Well -- I love it, so great. Here it is with English subtitles Speaking of Hong Kong films, my all time favourite is Fat Choi Spirit (2002) which is older than 20 years but just...

      All's Well, Ends Well -- I love it, so great. Here it is with English subtitles

      Speaking of Hong Kong films, my all time favourite is Fat Choi Spirit (2002) which is older than 20 years but just narrowly.... Watch English Sub here

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        xk3
        Link Parent
        Thanks for the link! The wife and I watched this yesterday. Pretty funny! I didn't know you could play Mahjong with just two people

        Fat Choi Spirit (2002)

        Thanks for the link! The wife and I watched this yesterday. Pretty funny! I didn't know you could play Mahjong with just two people

        1 vote
        1. chocobean
          Link Parent
          Oh I'm glad you guys gave it a shot :D The rules can be adapted regionally for two or three, for example Wikipedia has an article on two (cn) that originates from strip mahjong games.

          Oh I'm glad you guys gave it a shot :D

          The rules can be adapted regionally for two or three, for example Wikipedia has an article on two (cn) that originates from strip mahjong games.

          1 vote
  13. [2]
    TBDBITLtrpt13
    Link
    Maybe a bit out of left field, but two movies I watched expecting nothing and leaving pleasantly surprised recently are Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022) and Captain Underpants: The First Epic...

    Maybe a bit out of left field, but two movies I watched expecting nothing and leaving pleasantly surprised recently are Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022) and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)

    I will allow that Captain Underpants had a bit of a nostalgia factor in my enjoyment, but I still would recommend the watch.

    3 votes
    1. JXM
      Link Parent
      I had similar feelings. I recently rewatched it and it’s such a departure from the average movie aimed at kids that age. It’s not nearly as cacophonous and chaotic as something like Minions is.

      I will allow that Captain Underpants had a bit of a nostalgia factor in my enjoyment, but I still would recommend the watch.

      I had similar feelings. I recently rewatched it and it’s such a departure from the average movie aimed at kids that age. It’s not nearly as cacophonous and chaotic as something like Minions is.

      1 vote
  14. ColorUserPro
    Link
    It's almost exclusively an 80 minute collection of skits, and even though it was filmed in 2003 its 2008 release date shoehorns it into your criteria: The Onion Movie. It's great satire, and...

    It's almost exclusively an 80 minute collection of skits, and even though it was filmed in 2003 its 2008 release date shoehorns it into your criteria: The Onion Movie. It's great satire, and scenes like the Armed Gunman still make me laugh to this day.

    2 votes
  15. AnthonyB
    Link
    TV has a bunch of great comedies, but as far as movies go, I think the list gets pretty sparse after 2010. I haven't seen any worthwhile "pure" comedies in a while. I saw the Naked Gun remake a...

    TV has a bunch of great comedies, but as far as movies go, I think the list gets pretty sparse after 2010. I haven't seen any worthwhile "pure" comedies in a while. I saw the Naked Gun remake a few days ago. It was fine, but I wouldn't give it a full endorsement.

    Bridesmaids is my nominee for best pure comedy post-2010. Some of the later Apatow-style comedies like Superbad, Pineapple Express, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, etc. haven't hit the 20-year cutoff yet. Though some of those have a bit of romcom mixed in. Then there's Tropic Thunder, Ted, and Neighbors, which were all pretty good and seem to fit what you're describing.

    This is right on the edge, but I think Triangle of Sadness is a comedy before anything else. It's got a decent mix of satire/social commentary and raunchy stuff, and there isn't any real "drama" to it. The pacing doesn't feel like a comedy, but I've laughed harder at that than anything in recent memory.

    2 votes
  16. redwall_hp
    Link
    Psych is one of my favorite TV shows of all time, and it's pretty much nonstop comedy. I'm a little disturbed that it's barely in the "twenty years" timeframe now, but whatever.

    Psych is one of my favorite TV shows of all time, and it's pretty much nonstop comedy. I'm a little disturbed that it's barely in the "twenty years" timeframe now, but whatever.

    2 votes
  17. cutmetal
    Link
    Here's a weird-ass list of stuff not mentioned elsewhere ITT for you: Hot Tub Time Machine Paul Rubber

    Here's a weird-ass list of stuff not mentioned elsewhere ITT for you:

    • Hot Tub Time Machine
    • Paul
    • Rubber
    1 vote
  18. nukeman
    Link
    I’m not sure if it crosses into comedy-drama too much for your definition, but Click (2006) with Adam Sandler was a good one for me!

    I’m not sure if it crosses into comedy-drama too much for your definition, but Click (2006) with Adam Sandler was a good one for me!

    1 vote
  19. TyrianMollusk
    Link
    My Super Ex-Girlfriend 2006 Crank 2006 Going By the Book 2007 KOR Tropic Thunder 2008 Get Smart 2008 Dachimawa Lee 2008 KOR Phobia 2 2009 THA - segment 5 The Other Guys 2010 Detention 2011 John...
    • My Super Ex-Girlfriend 2006
    • Crank 2006
    • Going By the Book 2007 KOR
    • Tropic Thunder 2008
    • Get Smart 2008
    • Dachimawa Lee 2008 KOR
    • Phobia 2 2009 THA - segment 5
    • The Other Guys 2010
    • Detention 2011
    • John Dies at the End 2012
    • The World's End 2013
    • Search Party 2014
    • Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping 2016
    • Central Intelligence 2016
    • Game Night 2018
    • Extreme Job 2019 KOR
    • Hobbs & Shaw 2019
    • Night of the Undead 2020 KOR (note: not a zombie movie)
    • Smoking Causes Coughing 2022 FRA (we go for pretty much all of this guy's willfully bizarre work, but it's very YMMV, and this will give you a good taste without without too much investment)
    • Krazy House 2024

    For shows, I'll throw out Angie Tribeca (season 1), The Middleman, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004 but I'll list it anyway), Pacific Heat, Danger 5, Bullet in the Face, Archer (season 1), Toast of London, and if you want a sketch show, Auntie Donna's Big Ol House of Fun and That Mitchell and Webb Look.

    1 vote
  20. Pipas
    Link
    I just rewatched it the other day Hot Fuzz is almost 20 but it's an incredible watch. Every like is either a setup for something else in the movie or a punchline

    I just rewatched it the other day Hot Fuzz is almost 20 but it's an incredible watch. Every like is either a setup for something else in the movie or a punchline

    1 vote
  21. whs
    Link
    I recently watched Ted 1&2 on Netflix Comedies always perform well in Thai cinema - people outside large metros don't like complicated movies. I don't really watch them, but I ran into Bus Lane...

    I recently watched Ted 1&2 on Netflix

    Comedies always perform well in Thai cinema - people outside large metros don't like complicated movies. I don't really watch them, but I ran into Bus Lane (2007) on YouTube (legally) and I already watched it twice. The movie is set entirely on a bus, which turns out with a colorful cast you could make it work.

    1 vote
  22. firedoll
    Link
    If I recall, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a pretty pure comedy and I enjoyed how over the top it was at points. Looking at the IMDB score, though, it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

    If I recall, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a pretty pure comedy and I enjoyed how over the top it was at points. Looking at the IMDB score, though, it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

  23. benpocalypse
    Link
    I always get yelled at for this, but I love Super Troopers 2. I regularly watch this scene, and watch the movie at least once a year. Downvote me into oblivion, but I'll die on this hill. Rob Lowe...

    I always get yelled at for this, but I love Super Troopers 2. I regularly watch this scene, and watch the movie at least once a year. Downvote me into oblivion, but I'll die on this hill. Rob Lowe as the mayor is just amazing.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfeC2HxziqI

  24. lelio
    Link
    Recent comedies that I like and haven't seen listed yet: Bottoms (2023) Book smart(2019) For TV comedies, I like sketch shows: I think you should leave , Aunty Donna, Key and Peele, Whitest kids u...

    Recent comedies that I like and haven't seen listed yet:
    Bottoms (2023)
    Book smart(2019)

    For TV comedies, I like sketch shows: I think you should leave , Aunty Donna, Key and Peele, Whitest kids u know.