The 24 best comedies on Max right now
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Want something to tickle your funny bone but don’t want to spend hours perusing your options? Picking a comedy to watch can be tricky, because humor is largely a matter of taste. But worry not.
Whether you’re hankering for a comedy classic or a modern hit, a feel-good crowd-pleaser or a poignant critical darling, a mainstream romp or an outrageous musical, a candy-colored fantasy or a time-travel buddy-comedy, we've got you covered.
Here are the best comedy movies now streaming on Max.
1. Singin' in the Rain
Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor dance in rain slickers. Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Moviepix via Getty Images
Craving something that’ll not only make you laugh but also make you want to get up and dance? Then splash into the stupendous pleasures of this 1952 classic, co-directed by Stanley Donen and Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. The latter stars as a Vaudevillian who has worked his way up from stuntman to silent movie star. As the sound era shakes up the film industry, he hopes to make sweet music with an enchanting ingenue (a beaming Debbie Reynolds). However, his cantankerous leading lady (a ruthlessly silly Jean Hagen) won’t be sidelined without a fight! Full of meta jokes, charming banter, hysterical hijinks, and astonishing song numbers, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the best musical comedies that’s ever been made. Come for the jokes. Stay for the signature dance number that’s as astonishing now as it was decades ago. Then, let the romance of this feel-good film sweep you away. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Singin' in the Rain is streaming on Max.
2. Barbie
Margot Robbie is Barbie in "Barbie." Credit: Warner Bros.
Frankly, the promotional journey for Barbie was so full of pink, so joyful, so fun, that would have been Kenough. The movie could have been a silly trifle, and we'd likely have been pleased. But writer/director Greta Gerwig brought us the universally heralded coming-of-age comedy Ladybird and then the rapturous reimagining of Little Women. Her Barbie wasn't going to stop at playful. Instead, it parodied the patriarchy with horses, Stallone-inspired fashion, and a rousing dream ballet fueled by an actual banger, "I'm Just Ken."
Margot Robbie was picture-perfect as a Barbie who realizes the world is much bigger than the dreamhouse-dotted Barbie Land. Ryan Gosling snagged the rare comedy Oscar nomination for his delightfully deranged take on the insecure man doll who couldn't cope, and so turned to conquering. (Napoleon relates!) While detractors have argued the film's girl-power messaging is simplistic, it's hard to deny that Gerwig did more with this IP than we could have dreamed. Sure, Barbie is a glossy toy commercial. But it's a glossy toy commercial that not only has something to say, but does so through spectacular filmmaking that folds in eye-popping practical effects, enthralling details, discontinued dolls, and jokes that were way outside the box. From Weird Barbie to that on-point Pride and Prejudice mini-series namedrop, Barbie had us so giddy that we felt like kids again.* — K.P.
How to watch: Barbie is now streaming on Max.
3. Dear White People
Tessa Thompson and the cast of "Dear White People." Credit: Code Red / Duly Noted / Homegrown / Roadside Attractions / Kobal / Shutterstock.com
Justin Simien's breakthrough 2014 hit, Dear White People, looks racial tension in the face and digs in. It's a sharp, funny, and fearless investigation into what it means to be a Black person in America today, shot with a distinct sense of style and structure. Ripping into code-switching, colorism, and more, Dear White People follows multiple students' movements at one Ivy League university — including a student activist (Tessa Thompson) who runs an edgy campus radio show called "Dear White People" — as things escalate, building up to a Halloween party no one will ever forget. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: Dear White People is now streaming on Max.
4. 50/50
Adam's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) biggest concern in his late twenties is that his crass best friend (Seth Rogen) doesn't really like Adam's girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard). But it's no big deal — Adam's got his whole future ahead of him! Or so he thinks. When a doctor's visit reveals he has a tumor with a 50 percent survival rate, Adam must confront his mortality, all while he's still learning to be an adult. 50/50 is a sweet and moving dramedy that skillfully mines humor from tragedy. This 2011 hidden gem, which is loosely based on screenwriter Will Reiser's experience with cancer, is a sweet and captivating watch that will make you laugh while you cry. — K.G.
How to watch: 50/50 is now streaming on Max.
5. Problemista
Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres play a compelling odd couple in "Problemista." Credit: A24
Is your favorite brand of comedy the bleak, existential kind? Then Julio Torres' Problemista is the surreal and fractured fairy tale for you. Torres (who also wrote and directed the film) stars as Alejandro, an imaginative toy designer trying to make it in New York City. But when he's fired from his job at a cryogenics facility, Alejandro needs to find a new visa sponsor or he'll be deported. Enter Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth, a temperamental, delusional harridan — and the wife of one of Alejandro's former frozen clients. Alejandro must figure out how to manage Elizabeth's ever-changing whims while navigating the labyrinthine U.S. immigration process and keeping his dream alive. — K.G.
How to watch: Problemista is now streaming on Max.
6. Spy
Jason Statham, Melissa McCarthy, and Jude Law in the poster for "Spy." Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock.com
Melissa McCarthy is Susan Cooper, a CIA agent who spends most of her time in a basement, assisting her partner on his missions via computer and earpiece. Not only does her entire work life revolve around Jude Law's Bond-like sexy super-spy Bradley Fine, but she’s also in love with him. So when Fine is killed on a mission to find the location of a rogue nuke, Cooper leaves her desk behind and heads into the field. Will she be the spy she always dreamed she could be? Or is she what Fine thinks she is — better suited for the basement?
Written and directed by Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Heat), Spy is an exciting, silly, and unpredictable action comedy. It is more than a simple spoof on the spy genre; it's a hilarious, sharp commentary on how our world views the average woman, made even more sparkling with a top-notch cast that includes Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, and more. — K.G.
How to watch: Spy is now streaming on Max.
7. Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon is in court in "Legally Blonde." Credit: Tracy Bennett / MGM / Kobal / Shutterstock.com
What can we possibly say about this truly perfect movie that hasn’t already been said? Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, Legally Blonde is bright, bubbly, and seriously smart — just like its main character, Elle Woods. Reese Witherspoon is iconic as the blonde bombshell who gets into Harvard Law School with the goal of wooing back her old boyfriend, only to learn that loving herself gives her much more satisfaction. Luke Wilson is a perfect supportive new flame, and Jennifer Coolidge is peak Jennifer Coolidge as Elle's BFF.
Endlessly quotable, inspiring a successful Broadway musical and garnering multiple awards, Legally Blonde is both a smash hit and an honest-to-goodness cultural milestone.* — K.G.
How to watch: Legally Blonde is now streaming on Max.
8. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves rock out in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Credit: Orion / Kobal / Shutterstock.com
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are iconic, ridiculous, and charming as two empty-headed teens with the fate of the world in their hands.
In 1988, Bill and Ted, best buds and most excellent California bros, are struggling with an upcoming history exam. If Ted doesn't pass, his gnarly father will ship him off to military school! Not excellent, dude! But turns out there's more riding on this history exam than the fate of Bill and Ted's band, Wyld Stallyns. When a time traveler named Rufus (George Carlin) arrives, Bill and Ted learn that the entire future — one where they're heralded as the Two Great Ones — is at stake. They'll have to journey back in time and meet historical figures, from Genghis Khan to Napoleon, in order to ace the test and protect their future. Most outstanding! — K.G.
How to watch: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is now streaming on Max.
9. Modern Times
Charlie Chaplin in a dinner scene in "Modern Times." Credit: Hulton Archive / Moviepix via Getty Images
Charlie Chaplin was a king of comedy in the silent film era, rolling his iconic Little Tramp into such side-splitters as City Lights, Gold Rush, and The Kid. These and many more Chaplin offerings are available on Max. Subscribers can easily look back at how American physical comedy was forged through set pieces silly and sensational. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Chaplin, but we're highlighting Modern Times because even though it's set in 1936, its humor is truly timeless. Taking on a string of industrial jobs while romancing a charming gamin, Chaplin zips from one zany bit to another with a captivating waddle and a chipper twitch of his mustache, fearlessly throwing himself face-first into the wildest shenanigans. Plus, as this film includes some scenes with sound and dialogue, it's maybe the most accessible introduction to Chaplin's works. — K.P.
How to watch: Modern Times is streaming on Max.
10. Dope
Malcolm, Jib, and Diggy are three high school nerds who love '90s hip hop and can't wait to go to college. So when they're forced by a dangerous neighborhood drug dealer to move his product, the trio are out of their depth with their futures on the line.
Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and Kiersey Clemons are captivating and charismatic in this modern coming-of-age comedy. Their friendship feels real and lived-in; we're rooting for them from the get-go. Produced by Pharrell Williams and also featuring Chanel Iman, Tyga, Blake Anderson, Zo? Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, and Vince Staples, Dope is an energetic, exciting watch and a fresh take on the well-worn teen comedy genre. — K.G.
How to watch: Dope is now streaming on Max.
11. Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds stars as Deadpool. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock.com
When you look at the lineup of Marvel’s superheroes, Deadpool is not like the others. He's a fourth-wall-breaking, swearing, wisecracking ass who is well aware he's currently in an R-rated movie. Canadian mercenary Wade Wilson undergoes experimental cancer surgery that ends up awakening latent mutant genes. After healing from the surgery, he finds he has newly acquired accelerated healing powers — and he's now covered in growths that he finds grotesque. Shamed by his new appearance, Wade hides away from his former life, as well as his former love, Vanessa (played by a radiant Morena Baccarin). Until he can find a cure, he is no longer Wade Wilson. He is Deadpool.
Though Deadpool’s main power is supposedly regeneration, his true superpower is being played by Ryan Reynolds. The motor-mouthed merc is peak Reynolds, who has been instrumental in getting the Deadpool franchise off the ground since the beginning. No one else has the swagger for this offbeat, meta, and gleefully violent take on the superhero flick! — K.G.
How to watch: Deadpool is now streaming on Max.
12. White Men Can’t Jump
Woody Harrelson is Billy Hoyle, a former college basketball player who hustles neighborhood courts in L.A. His edge? The predominantly Black players assume Billy can’t play because he’s goofy and white. But when he beats Sidney (Wesley Snipes) at a one-on-one shootout, Sidney approaches him with a plan to hustle together and start making some real money. White Men Can’t Jump is energetic, clever, and fun, a fresh take on the sports comedy. Written and directed by Ron Shelton, it’s still a hit decades later, thanks to a smart script and the radiant charisma of Harrelson, Snipes, and Rosie Perez as Billy’s girlfriend.* — K.G.
How to watch: White Men Can’t Jump is now streaming on Max.
13. Dicks: The Musical
The ensemble cast of "Dicks: The Musical" looks down. Credit: Justin Lubin / A24
Sometimes a movie comes along that is so completely outrageous that it feels like a miracle it exists at all. Dicks: The Musical is such a treasure. Writers/actors/homosexuals Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson translated Fucking Identical Twins, a two-man comedy musical once staged in the basement of a Gristedes, into a movie musical that is not only beyond bonkers but also features such big stars as Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Imagine The Parent Trap as a scorching satire of queer culture and homophobic fears, and you'll get some idea of what's in store. It's not just musical numbers about the joys of putting alpha males in their place, or the madcap chaos of Mullally's ad-libs, or even national treasure Lane spitting ham at his beloved Sewer Boys. It's also got Bowen Yang as God, and a finale number that is as joyous as it is absolutely iconoclastic. In a year peppered with superb comedies, nothing made us laugh as hard or loud or long as Dicks: The Musical.* — K.P.
How to watch: Dicks: The Musical is now streaming on Max.
14. The Devil Wears Prada
Witty, biting, and eternally memeable, The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 hit that has triumphantly withstood the test of time. No matter how long it's been, Meryl Streep's turn as the cruel and demanding magazine editor (and Anna Wintour stand-in) is just as legendary and gleefully vicious as the first watch.
Written by Aline Brosh McKenna and adapted from the novel by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada follows a frumpy, cerebral young journalist (Anne Hathaway) who is thrust into the cutthroat world of fashion when she gets a job at a Vogue-like mag. At first she considers herself above this style-focused world, but as she strives to impress her boss, she learns to not just survive, but to thrive. The Devil Wears Prada is a sophisticated gem of a comedy that will leave you smiling — and staring at your closet mumbling, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." — K.G.
How to watch: The Devil Wears Prada is now streaming on Max.
15. Keanu
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele co-star in "Keanu." Credit: Warner Bros / Everett / Shutterstock,com
Long before Jordan Peele became Hollywood's foremost horror auteur, he was doing ridiculous and boundary-pushing comedy alongside Keegan-Michael Key. Their magnum opus? 2016's absurd buddy action/adventure Keanu. Rell and Clarence are normal, if somewhat boring, cousins who find themselves embroiled in a drug-smuggling scheme when Rell's kitten, Keanu, goes missing. When Rell adopted the little ball of fur, he had no idea Keanu previously belonged to a cartel boss. Now that it seems Keanu has been cat-napped, Clarence and Rell will stop at nothing to get him back. Keanu is a fun, fast-paced, and ludicrous ride starring two infectiously watchable comedians at the top of their game — and a criminally cute kitten! — K.G.
How to watch: Keanu is streaming on Max.
16. The Skeleton Twins
After exiting SNL in 2012, Kristen Wiig seemed determined to prove she was not just a comedian, she was also a serious actor. When everyone was begging for more Bridesmaids-like comedies, Wiig gave us Girl Most Likely, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Welcome to Me. But a bright spot in this darker Wiig era is 2014's The Skeleton Twins, a dramedy that carefully balances both humor and heart. It's serious, it's silly, and the lead performances from two bona fide comedians will leave you moved.
Wiig is Maggie, a depressed woman whose life gets turned upside down when she learns her estranged twin brother Milo (Bill Hader) has been hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Milo moves in with Maggie, who still lives in their hometown with her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), and the two reforge their bond while facing painful memories from their pasts. — K.G.
How to watch: The Skeleton Twins is streaming on Max.
17. Tampopo
"Tampopo" is all about the love of food. Credit: Apic / Moviepix via Getty Images
A spirited spoof tipping its hat to the Spaghetti Western, this 1985 Japanese comedy was promoted as a "ramen Western." Its central story is about a cowboy hat-wearing truck driver (Tsutomu Yamazaki) who comes across a humble ramen shop where the food is truly "terrible." Damsel-in-distress Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto) begs this hardened hero to save her family's business by teaching her to do right by ramen. So of course, he rounds up a posse to perfect her recipe. Full of physical comedy, giddy silliness, quirky characters, and charming performances, this film is a delectable delight. But writer/director J?z? Itami brings even more to the table, spicing up this culinary tale with fantastical vignettes about the love of food. Though often ridiculous — and sometimes salacious — none of the laughs are lost in translation. But be warned: This funny film will make you hungry. The loving shots of ramen and the various speeches about its richness and wonders are ruthlessly mouth-watering. Maybe order dinner before digging in. — K.P.
How to watch: Tampopo is streaming on Max.
18. Trainwreck
The mid-2010s brought us ombre hair, planking, and #YOLO, but its most enduring cultural addition was a wave of movies about imperfect women. More female-led films at the box office meant there was finally enough space for leading ladies who didn't have to meet every standard to which we hold the modern woman. Movie theaters were flooded with bad moms, antiheroines, and the sloppiest drunks you've ever seen in your life. Enter Trainwreck, a hilarious and irreverent rom-com directed by Judd Apatow and starring Amy Schumer in a role that's basically her hot mess stand-up persona come to life. Schumer and Bill Hader are surprisingly charming together, and John Cena and Lebron James both add an unexpected sparkle to a fun and cheeky romance.* — K.G.
How to Watch: Trainwreck is streaming on Max.
19. Bridget Jones's Diary
Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget Jones. Credit: Alex Bailey / Miramax / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock.com
Bridget Jones's Diary is a perfect movie, and we're not hearing any opinions to the contrary, thank you! Renée Zellweger gained 20 pounds to snag the role of Bridget, already a beloved character in the UK thanks to Helen Fielding's wildly popular Bridget Jones novels. The Brits were in an uproar about an American being cast as in a role that was archetypally British, but Zellweger's performance (and accent!) were so spot-on, the complaints quickly gave way to rave reviews.
The start of a film franchise and the best movie of the lot, Bridget Jones’s Diary introduces us to an ordinary thirtysomething woman in London who, after turning 32 alone, vows to lose weight, quit smoking, stop drinking, and find love. Enter Hugh Grant as Bridget's preternaturally charming boss, and, because this is a Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Colin Firth as the man who couldn't seem more wrong for Bridget (his name is literally Mr. Darcy!!!). Even if you know where this funny and grounded rom-com is going, you're sure to have a blast along the way. — K.G.
How to watch: Bridget Jones’s Diary is streaming on Max.
20. Heartbreakers
The romantic crime comedy is a highly underutilized movie subgenre. The stakes are high, the laughs are big, and the twists come with a kiss. It’s a winning combo any way you slice it, and Heartbreakers is a triumph of the form.
Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt are Max and Page, a mother-daughter con-artist team who have to complete one last grift together to pay a debt to the IRS. But when Page develops feelings for a man she’s trying to con on the side (Jason Lee), their whole delicate web of lies is placed in jeopardy. Heartbreakers is a rom-com with an edge: It’s funny, it’s irreverent, and it’s unpredictable.* — K.G.
How to watch: Heartbreakers is now streaming on Max.
21. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Cera fall in love in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." Credit: Big Talk Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock,com
A romantic comedy/action/comic book/adventure mashup, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a simply fantastic movie through and through. More than a decade after its release, a fun, new rewatching bonus is seeing current Hollywood heavyweights (Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin, and more) having fun and being silly at the start of their careers. These stars enjoyed working on the film so much, they all agreed to come back for Netflix's 2023 animated reimagining, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Michael Cera is iconic as the soft-spoken Scott Pilgrim, a bass player in an unsuccessful indie band who becomes enamored with delivery girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Unfortunately for Scott, to date Ramona, he’ll have to defeat her seven evil exes first! Uh oh! Good thing this movie also pulls some of its visual style from video games! That’s right, Scott Pilgrim has it all! — K.G.
How to watch: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is now streaming on Max.
22. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Some comedy is subtle, some is in your face...and then there’s The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! Full of slapstick, ridiculous physical bits, overt double entendres, and on-the-nose jokes, this police movie parody is absurd to its core. Leslie Nielsen is the master of stone-faced punchline delivery as Detective Frank Drebin, a hapless but determined cop tasked with stopping an assassination attempt on the Queen of England during a trip to the U.S. Get ready for absurd plot points, wordplay, sight gags, and...O.J. Simpson?! The ‘80s were quite a time to be alive!!! — K.G.
How to watch: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is now streaming on Max.
23. Date Night
Tina Fey and Steve Carrell have a wild night out. Credit: 20th Century Fox / Everett / Shutterstock,com
Date Night kicks off with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey as a bored married couple worried they’re becoming simply roommates instead of lovers. They go out for a date night to add a little spice to their lives, but when they're mistaken for members of a criminal organization, their night on the town becomes a night fleeing for their lives. That’s a little more spice than they bargained for! Silly, exciting, and surprisingly heartfelt, Date Night is a fun and energetic romantic comedy adventure with a top-notch cast.* — K.G.
How to watch: Date Night is now streaming on Max.
24. Shazam!
Billy Batson is a 14-year-old living in a group home who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. But when he’s mysteriously transported to a mythical cave called the Rock of Eternity, a wizard grants him the power to transform into Shazam, an adult superhero. So what would a 14-year-old do if he could instantly look like a grown-up and had superstrength? Make viral videos, of course!
Shazam! is a fun and welcome twist on the classic superhero flick. Zachary Levi is pitch-perfect as a 14-year-old in an adult’s body, and Mark Strong is deliciously evil as the villain trying to steal Shazam’s powers for himself.* — K.G.
How to watch: Shazam! is now streaming on Max.
UPDATE: Jul. 8, 2024, 3:11 p.m. EDT This article was originally published September 3, 2021. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Max.
