Top 20 Unmissable American Comedy Films

Comedy movies have long been a beloved genre for audiences, providing not only moments of hearty laughter but also touching, funny, thrilling, and joyful experiences. These films make us reflect, look at ourselves, and guide us toward a better purpose.

As one of the most developed countries in the film industry, the United States has produced outstanding comedy films. Here, ThủThuậtPhầnMềm.vn has compiled for you the Top 20 Must-Watch American Comedy Films of the 21st century. Join us for an entertaining journey!

20. Old School - Party Hard for Old Dudes (2003) - R

Old School has garnered significant admiration over the years for its wild antics and hilarious 'college vibes,' portraying the journey of three grown-up men - Mitch, Frank, and Beanie - longing to revisit their golden youth.

• Director: Todd Phillips
• Screenplay: Court Crandall, Todd Philips
• Cast: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell

Plot Summary: Mitch, Frank, and Beanie, close old friends, shatter personal life illusions. Mitch, facing his wife's infidelity, Frank, a new family man, and Beanie, with two small kids, all yearn to reclaim their youthful freedom and recklessness. After Mitch's divorce, he rents a house on a college campus, where they decide to turn it into a hub for wild parties with students and staff. Trouble ensues after the first day of revelry when Frank's wife catches him running naked down the street while completely intoxicated.

19. Trainwreck - Heart's Calling (2015) - R

An adult romantic piece, Trainwreck marks the resounding success of actress Amy Schumer on the big screen as she takes on the lead role and pens the screenplay herself.

• Director: Judd Apatow
• Screenplay: Amy Schumer
• Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, John Cena 

Trainwreck revolves around the character Amy Townsend. Amy's parents divorced when she was young due to her father's infidelity, influencing her belief that 'one wife, one husband' is unrealistic (stemming from her father). Consequently, Amy often indulges in alcohol and pursues promiscuous relationships, juggling multiple men at once. Eventually, during a media project, she meets fitness doctor Aaron Conners - a 'nice guy' - and falls for him.

Overall, Trainwreck unfolds with a gentle narrative, incorporating humorous and satirical details seamlessly, akin to a conventional romantic piece. The plot follows the common path of the main character's quest for true love. Notably, within this script, Amy Schumer attempts to weave in various sensitive issues such as racial discrimination, homosexuality, and gender discrimination. However, her talent prevents the film from being overly crude, maintaining a comfortable feeling for the audience.

18. About A Boy - Returning to Childhood (2002) - PG13

• Directors: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
• Screenplay: Nick Hornby (novel), Peter Hedges (screenplay)
• Cast: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette

Twelve-year-old Marcus Brewer lives with his single, clinically depressed mother, Fiona Brewer. Marcus will do anything to make his mother happy. He realizes he is seen as different from most kids as he is always the target of bullying, and even the oddest children don't want to play with him. Will Freeman, a 38-year-old man, is lazy, living comfortably off the royalties from songs his deceased father composed. He is a loner, always putting his own interests first. He falsely claims to be a single father to pick up widows. Will accidentally gets involved with Marcus, sharing joys and sorrows, and gradually bonding like father and son.

17. The Heat - Fiery Showdown (2013) - R

An eccentric FBI agent teams up with a cocky Boston cop to apprehend a notorious drug lord

• Director: Paul Feig
• Screenplay: Katie Dippold
• Cast: Sandra Bullock, Michael McDonald, Melissa McCarthy

The Heat tells the story of FBI agent Sarah Ashburn, ambitious and notorious for her lack of teamwork. She is sent to Boston to investigate the identity of drug lord Larkin. Here, she meets local cop Shannon Mullis, and they are assigned to collaborate on the case. However, both show disagreement and rivalry, resulting in hilarious moments during their investigation. Eventually, with dedication to their work, they learn teamwork and successfully capture the notorious drug lord.

The Heat captures audience affection and laughter with a well-crafted script, humorous details, albeit slightly exaggerated, maintaining persuasiveness. Along with that, psychological elements are integrated to evoke emotions for the viewers.

16. Juno - Unexpected Motherhood (2007) - PG13

'I never realized how much I loved being home until I went somewhere else.'

• Director: Jason Reitman
• Screenplay: Diablo Cody
• Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner

A 16-year-old high school student discovers she is two months pregnant with her boyfriend Paulie Bleeker. Unlike those facing similar troubles who might panic and opt for an abortion, Juno makes a unique decision: to give birth to the baby and place it with an infertile couple. This decision leads her to face difficulties continuing her education amidst the mockery of those around her. Alongside this, the Loring couple, set to adopt the child, begins to interfere too much in Juno's life. How will the 16-year-old girl navigate through these challenges?

15. Obvious Child - Unplanned Motherhood (2014) - R

A 20-year-old stand-up comedian finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, leading her to face various challenges.

• Director: Gillian Robespierre
• Screenplay: Gillian Robespierre, Karen Maine
• Cast: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann

Ambitious comedian Donna, living a vibrant life in her twenties, brings a humorous brand to her roles. On stage, Donna is unapologetically herself, comfortably joking about sensitive topics in her life.

When Donna unexpectedly discovers she's pregnant after a one-night stand, she must confront the challenging reality of being an independent woman. Her mistakes open the door to a journey of growth and self-discovery.

14. Neighbors - Friendly Neighbors (2014)

An intense battle ensues between a married couple and the two brothers next door.

• Director: Nicholas Stoller
• Screenplay: Andrew Jay Cohen, Brendan O'Brien
• Cast: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron

Kelly and Mac are enjoying a peaceful life in the quiet neighborhood with their newborn until a rowdy fraternity moves in next door. The constant partying disrupts the Radners' tranquil life. The conflict escalates when the Radners call the police to report on their neighbors. This sparks a hilarious series of clashes between the two households.

13. In Bruges - Deadly Duo in Bruges (2008) - R

'Because if I'd killed him, I'd be in Bruges or I'd be dead. And that is a tough call, I'm telling you.'

• Director: Martin McDonagh
• Screenplay: Martin McDonagh
• Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds

The movie is a darkly comedic tale about Ray, a novice hitman who accidentally kills an innocent child while on a mission. After the unintended incident, Ray's boss orders him and Ken, a veteran hitman, to flee to Bruges to lay low, but in reality, it's a plot to eliminate Ray. Nevertheless, for Ray, the days in Bruges become the harshest punishment that his conscience could impose.

In Bruges is McDonagh's first feature film after his Oscar-winning short film, Six Shooter. In McDonagh's films, peculiar, dysfunctional characters and absurdly funny yet poignant situations always take center stage. However, beneath it all is a humane message, illustrating that even the most wicked villains can have a heart.

12. Silver Linings Playbook - Rediscovering Love (2012) - R

'The only way you can beat my crazy was by doing something crazy yourself. Thank you. I love you. I knew it from the moment I saw you.'

• Director: David O. Russell
• Writer: David O. Russell
• Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook follows Pat, who struggles with bipolar disorder and spends 8 months in a mental hospital after catching his wife having an affair with a coworker in their own home. Returning home, Pat tries to reconnect with his family, reconcile with his estranged wife, and most importantly, reintegrate into life.

The turning point occurs when he encounters the young widowed woman Tiffany, deeply wounded after her husband's death. She can relate to anyone to fill her void. Both are quirky and embark on a journey to find the 'silver lining' within their souls.

11. Mistress America - American Women (2015) - R

'I need someone to love, not to pursue'

• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Writers: Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig
• Cast: Greta Gerwig, Lola Kirke, Shana Dowdeswell

Tracy, a New York college student, is rescued from her loneliness by Brooke, who is about to become her stepsister. Brooke is an adventurous, free-spirited girl who often drags Tracy into wild plans. Mistress America is a comedic tale of dream-chasers, resolving grades, and family dynamics.

Film critic Eric Kohn comments on the movie: 'With Gerwig's vivacity, the shared chemistry between her and Kirke, and lively dialogues, 'Mistress America' maintains its rhythm, becoming a surprisingly delightful comedy and one of the successful works of the Baumbach and Gerwig duo.'

10. Midnight In Paris - (2011) - PG13

'Picasso believed that women are either for sleeping with or for painting.'

• Director: Woody Allen
• Writer: Woody Allen
• Cast: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates

Gil, an American writer, and his beautiful fiancée Inez arrive in Paris for a vacation. Here, Gil's romantic poet soul is captivated by the beauty of the ancient, splendid capital of France and the unexpected rain showers. Little did he know that his life would completely change here. He often strolls in the rain, contemplating the past beauty of Paris, while his fiancée is drawn to modern things.

One night, while strolling the streets at midnight, he hops on a vintage Peugeot that takes him back to 1920s Paris. During that time, he encounters unexpected figures: American writer Earnest Hermingway, novelist Gertrude Stein, painter Pablo Picasso, composer Cole Porter, and more. They all gather in the glamorous, extravagant, and enchanting Paris. Every night thereafter, Gil hops on the vintage car, returning to savor the nostalgic atmosphere he always yearns for.

9. Burn After Reading - (2008) - R

A mysterious CD belonging to a CIA employee falls into the hands of two unethical and useless individuals.

• Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
• Writers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Cast: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney

The film kicks off with CIA analyst Osbourne Cox getting fired over alcohol issues. He starts writing a memoir about his heyday. His wife, Katie Cox, is involved with police officer Harry Pfarrer, navigating a tense marriage with her memoir-obsessed husband.

Enter a fitness center employee with aspirations for cosmetic surgery. When she and fitness instructor Chad Feldheimer stumble upon Osbourne's memoir on a misplaced CD, they conceive the idea to turn it into cash, believing it holds national secrets. They go to great lengths to sell it, leading to chaos that unravels at Osbourne's home.

8. Enough Said - (2013) - PG13

'Did they just turn the music louder? - No, I think you've just gotten older.'

Directed by Nicole Holofcener

Having been divorced for a while, Eva leads peaceful days with her massage therapy job and her daughter. However, as her daughter prepares to leave for college, Eva meets Albert, a pleasantly humorous and like-minded man despite his weight. Their budding romance takes an unexpected turn when Eva befriends Marianne, who seems perfect until Eva discovers Marianne's outrageous history of mistreating her ex-husband. Startled, Eva questions the stability of her relationship with Albert upon learning the truth about Marianne's past.

7. Superbad - (2007) - R

'If you scratch our backs, we'll scratch yours. - Yes, Jules, but the funny thing is my back is inside my pants.'

Directed by Greg Mottola

Superbad follows the journey of best friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) as they seek the forbidden before heading off to college. However, their appearances and personalities are somewhat quirky, with Seth being chubby and Evan being shy, making them less appealing to the opposite sex.

Những năm học phổ thông ngày càng đến ngày kết thúc vì vậy quyết tâm của 2 anh chàng càng tăng cao. Cùng mọt sách Fogell, cả 3 được cô bạn Jules mời đến tham dự bữa tiệc tại nhạc riêng, Jules hứa hẹn sẽ có rất nhiều điều thú vị dành cho Seth nếu cậu mua được rượu bia đến.

6. The 40-Year-Old Virgin - (2005) - R

Directed by Judd Apatow

Andy (Steve Carell) - 40 years old, has never been with a woman. Despite his single status, he finds solace in his routine life, going to work and indulging in hobbies like collecting action figures and high-tech toys. During a poker game with coworkers, he fumbles when the topic of 'lights out' comes up, accidentally revealing his 'FA' (Forever Alone) secret. This leads to teasing and embarrassment. Determined to change his fate, Andy, with his mischievous friends, embarks on an epic quest to find a genuine girlfriend.

5. Team America: World Police - (2004) - R

'Team America once again infuriates the world by accidentally blowing up half of Cairo.'

Directed by Trey Parker

The counter-terrorism force - Team America: World Police, is on a mission to attack a terrorist organization in Paris. Spottswoode, the team leader, recruits the famous actor Gary Garyston to infiltrate and gather information in Cairo. The team successfully eliminates each cell of the criminal organization, causing massive architectural destruction in their combat. Will they handle the world's chaos as a team of comedians and troublemakers?

4. The Grand Budapest Hotel - (2004) - R

'You look marvelous... they did a fabulous job with you. I don't know what kind of lotion they used on your body at the morgue, but I want some too.'

Directed by Wes Anderson

'The film is set in a fictional Eastern European country named Zubrowka, with the main events taking place in the 1930s. On a day in 1968, a young writer (Jude Law) rents a room at the run-down and deserted Grand Budapest Hotel, where the owner, Zero Mustafa, recounts the story of the hotel's golden past about 30 years earlier with the dedicated concierge Gustav H. (Ralph Fiennes).'

Drama unfolds when the wealthy Madame D. (Tilda Swinton) passes away, leaving the valuable painting Boy with Apple to Gustav instead of her heirs. This triggers the anger of Madame D.'s son (Adrien Brody), leading to a plan to steal the painting and frame Gustav for murder. Gustav, along with his young apprentice Zero Mustafa at the time (Tony Revolori), is forced into a quirky, adventurous, and humorous journey.

3. Lost in Transition - (2003) - R

'I don't know what kind of person I want to become - I'll find that out. The more I know who I am and what I want, the fewer things disappoint me.'

• Director: Sofia Coppola
• Writer: Sofia Coppola
• Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi

Hollywood star at the end of his career, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), is invited to Tokyo to shoot an advertisement for a whiskey brand. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a recent college graduate, follows her husband to Tokyo on a business trip. Charlotte is worried about the future of her marriage as her husband, a photographer, has some relationships with models.

At that time, Bob also realizes that his 25-year marriage is gradually fading and exhausting. One evening, Bob and Charlotte meet at a bar, where they confide in each other about their disillusionment. They become closer, finding solace in each other's company during moments of boredom.

2. School of Rock - Rock School (2003) - PG13

After being kicked out of the rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher at a private elementary school, only to turn the kids into a rock band.

• Director: Richard Linklater
• Writer: Mike White
• Cast: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack

The film follows Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a true-blue rocker who is passionate about rock music. Dewey gets kicked out of the rock band due to his unattractive appearance, leaving him unemployed and nearly broke. Fortunately, Dewey finds an opportunity to make money by impersonating his friend Ned Schneebley and substituting at an elementary school. The amateur teacher Dewey has no teaching experience, spending most of his class time training his students to play rock music and forming a band to participate in competitions.

1. Sideways - Love at the Winery (2004) - R

Leading the Golden Globe winners, critics' awards, and accolades from the American Film Institute, Sideways is hailed as having 'touched the golden Oscar statue.'

• Director: Alexander Payne
• Writer: Rex Pickett, Alexander Payne
• Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen

Sideways is a 7-day journey through the vineyards of Southern California for two single men, living a relatively quiet and ordinary life. They are Miles (Paul Giamatti), a professor trying to overcome the 'post-40' crisis, and Jack (Thomas Hayden Church), a carefree guy seeking life's pleasures through fleeting romances. The two friends with contrasting personalities bond during a fragrant and wine-filled vacation.

They embark on this journey together at a pivotal moment in both their lives: Miles, still reeling from a recent divorce and blindsided by news of his ex-wife's remarriage, while Jack, set to tie the knot right after the vacation, aims to 'sample' as many women as possible before taking the plunge. Miles, navigating the struggles of surviving middle age, desires to return to the valley for wine tasting, golf, and drowning in melancholy. Jack, a former B-list TV actor who can't even distinguish between red and white wine, sees the (wild) vacation as a farewell to his bachelorhood, unlike Miles, who appreciates wine with sophistication. The holiday is a wild send-off to Jack's single days.

Conclusion

So, we have now listed the top 20 must-watch American comedy films. These movies promise not only laughter and entertainment but also moments of contemplation. The more you reflect on them, the more you appreciate their brilliance, leaving a lasting impression.

Choose a movie and enjoy! Wishing you delightful and relaxing moments of movie-watching!