Buzz
If you’ve exhausted your go-to comedy favorites, Netflix offers a treasure trove of timeless classics and modern hits, including exclusive originals. Here are 10 of the most hilarious films you can stream right now.
1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Eddie Murphy became a household name with this action-comedy, where he plays a Detroit cop outsmarting criminals in Beverly Hills to avenge his friend’s death. Interestingly, Sylvester Stallone was initially set to star in a much darker version of the story.
2. The Addams Family (1991)
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this lavish adaptation brings Charles Addams’ iconic comic characters to life, showcasing their darkly humorous clashes with conventional society. Interestingly, Anthony Hopkins nearly played Uncle Fester but chose to star in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) instead.
3. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
In this beloved romantic comedy, Julia Roberts schemes to disrupt her friend Dermot Mulroney’s wedding in hopes of winning him over. The film was directed by P.J. Hogan, who also helmed
4. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
John Cusack (Better Off Dead) takes a nostalgic trip to the '80s in this quirky time-travel story, where a group of friends relive their glory days through a magical hot tub. The film’s writer, Josh Heald, went on to co-create Cobra Kai.
5. The Nice Guys (2016)
Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling form an unlikely duo in this Shane Black-directed comedy. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the two detectives hilariously navigate a shady underworld while searching for a missing girl. Black initially conceived the story as a TV pilot but later reworked it into a feature film.
6. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Paul Rudd delivers a heartfelt performance in this charming indie film, playing a writer who becomes a caregiver for a teenager (Craig Roberts) with muscular dystrophy. The story is both touching and humorous, showcasing Rudd’s signature charm that has made him a beloved actor for over 20 years. The film is based on Jonathan Evison’s 2012 novel, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving.
7. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Before redefining Thor as a comedic powerhouse in Ragnarok, Taika Waititi directed this heartwarming yet quirky tale. It follows a Tupac-loving orphan (Julian Dennison) and his reluctant foster father (Sam Neill) as they go on the run from authorities after a zealous child welfare worker (Rachel House) deems the boy at risk. Waititi’s signature blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling shines in this underrated gem, based on Barry Crump’s 2005 novel, Wild Pork and Watercress.
8. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Ali Wong, already a standout in stand-up comedy, showcases her magnetic charm in this romantic comedy. She plays a celebrity chef who reconnects with her childhood sweetheart (Randall Park). The film’s Asian-led cast and crew offer a fresh perspective while highlighting universal themes. In a memorable twist, Keanu Reeves appears as himself, drawn to the role by his admiration for Wong’s comedy.
9. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Eddie Murphy made a triumphant comeback in this heartfelt and hilarious biopic about Rudy Ray Moore, a 1970s comedian who found fame through his alter ego, Dolemite, a character that inspired Moore’s low-budget films. Murphy, who met Moore multiple times before his death, shared that Moore wanted to join him on a comedy tour.
10. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
From the creators of 2019’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse comes this wildly entertaining animated adventure. The quirky Mitchell family must put aside their differences to save humanity from a tech uprising, all while trying to salvage their vacation. The film’s critical acclaim led Netflix to offer a limited theatrical release six months after its streaming debut.
