The 18 best comedy movies on Netflix (March 2026)

After Hours (1985)

What would happen if Martin Scorsese directed a neo-noir screwball comedy about a corporate yuppie’s ill-fated night in New York City? You’d get After Hours, an underrated ‘80s movie featuring some of the decade’s brightest talents. Griffin Dunne stars as Paul Hackett, a hapless word processor who attempts to woo a woman he meets in a coffee shop, only to spend the rest of the film paying for it.

Part of a subgenre of Reagan-era films known as the  “yuppie nightmare cycle” — similar movies include Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Blue Velvet (1986), and Fatal Attraction (1987) — After Hours isn’t as well known as The King of Comedy (1982), but it should be. In After Hours, Scorsese takes the same frantic approach he uses with his crime thrillers to create a fast-moving black comedy. —Ilana Gordon

Where to watch After Hours: Netflix

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Verna Bloom, Thomas Chong, Linda Fiorentino

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

The Coen brothers got tired of limiting themselves to one narrative in their projects, so for their Netflix film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, they decided to mix it up and tell multiple stories. Set up as a six-part Western anthology, the film focuses thematically on the American frontier, and tells the stories of a cheerful cowboy, an unlucky would-be bank robber, a traveling promoter whose business is going downhill, a grizzled prospector, a woman headed West in search of a husband, and a group of passengers in a stagecoach.

While the Coens mess around with genre in each chapter and the cast differs from story to story, the six narratives are given a sense of consistency courtesy of the unique Coen voice, which the pair previously deployed on projects like No Country for Old Men (2007) and True Grit (2010). And while there are certainly frontrunner stories in terms of quality and effectiveness, the entire film is worth a watch. —I.G.

Where to watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs: Netflix

EW grade: B

Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Cast: Tyne Daly, James Franco, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Heck, Grainger Hines

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

In this biopic written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, Man on the Moon), Eddie Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, who works at a record store but knows he has something more to offer. Through sheer force of will — and a sharp ear for the raunchy, rough-edged poetry found on the streets and fringes — he transforms himself into a cult sensation, from his so-called “party records,” to live performances, to some of the most ridiculous and memorable Blaxploitation films of the ’70s. 

Murphy’s sheer charisma and star power make this movie land, but Wesley Snipes’ surprising comic chops are the secret sauce. —Will Harris

Where to watch Dolemite Is My Name: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Director: Craig Brewer

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps

Don’t Look Up (2021)

For all the disaster movies Hollywood has brought us over the years, it took Adam McKay to posit an all-too-realistic scenario in which a pair of scientists (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) become aware of impending doom, bring their intel to the government, and see their warning spun for political gain. 

It’s a dark comedy, to be sure, but one that takes full advantage of its star power: as EW’s critic writes, “[McKay’s] casting cup overruns almost casually with A-list guests, from a distinctly silly Ariana Grande cameo to a charming and markedly more substantial turn by Timothée Chalamet as a delinquent skateboarder with a thing for Kate’s choppy bangs.” —W.H.

Where to watch Don’t Look Up: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Rob Morgan

Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

The Eurovision Song Contest has been beloved globally for decades…except in the U.S., where it’s virtually unknown. As such, many Americans missed the boat on this absurd yet sincere comedy. Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) are longtime not-quite-sweethearts from Iceland who, as Fire Saga, are on a quest to win the competition. 

In addition to being funny, Eurovision is also filled with quippy and catchy performances and songs, so expect some of the tunes to get stuck in your head. —W.H.

Where to watch Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga: Netflix

Director: David Dobkin

Cast: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Melissanthi Nahut, Mikael Persbrandt

Joy Ride (2023)

If you’re looking for a film that’s fun — but not for the whole family — consider Joy Ride. A raunchy road trip movie that takes the four leads on a journey throughout China, this chaotic comedy about family, friendship, and finding one’s identity offers laugh-out-loud moments and one particularly explicit performance of Cardi B’s “WAP”. 

Audrey Sullivan (Ashley Park) and Lolo Chen (Sherry Cola) are childhood best friends and polar opposites. Audrey is the uptight lawyer who agrees to go to China to try to land a business deal, Lolo is the Type B artist who agrees to accompany her. While in China, the friends meet up with Lolo’s cousin Deadeye (Sabrina Wu) and Audrey’s college roommate Kat (Stephanie Hsu). What happens next is too filthy to write here, but, as EW’s critic says, “even among all the sex jokes and vulgar one-liners, Joy Ride boasts a real beating heart.” —I.G. 

Where to watch Joy Ride: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: Adele Lim

Cast: Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, Sabrina Wu, Ronny Chieng

The Lovebirds (2020)

After four years of dating, Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are prepared to call it quits — until the couple finds themselves involved in a murder that requires them to put their breakup aside and go on the run. Too concerned about racial profiling to involve the police, Jibran and Leilani must hunt down the identity of the man who was murdered so they can find out who killed him and clear their own names.

Directed by Michael Showalter (Wet Hot American Summer), The Lovebirds is a romantic evening gone wrong in the style of films like 2010’s Date Night and 2018’s Game Night. Boasting a high ratio of jokes per minute and a pair of lead actors who know how to wield their witticisms like machetes, Nanjiani and Rae’s on screen bickering and loving needling will have you rooting for their relationship, even as it’s falling apart. —I.G.

Where to watch The Lovebirds: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: Michael Showalter

Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp, Paul Sparks

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Wes Anderson knows whimsy, and in Moonrise Kingdom, the director constructs a beautiful elegy to young love. Set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, this coming-of-age dramedy follows two 12-year-old misfits as they become pen pals and agree to run away together.

Visually constructed using Anderson’s pastel palette and cast with some of his favorite stock players, the film combines dreamy, youthful fantasy with religious allegory, and ends up with a story that feels both edgy and innocent. Edward Norton is a treat in his role as the scoutmaster in charge of a local summer camp, but it’s the performances by the film’s child actors — Jared Gilman and Kara Kayward, both industry novices — that make Moonrise Kingdom one of Anderson’s most compelling projects. —I.G. 

Where to watch Moonrise Kingdom: Netflix

Director: Wes Anderson

Cast: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

A true ‘90s family classic, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of a man who will stop at nothing to spend time with his children — court-ordered legalities be damned. Robin Williams and Sally Field star as Daniel and Miranda Hillard, a couple going through a divorce. When Miranda is granted primary custody of their three children, Daniel looks for ways to reintegrate into their lives.

His solution? Finagle his way into a job as Miranda’s housekeeper by passing himself off as a dowdy English woman (with a Scottish accent, though) named Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire. The movie crosses into farcical territory at times — particularly in one oft-memed scene where both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire are invited to dinner with Miranda, the kids, and her new beau (Pierce Brosnan). But the movie still has heart, and its chief attribute is Williams, who EW’s critic writes “gives an inspired comic performance.” —I.G.

Where to watch Mrs. Doubtfire: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: Chris Columbus

Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Robert Prosky

One of Them Days (2025)

One of Them Days is the buddy comedy you didn’t know you needed. Keke Palmer and SZA — who makes her film debut here — star as Dreux and Alyssa, broke best friends and roommates who have to make rent by day’s end to avoid eviction. The film winds its way through the Los Angeles area as the women overcome a series of hurdles, which include a high-stakes job interview, a cheating boyfriend turned T-shirt entrepreneur, and a gangster willing to murder for a pair of Air Jordans. Palmer and SZA possess enough combined chemistry to defibrillate new life into a sometimes tired genre, and the stars commit wholeheartedly to the film’s inspired physical gags. —I.G.

Where to watch One of Them Days: Netflix

Director: Lawrence Lamont

Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams

Pineapple Express (2008)

Long before Seth Rogen was making pot paraphernalia, he was making stoner films — and Pineapple Express is one for the ages. A crime comedy, the movie follows Dale (Rogen) and his drug dealer Saul (James Franco) as they flee town after Dale accidentally witnesses a corrupt cop and a drug lord execute a rival gang leader.

Rogen and his frequent collaborator Evan Goldberg wrote the script — likely with the help of a few Pineapple Express-infused brainstorming sessions — and the movie excels in its more physical moments. Watching the film even feels like being high, thanks to the stylistic choices made by director David Gordon Green. EW’s critic writes, “he brings the movie his own loping, run-on style, which turns out to be a perfect expression of the stoner rhythm.” —I.G.

Where to watch Pineapple Express: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: David Gordon Green

Cast: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride, Gary Cole, Craig Robinson

Saturday Night (2024)

Saturday Night Live turned 50 this season, and to commemorate one of the most iconic television institutions of our time, director Jason Reitman made Saturday Night. The film is part comedy/drama, part (slightly fictionalized) TV history, and takes place on Oct. 11, 1975 — the night a group of twentysomething comedians and young producers held NBC’s airwaves captive as they debuted the network’s first counterculture, late-night comedy show.

NBC intended to use Saturday Night Live as leverage in a dispute with Johnny Carson about rerunning old episodes of his show. What emerged instead was a dynasty. But that night in October, all Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) can focus on is somehow getting 90 minutes of alternative sketch comedy past censors and network suits, and broadcast live. Perfectly cast, it’s a beautiful tribute to the show and everyone involved. —I.G.

Where to watch Saturday Night: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Director: Jason Reitman

Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien

She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

Spike Lee’s first feature film as a writer and director, She’s Gotta Have It presents intertwining romances as lead character Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) decides which of the three men she’s dating (Lee, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell) she wants to have a monogamous relationship with. Luxuriating in Lee’s creative sensibility and shot in crisp black and white, Nola’s journey towards picking a partner is funny, thought-provoking, and unique in every respect.

In a review of Netflix’s 2017 She’s Gotta Have It adaptation (also directed by Lee), EW’s critic describes the original movie, writing, “She’s Gotta Have It was Spike Lee’s first feature film, and few movies feel so joyfully first.” A dramedy that questions sexual, relationship, and gender norms of the time, She’s Gotta Have It is notable for its subject matter, aesthetic, and for launching Lee’s storied Hollywood career. —I.G.

Where to watch She’s Gotta Have It: Netflix

Director: Spike Lee 

Cast: Tracy Camilla Johns, Spike Lee, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell

Shiva Baby (2021)

Released during the pandemic, Shiva Baby is both an indie rom-com and a delightful reminder of the emotional dangers that come with spending time in a room full of acquaintances — especially when that room includes at least two people you’ve slept with. Danielle (Rachel Sennott) plays a college student and call girl who, along with her parents (Polly Draper and Fred Melamed), attends a Jewish mourning ritual held at the home of a family member.

While there, Danielle finds herself caught between her past (in the form of her more successful best friend and former lover, Maya) and her present (her sugar daddy Max, who thinks she’s in law school, and who brought along the wife and baby he never told her about). Based on director Emma Seligman’s short by the same name, Shiva Baby is a comedy that requires the emotional fortitude of a horror film, as viewers are forced to withstand an onslaught of cringe moments. —I.G.

Where to watch Shiva Baby: Netflix

EW grade: B

Director: Emma Seligman

Cast: Rachel Sennott, Polly Draper, Fred Melamed, Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron

The Sting (1973)

Four years after Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid premiered, director George Roy Hill reunited with Paul Newman and Robert Redford for this stylized crime comedy. Redford plays Johnny Hooker, a grifter with a score to settle. He convinces established con artist Henry Gondorff (Newman) to help him seek revenge on Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), a crime boss who is responsible for the death of Hooker’s former partner.

A long con comedy in the style of Ocean’s Eleven (1960), The Sting runs on an engine fueled by movie star charisma, misdirecting plot twists, and good old-fashioned fun. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and netted Robert Redford his first-ever Oscar nomination. —I.G.

Where to watch The Sting: Netflix

Director: George Roy Hill

Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw

They Cloned Tyrone (2022)

A single genre isn’t enough to contain They Cloned Tyrone. A sci-fi comedy that combines ’70s Blaxploitation with mystery and social satire, the film has similar vibes to movies like Get Out (2017) or Sorry to Bother You (2018) while employing a far more absurd premise. Fontaine (John Boyega) is a drug dealer living in an impoverished area called the Glen. While trying to collect funds owed to him by a local pimp named Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx), Fontaine is shot and killed — but that doesn’t stop him from showing up on Slick’s doorstep the next day to collect his money.

Joined by sex worker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), the trio attempts to get to the bottom of what appears to be a massive government conspiracy aimed at exploiting their disenfranchised community as medical subjects. A satirical romp that has as much to say about class and racial injustices as it does about mystery movie tropes, They Cloned Tyrone is smart, silly, and uniformly well-acted. —I.G.

Where to watch They Cloned Tyrone: Netflix

Director: Juel Taylor

Cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx

Waiting for Guffman (1996)

Christopher Guest’s paean to community theater, Waiting for Guffman is a mockumentary about the making of a musical production in small-town Missouri. The comedy is the first primarily improvised film Guest directed, and marks the beginning of his collaborations with actors like Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard, Eugene Levy, and Parker Posey.

Guest stars as director-choreographer Corky St. Clair, who assembles a motley crew of theatrical hobbyists to perform Red, White and Blaine, a musical about their town’s history. The show’s success takes on additional stakes after Corky informs his cast that a critic from New York is expected to attend. While reviewing Best in Show (2000), EW’s critic called Waiting for Guffman “the most inspired comedy of the last decade,” and he’s not underselling the film. —I.G.

Where to watch Waiting for Guffman: Netflix

Director: Christopher Guest

Cast: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

In the third installment of the Knives Out franchise, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) travels to upstate New York to solve a murder disguised as a miracle. After the controversial leader of an ill-attended parish is killed during services, Detective Blanc is brought in to determine which of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks’ co-workers and loyal followers orchestrated his demise. 

Writer-director Rian Johnson works his misdirection magic, and Wake Up Dead Man is just as satisfying as Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022). Josh O’Connor joins the cast as a young priest who is transferred to the church after punching a former parishioner, and Glenn Close is a lovely addition in her role as Martha, a longtime congregant and Wicks’ chief confidant. —I.G.

Where to watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: Netflix

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis