Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
WeirdThe 20 Best Comedies On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
July 18, 2017, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Whether you like your comedy romantic, action-packed, or family-friendly, there's something for everyone on this list.
Photos: Everett Collection ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Blind Date
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This romantic comedy pairs together an endearing odd couple as neighbors - a dedicated pianist and a man who needs silence to work - and lets things play out how they may. While it's certainly predictable, the palpable chemistry between the two leads makes every moment of their screen time together a total treat.
[Stream Blind Date]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This romantic comedy pairs together an endearing odd couple as neighbors - a dedicated pianist and a man who needs silence to work - and lets things play out how they may. While it's certainly predictable, the palpable chemistry between the two leads makes every moment of their screen time together a total treat.
[Stream Blind Date]
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How to Steal a Million
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Truly a classic of the genre, this 1966 romantic crime comedy stars Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. Desperate to conceal her father's art forgeries, a woman must steal a statue from a Paris art museum - with the help of one "society burglar (who inevitably complicates things).
[Stream How to Steal a Million]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Truly a classic of the genre, this 1966 romantic crime comedy stars Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. Desperate to conceal her father's art forgeries, a woman must steal a statue from a Paris art museum - with the help of one "society burglar (who inevitably complicates things).
[Stream How to Steal a Million]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Don't Think Twice
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
This heartfelt exploration of the friendship, humanity, and the reality of dreams in the world of comedy written by and starring Mike Birbiglia is a total triumph. Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, and a slew of other ridiculously funny people star alongside Birbiglia in this fresh, honest take on what happens when one member of a friend group achieves success and the rest of the gang is forced to reevaluate things.
[Stream Don't Think Twice]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
This heartfelt exploration of the friendship, humanity, and the reality of dreams in the world of comedy written by and starring Mike Birbiglia is a total triumph. Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, and a slew of other ridiculously funny people star alongside Birbiglia in this fresh, honest take on what happens when one member of a friend group achieves success and the rest of the gang is forced to reevaluate things.
[Stream Don't Think Twice]
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Paddington
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Fun for viewers of any age, this adorable flick will crack you up and warm your heart in equal measure. Ben Whishaw voices the titular Paddington, a Peruvian bear who travels to London to find a new home - and does, albeit with some reluctant family members. While he's trying to get settled, however, a villainous figure has something else in mind.
[Stream Paddington]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Fun for viewers of any age, this adorable flick will crack you up and warm your heart in equal measure. Ben Whishaw voices the titular Paddington, a Peruvian bear who travels to London to find a new home - and does, albeit with some reluctant family members. While he's trying to get settled, however, a villainous figure has something else in mind.
[Stream Paddington]
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Best in Show
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
This hilarious mockumentary follows a colorful cast of characters as they compete in the cutthroat world of dog shows. With its spot-on improv comedy and incredible group of actors at the helm (including Christopher Guest, Parker Posey, Michael McKean, John Michael Higgins, and frankly, way too many to name), Best in Show is sure to find a permanent slot on your queue.
[Stream Best in Show]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
This hilarious mockumentary follows a colorful cast of characters as they compete in the cutthroat world of dog shows. With its spot-on improv comedy and incredible group of actors at the helm (including Christopher Guest, Parker Posey, Michael McKean, John Michael Higgins, and frankly, way too many to name), Best in Show is sure to find a permanent slot on your queue.
[Stream Best in Show]
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Marguerite
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Set in Paris in the 1920s, this film follows Marguerite Dumont, a wealthy woman with a love of music and the opera. While she cannot sing to save her life, she loves to sing for her friends, and with her husband, they continue to allow her to live out her fantasy of performance. Things change, however, when she begins performing in front of real audiences, and the rest is history.
[Stream Marguerite]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Set in Paris in the 1920s, this film follows Marguerite Dumont, a wealthy woman with a love of music and the opera. While she cannot sing to save her life, she loves to sing for her friends, and with her husband, they continue to allow her to live out her fantasy of performance. Things change, however, when she begins performing in front of real audiences, and the rest is history.
[Stream Marguerite]
Netflix
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Heathers
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
This quintessential '80s high school flick was actually a box office bomb before it became a cult classic. The film, which stars Winona Ryder as a popular girl striving to break out of her clique by any means necessary, earned praise from critics and has only become edgier and angstier with the passage of time. The film also features an early performance from Christian Slater, at the height of his swooshy-haired teen idol popularity.
[Stream Heathers]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
This quintessential '80s high school flick was actually a box office bomb before it became a cult classic. The film, which stars Winona Ryder as a popular girl striving to break out of her clique by any means necessary, earned praise from critics and has only become edgier and angstier with the passage of time. The film also features an early performance from Christian Slater, at the height of his swooshy-haired teen idol popularity.
[Stream Heathers]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
After their mother is arrested and jailed, two teenage sisters turn to train robbery to make ends meet. While things go smoothly when they start, they soon attract the attention of a railroad detective, and shenanigans ensue. Effortlessly funny and armed with two stellar actresses, this sharp little film offers an off-beat brand of fun.
[Stream Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
After their mother is arrested and jailed, two teenage sisters turn to train robbery to make ends meet. While things go smoothly when they start, they soon attract the attention of a railroad detective, and shenanigans ensue. Effortlessly funny and armed with two stellar actresses, this sharp little film offers an off-beat brand of fun.
[Stream Deidra & Lainey Rob a Train]
Netflix/Fred Hayes
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Finding Dory
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Your favorite forgetful fish is back in this worthy sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo as she begins a search to find her long-lost family no matter where it takes her. Full of just as many heartwarming and funny moments as the first, this sequel will not disappoint.
[Stream Finding Dory]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Your favorite forgetful fish is back in this worthy sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo as she begins a search to find her long-lost family no matter where it takes her. Full of just as many heartwarming and funny moments as the first, this sequel will not disappoint.
[Stream Finding Dory]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Moonrise Kingdom
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Helmed by indie god Wes Anderson, this quirky story of young love depicts two pre-teens who decide to run away together from their New England hometown. The disapproving adults who will do whatever they can to stop our two young lovers from being together, but Suzy and Sam won't give up. Rife with innocence, humor, and wit, Moonrise Kingdom is the offbeat youth romance you're bound to fall in love with.
[Stream Moonrise Kingdom]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Helmed by indie god Wes Anderson, this quirky story of young love depicts two pre-teens who decide to run away together from their New England hometown. The disapproving adults who will do whatever they can to stop our two young lovers from being together, but Suzy and Sam won't give up. Rife with innocence, humor, and wit, Moonrise Kingdom is the offbeat youth romance you're bound to fall in love with.
[Stream Moonrise Kingdom]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Frances Ha
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Noah Baumbach's black-and-white indie flick starring (and written by) Greta Gerwig is true-to-life funny in unexpected ways. This Brooklyn-based twenty-something (Gerwig) is caught off guard when her best friend decides to move out of their apartment and relocate to Tribeca. If you're a fan of the cringe-comedy of Girls, this might be right up your alley.
[Stream Frances Ha]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Noah Baumbach's black-and-white indie flick starring (and written by) Greta Gerwig is true-to-life funny in unexpected ways. This Brooklyn-based twenty-something (Gerwig) is caught off guard when her best friend decides to move out of their apartment and relocate to Tribeca. If you're a fan of the cringe-comedy of Girls, this might be right up your alley.
[Stream Frances Ha]
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Midnight in Paris
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
One evening, while on a walk in Paris, a man (Owen Wilson) discovers that he can time travel back to the 1920s, and while there, he meets his literary idols, among other fascinating figures. This whimsical romantic comedy from Woody Allen is his best work in recent years - it also features memorable performances from Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Allison Pill, and Tom Hiddleston (Pill and Hiddleston delightfully play the dramatic, charming Fitzgeralds).
[Stream Midnight in Paris]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
One evening, while on a walk in Paris, a man (Owen Wilson) discovers that he can time travel back to the 1920s, and while there, he meets his literary idols, among other fascinating figures. This whimsical romantic comedy from Woody Allen is his best work in recent years - it also features memorable performances from Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Allison Pill, and Tom Hiddleston (Pill and Hiddleston delightfully play the dramatic, charming Fitzgeralds).
[Stream Midnight in Paris]
Everett Collection
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Caramel
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This gorgeous Lebanese film chronicles the lives of five Lebanese women navigating the difficult arenas of unbreakable traditions, forbidden love, aging, desire, repressed sexuality, and more. Strangely funny in the way that life is, Caramel's stunning depiction of Beirut and the power of sisterhood makes it one of the most unique, impactful international films in recent memory.
[Stream Caramel]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This gorgeous Lebanese film chronicles the lives of five Lebanese women navigating the difficult arenas of unbreakable traditions, forbidden love, aging, desire, repressed sexuality, and more. Strangely funny in the way that life is, Caramel's stunning depiction of Beirut and the power of sisterhood makes it one of the most unique, impactful international films in recent memory.
[Stream Caramel]
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Hot Fuzz
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Edgar Wright's uproarious action comedy is nothing short of brilliant. Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as police officers in a rural English village, their quest to discover the sinister truth beneath their seemingly perfect town leads them to an unexpected - and absurd - revelation. Also ranked on our list of the best comedies on Netflix, this flick's got everything; car chases, comic gold, and gun fights are just a few things sure to make you love this ridiculous movie.
[Stream Hot Fuzz]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Edgar Wright's uproarious action comedy is nothing short of brilliant. Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as police officers in a rural English village, their quest to discover the sinister truth beneath their seemingly perfect town leads them to an unexpected - and absurd - revelation. Also ranked on our list of the best comedies on Netflix, this flick's got everything; car chases, comic gold, and gun fights are just a few things sure to make you love this ridiculous movie.
[Stream Hot Fuzz]
Everett Collection
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Barton Fink
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
The Coen Brothers' trademark off-beat comedy and eccentric characters ring truer than ever in this dramedy. This flick may often be forgotten in favor of their more popular titles, but this story of a clueless, pseudo-intellectual New York playwright who ventures to California to write movies and discovers the hard truth about Hollywood is essential viewing for any Coen Brothers lovers.
[Stream Barton Fink]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
The Coen Brothers' trademark off-beat comedy and eccentric characters ring truer than ever in this dramedy. This flick may often be forgotten in favor of their more popular titles, but this story of a clueless, pseudo-intellectual New York playwright who ventures to California to write movies and discovers the hard truth about Hollywood is essential viewing for any Coen Brothers lovers.
[Stream Barton Fink]
Photo: Everett Colleciton
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Frank
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Helmed by Room director Lenny Abrahamson, this bizarre dramedy follows Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), an aspiring musician, who inadvertently gets in over his head when he joins a strange pop band led by a eccentric, mask-wearing Frank (Michael Fassbender).
[Stream Frank]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Helmed by Room director Lenny Abrahamson, this bizarre dramedy follows Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), an aspiring musician, who inadvertently gets in over his head when he joins a strange pop band led by a eccentric, mask-wearing Frank (Michael Fassbender).
[Stream Frank]
Photo: Netflix
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Amélie
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Whimsical as it is witty, this offbeat comedy depicts a shy waitress who resolves to make the lives of those around her better, even though she isolates herself from everyone. In the midst of her good deeds, she realizes she's fallen in love and proceeds to play a game of cat and mouse with the man she's been pining for.
[Stream Amélie]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Whimsical as it is witty, this offbeat comedy depicts a shy waitress who resolves to make the lives of those around her better, even though she isolates herself from everyone. In the midst of her good deeds, she realizes she's fallen in love and proceeds to play a game of cat and mouse with the man she's been pining for.
[Stream Amélie]
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Delicatessen
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Set in the post-apocalyptic future, this wildly innovative French film manages to seamlessly combine multiple genres, including comedy, science fiction, and horror. All the action occurs in one apartment complex owned by a man who runs the downstairs butcher shop, the last place that seemingly is able to provide great cuts of meat. When a new superintendent discovers what the real source of the meat is, however, everything changes.
[Stream Delicatessen]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Set in the post-apocalyptic future, this wildly innovative French film manages to seamlessly combine multiple genres, including comedy, science fiction, and horror. All the action occurs in one apartment complex owned by a man who runs the downstairs butcher shop, the last place that seemingly is able to provide great cuts of meat. When a new superintendent discovers what the real source of the meat is, however, everything changes.
[Stream Delicatessen]
Everett Collection
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Dope
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
This delightful, unique crime comedy follows Malcolm, a geek making it by in a tough L.A. neighborhood whose life changes when he gets invited into an underground party and embarks with his friends on a wild adventure. Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and more, this fresh coming-of-age flick is bound to become a favorite.
[Stream Dope]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
This delightful, unique crime comedy follows Malcolm, a geek making it by in a tough L.A. neighborhood whose life changes when he gets invited into an underground party and embarks with his friends on a wild adventure. Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and more, this fresh coming-of-age flick is bound to become a favorite.
[Stream Dope]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Kung Fu Panda
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
China's fate somehow falls into the hands of a mildly obese panda voiced by Jack Black in this adorable animated comedy from Dreamworks. This unsuspecting furry hero with a love of kung fu embarks on a journey of struggle, friendship, and fighting for what's right while training with the masters of his beloved martial art.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
China's fate somehow falls into the hands of a mildly obese panda voiced by Jack Black in this adorable animated comedy from Dreamworks. This unsuspecting furry hero with a love of kung fu embarks on a journey of struggle, friendship, and fighting for what's right while training with the masters of his beloved martial art.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda]
Photo: Everett Collection
