Comedy has always been a cinematic pillar, offering audiences both escape and reflection. Yet over the past decade, the genre’s theatrical presence has dwindled. According toThe Numbers, the percentage of comedies released in theaters has steadily declined, supplanted by superhero tentpoles and franchise dominance. Where romantic comedies and raunchy laugh-fests once dominated the box office in the early 2000s, recent years have seencomedy relegated to streaming platforms or as secondary components in genre films.
However, 2024 marks a turning point. Comedy is re-surging, reinvigorated by its ability to blend with other genres and appeal to diverse audiences. This year’s standout comedies ranged from high-concept meta-narratives to absurdist reboots, proving the genre is not only alive but thriving.
What makes comedy in 2024 so exciting is its adaptability. Major studios leaned into star-driven, feel-good blockbusters likeThe Fall Guyand reimagined classics likeBeetlejuice Beetlejuice,while indie darlings such asAnoraandKinds of Kindnessexplored unconventional and culturally nuanced humor. Films likeThe SubstanceandSaturday Nightoffered meta-narratives that poked fun at the industry itself, reminding audiences why comedy has always been vital to the art of storytelling in the industry.
Here’s a breakdown of the best comedies of 2024, from Sundance standouts to big-budget crowdpleasers, celebrating the breadth and brilliance of the genre’s revival.
15‘The Fall Guy’
Directed by David Leitch
The Fall Guy
David Leitch, whose career began in stunts before directing action-heavy hitslikeJohn WickandBullet Train, brings his insider knowledge toThe Fall Guy, a clever contemporary adaptation of the 1980s television series. The film’s meta-comedy finds Ryan Gosling as a washed-up stuntman pulled back into the industry to assist a cocky but troubled action star, a role that allows the film to critique the egos and excesses of Hollywood’s elite.
Meta-Stunts and Star Power
Leitch’s understanding of the stunt world lends authenticity to the high-octane sequences, blending slapstick humor with thrilling set pieces. Gosling’s deadpan delivery, paired with Emily Blunt’s sharp performance as his camerawoman ex-girlfriend turned director, creates a dynamic that is equal parts chaotic and authentic to real on-set relationships. The film’s playful jabs at toxic masculinity and celebrity culture are complemented by its genuinely impressive action, making it a standout in both comedy and spectacle.
14’Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Directed by Tim Burton
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Tim Burton revisits one of his most beloved creations withBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel that leans into its predecessor’s chaotic charm while adding fresh layers of humor and commentary.Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role asBeetlejuicewith unhinged brilliance, while Jenna Ortega shines as his sardonic, goth protégé, bringing generational humor to the mix.
Gothic Comedy Revived
The film walks a fine line between slapstick comedy and Burton’s signature macabre aesthetic, delivering biting cultural commentary on legacy and nostalgia. It’s a playful satire of the very concept of sequels, with characters who are as self-aware as they are absurd. Burton’s ability to balance the kitschy and the dark makes this film not just a return to form, but a standout in 2024’s comedy lineup.
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13‘Saturday Night’
Directed by Jason Reitman
Saturday Night
Jason Reitman’sSaturday Nightis a meta-narrative that captures the frenetic backstage energy of the first recording of NBC’s live sketch show in 1975, inspired by his father Ivan Reitman’s collaborations withSaturday Night Livealumni and his own lifelong connection to the comedy world. The film combines Reitman’s knack for offbeat yet heartfelt narratives, seen inJunoandUp in the Air, with biting industry satire.
Inside the Chaos of Legacy Late-Night Comedy
Gabriel LaBelle delivers a standout performance as Lorne Michaels, capturing the eccentricities of a figure who has long shaped comedy. Cooper Hoffman offers a counterpoint as a bright-eyed writer balancing youthful ambition with the demands of appeasing an old-school studio system. The sharp script perfectly encapsulates the generational clash and creative chaos behind the scenes, turningSaturday Nightinto a love letter to the art of comedy—and a reflection of Hollywood’s ever-revolving door of talent.
Directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
In its fourth installment, theBad Boysfranchisedoesn’t shy away from acknowledging its status as a sequel. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah inject fresh energy into the buddy-cop dynamic, blending explosive action with affectionate self-awareness. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence continue to shine with their sharp banter and undeniable chemistry, playing off the tropes of aging action heroes while keeping the humor contemporary.
Action-Comedy Reimagined
The film’s strength lies in its ability to poke fun at itself while delivering the over-the-top action and high-stakes drama that fans expect. It’s a playful nod to the evolution of the franchise, proving that even after decades, Smith and Lawrence can still balance laughs and thrills with effortless charisma.
11’Lisa Frankenstein’
Directed by Zelda Williams
Lisa Frankenstein
Zelda Williams, daughter of comedy legend Robin Williams, makes a striking directorial debut withLisa Frankenstein, a neon-soaked, darkly comedic riff on Mary Shelley’s iconic tale. Written by Diablo Cody, whose sharp, irreverent humor shines through, the film sets its story in a 1980s suburban backdrop dripping with nostalgia. Kathryn Newton brings both charm and comedic bite as Lisa, a disenchanted teenager who uses her eccentric science skills to resurrect a reanimated corpse, played with endearing awkwardness byRiverdaleheartthrob Cole Sprouse.
Teen Angst Meets Dark Humor
The title itself—a pun on Gen Z nostalgia for Lisa Frank school supplies—captures the playful absurdity of the film. Williams and Cody explore themes of identity and coming-of-age through a lens of gothic camp, blending grotesque imagery with heartfelt teenage drama. It’s a film that doesn’t just reimagine Frankenstein; it makes it fiercely, hilariously contemporary.
10‘Kung Fu Panda 4’
Directed by Mike Mitchell
Kung Fu Panda 4
TheKung Fu Pandafranchise has never been just another animated series; it’s a celebration of slapstick, heart, and the joy of self-discovery.Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell (Shrek Forever After), ensures that thisfourth installment isn’t merely a cash grab but a thoughtful continuation of Po’s journey. Jack Black returns as the lovable panda, delivering his trademark blend of enthusiasm and charm that resonates with both children and adults.
Martial Arts and Timeless Laughs
The animation, as always, is a standout—vivid, kinetic, and dynamic in its depiction of martial arts sequences. But what makes this installment special is its exploration of leadership and legacy, as Po steps into a mentor role, grappling with the responsibility of guiding the next generation of warriors. For younger audiences, it’s slapstick perfection; for older viewers, the humor has a depth that connects across generations. In a market saturated with sequels,Kung Fu Panda 4proves that thoughtful storytelling and visual creativity can keep a franchise fresh.
9‘Ricky Stanicky’
Directed by Peter Farrelly
Ricky Stanicky
Peter Farrelly, with his brother Bobby Farrelly who were staple directors of 1990s and 2000s comedies, makes his triumphant return withRicky Stanicky. The premise is pure Farrelly absurdity: three friends, played by Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino, must bring to life the fictional “friend” they’ve been using as a scapegoat for years, so they hire actor and impersonator Rock-Hard Rod (John Cena) to keep up the rouse.Farrelly’s knack for blending slapstick with heartfelt storytellingshines through as the film navigates themes of friendship, accountability, and toxic masculinity.
Hilarious Absurdity with a Heart
The performances elevate the film beyond its outrageous premise. Zac Efron adds nuance to his character, channeling emotional depth alongside his comedic timing, while Cena surprises audiences with earnest monologues and physical humor that rivals hisPeacemakerturn. The soundtrack, a perfectly curated mix ranging from Otis Redding to Men I Trust, underscores the film’s tender exploration of the complexities of modern masculinity.Ricky Stanickyis a love letter to Farrelly’s earlier work, updated for a generation craving humor with emotional stakes.
8‘My Old Ass’
Directed by Megan Park
My Old Ass
Megan Park’sMy Old Assis a sharp, tender, and uniquely funny exploration of identity, aging, and self-discovery. Following her Sundance success withThe Fallout,Park delivers a genre-defying narrative that blends coming-of-age humor with existential musings.
Maisy Stella stars as Elliott, a teenager grappling with the weight of adulthood and the bittersweet transitions of leaving home. Her journey takes a surreal twist when her 39-year-old future self, played with equal parts gravity and hilarity by Aubrey Plaza, appears to offer cryptic life advice. Together, they navigate themes of queerness, heartbreak, and the anxiety of what lies ahead, creating a story as relatable as it is absurd.
A Time-Bending, Heartfelt Comedy About Living in the Moment
Elliott’s relationships with her family, her crush Chelsea, and the charming yet doomed Chad (Percy Hynes White) are handled with nuance, offering a refreshing take on identity and self-acceptance. Megan Park’s script cleverly subverts clichés, using surreal moments like a hallucinatory Justin Bieber performance to capture the kaleidoscopic nature of teenage fears and hopes.My Old Assis a heartfelt, hilarious, and universally resonant reminder to embrace the present while making peace with the past and future, cementing Park as one of today’s most exciting filmmakers.
7’Drive-Away Dolls’
Directed by Ethan Coen
Drive-Away Dolls
Ethan Coen strikes gold withDrive-Away Dolls, a road-trip comedy that feels both classic and refreshingly modern. Known for his biting wit alongside brother Joel, Ethan takes the reins solo in this crime caper, injecting a feminist lens into the genre without ever feeling heavy-handed. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan shine as the mismatched leads—two women caught up in a chaotic adventure that’s equal parts crime thriller and offbeat buddy comedy.
The humor is dry and understated, with moments of laugh-out-loud absurdity woven seamlessly into a narrative about independence and friendship. Coen’s mastery of tone allowsDrive-Away Dollsto balance zany plot twists with genuine emotional depth. It’s a film that revels in its eccentricities while making pointed observations about gender dynamics and the unpredictability of human connection, proving that Coen’s ability to deliver a killer offbeat comedy remains unparalleled.
Directed by Sean Wang
Sean Wang’sDidicaptures the bittersweet hilarityof growing up in a bicultural household, delivering a poignant coming-of-age comedy with razor-sharp insight. Set during the summer of 2008, the film follows 13-year-old Chris “Didi” Wang as he navigates adolescence in a middle-class Taiwanese-American household. Joan Chen delivers a standout performance as Chungsing Wang, Didi’s mother, who struggles to balance her own artistic ambitions with the overwhelming expectations placed on her as an immigrant parent.
Immigrant Humor with Personal Stakes
The film masterfully juxtaposes Didi’s youthful naivety with Chungsing’s quiet resilience, creating a dynamic that is both funny and heartbreakingly real. Wang captures the humor in awkward, deeply personal moments—whether it’s Didi’s cringeworthy AIM chats or the slapstick absurdity of middle school social hierarchies.
The nostalgic backdrop of early social media and DIY YouTube videos adds texture to the story, evoking both specific cultural memories and universal coming-of-age experiences. Winner of Sundance’s Audience Award - U.S. Dramatic and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble,Didistands out not just for its heartfelt storytelling but for its ability to blend humor with authentic cultural specificity.
