Netflix has providedcinephiles witha lot of great movies since they began releasing their own titlesin 2011. While the OG streaming giant made a splash withLillyhammeras its first exclusive content, it was thesoaring greatness ofHouse of Cards,a critically acclaimed political thriller series which won many Emmys and other awards, that truly put Netflix on the map as a major player in the area of original productions.
One of the genres in which Netflix has impressed the most is comedy.While not all of their comedy films have been hits with audiences, fans must remember that comedy is the hardest genre to nail. Critics still found something to love in several of Netflix’s comedies that audiences largely panned, which could be due to the unique individuality of humor. Here are Netflix’s ten funniest original comedy movies so far.
10’A Family Affair' (2024)
A Family Affair
Director Richard LaGravenese’sA Family Affairis a 2024 romantic comedy starring Joey King, who has impressed in adiverse list of projects. She plays Zara, daughter to Nicole Kidman’s character, Brooke, who spurschaos and family drama by diving into a romantic fling with her daughter’s movie star boss. Social media star turned comedy actress Liza Koshy, who is remembered for dominating the now-defunct social media app Vine, appears in the movie as Zara’s supportive best friend.
‘A Family Affair’ Is Funny for Its Absurdity
Many fans called out the strange element of a mother wanting to date a boss who is known for treating her own daughter terribly. Others considered the age difference between Efron and Kidman to be too unrealistic. The project isbest enjoyed if fans don’t analyze the plot too closely, and simply enjoy the antics for the mindless entertainment that they are. Liza Koshy’s bubbly brightness is a high point of the movie.
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9’Vampires vs. The Bronx' (2020)
Vampires vs. The Bronx
2020 releaseVampires vs. The Bronx,directed by Osmany Rodriguez, centers on a trio of teenage pals who uncover an evil plot to destroy the neighborhood they call home. Jaden Michael, Gregory Diaz IV, and Gerald W. Jones III star as the three friends whomust work together to ward off a flock of vampires. ThePG-13-rated flickuses a nostalgic factor to create charm and laughs with a few scary moments thrown in.
A Campy Horror With a Meaningful Message
Fans have praised the project for creating an atmospheric vibe reminiscent of an 80s or 90s horror comedy. Although it appears to be mainly targeting an audience of kids, all audiences cansympathize with the characters and appreciate the gentrification metaphor. There is also a heartfelt coming of age element. Niche jokes and references that will probably only be caught by people from New York or the Caribbean are sprinkled throughout for another layer of humor.
8’Win It All' (2017)
Win It All
Win It All’stitle references its high-stakes themes, as it chronicles the story of Eddie Garrett, a small-timegamblingaddict who finds himself caught up in temptation when he agrees to provide safe-keeping for a cash-filled bag as a favor to a friend who is heading off to prison. Eddie is played by Jake Johnson, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
A Smart and Heartfelt Comedy
Win It Allis lovable for its straightforward, easy-to-follow, very believable plot. With so many movies getting bogged down in confusing complications, keeping itsleek and simpleis a good strategy for the comedy genre, which audiences usually watch in order to relax. The only complaint may be that the film is a bit sadder than viewers may have expected.
7’A Futile and Stupid Gesture' (2018)
A Futile and Stupid Gesture
2018’sA Futile and Stupid Gestureis a humorous drama based on the entertainingreal events that took place at the offices ofThe National Lampoonduring the 1970s. The magazine, which closed in 1998, was a comical offshoot ofThe Harvard Lampoonand was known for itssatirical contentthat became a staple of American pop culture. The film focuses on writer Douglas Kenney’s work during the rise and fall of the publication.
A Relevant Comedy That Steadily Builds
Viewers say the movie gets better as it goes along, which is always a good quality to keep viewers hooked. Will Forte nails his role Kenney, and the film incorporates a uniquely inventive style of storytelling. Many fans call it a go-to “comfort movie” and praise it for capturing the chaotic scrappiness ofThe National Lampoon’searly days.
6’Little Evil' (2017)
Little Evil
Little Evilis directed by Eli Craig, who is best known for creating the niche favorite horror comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. The plot features who becomes suspicious of his stepson and beginsbelieving the boy is capable of surprisingly nefarious motivationswhen he notices clues connecting the youngster to two strange suicides. Evangeline Lilly and Adam Scott star as the boy’s mother and stepfather, while Owen Atlas takes on the role of the creepy tot.
Not at the Level of ‘Tucker & Dale,’ But Still Delightfully Funny
Although it is billed as a comedy, the movie reaches humorous heights that fans weren’t expecting based on the outset. The film starts off like a fairly typical supernatural horror, beforejokes ramp up. Fans call it hilariously relatable as it touches on the universal topic of being nervous aboutfatherhood. Viewers also say they had fun keeping score of all the references to other horror movies, such asThe Omen,that pop up throughout the film.
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5’Moxie' (2021)
Moxieis a 2021 film directed by Amy Poehler, based on the young adult novel by Jennifer Mathieu. The movie followsVivian, a 16-year-old high school student played by Hadley Robinson, who becomes inspired by her mother’s feminist past to create a zine called “Moxie.” This zine aims to empower her female classmates and address issues like bullying, sexual harassment, and rape within their school environment.
Serious Topics Addressed With a Comedic Touch
While fans say the movie is a fairly conservative story that doesn’t take many risks, it still acknowledges some dark high school themes while incorporating teen sit-commish humor. Critics praised Hadley Robinson’s memorable lead performance and called the film a good showing for Amy Poehler’s directorial skills.
4’Deidra & Laney Rob a Train' (2017)
Deidra & Laney Rob a Train
The story unfolds in a small Idaho town where Deidra, an ambitious student on the verge of being class valedictorian, must take charge when her mother, Marigold (Danielle Nicolet), is arrested. With bills piling up and the threat of being placed infoster carelooming over Deidra and her sister, Deidra devises aplan to rob trains to make ends meet and secure their mother’s bail.
Funny and Touching
As they embark on their criminal escapades, the sisters navigate various challenges, including rekindling relationships and confronting their family dynamics. Theiradventures are portrayed with a mix of humor and heart, emphasizing themes of resilience and familial bonds amidst adversity.
3’The Fundamentals of Caring' (2016)
The Fundamentals of Caring
The Fundamentals of Caringis a 2016 road comedy-drama film directed by Rob Burnett, based on the novelThe Revised Fundamentals of Caregivingby Jonathan Evison. The story centers around Ben (played by Paul Rudd), aretired writer who becomes a caregiver after experiencing a personal tragedy. He enrolls in a six-week course to obtain his caregiving certification and is subsequently hired to care for Trevor (Craig Roberts), an 18-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, who is confined to a wheelchair and leads a monotonous life.
A Great Post-Disney Project for Selena Gomez
Fans of Disney’sWizards of Waverly Placemight be surprised to learn thatthe Disney darlingwho famously played Alex Russo sometimes struggled to get cast in her adult career. Gomez revealed that she got the part by blindly auditioning, believing she would have been passed over if casting directors had known her identity ahead of time. Fortunately, she was given a chance to read for this part, becauseher performance is one of this project’s most enjoyable parts.
2’Don’t Look Up' (2021)
Don’t Look Up
Don’t Look Upis a satirical science fiction film directed by Adam McKay that explores themes of climate change andsocietal indifference to existential threats. The story revolves around two astronomers, Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), who discover a comet on a collision course with Earth that could result in global extinction.
Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio Team for Quirky Political Satire
The star-studded picture doesn’t simply skate by on its A-list cast, but truly brings agood amount of heart and substanceto the screen. It is also a smart way to get eyes on one of the important causes championed byenvironmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio. The solid movie has received particular praise for one of its funniest threads, a recurring joke about being charged for snacks at the White House.
1’Dolemite Is My Name' (2019)
Dolemite Is My Name
Dolemite Is My Nameis a 2019 biographical comedy film directed by Craig Brewer featuring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, a struggling comedian and musician in 1970s Los Angeles. The film chronicles Moore’s journey to create the iconic Blaxploitation character Dolemite, highlighting themes of ambition, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity. He adopts the persona of a homeless man and begins performing irreverent comedy shows that resonate with black audiences.
Eddie Murphy Shines in Netflix’s Biggest Comedy Win
The film was a hit with both critics and fans, scoring over 90% in both categories. Eddie Murphy shows he isjust as funny as ever as he embodies the bold, brash persona of Rudy Ray Moore. The project fits in some poignant drama along with the laughs, and is filled with an elusively electrifying energy that is hard to harness, and proves magical when it is.Dolemite’smemorable zaninessand perfect timing make it the comedy Netflix should be most proud of.
