Some of the best comedies on Netflix

With all of the lousy things happening in the world at the moment, it can feel that things are hopeless and everything is awful. However, things will change, things are changing and we will all be able to get out there with friends and family before too much longer.

In the meantime, all this little old film site can do is point out a few films on Netflix that may make you smile. Obviously, there are plenty of other comedies on there, but I thought I would go with some old favourites, some newer ones and a couple of hidden gems.

If you are after more films after seeing all the ones on this list, or you just want to know what’s new on Netflix, can I suggest the excellent Flixboss website? I use it a lot (the UK version) to see what new films and shows have hit the streaming service.

Anyway, let’s get on with the list.

When Harry Met Sally

The 1989 American romantic comedy film written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the main characters. They discuss whether men and women can be just friends. What follows is a beautiful, film that takes us through the highs and lows of friendship and relationships. Oh, and there is also that scene in the deli – I’ll have what’s she’s having!

The Fundamentals of Caring

Written and directed by Rob Burnett, this 2016 comedy-drama is based on the 2012 novel The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison. It stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez. Rudd’s character takes a job caring for 8-year-old son Trevor (Craig Roberts), who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the pair end up going on a road trip across America. On paper, it sounds like a serious drama, but the great script and performances bring out an awful lot of humour.

Dolemite Is My Name

Eddie Murphy had a fantastic comeback with this 2019 biopic about comedian and filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore. It shows that with perseverance, good friends, and a little bit of luck you can make some of your wishes come true. The brilliant performance from Murphy centers the whole film and we watch in wonder as a man who has no idea how to make a film, gets a film made, and becomes a legend. Murphy’s classic Coming To America is also on the streaming service.

Midnight Run

Full of foul language, car chases, shoot outs and more this action movie stars Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin and it is absolutely hilarious. Bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) is enlisted by bail bondsman Eddie Moscone to bring accountant Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas (Grodin) back to Los Angeles. A simple job becomes something a little more complicated. That’s all you need to know. If you have never seen it then do yourself a favour and watch it as soon as you can.

Groundhog Day

Come on! We all know Groundhog Day. Bill Murray lives the same day over and over again. We all know it, we have all seen it, but we will all watch it again. Bing!

Monty Python’s The Life of Brian

So many great quotes. So many silly characters. One of Monty Python’s best films that almost didn’t get made. Because it was a religious satire, EMI Films pulled the funding. Luckily, George Harrison of The Beatles was a fan of Monty Python. He arranged for the film to be financed and the rest is history….of course, it was hardly shown when it first came out, but over the years it has found many fans and will keep finding new ones. Also, don’t forget to check out Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Roxanne

Steve Martin stars as the long-nosed fireman in the 1987 film based on Cyrano de Bergerac. He falls in love with Daryl Hannah’s character, but due to being self-conscious, he helps another fireman talk to her. A great supporting cast that makes the whole town come to life and Steve Martin as his best throughout.

21 Jump Street

On paper, this comedy remake of the old 80s TV show that featured cops going undercover at school should not have been as good as it was. However, the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum (who is just a charisma machine) is fantastic. It takes all the cliches of high school and cop movies , mixes them all up and brings us something fresh, crude, funny and a little bit charming.

The Disaster Artist

Oh hi, Mark! This 2017 film follows Tommy Wiseau – writer, director, and actor in The Room, which is one of the best worst movies ever made. James Franco plays the mysterious Wiseau and you have to keep telling yourself that this all really happened as it is quite unbelievable in places. Make sure you stick around for the end credits as there are comparisons between the recreations in this film with actual scenes from The Room.

The Blues Brothers

If you fancy some great songs and an epic car chase with your comedy then you cannot go wrong with The Blues Brothers. They’re on a mission from God to get the band back together and save their old orphanage. Along the way, they will meet up with many musical legends and make many different enemies. All while wearing sunglasses! Always a great film to rewatch as there are so many funny moments and incredible cameos.

So there you have it. Just a few of the great comedy films you can find on Netflix.

There are many more so share your suggestions in the comments below.