The year 2023 was jam-packed with comedies, from Barbie’s Existential Crisis in Barbie to Cocaine Bear featuring a cocaine-snorting bear, to many more. Whether you’re in the mood for an R-rated comedy or just want to lighten up, we’ve picked out some of our favourite films for you to add to your queue.
Dumb Money
Stream Now at Netflix, AppleTv
Run Time: 1h 45m
What Happened: In 2020 and 2021, amateur investors on Reddit and YouTube turned GameStop (yes, that mall videogame store) into one of the hottest stocks in America. Joe Davidson, Paul Dano, America Ferrera, Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, Craig Gillespie, and the film’s director, Mario Ramos. The film’s comedic and emotional stars (Sebastian Stan and Shailene Woodley) make excellent use of the David vs. Goliath plot point.
The action of Dumb Money largely unfolds in the characters’ dorm rooms and basement offices, where they engage in direct discussion of complex financial instruments. This sets it apart from other satirical Wall Street films that take place in boardrooms. This keeps it grounded in reality while poking fun at haughty corporate leaders who attempt to intimidate them at every turn.
Bottoms
Stream Now at AppleTV, Prime Video
Run Time: 1h 31m
Bottoms is an engagingly unique raunchy comedy that challenges genre norms and expectations in an entertaining and original way. Bottoms presents a queer odyssey journey that combines aspects of Superbad (duo on mission hijinks) with Fight Club’s notion of personal improvement via conflict. Director Emma Seligman was sensitive to the talents of her actors and made sure to showcase them when appropriate.
Edebiri and Sennott’s fantastic chemistry—you will adore and detest their characters simultaneously—and the rest of the fantastic cast deliver outstanding physical comedy and funny one-liners throughout the film. Along with them, they have a fantastic supporting cast that includes a surprisingly welcoming teacher, some hot football players, and former NFL player Marshawn Lynch as their improper teacher, Mr. G.
Cocaine Bear
Stream Now at Prime Video, Netflix, AppleTV, PeacockTV
Run Time: 1h 35m
In 1985, a narcotics trafficker disembarked a package of cocaine from an aircraft over Georgia; the package fell into a forest, where a bear promptly devoured it. The subsequent killing rampage by the bear served as the inspiration for Elizabeth Banks’s latest film, Cocaine Bear.
Although there are a few moments and characters that go on for too long in Cocaine Bear, the film is still humorous and engaging. Unlike many contemporary films, Cocaine Bear doesn’t try to be too serious; instead, it plays to its comedic strengths by showing a bear stoned on coke, which is perfect for any B-movie that needs to be a little offbeat to be successful.
Theater Camp
Run Time: 1h 32m
This delightful comedy-drama is made all the more enjoyable by the fact that Theater Camp’s mockumentary provides an interesting glimpse into a world that may be quite alone. It may bring up unsettling memories of gender-swapped Shakespeare productions and vocal exercises. However, for people who went to summer theater as kids or still fantasize about being a Broadway musical star, it will bring back pleasant memories. Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt, and Noah Galvin are among the other stars.
In this film, the eccentric staff of a rundown summer theater camp must come together with its beloved founder’s brother-in-law in order to keep their thespian paradise afloat. Galvin is stellar as their stage manager character. At the same time, Platt shines as their singing teacher while Gordon shines as their shrewd but ultimately kind director.
Dream Scenario
Stream Now at Prime Video, AppleTV
Run Time: 1h 42m
Dream Scenario by Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli is a black comedy that centers around Paul Matthews, an eccentric professor who appears in everyone’s dreams. As the film’s interesting tale and plot enthral viewers, Nic Cage delivers one of his most outstanding and riveting performances to date. Cage has a terrific performance as a regular dad who suddenly becomes famous.
A scathing view of society is gradually revealed as the plot of the film progresses. Despite its comedic moments, the film may lose momentum in its last act as it deviates from its captivating idea and becomes less interesting. What’s more, the film’s message regarding cancel culture and viral sensations gets a bit old. Regardless, it’s still a good film that you should watch.
Wonka
Stream Now at Not Available Yet
Run Time: 1h 56m
Wonka Movie is interesting enough to captivate kids, adults, teens, and parents alike. Paul King, the film’s director, puts his expert touch on it, creating an original and uplifting origin story that’s both charming and hopeful.
Look no further if you’re in the mood for a lively picture that builds characters subtly without bogging them down with excessive special effects and spectacular action sequences. Its endearing characteristics are undeniable, and the cast (especially Chalamet’s performance) remains strong even after multiple viewings. A character who believes “a pocketful of change and an abundance of dreams is all anyone needs”—Wonka—is portrayed as exceedingly naive and ethically pure.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves
Stream Now at Netflix, Prime Video, AppleTV
Run Time: 2h 14m
In this new Dungeons & Dragons film, a charming thief and his unusual band of adventurers go on a thrilling quest to recover an artifact with lethal power that was stolen from them by an evil mastermind. Featuring monsters, evil wizards, and lots of humour, this thrilling Dungeons & Dragons film is sure to please game lovers.
The film’s popularity can be attributed to its delightful tone and fantastic acting chemistry; Chris Pine, in particular, stands out as an incredibly charming actor who can elevate even the corniest lines to a memorable performance; outstanding supporting cast members include Sophie Grant and Rege-Jean Page. Using practical effects for all other parts, especially to depict canonical D&D places (Icewind Dale and the Underdark), is where Honor Among Thieves truly shines.
80 for Brady
Stream Now at Prime Video, AppleTv
Run Time: 1h 38m
Inspiring a passionate fandom that reached Super Bowl LI in 2017, a group of 80-year-old women with serious health issues nevertheless find strength in the relationships formed through their shared love for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Optimism, friendship, and the power of athletics to change lives are the themes of 80 For Brady, a lively and entertaining film.
Kyle Marvin’s 80 For Brady is a charming and enjoyable film about female friendships. There is no denying the cast’s inherent chemistry, which makes it a joy to watch. Just seeing these renowned ladies work together on screen is enough to make anyone want to see the film.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Stream Now at Disney+
Run Time: 2h 30m
A distress signal from a planet nobody has ever heard of presents the biggest challenge the Guardians have ever faced in the new film. Along the way, they put their old relationships to the test and discover the importance of family in a war-torn world ruled by a brutal tyrant with a terrible weapon that can destroy entire galaxies.
Star-Lord is still mourning Gamora but rallies his team to protect both the universe and one of their own on a mission that could potentially put their lives in jeopardy – while Star-Lord must choose whether he and Gamora sacrifice themselves or move forward together on an incredible mission that could determine their fates or continue through to its conclusion.
No Hard Feelings
Stream Now at Netflix, Prime Video
Run Time: 1h 43m
No Hard Feelings is a hilarious and fun summer comedy written and directed by Gene Stupnitsky. It follows an underemployed Uber driver from Montauk as she helps a solitary kid get her car back. In the starring part, Jennifer Lawrence excels, displaying both emotional and humorous timing.
From mace sprayings to nude fistfights, the film’s comedic moments are what make it stand out. It subtly embraces its risqué aspects, letting Lawrence captivate in more sensual situations. Rather than relying on its artificial plotline, No Hard Feelings may have felt more genuine if it had centered on young Percy discovering his sexuality. Still, overall, it is quite an enjoyable comedy.
American Fiction
Stream Now at AppleTv
Run Time: 1h 57m
The plot of this film, which is based on Percival Everett’s 2001 book Erasure, revolves around academic Monk Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), who, in an effort to protest the publication of racist literature, writes a racially insensitive “Black” novel. The book goes on to become an international literary hit, bringing Ellison notoriety and financial success.
The movie excels when its two separate storylines coexist simultaneously and cohesively. Despite occasional jarring transitions between the film’s mockumentary-style celebrations of the publishing world and the domestic drama of Monk and his family living in the suburbs, the film succeeds as a domestic drama with unexpected depth and nuanced themes.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Stream Now at AppleTv, Prime Video
Run Time: 1h 46m
At eleven years old, Margaret Simon loves pink, tuna, and long hair. Just as Margaret is settling into her new community, she finds solace in the company of her mother, Barbara and grandma, Sylvia, both of whom are figuring out how to make the most of this next chapter of their life. Because they are both going through an identity crisis, they rapidly become closer as they work through issues of who they are, what matters most in life, and how to find happiness.
Adapted for a contemporary audience, this film faithfully follows the original script. It is an exquisite adventure that will meet the hearts of girls of all ages and bring a sigh of relief to Blume fans everywhere. The picture flirts with after-school special terrain, but director Fremon Craig and her outstanding ensemble provide something richer and more complex.
Barbie
Stream Now at Max
Run Time: 1h 54m
Leaving the haven of Barbie Land, the protagonist of the film faces the harsh realities of reality and the difficult questions it poses. Along her journey, she meets other women, including President Barbie, Weird Barbie, Writer Barbie, Physicist Barbie, and Doctor Barbie.
Critics are quick to point out that toy-themed films serve only to enrich toy companies and their retailers. Nevertheless, filmmaker Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women) has crafted a sinister narrative around Barbie that transcends mere criticism of corporate culture. In a manner reminiscent of A Doll’s House, she weaves together an epic tale of self-discovery in which Barbie transforms from a plastic accessory into an actual person.
Murder Mystery 2
Stream Now at Netflix
Run Time: 1h 30m
Murder Mystery 2, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston reprised their roles as a pair of hairstylists and detectives who were also romantically involved in solving a crime involving an Indian maharaja. They are joined by Wilmer Valderrama, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Annie Mumolo, who is an expert on vacations.
With Nick and Audrey’s help, the original Murder Mystery was able to apprehend criminal kingpins. Their private investigation firm has come a long way since then, but their hard work has yet to go unrewarded. Their clients seem to have abandoned them, leaving them in a state of desperate need to win them back. Will they need to get creative if they want to remain in business?
Joy Ride
Run Time: 1h 35m
Adele Lim’s first feature film, Joy Ride, is a tone-confident, offbeat road trip comedy about the fears and carefree experiences of the Asian diaspora. The film stars an exceptional ensemble. While some of Joy Ride’s more outrageous gags may be annoying or distasteful, still, they provide a refreshing alternative to the sugar-coated identity politics seen in many contemporary studio comedies.
Lolo is an irreverent free spirit who enjoys creating whimsical sex-positive sculptures; Kat is an actress and college cheerleader who is famous for butting heads; and Deadeye is an unforgiving bully who enjoys watching Chinese soap operas. Following a failed business deal, Audrey seeks the counsel and support of her closest friends. Despite their apparent differences in personality, these four make a formidable quartet that can weather any storm that comes their way on their ribald adventure.
The Holdovers
Stream Now at AppleTV, Prime Video, PeacockTV
Run Time: 2h 13m
Three lonely people spend Christmas together at New England’s Barton Academy in The Holdovers, an original holiday comedy directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti (Sideways) once again. Success at the Telluride Film Festival and a special exhibition at the Toronto Film Festival led to its acquisition by Focus Features this summer.
Relationships are the focus of The Holdovers, as they are in all of Payne’s works. Actor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is an unsympathetic teacher at a private prep school who must stay on campus during the holidays to watch over children who are unable to leave. Some of the students he befriends through chance encounters are Mary and the intelligent troublemaker Angus Tully.
Poor Things
Stream Now at Not Available Yet
Run Time: 2h 21m
In Yorgos Lanthimos’s most recent feature film, “Poor Things,” Emma Stone plays a character who is an adult yet has a baby brain. Its steampunk story, which is based on the same-titled 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, could be described as Frankenstein with feminist undertones. Stone gives a superb performance, one of many noteworthy ones that may even surpass her work in The Favorite.
With its delicate and amusing examinations of sexuality’s link to intelligence, this film received a ten-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The crowd cheered heartily. Scarring humor combined with stunning visuals made this more than just another drama-comedy!
