Ridham Vashishth
In an era where fast-paced thrillers and edge-of-the-seat dramas reign supreme, there’s something refreshingly timeless about a good comedy. Think about it: While special effects might age and drama tropes may evolve, a laugh remains timeless. Comedy movies, with their perfect blend of wit, charm, and heart, have a unique capability to heal, evoke hearty laughs, and sometimes even provide a reflective mirror to society.
As we navigate the streaming galaxy, Paramount+ emerges as a treasure trove of rib-tickling gems that tick all the boxes for an ideal comedic experience. From slapstick situations to clever satirical commentaries, this platform houses it all. And while humor is undeniably subjective, this list promises a laughter guarantee, serving up a range of comedic flavors for every palate. Dive in, and let the joyous world of comedy on Paramount+ carry you away!
13. All the Wrong Ingredients (2024)
‘Ratatouille’ meets ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ in Nicholas Livanos’s ‘All the Wrong Ingredients.’ When Ben Fitzgerald, a young, driven chef, is given the opportunity to become an A-lister, he teams up with his imaginary friend to cook the perfect dessert. As he loses himself in his endeavor, his life starts falling apart. Starring Joshua Trevilcock, Jonathan Bouvier, and Emily Gesi, ‘All the Wrong Ingredients’ is a rare mind-bending comedy that denies being put in a single genre and entertainingly so. You can watch it here.
12. School of Rock (2003)
This movie will, at some point, make you wonder how it would have been if you had a teacher who taught you rock and roll. We have Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a rock band guitarist who was fired from his band and made his way into the most prestigious prep school as a substitute teacher. However, instead of teaching the kids what he is supposed to do, he tries to light the fire of rock within them and surprisingly helps them realize their talents and feel better about themselves. They even form a band known as The School of Rock, turning what should have been an education into a revolution. Whacky, entertaining, and touching, this Richard Linklater directorial is a must-watch comedy drama. You can watch it here.
11. The Lost City (2022)
Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, and Brad Pitt, ‘The Lost City’ is an action comedy that centers on Loretta Sage (Bullock), an author/recluse whose adventure novels speak of a handsome protagonist, Dash. Dash is portrayed by Alan Caprison (Tatum) as the cover model for her novels. While the two people don’t get along well, when Loretta is kidnapped by billionaire Abigail Fairfax, Alan sets off to rescue her. Fairfax believes that Loretta based her adventures on true historical research she carried out with her late explorer husband. This is why he wants her to help him find a treasure on a remote island. Will Alan be able to rescue Loretta in time? To find out, you may watch the movie here.
10. Scary Movie (2000)
A cult classic R-rated parody of slasher films like ‘Scream’ and ‘Halloween,’ ‘Scary Movie’ follows a group of teenagers stalked by a masked killer. While people start dying one after another, we get a satirical representation of almost every horror film ever made and movies of other genres, too. Whacky, crude, and a box office success, ‘Scary Movie’ is directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. The film stars Jon Abrahams, Anna Faris, Carmen Electra, Kurt Fuller, Shannon Elizabeth, and Regina Hall. If you and your friends are looking for mindless laughs and gags, you can watch the movie right here.
9. Seven Psychopaths (2012)
‘Seven Psychopaths’ is a riveting satirical crime comedy film, the brainchild of director and writer Martin McDonagh. This film sees Colin Farrell portraying Marty, a screenwriter caught in a dilemma of crime after his friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) make a rather audacious move by kidnapping a gangster’s Shih Tzu. The gangster in question, a role brought to life by Woody Harrelson, is not one to be trifled with.
The ensemble cast is further enhanced by the likes of Tom Waits, Abbie Cornish, Olga Kurylenko, and Željko Ivanek. ‘Seven Psychopaths’ is recommended not just for its dark humor and sharp wit but also for its meta-commentary on storytelling and the chaotic dance of violence and comedy. It explores the eccentricities that shape human behavior in extreme situations. Feel free to check out the movie here.
8. Zoolander (2001)
Directed by Ben Stiller, ‘Zoolander’ stars Stiller along with Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Christine Taylor. The movie tells the story of Derek Zoolander, who has won the title of VH1 Model of the Year three times. However, when Derek’s rival model, Hansel, breaks his streak, he is crushed. This is when he is approached by fashion guru Mugatu for the latter’s new fashion collection. However, unbeknownst to Derek, Mugatu intends to brainwash him and use him to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Will the evil Mugatu’s plan be successful? To find out, you can watch ‘Zoolander’ here.
7. Instant Family (2018)
‘Instant Family,’ also known as ‘Apprentis Parents,’ is an inspiring family comedy-drama film directed by Sean Anders. Based on true events from the director’s life, the movie dives into the complexities of the foster care system. When Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie Wanger (Rose Byrne) decide to fill the void in their marriage by adopting, they find themselves unexpectedly fostering three siblings.
With the support of a talented cast, including Isabela Moner, Gustavo Quiroz, Julianna Gamiz, Octavia Spencer, and Margo Martindale, the story unravels the challenges and joys of instant parenthood. This heartwarming tale is not only a testament to the resilience of family bonds but also provides insight into the adoption process. Perfect for kids, it emphasizes the significance of love, family, and acceptance. You may watch ‘Instant Family’ here.
6. Road Trip (2000)
Helmed by Todd Phillips, ‘Road Trip’ is about four guys who set off from their University of Ithaca for a very important mission. One of them, namely Josh, has mistakenly sent a sex tape of himself with another girl to his girlfriend Tiffany, who studies at the University of Austin. Before the tape reaches her, they must intercept it or else Josh will lose Tiffany forever. The movie is an R-rated take on the saying that one should enjoy the journey without thinking much about the destination. Whacky, outrageous, and perverted, ‘Road Trip’ is almost exactly what you expect from a movie about four guys who are all about women and the sacrilegious wonders of life. Starring Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Paulo Costanzo, DJ Qualls, and Rachel Blanchard, the movie is a cult classic comedy you can stream right here.
5. EuroTrip (2004)
Directed by Jeff Schaffer, ‘EuroTrip’ is a sex comedy about four teenagers from Hudson, Ohio, who are on a road trip to Europe to track down a German girl whom one of them, namely Scott, has mistakenly hurt via email. What is supposed to be a fun-filled trip takes a raunchy shape, garnished with sex, booze, and chaos. Made purely for a mindless bingewatch for adults, ‘EuroTrip’ is a yet-another cult classic comedy that stars Scott Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, Michelle Trachtenberg, Travis Wester, and Jessica Boehrs. You can enjoy it with your friends right here.
4. The Dictator (2012)
Larry Charles’ ‘The Dictator’ is an immortal black comedy drama featuring Sacha Baron Cohen as antisemitic Admiral General Haffaz Aladeen, the dictator of a fictional republic of Wadiya. Hated for his dictatorial views, something that makes him a target for the American military, Aladeen arrives in the US to make himself clear at a UN council. However, he is also the target of his uncle Tamir Mafraad, who wants to kill him and become the new dictator of Wadiya. The movie is a brilliant commentary on dictatorship and addresses the various issues of world politics head-on, thereby becoming controversial for many viewers. Nevertheless, Cohen’s performance makes ‘The Dictator’ a beloved comedy classic. It also stars Ben Kingsley, Anna Faris, Jason Mantzoukas, and Megan Fox. You can watch it here.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ blends biographical drama with dark comedy in a most engrossing manner. The film is based on former stockbroker/fraudster/author Jordan Belfort’s 2007 memoir of the same name. It shows Belfort’s meteoric rise by misusing people’s trust in stocks, fooling them into investing and becoming rich via his firm Stratton Oakmont, which he founded in the early 1990s, to his fall after being flagged by the FBI.
On a larger scale, the film offers an unbridled and explicit view of Wall Street and its culture, underscored by money, debauchery, and rock-n-roll. Unapologetic and unfading, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ was nominated for five Oscars, four BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes (winning one). Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, and joining him is a stellar ensemble that includes Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, and Kyle Chandler. You can watch the film here.
2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Directed by Adam McKay, this satirical comedy-drama stars Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate as anchorman Ron Burgundy and upstart reporter Veronica Corningstone, respectively, in a 1970s male-dominated world of broadcast news. Burgundy has been a part of the fictional KVWN Channel 4 for a long time. He gets sexually involved with Corningstone and eventually gets jealous of her success. He ends up making a grave mistake on air that costs him his job. How he redeems himself both professionally and for Corningstone is what follows in this laughter riot of a movie. Joining Ferrell and Applegate, we have Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and David Koechner. You can stream ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ here.
1. Tropic Thunder (2008)
One of the best satirical comedies out there, ‘Tropic Thunder’ is directed by Ben Stiller. It follows a group of actors involved in making the greatest Vietnam War film. However, after their director dies after stepping on a landmine, the group finds itself in the territory of the Flaming Dragon gang. After one of them is captured by the gang, the rest of the actors decide to put their lives on the line and rescue him by putting their method-acting skills to the test. The film’s star-studded cast includes Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Matthew McConaughey, Bill Hader, and Tom Cruise. A must-watch drama, ‘Tropic Thunder’ can be watched right here.
Read More: Best Comedy Movies on Peacock
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