Shubhabrata Dutta
“Party” is no ordinary word; it probably has more energy, feel, and nostalgia than most other English words. Every time we say the word, we don’t put it forward blandly, but we emphasize the feel of the “Party,” and we do that for a reason. When you’re about to invite a group of friends over for a party, then you’re surely not planning to play Scrabble all night. You need to add more value to the gathering so that justice is served to the word’s true meaning. You would need something more entertaining and engaging that’ll fire up your guests and make them remember your party long after they leave. There’s no better way of doing this than playing party movies.
A good party movie keeps the conversations flowing while everyone has a good time. And there’s no better way of playing a party movie in the comfort of your own house than playing it on Netflix. So load up your snacks, fill up those glasses, and get ready for a night you will not forget.
23. Incoming (2024)
Four Freshmen (Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, and Bardia Seiri) get a reality check at their first high school party in Dave Chernin and John Chernin’s teen party comedy. From gorgeous girls to increasing intoxications to dangerous drugs, the party offers them all of these and more. The question, however, is: Are they ready for the consequences? Chaotic in the way all teenage dramas incorporating a party more often are, ‘Incoming’ is a passable teen flick that is made for mindless binging only. You can watch it here.
22. XOXO (2016)
A party film custom-made for binge-watching when you are all by yourself in your room and cannot figure out what to watch, ‘XOXO’ is directed by Christopher Louie. With a music fest as the backdrop, the film follows six strangers as their lives collide after a wannabe DJ gets the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at the fest. Dreams, hopes, romance, love, friendship; everything comes together in this cauldron called ‘XOXO.’ The film stars Sarah Hyland, Graham Phillips, Brett DelBuono, and Hayley Kiyoko. You can stream it here.
21. The Boys in the Band (2020)
‘The Boys in the Band’ is based on the 1968 play of the same name by Mart Crowley. Directed by Joe Mantello, It follows a group of gay men at the birthday party of one of them. As cheerful as it sounds, the arrival of a surprise guest, also a friend, followed by a drunken game underscored by hidden truths and unrevealed feelings, tone down the mirth. Sounds familiar? Starring Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer, Charlie Carver, Tuc Watkins, Zachary Quinto, and Andrew Rannells, ‘The Boys in the Band’ is a party movie that is flawed in a most real way. You can watch it here.
20. Budapest (2018)
Directed by Xavier Gens, this French comedy is about two friends from Paris, Vincent (Manu Payet) and Arnaud (Jonathan Cohen), who are fed up with their jobs and thus decide to establish a travel agency that organizes the best bachelor parties in Budapest, capital of Hungary. The nightlife of the place is off the hook as they find out, and as a result, their plan is successful. Money starts flowing in, and with it arrives chaos. Their services turn outlandish, which starts affecting their personal lives in ways that aren’t good at all. To find out how this happens and what the result is, you can stream the film here.
19. Sausage Party (2016)
‘Sausage Party’ is an animated movie directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan. With a voice cast that includes Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Kristen Wiig, it tells the story of anthropomorphic food items at Shopwell’s Grocery Store. However, when the myth of the Great Beyond, which the items believe their human owners take them to, is busted and they realize that they will end up being eaten, a sausage decides to spread the truth and figure out a way to escape death. A no-holds-barred animated adult comedy, the movie received a lot of appreciation for its humor. You can watch the movie here.
18. Someone Great (2019)
‘Someone Great’ is a heartening romantic comedy written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, marking her impressive directorial debut. The narrative revolves around Jenny, an aspiring music journalist, who grapples with the end of a long-term relationship just as she’s about to embark on a promising career move. Gina Rodriguez’s portrayal of Jenny is complemented by Brittany Snow as Blair Helms, DeWanda Wise as Erin Kennedy, LaKeith Stanfield as Nate Davis, and others. The film captures the essence of heartbreak, transition, and the enduring bond of friendship, making it both relatable and moving. ‘Someone Great’ speaks to the heart, illustrating that growth often comes from pain and that friendships are the bedrock during life’s tumultuous changes. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a modern tale of love and resilience. You may watch it here.
17. All My Friends Are Dead (2020)
All the ruckus in this over-the-top wicked Polish horror comedy takes place during a New Year’s Eve party. If you are looking for a binge-watch-worthy bloody flick to enjoy with your friends, ‘All My Friends Are Dead’ is a great pick. Adolescents celebrate in bizarre ways and die in ways even more bizarre manner. From love to heartbreak to threesomes to brawls to murder and more, you are in for a ride that is not meant for everyone. Directed by Jan Belcl, ‘All My Friends Are Dead’ stars Michał Meyer, Julia Wieniawa, Nikodem Rozbicki, Adam Turczyk, Monika Krzywkowska, Szymon Roszak and Adam Woronowicz. You can watch the movie here.
16. Dude (2018)
‘Dude’ is an evocative coming-of-age comedy-drama helmed by Olivia Milch. This film captures the emotional roller-coaster that defines the end of high school – the nostalgia, the losses, and the myriad of feelings young adults experience. Lucy Hale, Kathryn Prescott, Alexandra Shipp, and Awkwafina come together, portraying a close-knit group navigating their senior year. The plot paints a realistic picture of friendship, grief, and the bittersweet feeling of moving on, interspersed with the girls getting high and jamming to hip-hop. ‘Dude’ is more than just a comedy; it’s a reflection on youth and the fleeting nature of time. For a party night that combines laughter with heartfelt moments, ‘Dude’ is a good pick. You can check out the film here.
15. #Realityhigh (2017)
‘#RealityHigh,’ directed by Fernando Lebrija, delves into social media’s captivating yet often deceptive world. Set in a high school backdrop, this teen comedy film trails Dani Barnes, a high-achieving student whose life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved with her school’s most popular social media influencer. Nesta Cooper, Keith Powers, Alicia Sanz, Jake Borelli, and others bring life to these characters. While the film did not receive significant awards recognition, its poignant reflection on social media obsession, peer pressure, and the quest for authenticity makes it a relevant watch. ‘#RealityHigh’ encapsulates the current generation’s challenges, making it an essential film for teens and adults alike, offering both a dose of entertainment and a moment of introspection. You can watch the film here.
14. The Prom (2020)
‘The Prom’ is a heartwarming musical comedy film directed by Ryan Murphy. The film is adapted from the 2018 Broadway musical of the same name created by Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin, and Bob Martin. The story revolves around Emma Nolan, a high-school student from Edgewater, Indiana, whose prom gets canceled because she wishes to attend with her girlfriend. Simultaneously, in New York City, Broadway stars facing a flop find her story and decide to champion her cause, aiming to rehabilitate their own tarnished reputations. The ensemble cast boasts of Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Tracy Ullman, and Kevin Chamberlin. Packed with infectious tunes and poignant moments, ‘The Prom’ is a beautiful reminder of the power of acceptance and love. This captivating musical comedy deserves a spot on the list for its lively performances and heartwarming message, encouraging every viewer to dance to their beat. You may watch it here.
13. Do Revenge (2022)
‘Do Revenge’ is an engaging teen black comedy film co-written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. The film draws inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers on a Train’ and assembles a talented cast, including Camila Mendes, Maya Hawke, Austin Abrams, Rish Shah, Talia Ryder, Sophie Turner, Alisha Boe, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. The plot thickens when Drea’s life spirals out of control following a leaked intimate tape, and Eleanor, the new student, discovers she’s now attending school with her childhood bully. The two victims form an unlikely bond, pledging to avenge each other’s tormentors. With sharp humor, intriguing twists, and a narrative that delves deep into high school hierarchies, ‘Do Revenge’ is both a celebration of teen spirit and a dark comedy of revenge. This movie is the perfect watch for those seeking a modern spin on classic Hitchcockian suspense infused with dark humor. You may watch ‘Do Revenge’ here.
12. Me Time (2022)
Starring Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg, ‘Me Time’ has stay-at-home dad Sonny (Hart) get the opportunity many dads only dream of. He gets some alone time as his wife decides to take their kids for spring break. He eventually gives a nod to his old friend Huck’s (Wahlberg) birthday bash. However, Sonny has no idea what he is in for. What follows is a string of hilarious experiences, at the very core of which is friendship. The chemistry between Hart and Wahlberg makes ‘Me Time’ a thoroughly whacky and entertaining watch, one that you can enjoy even more with your buddies. It can be streamed here.
11. Friday Night Plan (2023)
Directed by Vatsal Neelakantan, ‘Friday Night Plan’ is a coming-of-age drama starring Juhi Chawla, Babil Khan, Amrith Jayan, and Ninad Kamat. It shows brothers Siddharth and Adi, who decide to join the year’s hottest party, the “Friday night plan,” at Siddharth’s crush’s place while their widowed mother is away on a business trip. The incidents that occur, the misadventures that take place, and the situations that arise throw light on the complexities of teenage emotions, feelings, and brotherhood. You can watch the film here.
10. Alex Strangelove (2018)
This Netflix original film revolves around the eponymous central character who has been waiting for a long time to find an opportunity to have sex with his girlfriend, Claire. However, things get a bit too complicated for him when Alex comes across a guy called Elliot at a party. Now, Elliot is openly gay and has a crush on Alex. The problem is that Alex now finds himself thinking about Elliot more than Claire. This makes him sit back and question himself. Alex cannot believe that he is feeling a strong attraction to a man all of a sudden. The film is a rather refreshing look at sexual orientations and the confusion that we might have about them. It helps us understand the concept of gender fluidity while itself being extremely sweet and funny. You can stream the movie here.
9. The Kissing Booth (2018)
A Netflix original romantic comedy, ‘The Kissing Booth,’ centers around the story of a girl called Elle Evans (Joey King) who has come up with a unique plan for her high school Spring Carnival. She has decided to set up a kissing booth, which is rather exciting for her because she has never been kissed before. However, her booth leads her to get into a kiss with Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), who has always been her crush. The major problem that Elle faces now is that Noah is the brother of one of her best friends, Lee, and Elle had made a promise to the latter that she would never get involved with the members of her friend’s family. Now, Elle has two paths in front of her: forgetting about Noah for the sake of friendship or pursuing her romantic interest while trying to make her best friend understand her situation. The film has nothing much to offer in terms of its plot and characters, but it is a sweet story that can be enjoyed on one lazy afternoon. You can watch it here.
8. The After Party (2018)
‘The After Party’ is the story of a struggling rapper who’s trying hard to make it big. But he ends up getting infamous for all the wrong reasons. Hope is restored when his best friend gets him tickets to a high-class NYC party where he gets the opportunity of a lifetime to either make it as the rapper he dreams to be or break it and live the rest of his life drowned in regret. This movie will give you some lighthearted laughs and a small dash of motivation as well. You may watch the movie here if you want.
7. Holidate (2020)
Directed by John Whitesell, ‘Holidate’ is a romantic comedy movie written by Tiffany Paulsen. The Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey-starrer focuses on Sloane and Jackson, two random strangers who meet one another at a store return counter unbeknownst to what life has in store for them. The duo has had a troubled dating life, and their families have only made matters worse with their constant meddling. So, Sloane and Jackson decide to make a pact that they will spend their holidays together as a couple just so their lives are tolerable. However, they underestimate the emotional consequences of their casual affair. Feel free to check out the movie here.
6. When We First Met (2018)
Starring Adam DeVine, Alexandra Daddario, Shelley Hennig, and Andrew Bachelor, ‘When We First Met’ is a romantic comedy film written by John Whittington. The Ari Sandel directorial follows Noah Ashby, a young adult who meets the girl of his dreams at a Halloween party. Unfortunately, despite his interest, the two end up staying just as friends after spending the night together. But for some mysterious reason, Noah is able to travel back in time and relive those moments until he can manage to change his fate and end his dream night on a perfect note. You can check out the film here.
5. Afterlife of the Party (2021)
Written by Carrie Freedle, ‘Afterlife of the Party’ is a supernatural comedy film that features Victoria Justice, Midori Francis, Timothy Renouf, and Adam Garcia. The movie is directed by Stephen Herek, and it focuses on Cassie, an extrovert party animal who loves to go out and spend time with her loved ones. Sadly, her life is cut short when she dies in an unexpected accident, following which she gets another opportunity to fix his life mistakes. If she manages to right her wrongs, Cassie can even earn wings in the afterlife and lead a peaceful paradise. You can watch ‘Afterlife of the Party’ here.
4. He’s All That (2021)
Directed by Mark Waters, ‘He’s All That’ is a teen romantic comedy movie written by R. Lee Fleming Jr. It centers upon a high school TikToker named Padgett Sawyer, who lives a double life to make her online followers and sponsors happy. Sadly, when she is dumped by her boyfriend, Jordan Van Draanen, her outburst is posted online, following which her popularity dwindles significantly. In her moments of uncertainty, she takes on the daring task of making her a rather unpopular classmate, Cameron Kweller, a prom king. You may watch ‘He’s All That’ here.
3. Ibiza (2018)
Featuring stand-out performances by Gillian Jacobs, Vanessa Bayer, Phoebe Robinson, and Michaela Watkins, ‘Ibiza’ is a romantic comedy film directed by Alex Richanbach. The movie focuses on Harper, a hard-working woman employed by a PR firm, who is increasingly getting weary of her New York life and is looking for some much-needed change. Therefore, when she gets an opportunity to go on a business trip to Barcelona, Harper does not fail to use the opportunity to relax and give her some time. However, she probably had not imagined in her wildest dreams that the short trip would lead to an unexpected meeting with a famous DJ, which would soon take a flirtatious tone. You may watch ‘Ibiza’ here.
2. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)
‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ is a teen comedy-drama film inspired by Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play ‘Cyrano de Bergerac.’ The Shannon Purser and Kristine Froseth-starrer revolves around an intelligent high schooler named Sierra, who is accidentally contacted by a handsome football player from the school’s team. Instead of clarifying things, the titular protagonist uses it as an opportunity to win his heart after convincing her best friend. You can stream the film here to find out whether she is successful in her endeavor.
1. Let It Snow (2019)
Directed and co-written by Luke Snellin, ‘Let It Snow’ is a Christmas comedy movie based on Maureen Johnson’s young adult novel of the same name. The film revolves around a group of young high schoolers who are brought together because of a snowstorm. But despite the bad weather, the people of the small midwestern town do not let it ruin the mood of Christmas Eve and join hands to make things work. The sudden turn of events also affects the love lives of these teenagers in unthinkable ways, and by the following morning, their lives are all set to change. You can stream ‘Let It Snow’ here.
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