Best Comedy Movies of 2024

Comedy has always been a cinematic pillar, offering audiences both escape and reflection. Yet over the past decade, the genre’s theatrical presence has dwindled. According to The Numbers, the percentage of comedies released in theaters has steadily declined, supplanted by superhero tentpoles and franchise dominance. Where romantic comedies and raunchy laugh-fests once dominated the box office in the early 2000s, recent years have seen comedy relegated to streaming platforms or as secondary components in genre films.

However, 2024 marks a turning point. Comedy is re-surging, reinvigorated by its ability to blend with other genres and appeal to diverse audiences. This year’s standout comedies ranged from high-concept meta-narratives to absurdist reboots, proving the genre is not only alive but thriving.

What makes comedy in 2024 so exciting is its adaptability. Major studios leaned into star-driven, feel-good blockbusters like The Fall Guy and reimagined classics like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, while indie darlings such as Anora and Kinds of Kindness explored unconventional and culturally nuanced humor. Films like The Substance and Saturday Night offered meta-narratives that poked fun at the industry itself, reminding audiences why comedy has always been vital to the art of storytelling in the industry.

Here’s a breakdown of the best comedies of 2024, from Sundance standouts to big-budget crowdpleasers, celebrating the breadth and brilliance of the genre’s revival.

15 ‘The Fall Guy’

Directed by David Leitch

David Leitch, whose career began in stunts before directing action-heavy hits like John Wick and Bullet Train, brings his insider knowledge to The Fall Guy, a clever contemporary adaptation of the 1980s television series. The film’s meta-comedy finds Ryan Gosling as a washed-up stuntman pulled back into the industry to assist a cocky but troubled action star, a role that allows the film to critique the egos and excesses of Hollywood’s elite.

Meta-Stunts and Star Power

Leitch’s understanding of the stunt world lends authenticity to the high-octane sequences, blending slapstick humor with thrilling set pieces. Gosling’s deadpan delivery, paired with Emily Blunt’s sharp performance as his camerawoman ex-girlfriend turned director, creates a dynamic that is equal parts chaotic and authentic to real on-set relationships. The film’s playful jabs at toxic masculinity and celebrity culture are complemented by its genuinely impressive action, making it a standout in both comedy and spectacle.

14 ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

Directed by Tim Burton

Tim Burton revisits one of his most beloved creations with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel that leans into its predecessor’s chaotic charm while adding fresh layers of humor and commentary. Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role as Beetlejuice with unhinged brilliance, while Jenna Ortega shines as his sardonic, goth protégé, bringing generational humor to the mix.

Gothic Comedy Revived

The film walks a fine line between slapstick comedy and Burton’s signature macabre aesthetic, delivering biting cultural commentary on legacy and nostalgia. It’s a playful satire of the very concept of sequels, with characters who are as self-aware as they are absurd. Burton’s ability to balance the kitschy and the dark makes this film not just a return to form, but a standout in 2024’s comedy lineup.

13 ‘Saturday Night’

Directed by Jason Reitman

Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night is a meta-narrative that captures the frenetic backstage energy of the first recording of NBC’s live sketch show in 1975, inspired by his father Ivan Reitman’s collaborations with Saturday Night Live alumni and his own lifelong connection to the comedy world. The film combines Reitman’s knack for offbeat yet heartfelt narratives, seen in Juno and Up in the Air, with biting industry satire.

Inside the Chaos of Legacy Late-Night Comedy

Gabriel LaBelle delivers a standout performance as Lorne Michaels, capturing the eccentricities of a figure who has long shaped comedy. Cooper Hoffman offers a counterpoint as a bright-eyed writer balancing youthful ambition with the demands of appeasing an old-school studio system. The sharp script perfectly encapsulates the generational clash and creative chaos behind the scenes, turning Saturday Night into a love letter to the art of comedy—and a reflection of Hollywood’s ever-revolving door of talent.

12 ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’

Directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah

In its fourth installment, the Bad Boys franchise doesn’t shy away from acknowledging its status as a sequel. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah inject fresh energy into the buddy-cop dynamic, blending explosive action with affectionate self-awareness. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence continue to shine with their sharp banter and undeniable chemistry, playing off the tropes of aging action heroes while keeping the humor contemporary.

Action-Comedy Reimagined

The film’s strength lies in its ability to poke fun at itself while delivering the over-the-top action and high-stakes drama that fans expect. It’s a playful nod to the evolution of the franchise, proving that even after decades, Smith and Lawrence can still balance laughs and thrills with effortless charisma.

11 ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

Directed by Zelda Williams

Zelda Williams, daughter of comedy legend Robin Williams, makes a striking directorial debut with Lisa Frankenstein, a neon-soaked, darkly comedic riff on Mary Shelley’s iconic tale. Written by Diablo Cody, whose sharp, irreverent humor shines through, the film sets its story in a 1980s suburban backdrop dripping with nostalgia. Kathryn Newton brings both charm and comedic bite as Lisa, a disenchanted teenager who uses her eccentric science skills to resurrect a reanimated corpse, played with endearing awkwardness by Riverdale heartthrob Cole Sprouse.

Teen Angst Meets Dark Humor

The title itself—a pun on Gen Z nostalgia for Lisa Frank school supplies—captures the playful absurdity of the film. Williams and Cody explore themes of identity and coming-of-age through a lens of gothic camp, blending grotesque imagery with heartfelt teenage drama. It’s a film that doesn’t just reimagine Frankenstein; it makes it fiercely, hilariously contemporary.

10 ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Directed by Mike Mitchell

The Kung Fu Panda franchise has never been just another animated series; it’s a celebration of slapstick, heart, and the joy of self-discovery. Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell (Shrek Forever After), ensures that this fourth installment isn’t merely a cash grab but a thoughtful continuation of Po’s journey. Jack Black returns as the lovable panda, delivering his trademark blend of enthusiasm and charm that resonates with both children and adults.

Martial Arts and Timeless Laughs

The animation, as always, is a standout—vivid, kinetic, and dynamic in its depiction of martial arts sequences. But what makes this installment special is its exploration of leadership and legacy, as Po steps into a mentor role, grappling with the responsibility of guiding the next generation of warriors. For younger audiences, it’s slapstick perfection; for older viewers, the humor has a depth that connects across generations. In a market saturated with sequels, Kung Fu Panda 4 proves that thoughtful storytelling and visual creativity can keep a franchise fresh.

9 ‘Ricky Stanicky’

Directed by Peter Farrelly

Peter Farrelly, with his brother Bobby Farrelly who were staple directors of 1990s and 2000s comedies, makes his triumphant return with Ricky Stanicky. The premise is pure Farrelly absurdity: three friends, played by Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino, must bring to life the fictional “friend” they’ve been using as a scapegoat for years, so they hire actor and impersonator Rock-Hard Rod (John Cena) to keep up the rouse. Farrelly’s knack for blending slapstick with heartfelt storytelling shines through as the film navigates themes of friendship, accountability, and toxic masculinity.

Hilarious Absurdity with a Heart

The performances elevate the film beyond its outrageous premise. Zac Efron adds nuance to his character, channeling emotional depth alongside his comedic timing, while Cena surprises audiences with earnest monologues and physical humor that rivals his Peacemaker turn. The soundtrack, a perfectly curated mix ranging from Otis Redding to Men I Trust, underscores the film’s tender exploration of the complexities of modern masculinity. Ricky Stanicky is a love letter to Farrelly’s earlier work, updated for a generation craving humor with emotional stakes.

8 ‘My Old Ass’

Directed by Megan Park

Megan Park’s My Old Ass is a sharp, tender, and uniquely funny exploration of identity, aging, and self-discovery. Following her Sundance success with The Fallout, Park delivers a genre-defying narrative that blends coming-of-age humor with existential musings.

Maisy Stella stars as Elliott, a teenager grappling with the weight of adulthood and the bittersweet transitions of leaving home. Her journey takes a surreal twist when her 39-year-old future self, played with equal parts gravity and hilarity by Aubrey Plaza, appears to offer cryptic life advice. Together, they navigate themes of queerness, heartbreak, and the anxiety of what lies ahead, creating a story as relatable as it is absurd.

A Time-Bending, Heartfelt Comedy About Living in the Moment

Elliott’s relationships with her family, her crush Chelsea, and the charming yet doomed Chad (Percy Hynes White) are handled with nuance, offering a refreshing take on identity and self-acceptance. Megan Park’s script cleverly subverts clichés, using surreal moments like a hallucinatory Justin Bieber performance to capture the kaleidoscopic nature of teenage fears and hopes. My Old Ass is a heartfelt, hilarious, and universally resonant reminder to embrace the present while making peace with the past and future, cementing Park as one of today’s most exciting filmmakers.

7 ‘Drive-Away Dolls’

Directed by Ethan Coen

Ethan Coen strikes gold with Drive-Away Dolls, a road-trip comedy that feels both classic and refreshingly modern. Known for his biting wit alongside brother Joel, Ethan takes the reins solo in this crime caper, injecting a feminist lens into the genre without ever feeling heavy-handed. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan shine as the mismatched leads—two women caught up in a chaotic adventure that’s equal parts crime thriller and offbeat buddy comedy.

Road-Trip Chaos Meets Feminist Satire

The humor is dry and understated, with moments of laugh-out-loud absurdity woven seamlessly into a narrative about independence and friendship. Coen’s mastery of tone allows Drive-Away Dolls to balance zany plot twists with genuine emotional depth. It’s a film that revels in its eccentricities while making pointed observations about gender dynamics and the unpredictability of human connection, proving that Coen’s ability to deliver a killer offbeat comedy remains unparalleled.

6 ‘Didi’

Directed by Sean Wang

Sean Wang’s Didi captures the bittersweet hilarity of growing up in a bicultural household, delivering a poignant coming-of-age comedy with razor-sharp insight. Set during the summer of 2008, the film follows 13-year-old Chris “Didi” Wang as he navigates adolescence in a middle-class Taiwanese-American household. Joan Chen delivers a standout performance as Chungsing Wang, Didi’s mother, who struggles to balance her own artistic ambitions with the overwhelming expectations placed on her as an immigrant parent.

Immigrant Humor with Personal Stakes

The film masterfully juxtaposes Didi’s youthful naivety with Chungsing’s quiet resilience, creating a dynamic that is both funny and heartbreakingly real. Wang captures the humor in awkward, deeply personal moments—whether it’s Didi’s cringeworthy AIM chats or the slapstick absurdity of middle school social hierarchies.

The nostalgic backdrop of early social media and DIY YouTube videos adds texture to the story, evoking both specific cultural memories and universal coming-of-age experiences. Winner of Sundance’s Audience Award – U.S. Dramatic and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble, Didi stands out not just for its heartfelt storytelling but for its ability to blend humor with authentic cultural specificity.

5 ‘Emilia Pérez’

Directed by Jacques Audiard

Jacques Audiard, known for his powerful dramas like A Prophet and Rust and Bone, pivots into daring territory with Emilia Pérez. This musical follows a cartel leader, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to start a new life as Emilia Pérez. The plot weaves themes of identity, redemption, and justice, paired with Jacques Audiard’s first solo screenplay. Zoe Saldaña shines as a conflicted lawyer, while Selena Gomez delivers a poignant performance as the cartel boss’s wife.

Where Music, Crime, and Breaking Cultural Boundaries Intersect

Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, Emilia Pérez was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in its main competition section, where it won the Jury Prize and its female ensemble won the Best Actress award. Its visually lush sequences, original music by Camilla, and compelling performances invite viewers to reconsider the intersections of power, gender, and cultural norms.

4 ‘Kinds of Kindness’

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Favourite) offers his darkest comedy yet with Kinds of Kindness, an anthology of three distinct but interconnected stories exploring morality, identity, and control. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons anchor the triptych with performances that oscillate between grotesque absurdity and vulnerable humanity, alongside a stellar ensemble including Hong Chau, Hunter Schafer, and Willem Dafoe.

Surreal Anthology Redefining Humanity

The first tale’s satire of corporate control, the second’s eerie body-horror romance, and the third’s bizarre cult investigation make the film a layered critique of modern life. Premiering at Venice, Kinds of Kindness drew praise for its ambitious narrative structure and surreal imagery. The film stands as Lanthimos’s boldest commentary yet on societal disarray and personal agency.

3 ‘It’s What’s Inside’

Directed by Greg Jardin

Greg Jardin’s feature debut, It’s What’s Inside, blends science fiction, comedy, and horror into a high-concept narrative that explores the chaos of identity and vulnerability. The story centers around a group of friends whose innermost thoughts and identities are thrust into public view through a mysterious body-swapping device.

Starring Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, and an ensemble cast, the film turns its absurd premise into a biting commentary that navigates themes of deceit, ambition, and retribution as the group spirals into chaos following the device’s activation. The body-swapping premise evolves from lighthearted experimentation to a devastating critique of social dynamics, betrayal, and identity.

Confronting Inner Thoughts in a Darkly Comedic Reality

Shot in just 18 days, the film premiered in the Midnight section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim for its ability to mine societal fears while delivering razor-sharp satire. As the chaos unfolds, It’s What’s Inside resonates as a modern allegory, asking what might happen if we were forced to confront the raw, unfiltered versions of ourselves—and what we’d do to hide them.

2 ‘The Substance’

Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Coralie Fargeat, known for her thriller debut Revenge, returns with The Substance, a genre-blending satire that takes aim at society’s obsession with beauty and youth. Starring Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a faded Hollywood star desperate to regain her relevance, and Margaret Qualley as Sue, her unnervingly perfect “substance-created” younger self, the film deftly combines grotesque body horror with dark comedy. Moore delivers a haunting portrayal of vanity’s descent into madness, while Qualley balances Sue’s hedonistic allure with a subtle undercurrent of tragedy.

Satirical Body Horror with Absurdist Humor

Premiering at TIFF 2024 to critical acclaim, The Substance was lauded for its biting social commentary and bold visual aesthetic. Fargeat’s direction doesn’t shy away from the grotesque, using visceral, over-the-top imagery to highlight the absurdity of a world where perfection is both demanded and punished. The transformation serum at the film’s core serves as a chilling metaphor for how societal pressures twist identity and humanity into commodified versions of themselves.

1 ‘Anora’

Directed by Sean Baker

Sean Baker, the acclaimed director behind Tangerine and The Florida Project, continues his exploration of marginalized lives with Anora, a comedic yet poignant tale of identity, ambition, and love. Starring Mikey Madison as Anora, a Russian-speaking Brooklyn stripper with dreams beyond the neon lights, the film pairs her with Mark Eidelstein as Vanya, a dissolute oligarch’s son. Their unlikely romance unfolds in a world of gaudy excess and familial tension, weaving a story that’s both absurdly humorous and emotionally authentic.

Cultural Clashes and Tender Humor

Premiering at Cannes to critical acclaim, Anora shines as a deeply humanist comedy. Baker’s signature style—blending raw realism with vibrant humor—grounds the film, allowing its characters to feel authentic even amid the chaos of their lives. Critics praised Mikey Madison’s layered performance, capturing both the grit and vulnerability of a woman navigating a path between her aspirations and her realities.

The film’s comedic heart lies in its cultural intersections, from clashing immigrant values to Anora’s battles with Vanya’s domineering mother. Baker’s deft handling of these dynamics offers sharp commentary on privilege and resilience, while the lavish, sometimes absurd settings inject humor into moments of high drama. Anora isn’t just a love story; it’s a celebration of identity, family, and finding connection in the unlikeliest of places.