Best Comedy Movies of 2024

As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I must say that this year’s offerings are nothing short of extraordinary! From the dark comedies exploring societal pressures to the heartwarming tales of love and resilience, these films truly embody the spirit of cinematic artistry.

Over the last decade, the role of comedy in cinema has noticeably diminished, with fewer comedies being shown in theaters compared to earlier times. Instead of comedies, we now see more superhero movies and franchises taking center stage at the box office. In the early 2000s, romantic comedies and outrageous humor films ruled the theatrical landscape; however, today, comedy often finds its home on streaming services or serves as a secondary element in other genres of films.

2024 signifies a significant shift in the comedy scene. It’s experiencing a revival, fueled by its versatility in combining with various genres and catering to a wide array of viewers. This year alone has seen some remarkable comedies, spanning from sophisticated meta-narratives to hilarious absurdist reboots, demonstrating that the genre is not merely surviving but flourishing.

2024’s comedy scene is thrilling due to its versatility. Mainstream productions like “The Fall Guy” and fresh takes on classics such as “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” became feel-good blockbusters, while indie gems such as “Anora” and “Kinds of Kindness” delved into unique and culturally rich humor. Movies like “The Substance” and “Saturday Night” provided self-referential narratives, satirizing the industry itself, highlighting why comedy has consistently played a significant role in the storytelling craft within the film industry.

2024 has seen a vibrant resurgence in comedy, showcasing a diverse array of talents with standout pieces from Sundance and blockbuster hits that delight audiences. Here’s a rundown of some of the most outstanding comedies this year.

15 ‘The Fall Guy’

Directed by David Leitch

David Leitch, who started in stunts before directing movies like “John Wick” and “Bullet Train,” uses his expertise to breathe new life into “The Fall Guy,” an intelligent modern take on the 1980s TV series. The movie’s humor pokes fun at itself (meta-comedy) as Ryan Gosling plays a struggling stuntman lured back into the business to help a self-centered but troubled action star. This role allows the film to satirize the egos and extravagance of Hollywood’s upper echelon.

Meta-Stunts and Star Power

Leitch’s familiarity with the world of stunts adds an air of authenticity to the action-packed scenes, merging physical comedy with adrenaline-pumping scenes. Gosling’s understated acting and Emily Blunt’s powerful portrayal as his ex-girlfriend turned director create a relationship dynamic that is both chaotic and realistic, reflective of real-life production dynamics. The film’s clever criticisms of toxic masculinity and celebrity culture are reinforced by its genuinely impressive action sequences, making it exceptional in both humor and visual spectacle.

14 ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

Directed by Tim Burton

In a new take on one of his classic works, Tim Burton revisits “Beetlejuice” in the film titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“. This sequel maintains the original’s anarchic appeal and infuses it with fresh doses of humor and social critique. Michael Keaton once again embodies the eccentric character of “Beetlejuice” with extraordinary flair, while Jenna Ortega steals the show as his cynical, goth apprentice. Her performance adds a generational twist to the mix.

Gothic Comedy Revived

This movie skillfully blends slapstick humor with Tim Burton’s distinctive dark style, offering sharp social critique on heritage and nostalgia. It’s a witty take on sequels, featuring characters who are both self-aware and absurd. Burton’s knack for merging the quirky with the gloomy sets this film apart as a remarkable addition to the 2024 comedy genre.

13 ‘Saturday Night’

Directed by Jason Reitman

Jason Reitman’s movie, titled “Saturday Night“, offers a unique perspective on the chaotic atmosphere behind the scenes during NBC’s first live sketch show recording in 1975. This narrative is influenced by his father Ivan Reitman’s work with Saturday Night Live veterans and Jason’s personal ties to the comedy industry throughout his life. The film masterfully blends Reitman’s ability to create humorous yet emotionally resonant stories, as demonstrated in films like “Juno” and “Up in the Air“, with sharp commentary on the entertainment industry.

Inside the Chaos of Legacy Late-Night Comedy

Gabriel LaBelle delivers an exceptional portrayal of Lorne Michaels, embodying the quirks of a man who has significantly influenced comedy for years. Cooper Hoffman presents a contrast as a wide-eyed writer, juggling youthful enthusiasm with the pressures of catering to an established Hollywood system. The cleverly written script effectively conveys the generational conflict and backstage turmoil, transforming Saturday Night into a heartfelt tribute to the craft of comedy—and a mirror of Tinseltown’s continually evolving pool of talent.

12 ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’

Directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah

In its fourth part, the “Bad Boys” series doesn’t hesitate to embrace its role as a sequel. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah infuse new vigor into the partnership between the buddy cops, seamlessly combining high-octane action with a charming self-awareness. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence once again dazzle with their quick wit and undeniable camaraderie, skillfully navigating the stereotypes of aging action stars while ensuring the humor stays relevant.

Action-Comedy Reimagined

The movie’s power comes from its knack for self-mockery while providing the excessive action and tense drama that viewers crave. It’s a wink to the franchise’s development, demonstrating that after all these years, Smith and Lawrence can still blend humor and excitement flawlessly with undeniable charm.

11 ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

Directed by Zelda Williams

In a fresh directorial venture, Zelda Williams, Robin Williams’ daughter, introduces herself to the film world with the vibrant and comically twisted movie “Lisa Frankenstein“. This production, penned by Diablo Cody who infuses her witty, offbeat humor throughout, reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic story in a 1980s suburban setting brimming with nostalgia. Kathryn Newton delivers a captivating blend of charm and comedic flair as Lisa, a rebellious teen who breathes life into a reanimated corpse, portrayed by the charismatic Cole Sprouse from “Riverdale”.

Teen Angst Meets Dark Humor

The title itself, a clever wink to Gen Z’s fond memories of Lisa Frank school supplies, embodies the whimsical, outrageous spirit of the movie. Williams and Cody delve into themes of self-discovery and adolescence using a gothic camp aesthetic, seamlessly merging macabre visuals with genuine teenage emotion. This film doesn’t merely reinterpret Frankenstein; it breathes new, humorous life into it for today’s audience.

10 ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Directed by Mike Mitchell

The Kung Fu Panda series has always stood out from other animated shows; it’s more than just entertainment – it’s a festivity of humor, emotion, and the delight in personal growth. In Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell (known for Shrek Forever After), we see that this sequel isn’t simply a money-making scheme but a carefully considered next step in Po’s adventure. Jack Black reprises his role as the endearing panda, bringing his unique mix of energy and allure that appeals to both young and old audiences alike.

Martial Arts and Timeless Laughs

Once again, the animation shines – lively, energetic, and full of action in its portrayal of martial arts scenes. However, what truly sets this edition apart is its delving into themes of leadership and legacy. Here, Po assumes a mentor position, wrestling with the weight of guiding future warriors. For the younger crowd, it’s a masterclass in comedy; for the older demographic, the humor strikes a chord that resonates across generations. In an era overflowing with sequels, Kung Fu Panda 4 demonstrates that intelligent storytelling and artistic ingenuity can breathe new life into a franchise.

9 ‘Ricky Stanicky’

Directed by Peter Farrelly

In a comeback, filmmakers Peter and Bobby Farrelly, known for their comedies in the ’90s and ’00s, present “Ricky Stanicky.” This story, quintessentially Farrelly in its absurdity, revolves around three friends, portrayed by Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino. They find themselves in a peculiar predicament: they’ve been using a fictional friend as an excuse for years, so they enlist the help of actor and impersonator Rock-Hard Rod (John Cena) to maintain their deception. The film skillfully blends slapstick humor with emotionally resonant storytelling, exploring themes like friendship, responsibility, and harmful 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 movie titled “My Old Ass” offers a poignant, amusing, and exclusive examination of identity, aging, and personal growth. After her acclaimed Sundance film “The Fallout“, Park presents an innovative narrative that combines the wit of teenage humor with profound contemplations on existence.

As Maisy Stella, I step into the role of Elliott, a teenager embarking on the challenging journey of growing up while grappling with the emotional upheaval of leaving home. My character’s tale takes an unexpected turn when my 39-year-old self, played by Aubrey Plaza with both solemnity and humor, manifests to offer enigmatic guidance for life. Hand in hand, we traverse themes of identity, heartache, and the apprehension of the future, crafting a narrative that is as resonant as it is bizarre.

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

Elliott’s connections with her family, her love interest Chelsea, and the intriguing yet tragic character Chad (Percy Hynes White) are portrayed with depth, providing a unique perspective on self-discovery and acceptance. Megan Park’s script skillfully challenges stereotypes, incorporating bizarre scenes such as an hallucinatory Justin Bieber concert to depict the multifaceted emotions of adolescence. The movie My Old Ass serves as a tender, funny, and relatable message about cherishing the present while reconciling with the past and future, further establishing Park as an innovative filmmaker of our time.

7 ‘Drive-Away Dolls’

Directed by Ethan Coen

Ethan Coen scores a hit with “Drive-Away Dolls,” a comedic road trip tale that combines the charm of old classics with a contemporary twist. Renowned for his sharp humor together with brother Joel, Ethan steers the ship alone in this crime adventure, subtly incorporating feminist perspectives into the genre without it feeling overly preachy. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan deliver captivating performances as the unlikely duo – two women entangled in a wild escapade that balances elements of crime suspense and quirky buddy comedy.

Road-Trip Chaos Meets Feminist Satire

The humor is subtle yet impactful, intertwining hilarious, unexpected instances with a storyline centered around freedom and camaraderie. Coen’s skillful handling of the narrative tone gives Drive-Away Dolls an impressive balance between wild plot developments and heartfelt emotional resonance. This film celebrates its quirks while delivering sharp insights about gender roles and the enigmatic nature of human relationships, demonstrating that Coen’s talent for crafting a brilliantly offbeat comedy is second to none.

6 ‘Didi’

Directed by Sean Wang

Sean Wang’s movie titled “Didi” humorously portrays the mixed emotions of growing up in a dual-cultural family setting, resulting in a heartfelt and funny coming-of-age story filled with keen observations. This film unfolds during the summer of 2008, centering around 13-year-old Chris “Didi” Wang as he navigates his teenage years within a middle-class Taiwanese-American family household. Joan Chen gives an exceptional portrayal as Chungsing Wang, Didi’s mother, who grapples with reconciling her own artistic aspirations against the heavy pressures she faces as a foreign immigrant parent.

Immigrant Humor with Personal Stakes

The movie skillfully contrasts Didi’s innocent innocence with Chungsing’s silent strength, resulting in a mix that is both amusing and painfully authentic. Wang effectively portrays the humor in uncomfortable, intensely personal scenarios – whether it’s the embarrassing AIM conversations of Didi or the farcical silliness of middle school social structures.

The nostalgic setting of early social media and homemade YouTube videos gives the narrative depth, stirring up both personal cultural recollections from that era and universally relatable growing-up moments. Notably, Didi has been recognized with the Sundance Audience Award – U.S. Dramatic and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble, making it distinctive not just for its moving storytelling but for its skillful blending of humor with genuine cultural nuances.

5 ‘Emilia Pérez’

Directed by Jacques Audiard

In a surprising shift from his gritty dramas like “A Prophet” and “Rust and Bone”, filmmaker Jacques Audiard ventures into bold new territory with the musical “Emilia Pérez”. This story focuses on Karla Sofía Gascón’s character, a cartel leader who embarks on a life-changing journey, undergoing gender-affirming surgery to become Emilia Pérez. The narrative explores themes of identity, redemption, and justice, marking Audiard’s first solo screenplay. Zoe Saldaña gives a compelling portrayal as a troubled lawyer, while Selena Gomez delivers an emotional performance as the cartel boss’s wife.

Where Music, Crime, and Breaking Cultural Boundaries Intersect

At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, the film titled Emilia Pérez was chosen to battle for the Palme d’Or in its primary competition category. It emerged victorious by winning the Jury Prize, while its remarkable female cast garnered the Best Actress award. With its stunning visual sequences, innovative music composed by Camilla, and captivating performances, it encourages viewers to reevaluate the complexities of power dynamics, gender roles, and societal norms.

4 ‘Kinds of Kindness’

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos delivers his most profound take on dark comedy with “Kinds of Kindness.” This anthology consists of three interconnected tales that dive into themes such as morality, self-identity, and power dynamics. Leading the trio is the captivating duo Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, whose performances seamlessly transition from the absurd to the heartrendingly human. The ensemble also includes Hong Chau, Hunter Schafer, and Willem Dafoe, adding further star power to this thought-provoking production. (Previously: Yorgos Lanthimos presents his darkest comedy yet with “Kinds of Kindness,” an anthology of three distinct but interconnected stories that explore 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 story satirizes the dominance of corporations, the second combines unsettling body-horror with romance, and the third delves into a strange exploration of cults, collectively making the movie a multidimensional critique of contemporary life. Debuting at Venice, “Kinds of Kindness” received acclaim for its complex storyline and striking visual elements. The film represents Lanthimos’s most daring criticism to date on societal disorder and personal autonomy.

3 ‘It’s What’s Inside’

Directed by Greg Jardin

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In my perspective, Greg Jardin’s first major film, titled “It’s What’s Inside“, masterfully combines elements of science fiction, humor, and terror into an engaging narrative that delves deep into the turmoil of self-identity and exposure. The plot revolves around a tight-knit group of friends whose personal thoughts and identities become alarmingly public due to an enigmatic body-swapping gadget.

Featuring Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, and a talented ensemble, this film transforms a seemingly absurd concept into a sharp critique that delves into topics like dishonesty, ambition, and retribution. After the device is activated, the story spirals into turmoil as the characters struggle with themes of social dynamics, deception, and self-identity. The body-swapping premise initially appears lighthearted, but it ultimately serves as a powerful critique on these complex issues.

Confronting Inner Thoughts in a Darkly Comedic Reality

In a mere 18 days, this film was produced and debuted in the Midnight section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, receiving praise for its skillful exploration of societal anxieties while providing biting satire. As events unfold, It’s What’s Inside emerges as a contemporary parable, questioning what could transpire if we were compelled to face the unrefined aspects of ourselves—and how far we’d go to conceal them.

2 ‘The Substance’

Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Film director Coralie Fargeat, recognized for her gripping debut Revenge, is back with The Substance, an intriguing blend of satire and genre that critiques society’s fixation on beauty and youth. In this movie, Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-prominent Hollywood figure trying to reclaim her fame, opposite Margaret Qualley as Sue, a seemingly flawless creation engineered by ‘substance’. The film masterfully mixes gruesome body horror with dark humor. Moore offers a chilling portrayal of the destructive depths of vanity, while Qualley skillfully portrays Sue’s seductive appeal alongside an understated hint of sadness.

Satirical Body Horror with Absurdist Humor

At TIFF 2024, The Substance was warmly received by critics, praised for its incisive social critique and striking visual style. Fargeat’s direction fearlessly delves into the grotesque, employing vivid, exaggerated imagery to underscore the absurdity of a society that both craves and punishes perfection. The central concept of a transformation serum in the film serves as a chilling allegory for how societal expectations can distort identity and humanity into commercialized versions of themselves.

1 ‘Anora’

Directed by Sean Baker

Director Sean Baker, renowned for films like Tangerine and The Florida Project, delves further into the lives of underrepresented individuals with his latest work, Anora. This engaging and heartfelt movie tells the story of Anora, portrayed by Mikey Madison, a Brooklyn stripper who speaks Russian and harbors aspirations that extend beyond the glittering neon lights. In this film, she meets Vanya, played by Mark Eidelstein, a wayward son of an oligarch, setting the stage for an improbable romance. The story unfolds in a world brimming with garish opulence and familial strife, offering a blend of humor that’s absurdly funny and emotional authenticity.

Cultural Clashes and Tender Humor

Making its debut at Cannes with much praise, Anora stands out as a profoundly compassionate comedy. The director’s unique approach—combining stark realism with lively wit—creates an atmosphere where characters seem genuinely authentic amidst the turmoil of their lives. Critics were particularly impressed by Mikey Madison’s multifaceted portrayal, skillfully encapsulating the toughness and vulnerability of a woman juggling her dreams and everyday life challenges.

The comedy at the core of this movie stems from its exploration of cultural collisions, ranging from conflicting immigrant beliefs to Anora’s struggles against Vanya’s overbearing mother. Baker skillfully navigates these complexities, providing insightful social commentary on privilege and fortitude. Humor is introduced even in dramatic situations through the film’s extravagant, occasionally absurd settings. Anora isn’t merely a romance; it’s a tribute to self-discovery, family bonds, and forging connections in the most unexpected environments.

2024-12-09 00:33