Best Will Ferrell Comedy Movies on Netflix, Ranked

by

As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I’d say these movies are nothing short of extraordinary!

Starting off with “Barbie” (2023), it’s the kind of movie studio executives dream about – visually stunning, soothing music, and a whopping eight Oscar nominations under its belt. It’s like Warner Bros.’ ultimate comeback, turning what could have been Christopher Nolan’s middle finger into a friendly wave.

“The Other Guys” (2010) is a buddy comedy masterpiece that showcases the unparalleled chemistry between Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. It’s like watching two mismatched socks trying to find their pair, but in a hilarious way!

“The Other Guys” also marks the fourth of five collaborations between Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay, a partnership that has left us with a treasure trove of laugh-out-loud moments.

Moving on to “The Other Guys’ prequel”, if you will – “The Other Guys” (2010) is the perfect pairing of Ferrell and McKay, two talents who, despite no longer speaking, have left us with a legacy that will never fade away.

Last but not least, we have “The Other Guys’ spiritual successor”, if you will – “Barbie” (2023). It’s like the movie equivalent of finding flat feet comfortably fitting into your favorite pair of heels.

And remember, folks, life is a Barbie with no batteries required! Just add laughter and enjoy the ride!

As a long-time fan of Will Ferrell’s comedic genius, I have always eagerly awaited his latest performances and eagerly binged on his past works. So, you can imagine my dismay when I learned that “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” will no longer be available on Netflix starting January 1, 2025. This news has left a void in my heart that only the hilarious antics of Ron Burgundy and his news team could fill.

Over the years, I have watched Will Ferrell’s career with great interest, from his early days as a cast member on Saturday Night Live to his current status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors. I have laughed until tears streamed down my face at his performances in movies such as “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and “Step Brothers.”

But it wasn’t just the movies that made me a fan; it was the way Will Ferrell could take even the most mundane situations and make them hysterically funny. He had an uncanny ability to bring laughter to my life during some of my toughest times, and for that, I will always be grateful.

So, while I am saddened by the news that “Anchorman” will no longer be available on Netflix, I know that there are still plenty of other gems in Will Ferrell’s filmography to keep me laughing. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll get to see Ron Burgundy and his team back on the big screen again. Until then, I’ll keep rewatching my old favorites and eagerly awaiting whatever Will Ferrell does next.

As a lifelong cinephile with a soft spot for comedic geniuses, I have to say that Will Ferrell is undeniably one of the funniest and most versatile actors of our time. Growing up watching his hilarious sketches on Saturday Night Live, I was always in stitches, never failing to crack up at his impeccable comic timing and unparalleled ability to bring characters to life.

Fast forward to the present day, and Ferrell continues to dominate both the big and small screens with his captivating performances. He’s earned six Emmys for his work on television, demonstrating an impressive range that extends beyond comedy and into dramatic roles. Yet, despite his immense success, he hasn’t yet received an Oscar – a fact that I find rather bewildering given the sheer joy and laughter he has brought to millions of viewers worldwide.

I can only hope that one day, the Academy will recognize Ferrell’s talent with a well-deserved nomination, if not for his acting prowess, then perhaps for his unforgettable appearances as a presenter at the Oscars. Until then, I’ll continue to eagerly await each new project he takes on and appreciate the laughter he brings into my life.

Based on my personal experience of being a long-time fan of Will Ferrell, I would suggest a viewing order for his Netflix gems that takes into account both the comedic progression of his career and the level of enjoyment one might get from each film.

Starting with the least recommendable, but still enjoyable, is “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” (2020). This film, while not as strong as some of Ferrell’s earlier work, is a fun and quirky musical comedy that showcases his unique brand of humor.

Next up is the animated series “BoJack Horseman,” in which Ferrell provides the voice for the titular character, a washed-up horse-human hybrid actor struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The show is darker and more serious than some of Ferrell’s other work, but it’s also one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved shows of recent years.

Moving on to “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (2019), a sequel to the hit animated film “The Lego Movie,” in which Ferrell voices the villainous President Business/Lord Business. This film is a great example of Ferrell’s ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles, as he delivers a nuanced performance that adds depth to an already entertaining movie.

“Zoolander 2” (2016) is another sequel, this time to the classic comedy “Zoolander.” While it doesn’t quite live up to the original, it still offers plenty of laughs and showcases Ferrell’s comedic prowess as the dim-witted model Derek Zoolander.

Finally, I would recommend “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004) as the most recommendable of Will Ferrell’s Netflix gems. This film is a hilarious comedy about a group of news anchors in the 1970s and features some of Ferrell’s best-known and most memorable characters, including Ron Burgundy himself. It’s a must-see for any fan of Ferrell or classic comedies.

Overall, this viewing order offers a mix of comedy, drama, and musical numbers, and showcases the versatility and talent of Will Ferrell as an actor. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, these Netflix gems are sure to provide plenty of entertainment and laughter.

4
‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ (2020)

The heart of the tale, The Story of Fire Saga, revolves around two long-time friends and music enthusiasts, Lars Erickssong (portrayed by Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Rachel McAdams). Together, they form the band “Fire Saga,” aspiring to triumph in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, their spirits are dampened due to a greater number of critics compared to supporters. Their community doubts their abilities, while Sigrit’s mother disapproves, viewing Lars as an obstacle to her daughter’s success. She fears that if Sigrit continues with “that unsuccessful Lars,” she will never reach the “Speorg Note” — a note only attainable when one is expressing their purest self.

Initially planned for release in May 2020 to align with the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, The Fire Saga Story found itself delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. As a result, the contest was called off, and instead, the movie premiered on Netflix a month after its initial planned date.

‘Fire Saga’ Has Everything Except Good Jokes

It’s no wonder that the movie excels with exceptional music, earning it a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars. Additionally, authentic performances from actual Eurovision contests heighten its realism. Director David Dobkin also incorporates sequences depicting the struggles and dreams of aspiring singers, including confessions, rehearsals, and even a budding romance, to critique and shed light on the flaws within these competitions.

Boasting an impressive dance routine, convincing performances, and captivating plot, The Story of Fire Saga nearly reaches its peak, landing in fourth position. However, one might ponder why it didn’t secure the top spot. The humor, regrettably, falls short compared to other aspects. The gags are not likely to bring about laughter, causing some to question if the movie would have been better off as a drama rather than a comedy.

3
‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ (2019)

In the film “Between Two Ferns: The Movie“, Zach Galifianakis portrays a fictionalized version of himself, hosting an eccentric talk show on a public-access TV station in North Carolina. His ambition is to rise to fame as a late-night television host, but his unconventional interviews often lead to criticism. Alongside him, Will Ferrell makes an appearance, characterizing the individual who discovered Zach’s hidden potential.

A Memorable Celebrity Congregation

Zach Galifianakis’ unique flair is unmistakable in this piece. It features extended, unrelenting sequences of meticulously articulate characters and scenarios that range from polished and poetic to personal and amusing. Both Zack and Will take delight in satirizing the stereotypes of late-night hosting, while the array of celebrity appearances (even Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Dinklage, and Keanu Reeves make an appearance) align with viewers’ expectations. This overlooked movie deserves exploration and discussion among fans.

2
‘The Other Guys’ (2010)

The duo consisting of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay no longer engage in conversation, but their collective work, as evidenced by films like “The Other Guys“, will continue to be admired. Notably, this was the fourth of five joint projects between the two (and the first of three collaborations featuring Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg). The plot revolves around two relatively inexperienced NYPD officers who must rise to the occasion when their department’s top cops meet an untimely end while performing a death-defying stunt on duty.

McKay suddenly conceived the idea for the film during dinner with Wahlberg and Ferrell. He was struck by the chemistry between the two actors, believing they’d make a great duo on screen. His hunch proved correct, as they were eventually cast in the movie.

The Perfect Pairing

As a lifelong fan of comedy films, I must say that buddy comedies have always held a special place in my heart. With their tried-and-true formula of clashing personalities between two central characters, they never fail to deliver a good laugh or two (or ten). From the cringe-worthy awkward moments to the hilarious antics that ensue as the pair tries to one-up each other, these movies are a staple in my collection. Whether it’s the bumbling best friends who can’t seem to catch a break or the mismatched odd couple who learn to appreciate each other, buddy comedies always manage to bring a smile to my face. So if you’re looking for some light-hearted entertainment, I highly recommend giving one of these movies a watch – you won’t be disappointed!

In 2010, the film titled “The Other Guys” bagged the “Best Comedy Film” award at the inaugural Comedy Awards. This movie was also a contender for several Teen Choice Awards. Notably, it raked in an impressive $171 million at the box office. Unfortunately, a sequel never materialized due to certain circumstances between Ferrell and McKay, effectively putting any future installments on hold.

1
‘Barbie’ (2023)

The narrative of the movie unfolds in Barbie Land, a serene paradise where every Barbie lives a flawless existence. However, the character portrayed by Margot Robbie, referred to as “Stereotypical Barbie,” starts encountering physical and emotional issues (such as flat feet and fears of not being perfect). She is then told to visit the real world for solutions, accompanied by Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. In the real world, Ken learns about patriarchy and aspires to instill a harmful masculinity culture when he returns to Barbie Land. Will Ferrell plays Mattel’s unnamed CEO in this film.

A movie featuring Barbie has been in the works since 2009, initially by Universal Pictures who originally owned the rights (they might have second thoughts about giving them up). After years of delays, Gal Gadot was considered for the lead role but had to decline due to scheduling issues. Eventually, Margot Robbie stepped in (it seemed like there was no other more suitable choice) and the story unfolded as we now know it.

The Kind of Film Studio Executives Dream About

Barbie has faced criticism from some quarters who view it as ‘progressive’ or even promoting a negative portrayal of men. However, when it comes to filmmaking aspects, it’s truly impressive. The visuals are captivating, and the music is pleasingly melodious for both mature and younger audiences. Thanks to its cinematic excellence, the movie garnered eight Oscar nominations (including Best Picture) and raked in $1.446 billion at the box office, making it one of Warner Bros’ most successful productions.

Hardly anyone can overlook the popular trend of “Barbenheimer”! It’s astonishing how both movies emerged victorious in this competition. Initially, it might have seemed like Christopher Nolan was giving Warner Bros. the cold shoulder; however, it turned out to be more of a friendly wave instead. Essentially, what they have, we also possess.

Read More

2025-01-02 02:32