Since its inception as a DVD rental service till now, Netflix has become a giant streaming platform.
Their comedic section especially topped the cake time and time again, they proved themselves the greatest laughter merchant as they supplied thousands of people in different continents something to laugh about.
Their comedic section comprises different types of sub-genre; whether you were looking out for one which made you laugh till you were out of breath or one that made you chuckle quietly at a witty quip, Netflix got you covered.
The streamer’s abyssal comedic selection includes mockumentaries, rom coms, stand-up shows, stoner adventures, silly buddies comedies, satirical comedies, esoteric indie comedies, some couple of movies which swings between comedy and drama, comedy and nostalgia, even cheesy slapstick movies which relaxes viewers on a Friday nights.
We understand that looking for a good comedy show in Netflix’s massive library is daunting so this article will throw caution to the wind, and curate some favorites from all sub-genres of comedy that Netflix has to offer. One thing is sure, whatever laugh you desire, this article has it on speed dial.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Run time: 111min | IMDB: 7/10
This movie, directed by David Gordon Green and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, focused on a slacker and his drug dealer, Rogen and James Franco, who found themselves in crosshairs after they witnessed a murder case.
Dale, played by Rogen, alongside Franco, who played Saul, was hunted by a drug lord fixated on having them silenced before they got to report to the police. During this dreadful journey, they got into different quagmires including Asian mobs, barn explosions, and nursing homes escalated by their sheer ineptitude.
“Pineapple Express” is basically a buddy comedy intertwined with some twists and turns. It is a fresh movie which had a glimmer of the 80s in terms of adventure and action. More than this, the movie is enshrined with heart-in-your-mouth action paces while still rooted in the comedic genre it’s originally known for.
Everyone played their parts; from Gary Cole’s crime boss, to Craig Robinson and Kevin Corrigan’s hitmen, to Danny McBride’s cartoonish small-time dealer. Credit to Green for the utmost details.
Dolemite is my name (2019)
Run Time: 117 min | IMDb: 7.3/10
One thing about Eddie Murphy, is how he doesn’t fail to establish how much of a talented comedian he is. And in this movie, he didn’t fail one bit.
Murphy played the role of a famed comedian, and actor, Rudy Ray Moore, better known as Dolemite. Fans saw Murphy who played the character of Dolemite at the beginning of his career looking for a breakthrough.
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If anything this movie exuded laughs in numerous forms for fans. This iconic drama showed how a man would stop at nothing to get to the peak of his career and achieve his dreams of becoming the best comedian in the country.
Murphy started solo but was later joined by cast members like Tituss Burgess, Keegan-Michael Key, Ron Cephas Jones. In all this, Murphy gave us the masterpiece, as he had always done throughout his career.
Bad Trip (2021)
Run Time: 86 min | IMDb: 6.6/10
“Bad Trip” is outrageously silly, but you would laugh out loud in the process. Eric André (Chris Caréy,) writer of the movie, made a cross between beautiful storytelling and antics made in real-time and recorded by subtly hidden cameras. It’s slapstick but also an easy to love comedic masterpiece.
Bystanders were portrayed more than what they were– they were portrayed as judge or righteous jury. Chris was played by André, while Lil Rel Howery played his fantastic bud. The synopsis of the film showed that the pair was headed to New York to track down the woman of Andre’s dreams who is also his high school crush. There’s also Howery’s sister, whom he borrowed a car from. This was played by Tiffany Haddish, who just got out of prison and was hot on their trail. For every stage of the movie, there’s a prank.
This made it one comedic movie viewers have never seen before, as it focused more on the bystanders who were either shocked, angered, frustrated or bewildered by André’s behaviour and often reached out to help. It’s these varying emotions that spread throughout the film, and gave it an honest overtone while it allowed the “Bad Trip” humour shine through.
Romcoms tropes were also singled out, which gave it a “WTF?” signature. It’s embarrassing and incredible with a R-rating, but you are sure of getting your deserved laughs.
Election(1999)
Run Time: 103 min | IMDb: 7.3/10
An evergreen comedy film from the year 1999, Election might as well be one of the best comedy shows ever made.
Directed by Alexander Payne, the story featured Tracy Flick, played by Reese Witherspoon. In this fun-filled movie, she was an ambitious high school student who ran for school politics.
There’s also Matthew Broderick, a history teacher who frankly hated Flick’s guts and never failed to let it shine through his facial expressions.
The two characters slug it out in a figurative tug of war; Broderick trying to crush Flick’s chances of winning, and Flick going to any and every length to win the election. This movie is funny in a dark way, as both Witherspoon and Broderick brought their stellar performances to the table.
