While some genres are plain and transparent, comedy charts a different territory. Even after a century of filmmaking, it remains one of the most subjective and personal film genres. After all, humor is something that clicks for some and completely misses the mark for others. But that’s okay. Because a truly transcendent comedy rises above the whole idea of interpretation to be consumed and enjoyed universally. By delivering laughter that is contagious and suitable for all ages, these movies also layer their stores with heart and inspiration.
As for devouring this content, several streaming services offer colossal options. Among them, Paramount+ houses something to tickle every funny bone, whether you lean toward romantic comedies or genre parodies. With big stars playing wacky characters, these movies aid themselves with clever dialogues and situations that feel unexpected at best. Physical comedy combines with the perfect timing and the result is a movie that becomes unforgettable. While all of us have our favorites, we’ve decided to round off a bunch of comedy movies available on Paramount+ that you can discover or revisit any time you want.
10 Mean Girls (2004)
Teen comedies like Mean Girls play a huge part in keeping our memories (both good and bad) of high school alive. You know, the bunch of popular girls, the hallway hijinks, and the drama. This quotable classic that never gets old follows a new girl Cady Heron, who has been homeschooled her whole life.
She must now immerse herself in the world of high school cliques and the rivalry of manipulative queen bee Regina George. As Cady learns the ins and outs of locker room politics and cafeteria hierarchies, she also finds her place in the social scene by being true to herself. Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan, and Tina Fey deliver unparalleled performances to fill the film with comedy and wit.
9 School of Rock (2003)
After working his magic in the romance genre, director Richard Linklater switched to comedy with the hope of winning the audience's hearts once again. And win our hearts he did. School of Rock stars Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a bumbling rock enthusiast who fakes his way into a prestigious school by pretending to be a substitute teacher.
Finn is short on cash and has got bills to pay, so without so much as giving it a thought, he decides to transform his class of privileged rich kids into a rock band and train them for a band battle. What begins as a desperate effort to stay afloat soon turns into a person’s intense dedication to music. As the kids realize their hidden potential, their chaos only fuels Finn’s passion. Overall, the film is a gem.
8 Clueless (1995)
The seminal ‘90s rom-com that set standards for several future rom-coms, Clueless is a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma. It follows Cher Horowitz, the most popular girl at her Beverly Hills high school. Despite being white and privileged, Cher doesn’t berate the other kids and isn’t pretentious. When Tai, a new student joins school, she decides to give her a makeover and boost her social status.
Between matching her outfits and trying to set up Tai, she’s one busy queen bee. In the process, Cher also discovers her dreams and desires. With a talented cast including Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd in their breakout roles, Clueless also features sharp dialogue and memorable ‘90s fashion. Perfect for a lighthearted evening to put you in a good mood.
7 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Emerging as an epic love letter to the game, the players, and the fans, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a wonderful heist comedy that follows a handsome thief named Edgin Darvis. Leaving his questionable profession behind, Edgin was content making a life with his wife and daughter.
But the past comes catching up to him and eventually, he teams up with a group of adventurers to retrieve a powerful relic that is stolen. Pursued by a villain who seeks the artifact, our heroes must brave dragons, tough terrain, and high stakes to stop her. The movie includes a star-studded cast like Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page, who lead the adventure and show us how even the most unexpected journeys become bearable with friends around.
6 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Adam McKay makes his directorial debut with this cheesy and glorious comedy that will have you in stitches from start to finish. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is set in the male-dominated world of 1970s San Diego where a well-known newscaster continues to revel in his success. Along with his dimwitted crew, Ron Burgundy almost sees himself as a TV alpha.
His world is shaken up when an ambitious female journalist named Veronica enters the office and eventually the industry. By challenging social norms and making Roy look like a fish out of water, Veronica provides quite a few comforting laughs. The rest of the comedic fodder comes endlessly with Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Steve Carell’s pitch-perfect performances. That said, the movie shows that sometimes plain old idiocy can be truly brilliant for cinema.
5 The Lost City (2022)
Adventure, romance, laughter, and Sandra Bullock being Sandra Bullock – where do we sign up? In this latest screwball comedy The Lost City, Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a reclusive author who often writes about the most astonishing places and how love and thrills come alive amidst the wonder. After writing a romance novel, she is on a book tour with her cover model Alan (Channing Tatum).
However, when an eccentric billionaire, who believes that Bullock knows where an ancient lost treasure is buried because she mentioned it in her book, kidnaps her, it kicks off an incredible and unforgettable jungle hunt. Alan has always been just a pretty face for Lorette. But now that the opportunity has presented itself, he’s determined to prove otherwise. On one hand, we get Bullock and Tatum’s fantastic banter, and on the other hand, there’s Daniel Radcliffe being totally weird.
4 Zoolander (2001)
A hilarious movie that quickly escalates into a high-stakes murder conspiracy, Zoolander follows Ben Stiller in his signature dimwitted role as Derek Zoolander, a clueless male model who thinks that he has it all figured out and once he wins Male Model of the Year for the fourth time consecutively, he won’t have to struggle anymore. But films have a way of making our protagonists lose before they win, right?
Enter Derek’s rival Hansel, who fashionably takes the win in his place, leaving Derek to go on a quest to regain his “blue steel” confidence. In the process, he meets Jacobim Mugalu, a fashion designer who wants him to work on his upcoming fashion show but prepares him to murder the prime minister of Malaysia instead. Featuring cameos from some big names like Billy Zane and Christine Taylor, the flick goes in such ridiculous directions that it is almost impossible to keep track of all the zaniness between the laughs.
3 Elf (2003)
Feeling a bit, how do they say, “Christmas-y”? Well, nothing says holiday cheer more than Buddy finally breaking free and living out his dreams in New York City. Centered on a human baby that was once adopted and raised into the man he is today by Santa’s elves, Elf follows Buddy’s journey of self-discovery after he realizes that he’s not really an elf.
He hits the Big Apple to find his biological father and what ensues is a series of fish-out-of-water hijinks and heartwarming lessons – all in the Christmas spirit. While characters and stories are important to make them a hit, the best thing about comedy movies isn’t the warm fuzzy feeling you get after you’ve watched a story unfold. And Elf gives you just that.
2 Instant Family (2018)
Laugh-out-loud moments? Check. Quirky characters? Check. A heart underneath? You bet. Instant Family draws you into the many horrors of parenthood through the eyes of its main characters played strikingly well by Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. Pete and Ellie are a couple who want kids but they go the unconventional way and decide to become foster parents.
After attending a session and meeting some kids, they end up biting off more than they bargained for and take in three siblings – Lizzy, Juan, and Lita – who have quirks of their own. Though overwhelmed, they form empathetic bonds with the children who are brought to life perfectly by Isabela Merced, Gustavo Escobar, and Juliana Gamiz. Sometimes touching, sometimes surprising, Instant Familyprovides an insightful look at modern families and fuels our appreciation for caregivers.
1 The Dictator (2012)
As long as you’ve prepared not to take anything about the film seriously, you’re good. Co-written by and starring Sacha Baron Cohen, The Dictator follows Admiral General Aladeen, the eccentric leader of the Republic of Wadiya wanting to advocate change and recognition for certain things.
He takes his brutality with him when he visits New York City and his plans are cut short by his uncle Tamir’s hitman who kidnaps him and keeps him confined. From naked horse riding to racial commentary, there is nothing about the movie that isn’t jaw-dropping. As a political commentary, the film sure gets dark and ridiculous. But it is worthy of a watch, even after a decade later.