Despite the stiff competition from the likes of Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Hulu, Netflix still reigns supreme in the on-demand video streaming sphere. What puts Netflix ahead of the curve is the boatload of exciting flicks of all genres including romance, drama, science fiction, comedy, you name it. As much as I like watching the films of all genres, it’s the comedy movies that often set my binge-watching on fire. They not only unleash plenty of laughter but also cheer up the entire mood. If you also belong to the same school of thought, you would really appreciate my collection of the 35 best comedy movies on Netflix which you can watch in 2020.
Note: One thing worth mentioning upfront is that not all the movies mentioned in this lineup are available in every region. While all of the films are currently streaming in the US, some of them are not available in other countries like India, Australia, UK, and more. So, when you click on the checkout link of any flick and don’t find the option to play it, do not be confused.
Best Comedy Movies on Netflix in 2020
Not a great fan of plain comedy? No problem. I have meticulously chosen a variety of comedy films that are currently streaming on Netflix. Whether you enjoy indulging with romantic-comedy, love watching political satire, or have a huge penchant for action-comedy, chances are high that you would find the flicks that can effortlessly get into your watchlist. But before you get to the list, don’t forget to check out our other lists of Netflix movies that you can watch:
- Best Netflix Animated Movies
- Best Netflix Martial Art Movies
- Top Bollywood Hindi Movies on Netflix
- Best Family Movies on Netflix
- Best Heist Movies on Netflix
Note: The Rotten Tomato ratings mentioned below are in the “Tomatometer/Audience Score” format. Also, the movies mentioned here are in no particular order. So check the entire list to find the ones that interest you.
1.The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Right on top of this best Netflix comedy movies roundup sits “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (released in 2005). And, rightly so as the film offers tons of laughter. Directed by Judd Apatow, the movie stars Steve Carell who has donned the role of a titular 40-year-old. While Andy (Carell) seems to be more or less settled as a virgin, his friends are hell-bent on finally making him get hooked. Will they succeed in their mission? Well, to know the whole story, you will need to watch this- one of the most loved comedy movies.
- IMDb: 7.1
- Rotten Tomato: 85% / 76%
Check out The 40-Year-Old Virgin on Netflix
2. As Good As It Gets
When you talk about the romantic comedy movies that have ruled the hearts of millions, the one name that deserves a special mention is “As Good As It Gets” (1997). Starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, the film is not only very romantic but also scores pretty high on comedy. The chemistry between Nicholson and Hunt was highly appreciable so much so that they both won the Academy Award for best actor and best actress.
- IMDb: 7.7
- Rotten Tomato: 85% / 86%
Check out As Good As It Gets on Netflix
3. Burn After Reading
If you have a penchant for black comedy, you shouldn’t miss out on “Burn After Reading” (2008). The biggest highlight of this movie is the star cast. Boasting huge stars like George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, and Brad Pitt, it is the sort of film which you would love to watch again and again. They have donned the roles of a bunch of idiots who keep landing themselves in tricky situations and never seem to learn from the mistakes.
- IMDb: 7
- Rotten Tomato: 78% / 64%
Check out Burn After Reading on Netflix
4. Magic Mike
Magic Mike (2012) may not have rocked the box office and even got a high rating from the likes of IMDb and RottenTomato, but it definitely won plenty of praise from those who adore comedy-drama. The film has been directed by Steven Soderbergh and features notable stars like Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, and Joe Manganiello. The film is based on the 18-year-old Tatumm who is a well-known stripper and loves to live his life on his own terms.
- IMDb: 6.1
- Rotten Tomato: 80% / 60%
Check out Magic Mike on Netflix
5. The Hangover
Frankly speaking, there are very few comedy movies that are as hilarious as “The Hangover” (2009). Todd Phillips has done a great job as the director and so have the star cast like Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis. Three best friends and the groom go for a bachelor party in Las Vegas. But when they wake up from a long slumber the next morning, they have lost both the recollection and the groom. Will they be able to get back what they have lost and what sort of challenges they will face along the way? Unwind the film to discover that funny tale!
- IMDb: 7.7
- Rotten Tomato: 78% / 84%
Check out The Hangover on Netflix
6. Zombieland
Zombieland (2009) is primed for the movie buffs who never seem to get enough of zombies! In this post-apocalyptic Zombie comedy film (directed by Ruben Fleischer), you will watch stars like Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin in search of a sanctuary that is completely free from zombies. As the geeky college kids have a hard time finding safe heaven, you will enjoy discovering their tales and the funny incidents in between. It is one of the best comedy movies that you can watch on Netflix.
- IMDb: 7.6
- Rotten Tomato: 90% / 86%
Check out Zombieland on Netflix
7. Music and Lyrics
As someone who loves to watch romantic and comedy films, I have found “Music and Lyrics” (Directed by Marc Lawrence: 2007) worth watching. The film stars Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore in the lead roles. The plot revolves around the relationship between a former pop music idol and an aspiring writer as they find it a bit hard to compose a song for a pop icon. Their sizzling romance and side-splitting comedy will hold both your time and breath.
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomato: 62% / 68%
Check out Music and Lyrics on Netflix
8. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Should you want a nice romantic comedy-drama to fill your time with both love and fun, I would recommend you to put Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist on the wishlist. In this movie (2008, starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings), Nick and Norah try to pretend to be a couple to avoid being heckled by their friends. But due to some unexpected turn of events, they become a real couple.Cera and Dennings’ acting is commendable and so is their romance.
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomato: 74% / 65%
Check out Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist on Netflix
9. Julie and Julia
Do you have a passion for cooking or admire aspiring people? If yes, Julia and Julia (2009) would be a fine bet for you. In this American comedy-drama (starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina) Julie Powell, the young blogger, wants to emulate her idol “Julia Child” and desires to master her excellent cooking technologies. Although their lives are poles apart, their passion for food brings them closer. Overall, you would really appreciate this movie and adore the spotless acting of Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.
- IMDb: 7
- Rotten Tomato: 77% / 70%
Check out Julie and Julia on Netflix
10. Goon: Last of the Enforcers
What about taking a shot at a sports comedy film? Goon: Last of the Enforcers (2017) delivers a solid punch both as a cool sports and comedy film. Seann William Scott and Baruchel have shined in the lead roles with pretty good acting. The former has fully justified the role of a talented player with an impressive showing. The rest of the cast has also done more than a decent job to make the movie a good watch.
- IMDb: 5.8
- Rotten Tomato: 42%/ 41%
Check out Goon: Last of the Enforcers on Netflix
11. Wet Hot American Summer
Set on the last day of a camp, “Wet Hot American Summer” (2009) is one of my favorite satirical comedy files. The movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, Paul Rudd, Christopher Meloni, and Michael Showalter. Even though this is the last day of the trip, the business of the counsellers is yet to be finished and they are in a rush to get it done before the day ends. You will enjoy watching their frustration and the comedy of errors that they would commit time and time again.
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomato: 36% / 76%
Check out Wet Hot American Summer on Netflix
12. Chasing Amy
They say “Love knows no boundaries”. And, this is exactly what you would find out in Chasing Amy (1997) –a fun-loving romantic comedy-drama starring Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, and Jason Lee. In this film, Affleck plays the role of a male comic artist who falls in love with a lesbian/bisexual woman (Adams). But his friend (Lee) doesn’t like this relationship. Will the love birds become each other?
- IMDb: 7.3
- Rotten Tomato: 87% / 83%
Check out Chasing Amy on Netflix
13. Don’t Think Twice
“Don’t Think Twice” (2016) is the story of a New York Improv Troupe which suddenly faces a huge turmoil as one of the members get the opportunity to star in a famous television show. As all the other members feel that they won’t be able to get such a great opportunity, they are hell-bent on throwing tantrums which make for funny scenes. Ably led by Birbiglia and Keegan-Michael Key, this comedy-drama deserves to be in your collection.
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomato: 98% / 69%
Check out Don’t Think Twice on Netflix
14. The Interview
If you want to indulge yourself with a serious political satire film, “The Interview” (2014) is the one that can seamlessly join your party. Rogen and James Franco have played the lead roles as journalists who get a chance to interview Kim Jong-un- the North Korean dictator. The CIA asks them to take advantage of the opportunity and kill Kim Jong-un. The whole story may seem to be predictable but will keep you engrossed throughout.
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomato: 51%/ 48%
Check out The Interview on Netflix
15. Kung Fu Hustle
It’s time to mix martial arts with cynical comedy! Stephen Chaw’s Kung Fu Hustle (2004) has got a range of tricks to keep you hooked for more. It’s the story of an aspiring gangster who pretends to be a member of a big gang and tries to rule a neighborhood. But he finds out that there are three martial arts experts who live in the neighborhood and are battle-ready to take him down. What will be his fate? Well, you will have to unravel the film to discover that. I love martial art movies, and the comedic approach taken here, makes this movie a great watch.
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomato: 90% / 89%
Check out Kung Fu Hustle on Netflix
16. The Lobster
“The Lobster” is a very interesting black comedy movie (2015) starring Colin Farrell. In this film, single people must have to find a romantic partner in 45 days. And if they fail, they are turned into animals. Yeah, the story does sound to be a bit weird but once you get into the groove, you wouldn’t want to miss even a single still.
- IMDb: 7.1
- Rotten Tomato: 87% / 64%
Check out The Lobster on Netflix
17. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Without an iota of doubt, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is a must-watch British comedy film (1975). The movie has been beautifully written and performed by Monty Python. It shows the despair-ridden circumstances of the middle ages where the king of Britons leads his knights to capture the Holy Grain. On their way, they encounter unexpected horrors. Thanks to the intriguing story and immaculate acting, it has been chosen as the second-best movie of all time in the ABC’s Best in Film: The Greatest Movies of Our Time.
- IMDb: 8.3
- Rotten Tomato: 97%/ 95%
Check out Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Netflix
18. Mr. Mom
Mr. Mom (1983) is a light-hearted comedy film where a man (Michael Keaton) dons the role of a homemaker. His wife (Teri Garr) goes out to do a job and he has to take care of the three children. With the occasional dose of romance and tons of comedy put in place, Mr. Mom never fails to leave a lasting impression. Well, I’ve watched it a couple of times and won’t mind giving it a run one more time. That speaks volumes of how entertaining it is!
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomato: 81% / 57%
Check out Mr. Mom on Netflix
19. Mr. Roosevelt
Ever found yourself in a situation where you have to deal with both your ex and your current partner? If yes, you would easily feel the pulse of Mr. Roosevelt (2017) and would definitely like to stream it. Even if you have never faced such a situation, you would like to see how the whole comedy film is played out. The film has Wells, Nick Thune, Britt Lower, Daniella Pineda in the lead roles and features plenty of side-splitting stills which would easily make your day.
- IMDb: 6.2
- Rotten Tomato: 100% / 64%
Check out Mr. Roosevelt on Netflix
20. Pineapple Express
If your mood is calling for a fantastic action-comedy film, it would be cool to have a go at “Pineapple Express” (2008). Rogen and James Franco look adorable in their action and comedy avatar. As the corrupt police officer is after their lives, they have to find a way to not only escape the ever-looming danger but also tackle the unexpected challenges that never let them take a breath. With the well-timed one-liners and more than a decent story, Pineapple Express turns out to be a winner which you would like to catch up with your funny buddies.
- IMDb: 7
- Rotten Tomato: 68% / 73%
Check out Pineapple Express on Netflix
21. Set It Up
A film like “Set It Up” (2018) can appeal to most workaholic professionals who have to deal with a demanding boss. What makes this romantic comedy film so interesting is the plot where two overworked assistants are desperately trying to woo their bosses on dates in New York City. All the star cast led by Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Taye Diggs, and Lucy Liu have done a good job. If you are planning to have a good laughing spree this weekend, do take on Set It Up. I bet it would make you laugh your heart out.
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomato: 91% / 69%
Check out Set It Up on Netflix
22. Results
Results (2015) is an extremely entertaining indie romantic comedy film that you would love to stream with your close pals. The movie scores pretty well on two main points. First, the praiseworthy star cast featuring the likes of Guy Pearce, Cobie Smulders, Kevin Corrigan, and Giovanni Ribisi. And the second, the commendable storyline in which a wealthy slob suddenly decides to improve his life for the better. But his life takes an altogether different turn after he gets entangled with this personal trainer.
- IMDb: 5.4
- Rotten Tomato: 84% / 36%
Check out Results on Netflix
23. Can’t Hardly Wait
Written and directed by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont, Can’t Hardly Wait is a fun-loving flick. And if you don’t mind a brainless story, you will enjoy having a go at it. The movie features an ensemble cast consisting of Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Charlie Korsmo, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, and Seth Green. As each star has got their own tricks of comedy, the movie is abundant with laughs. Not to mention, it has also got some notable teen stars who add plenty of fun elements into the plot. So, you shouldn’t expect any dull moments.
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomato: 42% / 63%
Check out Can’t Hardly Wait on Netflix
24. Hitch
A top-notch romantic comedy film like Hitch is what you should go after to fill your moments with a lot of humor and love. Featuring major names like Will Smith, along with Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta, the flick scores pretty high in most aspects. Written by Kevin Bisch and directed by Andy Tennant, it’s about Alex Hitch (Smith) who is a professional dating consultant. Hitch’s pro tips about how to woo a woman make this flick a great watch. I consider it one of the best comedy movies on Netflix right now.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomato: 68% / 62%
Check out Hitch on Netflix
25. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
For more than one reason, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” is worthy of a permanent slot in your special collection of Netflix comedy movies. For starters, the movie stars Jim Carrey who has donned the role of Ace Ventura – a humorous animal detective. Ace is on a mission to track down an abducted dolphin mascot of the Miami Dolphins football team. Aside from Carrey, it also includes other proven actors like Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, and Sean Young.
- IMDb: 6.9
- Rotten Tomato: 48% / 57%
Check out Ace Ventura: Pet Detective on Netflix
26. Get Him To the Greek
Written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller, “Get Him To the Greek” is the sort of flick that you can watch time and time again. And that too without finding it boring. Starring Russell Brand and Jonah Hill, the movie is a spin-off sequel of the Stoller’s 2008’s highly successful flick named “Forgetting Sarah Marshall. While Brand has excelled as Aldous Snow, Hill has looked great in his role as Aaron Green.
- IMDb: 6.4
- Rotten Tomato: 72% / 62%
Check out Get Him To the Greek on Netflix
27. A Night at the Roxbury
Based on a recurring sketch on television’s very popular Saturday Night Live known as “The Roxbury Guys”, A Night at the Roxbury could prove to be a big hit among comedy lovers. The movie has a simple yet humorous story and features Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Molly Shannon, Mark McKinney, and Colin Quinn in the lead roles. It revolves around Wealthy brothers Steve and Doug Butabi who are fond of nightclubs and enjoy wooing beautiful women.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomato: 11% / 69%
Check out A Night at the Roxbury on Netflix
28. Obvious Child
A nice mix of romance and drama, Obvious Child stands out as a comedy movie. Written and directed by Gillian Robespierre, the film (starring Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann, and David Cross) is about Donna who is a stand-up comedian. Her life goes through a big turnaround after a one-night stand with a man named Max. It’s how she copes with the turnaround that forms the core of this comedy movie.
- IMDb: 6.8
- Rotten Tomato: 90% / 72%
Check out Obvious Child on Netflix
29. Fun with Dick and Jane
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005) is a remake of 1977 of the same name. Boasting stars like Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni, the story is about a married, middle-class couple who is left with no option but robbery when the employer becomes bankrupt. And it’s the unexpected things that follow during the robbery which makes it a fantastic watch. Though Carrey has performed quite well, Alec Baldwin and Richard Jenkins roles have won more praise.
- IMDb: 6.2
- Rotten Tomato: 28% / 49%
Check out Fun with Dick and Jane on Netflix
30. Slow West
While Slow West may not be a full-fledged comedy flick, it’s got enough spice to stake the claim of being a fairly good dark western comedy. The movie is set in the American West and revolves around a young Scotsman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who travels to America to track down his love, Rose Ross. Courtesy an interesting plot coupled with superb direction, the movie was awarded the Sundance Institute’s World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic Winner.
- IMDb: 6.9
- Rotten Tomato: 92% / 74%
Check out Slow West on Netflix
31. Just Friends
For those looking for a romantic comedy with plenty of laughter moments, Just Friends appear to be a nice pick. Directed by Roger Kumble and written by Adam ‘Tex’ Davis, the comedy movie (starring Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein, and Christopher Marquette) is about a formerly overweight high school champ (played by Reynolds) whose life comes to a full circle after reconnecting with his lifelong crush. It’s the humorous observation of strictly platonic relationships as “just friends” or “just as best friends that make it such a great watch.
- IMDb: 6.2
- Rotten Tomato: 42% / 71%
Check out Just Friends on Netflix
32. Tootsie
It’s the fun-filled storyline that makes Tootsie a treat to watch. The movie (stars Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Bill Murray) is about a talented but cynic actor. When it becomes tough for him to survive in the industry, he decides to turn things around by adopting a new identity as a woman. But will his new avatar bring the desired change? Well, you will need to put this flick on a roll to discover that. Overall, it’s one of the best comedy movies on Netflix, and I’m sure you will relish it thoroughly.
- IMDb: 7.4
- Rotten Tomato: 90% / 81%
Check out Tootsie on Netflix
33. Kung Fu Panda 2
Produced by DreamWorks and directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Kung Fu Panda 2 is an animated wuxia comedy-drama film (sequel to the 2008’s Kung Fu Panda). Starring noted actors including Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, and David Cross, the movie has received high praise from both fans and critics. It is about Pro and Furious Five who have to fight with an evil white peacock ruler named Lord Shen. It’s their unique battle coupled with a humor-driven plot that sets Kung Fu Panda one of the top comedies on Netflix right now.
- IMDb: 7.2
- Rotten Tomato: 81% / 74%
Check out Kung Fu Panda 2 on Netflix
34. The Other Guys
Some comedy movies never seem to age, no matter how many times you have watched them. And The Other Guys (starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes, and Steve Coogan) belongs to that elite category. The movie is about Allen Gamble and Terry “Yankee Clipper” Hoitz who are both detectives of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). While Allen is a soft-hearted forensic accountant, Terry is a hot-tempered detective. Due mainly to the fascinating story and the excellent duos, The Other Guys is well-received by critics. No wonder it minted well over $170 million worldwide.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomato: 78% / 60%
Check out The Other Guys on Netflix
35. Hail, Caesar!
Produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, Hail, Caesar! is one of the finest Netflix black comedy movies that are streaming right now. The movie has a fictional story that revolves around a fixer called Eddie Mannix (Brolin) working in the Hollywood film industry in the 1950s. The hunt to discover what happened to a cast member who had suddenly disappeared while filming biblical epic forms the crux of this flick. Packed with a good star cast including Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, and Scarlett Johansson, the movie has got enough twists to tickle your bones.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomato: 85% / 44%
Check out Hail, Caesar! on Netflix
Choose the Best Comedy Movies on Netflix
I hope you found thing collection praiseworthy. Though many modern comedy films have done exceedingly well, some of the cult classics like The Graduate and Mr. Mom are still unbeatable. Before kickstarting your movie-watching session, do not forget to spill some beans about your favorite comedy films and why they appeal to your taste so much. Also, tell us about the flicks that are worth adding to the above lineup.
