Comedy, as a genre, is not a five-finger exercise. It is a beautiful thing to be able to lift someone’s mood and bring people together through shared laughter and beautiful messages. From physical slapstick to wicked wordplay, a great comedy movie manages to free us of our real-life worries for a couple of hours. And even though the end result is fun and lighthearted, creating a comedy movie that makes the audience laugh out loud is challenging.
So is browsing the endless options available to watch on streaming service. Netflix, for starters, has a massive library of movies, including hits like Beverly Hills Cop and No Hard Feelings. With their easily recognizable cast and worldwide popularity, they tend to catch most viewers’ attention right away. However, Netflix is also home to plenty of underrated gems waiting to be discovered.
Below is a list of ten of the most underrated Netflix comedy movies that will have you crying with laughter. Some focus on absurd premises while others thrive in awkward situational humor. So, whether you are in the mood for raunchy humor or family-friendly chuckles, the movies on this list are guaranteed to deliver a good time.
10 Mascots (2016)
mascots
- Release Date
- October 11, 2016
Co-written and directed by Christopher Guest, Mascots is one of the earliest original comedies on Netflix. In it, Zach Woods leads a motley crew of emotionally troubled mascots as they compete for the prestigious title of World’s Best Mascot at a sports convention. Each of the characters are a bag of nerves struggling with either crippling self-doubt or trying to hold back repressed anger. They form an unlikely bond with each other while perfecting a routine to with the big prize.
Slapstick Humor Featuring Mascots
Guest is known for his improvised mockumentary style. He also brings out the natural comedic timing in his star-studded cast. The same happens with Mascots, a movie that he structures like a sketch-comedy – uneven in tone but hilarious and strong in conflict and humor.
Along with Woods, the movie also stars Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Don Lake, and Jennifer Coolidge. The actors fully commit to their mascot personas and deliver gut-busting physical comedy by focusing on the sillier aspects of sports.
9 The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Based on the novel by Jonathan Evison, The Fundamentals of Caring follows Ben, a former writer who decides to become a registered caregiver to Trevor, a teenage boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, after a personal tragedy upturns his life and his wife files a divorce. Ben and Trevor are a mismatched pair that take a while to get on. But when they do, they embark on a road trip together and learn lessons about finding happiness and keeping friendships.
Road-Trip Comedy Worth Watching
A heartwarming, low-key hilarious teen comedy that explores the father-son bond forming between two grumpy guys, The Fundamentals of Caring stars Paul Rudd and Chris Tucker in the main roles, with Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, and Megan Ferguson in memorable supporting turns. While tackling issues of disability and grief, the movie never loses its comedic touch.
From the feel-good moments shared by Rudd and Tucker to the deliberate use of profane language, this overlooked gem will have you laughing out loud.
8 Do Not Disturb (2023)
Written, directed by and co-starring Cem Yilmaz, Do Not Disturb is a lighthearted comedy that centers around a middle-aged man named Ayzek. He has been working as a waiter on ferries for as long as he can remember. But after the pandemic hits, he loses his job and faces unemployment. When Ayzek finally comes out of the slump, he gets a job at a hotel. Working night shifts, his first day at job itself is a disaster of sorts.
Offers Unpredictable Laughter
Not many Turkish-language movies have made it to mainstream media. Directors like Nuri Bilge Ceylan have delivered arthouse films that left an indelible mark on international viewers. Following in the footsteps, with great ambition, is Yilmaz’s Do Not Disturb, which manages to represent the culture, people and society with just a handful of well-assorted actors.
For anyone looking to be absolutely blown away by the potential of Turkish cinema, the movie has jokes, social commentary, incredible camera work, and an unpredictable ending to offer.
7 The Land of Steady Habits (2018)
In this drama comedy, we follow a recently-divorced and retired man named Anders Hill but is finding it hard to cope with the wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, and simply wants to reunite with his will to live. He befriends a drug-addicted teenage friend of his son and rolls down the rabbit hole of addiction and behaves recklessly. Hill also starts a romantic relationship with Barbara. Amidst it all, Anders tries to self-reflect.
A Movie You Can Relate To
Directed by Nicole Holofcener, The Land of Steady Habits delves into complex family dynamics with humor and heart in equal measure. Ben Mendelsohn is superb as the crotchety but likable Anders, whether he is showing rare glimpses of vulnerabilities or lashing out for no reason.
The light comedy also comes from his relationship with his son, Preston, and the eccentric town residents. Emotional, uplifting, and humorous, the movie is hailed by critics as “one mid-life crisis worth watching.”
6 Paddleton (2019)
paddleton
- Release Date
- February 22, 2019
- Director
- Alexandre Lehmann
Paddleton is a touching odd-couple bromance directed by Alex Lehmann, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Duplass. It stars Duplass and Ray Romano as two misfit neighbors and best friends, Michael and Andy, who enjoy the simple mundanities of life together. But after Michael is diagnosed with terminal cancer, the two decide to embark on a series of silly adventures. With only a few months left, they make a pact with each other to explore all that really matters.
Deftly Balances Emotion and Humor
Duplass and Romano are the highlights of the movie. As mismatched buddies who share surprisingly deep affection and know things about each other that they don’t even know about themselves, they find hilarious moments from the darkest corners of the narrative. Director Lehmann also does an excellent job at balancing the heavy themes with moments of levity. Slow, quirky, funny, and touching, Paddleton is basically a documentation of everyday friendship.
5 Unicorn Store (2017)
Unicorn Store is directed by Brie Larson in her feature directorial debut. It sees her starring as Kit, a quirky arts college dropout living anxiously with her disapproving parents and working a temp job. After failing to prove herself repeatedly, when Kit gets a mysterious invitation to a story that sells “what you need,” Kit sets out to prove herself worthy of healing her inner child and adopting a unicorn. The salesman, played by Samuel L. Jackson, gives her a list of requirements to fulfill.
Brie Larson’s Magical Debut
Watching Larson stumble through a series of hilarious and whimsical adventures is truly delightful. She shines as the dreamy Kit while also showcasing immense potential as a director.
The combination of a colorful fantasy premise with relatable real-work humor feels fresh. Jackson is brilliant as her slippery guide. Additionally, the movie explores unattended childhood wonder through the eyes of an adult, which drives the protagonist on a journey that helps unlock her self-confidence and renews her hope.
4 Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)
A spin-off of the popular talk show of the same name, Between Two Ferns: The Movie follows Zach Galifianakis going on about his business as a host of a small public access show.
Even though the show is known for its excruciating celebrity interviews, it isn’t until Will Ferrell uploads a video to Funny or Die that it shoots to popularity. Ferrell also offers Zach to become president of Funny or Die, which sets him off on a road trip and completes a series of high-profile interviews with guests like David Letterman, Paul Rudd, and more.
Redefines Cringe Comedy
Writer-director Scott Aukerman turns an internet parody into a hilarious roasting road movie. Much like the eponymous talk show, the movie holds nothing back. Galifianakis fully commits to Zach’s oblivious torment of A-list guest stars and absurdist detours in order to mine maximum discomfort.
The cameos are unsurprising but pretty funny and high-stakes. Most importantly, it understands the art and expertise that goes into stretching an episode into a feature length movie to reward fans.
3 Mixtape (2021)
Mixtape is a sweet little comedy that centers around middle schooler Beverly Moody. Her parents, who died as teenagers, left behind a mixtape from their time. When Beverly finds it, she hopes to reconnect with her parents so she tries to track down all the songs on the tape and listen to them. Her journey through thrift stores and record shops becomes a hilarious adventure. Along the way, she meets the colorful folk who love the songs.
Joyful Trip Down Memory Lane
With Mixtape, director Valerie Weiss chooses to deliver feel-good vibes and feel-good vibes only. She mines newcomer Gemma Brooke Allen’s talent, who brings infectious enthusiasm to the narrative and infuses the same to her group of friends. Specific song-finding and retro shenanigans evoke nostalgia for a simpler time.
Julie Bowen plays Gail, Beverly’s grandmother who still isn’t over the loss of her daughter. Overall, it is the themes of fond memories and the magic of music that resonates with fans.
2 The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017)
From the mind of Noah Baumbach, who is known for directing movies like Marriage Story and Frances Ha, is this family comedy that explores the irritating, heartfelt and dysfunctional relationships between Danny, Jean, and Matthew, three adult siblings, and their eternally self-involved father Harold Meyerowitz. An artist himself, Harold is being honored at an event in New York, which is where the siblings reunite and face their inadequacies, buried tensions, and old hangups.
Dysfunctional Family, Perfect Comedy
Family dinner hilarity is a trope Hollywood has mined on several times before, but with The Meyerowitz Stories, Baumback tries to unwind the delicate family dynamics. He makes sure the scenes are witty, laced with pathos, and razor-sharp dialogue.
The movie features a star-studded cast including Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, Elizabeth Marvel and Ben Stiller. Their performances (specifically Sandler’s) are so authentic and funny that we recognize a piece of our own families within their squabbles.
1 Good on Paper (2021)
When Iliza Shlesinger revealed the script for a rom-com, fans of the stand-up comedian were more than thrilled. With Kimmy Gatewood as a first-time director, Good on Paper follows Andrea Singer, who spent years securing her career and finances only for other women around her becoming more successful.
When she falls for the seemingly perfect but too-good-to-be-true guy named Dennis, their romance progresses at breakneck speed. It’s not long before Andrea and her skeptical friends grow suspicious of the guy.
Rom-Com With a Twist
Good on Paper is filled with revelations that bring shock and surprise. A sharp and underrated romantic satire, it allows Shlesinger to showcase her fantastic comedic timing and vulnerability through a new medium. The transition from stage to screen may seem awkward for some to watch, but the cringe-inducing lies and absurd plot twists make up for it. Supporting cast members Ryan Hansen, Margaret Cho, and Rebecca Rittenhouse amplify the hilarity further, making it a must-watch.
