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If you have a penchant for laughter, you’ll be delighted to discover that Hulu stands out as a premier streaming service for a diverse range of comedic content. This isn’t just an arbitrary claim – thanks to its origins in cable television, Hulu has evolved into the go-to streaming platform for numerous side-splitting TV shows and films. From the cheeky antics of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to enduring animated comedies from Fox, Hulu’s comedic offerings are both extensive and entertaining. Beyond serving as a digital cable alternative, Hulu boasts a commendable collection of comedy films.
In addition to their original productions, Hulu hosts a plethora of comedy films that cater to various tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a humor-infused escapade or a comedy with nuanced and thought-provoking elements, Hulu has you covered and then some. But with such an extensive library, where should you begin? To make your viewing experience more convenient, we’ve compiled a selection of the finest comedies currently available on Hulu.
As of December 1st, 2023, this article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja to include additional content, ensuring that the recommendations remain current and offer even more information and new entries for your consideration.
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17 Best Comedy Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now
Elf (2003)
Elf, a classic Christmas comedy, features Will Ferrell as Buddy, an orphan who grew up as an elf at the North Pole. Despite his good-natured spirit, Buddy always felt like he didn’t belong. Upon discovering he is human, he embarks on a journey to find his real father in the festive streets of New York.
The film’s greatness lies in Will Ferrell’s incredible portrayal of Buddy. His childlike wonder and vibrant performance bring the character to life, making the movie truly extraordinary. Whether through physical or verbal gags, Ferrell’s dedication to the role shines. Director Jon Favreau captures the true meaning of the holidays by emphasizing the magic and reminding viewers that the season is about spreading cheer and kindness.
Theater Camp (2023)
Rebecca-Diane and Amos Klobucher spend each summer guiding a group of talented kids at a theater camp in upstate New York, where they collaborate on eccentric productions under the leadership of Joan, the camp’s founder. However, this year takes an unexpected turn as Joan is in a coma, leaving her Instagram-influencer son, Troy, to organize the play. The result is a hilariously chaotic situation. While Theater Camp visually resembles a Wes Anderson film, Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, the writers and directors, infuse the narrative with infectious fun and chaos, parodying the intense performing arts programs that happen nationwide each summer. The film’s refreshing humor and nostalgic charm for camp experiences make it a delightful watch.
The Holiday (2006)
The holiday classic revolves around two heartbroken women, Iris and Amanda, who, in a stroke of serendipity, decide to swap homes on Christmas Eve. Iris experiences the English countryside, while Amanda immerses herself in suburban life. Unexpected encounters with local men transform their lives. Starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, directed by Nancy Meyers, the romantic comedy is celebrated for its warmth, humor, and impeccable production design. Supported by Jude Law and Jack Black, the film offers a delightful, feel-good narrative, providing a cozy escape for those seeking one.
Begin Again (2013)
Dan Mulligan, once a prosperous record label executive, faces challenges adapting to the evolving music industry and dealing with his recent divorce from Miriam. One night at a Lower East Side bar, he encounters Gretta, an independent singer-songwriter going through her own difficulties. Their spontaneous connection leads to a unique proposition and ultimately an album that has the potential to reshape their destinies.
The brilliance of “Begin Again” lies in the unexpected pairing of Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in a poignant comedy. This film, directed by John Carney, beautifully explores the transformative influence of music. Carney provides a captivating peek into the lives of artists, delving into their personal struggles and revealing the birth of songs. With an outstanding indie soundtrack, “Begin Again” stands out as a heartfelt celebration of the profound impact of music.
Central Intelligence (2016)
Calvin Joyner, a reserved accountant in the midst of a midlife crisis, unexpectedly encounters Bob Stone, a muscular man who insists they were high school classmates. Bob reveals he’s being pursued by international assassins and the CIA due to a top-secret program. Reluctantly, Cal becomes embroiled in a thrilling and humorous spy-like adventure.
What sets Central Intelligence apart is its ability to provide an enjoyable escape, perfect for those moments when you’re searching for a light-hearted laugh. The film features the dynamic pairing of Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson, delivering a winning combination. Whether categorized as an action comedy or a buddy film, Central Intelligence boasts impressive stunts, clever humor, themes of empowerment and redemption, and a subtle yet poignant celebration of friendship.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun, a seemingly lifeless Londoner stuck in a monotonous routine, struggles to find purpose beyond spending time with his mother, girlfriend, and working as a salesman. However, his mundane life takes a dark turn when a zombie apocalypse unfolds in the city. In a comedic twist on the zombie genre, Shaun takes charge, ensuring the safety of his friends as they seek refuge in a pub. “Shaun of the Dead” cleverly parodies the genre, blending horror and comedy with director Edgar Wright’s signature British humor and a generous dose of gore. Simon Pegg shines in his role as Shaun, leading a group of endearing slackers through the chaos.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
“Dazed and Confused,” directed by Richard Linklater, unfolds without a central protagonist or a serious narrative, instead chronicling the last day of school in 1976 Austin, Texas. The film captures the initiation of incoming freshmen by seniors, as other students engage in parties, get high, and contemplate their futures. Randall and his friends aim to savor the carefree moments before college and adulthood set in.
Linklater’s adept direction and relatable characters contribute to the film’s greatness. Set in the 1970s, it skillfully captures the era’s unease and freedom. The unrestricted narrative allows for a free-flowing portrayal of the characters’ experiences. Whether you lived through that time or not, the film’s nostalgic melodies and period details transport you to a simpler era.
Triangle of Sadness (2022)
In 2022, satirical comedy thrived, and Triangle of Sadness stood out as one of the films delving into societal class dynamics. The story follows the misadventures of fashion model and influencer couple Carl and Yaya, who find themselves on a luxury cruise for the ultra-rich. Their idyllic vacation takes a dark turn when a storm strands passengers on an island, and a cleaning lady named Abigail emerges as the unlikely leader.
What sets the film apart is its dark and humorous exploration of themes like wealth, beauty, privilege, and capitalism. Awarded the prestigious Palme d’Or, Triangle of Sadness cleverly reverses power dynamics by placing the wealthy in a struggle for survival, with Dolly De Leon providing a compelling anchor to the narrative. Ruben Östlund’s direction is exceptional, and Harris Dickinson delivers a remarkable performance. In essence, the film serves as a captivating and relevant source of entertainment, making it a standout choice for contemporary audiences.
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Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Olive Hoover, a relentlessly optimistic member of the Hoover family, harbors a fervent desire to win a beauty pageant. Little Miss Sunshine unfolds the story of this loving yet dysfunctional family embarking on a road trip from New Mexico to California in a worn-out Volkswagen to help Olive pursue her dreams. Among dysfunctional families, the Hoovers stand out at the pinnacle.
What sets Little Miss Sunshine apart is its appeal as an indie family comedy that resonates with audiences. The film boasts an exceptional cast, including Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin. It beautifully captures the heartwarming theme of family unity that blossoms as they connect and confront one another. While the narrative is peppered with awkward moments and comical arguments, the Hoovers ultimately thrive on a foundation of love and support.
War Dogs (2016)
Loosely inspired by the true story of two young cannabis enthusiasts turned amateur arms dealers striving to make a fortune, War Dogs delves into the aftermath when the U.S. government awards them a $300 million Pentagon contract. The narrative unfolds from a simple gun-selling venture to a perilous web of danger, criminality, and corruption.
What sets the film apart is the captivating performances of Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, who command every scene with magnetic energy. While not a precise portrayal of actual events, the movie weaves a narrative that seamlessly oscillates between humor and tension. With audacious action sequences and irreverent humor, War Dogs also sheds light on the unrestrained influence of capitalism, both in America and globally.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Four high school students stumble upon an old video game console, unwittingly getting transported to a perilous realm where they embody the avatars they choose. In their quest to escape, they must navigate a world filled with dangers and follow clues left by Alan Parris, who vanished two decades earlier. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle stands out as a fantastic comedy due to its lighthearted approach and the exceptional group dynamics among actors like Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. Unlike the original, this film opts for a continuous stream of humor, diverging from the darker tone of its predecessor.
12 Hour Shift (2020)
Despite primarily being a source of scares, horror movies can also deliver humor effectively, as seen in films like “12 Hour Shift.” In this movie, Angela Bettis plays a nurse entangled in a nightmarish scenario. To support her prescription drug addiction, she delves into the illicit organ trade. Amid a tension-filled double shift, her situation spirals out of control, leading to a growing body count, impatient traffickers, and a frantic search for kidneys.
What sets “12 Hour Shift” apart is director Brea Grant’s second film, skillfully blending horror and comedy. The film becomes increasingly amusing as the nurse faces escalating challenges. Angela Bettis impressively captures the essence of an overstressed nurse teetering on the edge. The seamless balance of horror and comedy makes it a compelling choice for fans of both genres.
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil stands out in the realm of horror comedies for its universal appeal and clever subversion of traditional slasher film tropes. Director Eli Craig’s debut follows the endearing hillbilly duo, Tucker and Dale, who unwittingly find themselves in a perilous situation. Mistaken for psychopathic killers due to a series of misunderstandings and accidental deaths of college kids, the film skillfully combines elements of comedy and horror.
What sets Tucker & Dale apart is its brilliance as both a comedy and a horror film. The movie takes the classic “comedy-of-errors” premise and escalates it to horrifying extremes, endearing audiences to Tucker and Dale as their good intentions lead to comical misadventures. The narrative, enhanced by an engaging murder mystery, builds towards a satisfying conclusion, solidifying Tucker and Dale vs. Evil as one of the standout examples in the horror comedy subgenre.
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Set in 1953, during the oppressive regime of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, “The Death of Stalin” cleverly explores the aftermath of the dictator’s demise. The film, a dark political satire, brilliantly transforms an ensemble cast into the various members of Stalin’s Council of Ministers. With Stalin gone, the power struggle ensues among the ministers who once lived in fear of the dictator’s life-and-death decisions.
The film’s greatness lies in its ability to tackle a grim historical event with a humorous touch. By not taking itself too seriously, it manages to engage the audience in the absurdity of the situation. While the movie takes liberties with historical accuracy, the stellar performances from actors like Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jason Isaacs, Michael Palin, Adrian McLoughlin, and Rupert Friend help overshadow any inaccuracies, delivering powerful punchlines that make the dark subject matter more digestible for viewers.
Another Round (2020)
“Another Round” is a film that skillfully blends comedy and tragedy with a peculiar premise. The story follows four high school teachers, including Mads Mikkelsen, who are struggling to find joy in life. In an attempt to become more relaxed and content, they embark on an experiment to maintain a constant blood alcohol content of 0.05% during their waking hours. While the initial results are successful, those observing from the outside realize the risks involved in their dangerous game.
What sets the film apart is the combination of humorous moments and the compelling performances of the four leads. Each character has a distinct relationship with alcohol, portraying their unique attachments to substance abuse in a refreshingly honest manner rather than resorting to sentimentality. The movie concludes with an unexpected ending, adding depth to the narrative and making it stand out as one of the best films of 2020, not just in the comedy genre.
Raising Arizona (1987)
Raising Arizona stands out as one of the Coen brothers’ most comedic and memorable films, showcasing Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter as an ex-convict and former police officer who embark on a hilariously absurd venture – stealing a baby. The movie takes a lighthearted and purposely silly approach, a departure from the Coen brothers’ previous work, Blood Simple. Despite its comedic tone, Raising Arizona surprises audiences with a heartfelt ending, making it a standout in the early career of the Coen brothers. Nicolas Cage’s energetic performance adds to the film’s charm, ensuring a delightful experience for viewers in just over 90 minutes.
Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs, a Hulu-exclusive film from 2020, seamlessly blends science fiction and romantic comedy. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti star as potential love interests who, after meeting in the California resort city, discover they are stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. As they attempt to break free from the loop, they face the challenge of an enigmatic assailant also trapped in the time loop with them.
The movie’s greatness lies in the successful fusion of diverse genres, enhanced by the excellent on-screen chemistry between Samberg and Milioti. J.K. Simmons adds to the charm with his entertaining portrayal of the villain, and the inclusion of multiple characters in the time loop adds a fresh twist to the storyline. As a comedy, Palm Springs also stands out for its wicked sense of humor.
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