Sometimes, all you want to do is sit back with some popcorn and watch a feel-good comedy Movie that doesn’t focus on mushy romance every once in a while. The one that can make you smile, feel good about yourself, and have faith in humanity’s future. HBO Max offers one of the best comedy selections of any streaming service. Anyone seeking a good laugh should be able to find a few moments of enjoyment on the streamer.
Here are some of the best comedic features now accessible via HBO Max streaming. You may find a wide variety of comedies here, from romantic comedies to genre-bending comedies to classics, all of which are guaranteed to make you laugh and brighten your evening.
1. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) – IMDb 7.4
“Crazy, Stupid, Love” is a modern take on the traditional romantic comedy, starring an A-list cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, and Marisa Tomei. Steve Carell has appeared in a wide variety of comedies, from “Get Smart” to “Evan Almighty” to “Date Night,” so he is no stranger to making people laugh. Although he plays a comedic role in this Film, he had to invest much dramatic energy in order to avoid making his character appear fake.
After his wife files for divorce, Cal Weaver (Carell) undergoes a transformation at the hands of a man who can have any woman he desires. The developing relationship between Cal and Ryan Gosling’s smarmy, girl-crazy character, Jacob, drives most of the film.
2. Larry Crowne (2011) – IMDb 6.1
Larry Crowne is a perfect film to watch if you need a break from raunchiness and want to see something with a light touch. The movie manages to combine comedy and drama brilliantly. The opening scenes from Larry Crowne will ring true for everyone who has ever been let go from their job, whether through layoff, termination, or any other means.
Tom Hanks plays an older guy who loses his job after it is revealed that he has never attended college. In an effort to make amends, he enrols in a local community college. He signs up for a few sessions and soon finds himself developing feelings toward one of his professors.
The optimistic and appealing figure played by Tom Hanks makes you want to cheer for him. There is a legitimate explanation for Julia Roberts’s witchy, aggressive character. The film also features a host of other memorable characters. The writers did an excellent job of not going overboard with the humour, yet they still managed to make you chuckle for the entirety of the movie.
3. Dumb & Dumber (1994) – IMDb 7.3
“Dumb & Dumber,” one of the best laugh-out-loud comedy movies of all time, indicates the types of timeless classics you can expect to find on HBO Max. The film opens with two unemployed men in Providence, Rhode Island. They’re out of work and can’t afford petrol, but they try to make the best of a terrible situation by giving a briefcase back to its original owner, a beautiful woman played by Lauren Holly.
This is a perfect example of why Jim Carrey reigned supreme as a comedic force in the early 1990s. The film’s pace is nonstop from the moment it begins, and there is hardly any time to catch your breath. Clever writing and Carrey and Jeff Daniels’s natural chemistry and improvisation skills make for a unique experience.
In the end, the film’s intelligence wins us over most in “Dumb and Dumber.” It is one of the movies that have inspired the most memorable lines of dialogue ever put in a film.
4. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – IMDb 7.8
Now 16 years old, this film still drives home the point that family is the most essential thing in life. Watching Little Miss Sunshine is guaranteed to brighten it up and improve your mood if you’re having a terrible day. It’s an excellent comedy that will put a grin on your face and restore your faith in humanity. The film follows a troubled family on their road trip to California so that one of the girls can compete in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. The journey itself, though, is the beginning of the best times.
Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, and other actors performed excellently in each of their roles. The film received two Oscar wins out of four nominations at the 79th annual ceremony. In addition, it won two of the six categories it was nominated for at the BAFTAs.
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) – IMDb 6.6
You are cordially invited to join in this film’s celebration of life, rooted in custom, family, love, and the simple pleasure of being alive. The novel perspective of a family of Greek immigrants is a refreshing change of pace in the genre. Nia Vardalos portrays the role of Toula Portokalos in the movie, a miserable woman who has reached 30 and is under pressure to tie the knot. You will be able to relate to Toula’s struggle to maintain her family’s business while feeling pressure to get married. The change that takes place in Toula throughout the narrative is remarkable and believable at the same time.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is a comedic and entertaining choice for any occasion. Some parts of the film may appear old-fashioned and harsh, but the core story will resonate with people from similar backgrounds. It was created in the early 2000s, but its visuals and dialogue harken back to the 1980s and 1990s, making it a nostalgic feel-good romantic comedy.
6. Chef (2014) – IMDb 7.3
It’s hard not to smile when watching Chef, a sweet and touching tale about a man rediscovering his love of cooking and a father and son reconnecting on a road trip. The plot was incredibly predictable, but the movie was, nonetheless, entertaining thanks to the likeable performances of the whole ensemble and the upbeat score.
Jon Favreau, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Downey Jr are all in excellent form and make up a chef’s very likeable group. Favreau’s directing has a positive, empathic quality, as though he were a man who was sure of what he wanted to accomplish, and it’s evident that he and his team took great pride in making Chef. Since you’ll be having so much fun watching this film, you may wish it were longer.
7. Elf (2003) – IMDb 7.0
For laughs alone, “Elf” earns high marks as a contemporary Christmas fairy tale. This means it’s excellent for people in the holiday spirit and those who just need to lighten up a bit. Will Ferrell, a comedic superstar, stars as an elf on a mission to find his real family while behaving in an innocent, childlike, inattentive manner. He’s willing to take on the challenge of bringing Christmas cheer to a city that supposedly lacks any kind of festive spirit.
James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Daniel Tay, and Mary Steenburgen are fantastic additions to the group, and Peter Dinklage and Bob Newhart appear in supporting capacities. Director Jon Favreau did a fine job, making a film that, on the surface, seems aimed at kids into a fantastic option for your annual Christmas movie viewing.
8. Free Guy (2021) – IMDb 7.1
If you could not watch Shawn Levy’s action comedy “Free Guy” in cinemas, now is an excellent time to make up for lost time and watch it online via HBO Max, where it had its streaming debut earlier this year. Free Guy excels as an action comedy because it understands the conventions of the genre and finds the perfect balance between humour and pathos. Shawn Levy succeeded in establishing a positive universe that revels in pop culture while still communicating an endearing and potent message.
The leads, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer, are the film’s most compelling and charming characters. Many famous actors make cameo appearances in the film to comment on the game, and some prominent YouTubers who stream or create material related to video games also make appearances.
Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is a non-player character (NPC ) in the hit video game Free Town, and his tale is the plot’s focus. He is programmed to repeat the same actions under computer control endlessly. Meanwhile, human players are continually shaking things up around him as they send their characters on missions, collect loot, and advance in level. Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer), also known as Millie, enters the game and unwittingly puts in motion a series of events that “free” Guy from the time loop and set him on the way to an exciting adventure.
9. The Way Way Back (2013) – IMDb 7.4
Even the most depressed people would grin at least once in this conventional, feel-good film that appeals to the heart. Despite having an extremely high feel-good quotient, many films still fall victim to predictability. This is what filmmakers Jim Rash and Nat Faxon expertly steer clear of. The movie leads the audience in a direction that seems predictable but makes an unexpected turn right before the end.
The film follows Duncan, a shy 14-year-old who is compelled to spend the summer at his mother’s new boyfriend’s beach house despite his reluctance to spend time with him. Duncan’s adventure, which he sets out on reluctantly, ends up having a profound impact on his life.
The writing is excellent, with just the right amount of laugh-out-loud humour and heartfelt pathos to leave you feeling fulfilled and all warm and fuzzy inside.
10. Fools Rush In (1997) – IMDb 6.1
Two young individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds meet, fall in love, and eventually tie the knot in this fictional romance. After they married, many comical situations developed due to their cultural differences. There’s something about the dynamic between Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek that just works, and their characters are more complex and exciting because of it.
The filmmaker and writing team pack the film with humorous sequences and heartfelt gestures, setting it apart from other films of its genre. Some of Perry’s situations and dialogues are hilarious and will have you in stitches. As if that weren’t enough, the plot is wacky enough to make you laugh at the insanity of it all.
11. The Hangover (2009) – IMDb 7.7
The Hangover is full of witty one-liners and improvised moments, making it a must-watch for any fan of lighthearted fare. The movie’s plot revolves around three close friends who, after attending a bachelor party together, find that they have no recollection of the night’s events and that the bachelor is missing. In order to locate him in time for the wedding, they will need to investigate what took place in Las Vegas.
The films aesthetic leans heavily on the raunchier side of comedy, and that choice pays off. The four leading performers were all excellent choices for their parts, but Zach Galifianakis, in particular, stole the show with his spectacular performance. Both of the films’ sequels may also be seen on HBO Max, adding even more, laughs to the package.
12. Wedding Crashers (2005) – IMDb 7.0
Nearly every joke will make you laugh out loud in this over-the-top comedy, Wedding Crashers. The movie’s director, David Dobkin, deserves praise for depicting two buddies who like to party at weddings and pick up bridesmaids. The film would not have been as entertaining without the hilarious chemistry shared by Owen Wilson and Vincent Vaughn.
It undoubtedly breaks new ground in the area of sexual material for the sake of amusement, but there’s no need to be alarmed because the gags are rarely in such poor taste that they qualify as “disgusting.” Wilson and Rachel McAdams’ romance is another highlight of the picture, working just as well as the film’s comedic elements and Vaughn’s magnificent performance.
13. Delivery Man (2013) – IMDb 6.3
The American film Delivery Man is a remake of Ken Scott’s 2011 film Starbuck. It is not simply an intelligent comedy but also a touching family drama in which a regular man must deal with an unusual situation. Vince Vaughn pulls it off admirably with a lot of help from his co-stars, especially Chris Pratt.
The premise is simple enough: a man known only as “Starbuck” contributed his sperm many times in the past, and now 142 of the 533 children he fathered are looking for him. In the middle of all this, Starbucks’s girlfriend (Cobie Smulders) becomes pregnant and wonders if he is ready to settle down and start a family with her. After that, the plot centres on the difficult choice that Vince Vaughan must make on an emotional level and the factors that influence his decision-making.
14. We’re the Millers (2013) – IMDb 7.0
In We’re The Millers, Jason Sudeikis plays David Clark, a local cannabis dealer forced by his boss Brad Gurdlinger (Ed Helms) to bring a massive cargo of dope from Mexico into the United States. David does this by creating a fictitious Miller family to pass through customs unnoticed. Stripper Rose O’Reilly (Jennifer Aniston), goofy neighbour Kenny Rossmore (Will Poulter), and “gutter punk” Casey Mathis (Emma Roberts) make up this crazy family.
The film is jam-packed with funny moments, some of which will stay with you long after you’ve seen them, but on the whole, it’s just a wild ride. All the performances were fantastic, but Aniston and Poulter, who get some welcome separation from their typical roles, really stood out.
15. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – IMDb 8.1
A visual cinematic masterpiece blending comedy and drama in perfect harmony was what Wes Anderson had achieved with The Grand Budapest Hotel. You don’t know exactly where the plot is headed, but you’ll feel delighted when it’s through. Anderson’s comedy-drama explores the unexpected connection between the hotel’s concierge and the lobby boy, who is thrust into a series of escapades while trying to prove the innocence of a wrongfully accused murderer, as seen via three alternately decorated histories.
Many famous actors and actresses appear in the film, including Adrian Brody, Jude Law, William Dafoe, Murray Abby, Harvey Keitel, and many more. The entire cast is fantastic, but Ralph Fiennes stands out as the hotel’s concierge, Gustave H. The movie is humorous and fun to watch in general, and it’s the kind of movie you can watch repeatedly.
16. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – IMDb 7.3
The simple but essential life lesson in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” inspires and makes you feel good simultaneously. It is a visually stunning, fantastic fantasy drama comedy movie. The protagonist of this picture is a middle-class, single, and very dull man who frequently “zoned out” to experience incredible experiences in his thoughts.
The film instils a sense of warmth and engagement while also teaching you to appreciate life. The picture strikes an outstanding balance between its comedic elements and action sequences; neither is excessive. If you’re searching for a story that manages to be both intellectual and absurdly imaginative, this is it. It’ll let you relax after a long day at the office while inspiring you to dream of the fantastical exploits you might one day experience.
17. The Internship (2013) – IMDb 6.3
Having already filled our laughter quota with Wedding Crashers’ escapades, the comedic duo got us hard with their intern portrayal of naive sales enthusiasm. Two salesmen, Billy and Nick, have their careers ruined by the rise of the internet, and their experience is told in this film. They are trying to find work and show that they are not too old for the position by participating in an internship programme at Google, where they will be competing with a horde of intelligent college students.
They now face stiff competition from the brightest minds in the world for a position at a prestigious IT firm. The easiest way to relieve stress is to keep smiling, and the buddy Googlers made us love, laugh, and experience the fierce struggle of humans versus computers.
18. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – IMDb 7.8
The entire experience of watching “Moonrise Kingdom” is delightful, inventive, and refreshing from beginning to end. The story of two young couples in love, Sam Shakusky (played by Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), is at the centre of this rom-com that takes place on an island off the coast of New England in 1965. The film explores the hopelessness youth’s loss of innocence can bring in anticipation of adulthood. Being a social outsider, particularly when young, is another theme that comes up in the play, along with love and admiration.
The young performers Gilman and Hayward have great chemistry together on screen, making their scenes the most compelling parts of the film.
19. The Switch (2010) – IMDb 6.1
Watching this film is like taking a cool drink amidst a scorching desert; it calms the nerves and the mind after dreading impending doom. Its origins are in something that may have become stale, but the rich imagination of the film’s writers elevates it to a new level. This is a story about three people, all impacted by how our society teaches us to lose hope in the potential for a stable and satisfying relationship.
Jason Bateman plays the role of Wally, who ultimately leaves an unforgettable impression. As usual, Jennifer Aniston plays a wacky version of herself, but she’s fantastic and elegant in this role. The themes of maturation, risk-taking, and accepting one’s share of responsibility, as well as the value of integrity, are heavily explored. You can count on feeling content and happy because “The Switch” surprises us with a terrific storyline, brilliant performances, and a fantastic twist.
20. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009) – IMDb 6.4
The film explores the romantic struggles of six individuals whose stories cross and interweave to create comedic scenarios. One man is stuck in a loveless marriage, another couple realises they want different things, and yet another woman is attempting to figure out the dating game. All of the actors in the cast are of the highest calibre, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Scarlet Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Connolly.
However, Justin Long and Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays the inept dater and the clueless dating coach, emerge as the movie’s significant stars and deliver excellent performances. Men and women alike can take away just as much from this film in terms of entertainment and learning. Overall, a fantastic movie for a romantic evening at home.
21. Ghost Town (2008) – IMDb 6.7
This fantasy comedy will indeed find a broad audience for its upbeat tone, excellent comedic moments, and solid acting. Bertram Pincus, an unpleasant and socially awkward dentist, has a medical operation that allows him to see ghosts. The film is elevated by Ricky Gervais, whose performance stands out because of his impeccable timing and dry, sarcastic humour.
Although it came out in the late 2000s, Ghost Town is still mostly overlooked. David Koepp should be commended for his excellent direction and script. With its many “touchy” moments, this film is reminiscent of classic Hollywood romantic comedies.
22. A Cinderella Story (2004) – IMDb 5.9
As the director of the modern fairy tale adaptation A Cinderella Story, Mark Rosman does an excellent job of updating the traditional narrative for a contemporary audience. Hillary Duff portrays Sam, whose father is cruelly taken away from her when he weds a vile lady, played with pitch-perfect wickedness by Jennifer Coolidge. Chad Michael Murray’s performance as the modern-day prince imprisoned in his “popular world” and yearning to unveil his true self is especially noteworthy.
As the viewer, you experience genuine empathy for every single one of the characters and root for them to achieve their due rewards. You can watch this film over and over again and yet enjoy it just as much each time.
23. Sliding Doors (1998) – IMDb 6.7
This romantic classic from the late ’90s is an excellent example of love’s good and ugly sides. Peter Howitt wrote and directed Sliding Doors, which stars Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Virginia McKenna. The film is a fascinating examination of how dramatically a person’s life may shift in a short amount of time. The film demonstrates the value of relationships and the challenges of being in one, and it also illustrates how important it is to find a partner you can love and trust.
The uniqueness of this film lies in the way its two plots intertwine. Comedy, rage, melancholy, love, compassion, and a good deal of telling lies are all present in the film. One of those feel-good movies that can simultaneously make you feel sad. So, better find the right moment to enjoy this rom-com on HBO Max.
24. You, Me and Dupree (2006) – IMDb 5.6
You, Me and Dupree explore the dynamics between best friends and the impact of marriage on extended families. The newlyweds, Kate Hudson and Matt Dillon are shocked when the groom’s best friend, Dupree, played by Owen Wilson, shows up at their doorstep begging for shelter shortly after their short honeymoon. What follows is an outstanding piece of writing, acting, and filmmaking that will have you laughing and wiping tears from your eyes.
Owen Wilson portrays a down-on-his-luck character going through a rough patch, devilishly endearing and nearly likeable. He finds himself in bizarre predicaments and is responsible for many memorable comments. If you’ve had a stressful day and are looking for a way to unwind, watch this movie with a few close friends.
25. View from the Top (2003) – IMDb 5.3
Making the right choices when faced with adversity is just as challenging as accomplishing our goals, and that’s a theme that the film effectively conveys. The movie also made an effort to make it more interesting with some comedic moments. To fit such tremendous stuff in 90 minutes, a team of brilliant professionals must put in a lot of work. Despite this, the movie doesn’t get nearly enough credit.
The character, played by Gwyenth Paltrow, is a white trash teenager who longs to leave her small town. She decides to become a flight attendant for a lousy airline after reading a book written by a successful stewardess named Kelly Weston (Candace Bergen). She makes friends with two other flight attendants as she ascends the latter, Christina Applegate and Kelly Preston, and develops feelings for a hot law school dropout (Mark Ruffalo). Weston, her mentor during her training, thinks she has what it takes to reach the Top.
This film is a must-see for all men and women everywhere who dream big and take action to make those ambitions come true since it offers sound guidance and provides enjoyable entertainment at the same time.
