When searching for the best comedy films of the 2010s, they are not always easy to find. Often the genre devolves into fart jokes, sex jokes and slapstick, trading all intelligence in the humour for cheap laughs. The films on this list are different, however. They are all full of smart, snappy jokes that will actually make you laugh out loud – and keep laughing, too.
Here are five of the best best comedy films of the 2010s that you definitely need to see.
Little Evil
Released: 2017
Directed by: Eli Craig
Starring: Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly, Owen Atlas
What’s it about?
Remember that kid from The Omen, Damien? Yeah, now imagine if Damien from The Omen was your kid. That would probably a lot to deal with.
Why should you watch it?
Adam Scott is always a delight, and he is in fine sardonic form in this flick. Little Evil also has an interesting and funny premise, with lots of knowing nods to horror conventions for those that are fans of the genre.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Released: 2016
Directed by: Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone
Starring: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
What’s it about?
A mockumentary following the release of pop-star Conner Friel’s new album and subsequent tour, which quickly devolves into world-wide embarrassment for Conner. He’s going to have to never stop never stopping to get over all of the hurdles life is throwing his way – or at least learn a valuable lesson about the importance of friendship.
Why should you watch it?
If this film starred someone like Will Ferrell, it would have nowhere near the same level of appeal. It’s a film that could easily be absolutely insufferable if it starred the wrong lead, but luckily it’s got Andy Samberg. He’s got that innate ability to play characters that do silly things without ever verging into ignorant territory, and have whacky personalities without ever being caricatures. Conner’s a dumbass, but he’s a lovable dumbass.
The F Word
Released: 2013
Directed by: Michael Dowse
Starring: Zoe Kazan, Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver, Mackenzie Davis
What’s it about?
Chantry and Wallace have a good friendship, but over time that friendship begins to grow into something more. Will they ever reveal their feelings for each-other, or will they simply stay friends?
Why should you watch it?
The chemistry between Zoe Kazan and Daniel Radcliffe is, as they always say, “off the charts” here. That’s a clichéd phrase but it’s true. Kazan and Radcliffe have an onscreen friendship that is totally believable, and the whole film is just so kind and sweet that it’s the perfect pick-me-up on a cold rainy day when you’re lying on the couch looking for something good to watch. It’s definitely one of the best comedy films of the 2010s.
What We Do in The Shadows
Released: 2014
Directed by: Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi
Starring: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Johnathan Brugh
What’s it about?
A group of vampires live together as roommates. It’s a completely normal situation, really.
Why should you watch it?
The mockumentary format was getting a bit tiresome around this period, but What We Do In The Shadows not only has a good concept, it’s genuinely really funny. It never relies on cruel and hurtful jokes, instead shining because of Clement and Waititi’s snappy writing and dry delivery.
Game Night
Released: 2018
Directed by: John Francis Daley, Johnathan Goldstein
Starring: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Jesse Plemons
What’s it about?
The most extreme version of game night ever. This is going to make your weekly Catan sessions feel like writing an essay.
Why should you watch it?
Not only is this film funny, it’s exciting. The cast is great, the jokes are hilarious and the directors know exactly when to pull back, and when to let the joke go on for just as long as it needs to. High-concept comedies often rely too much on the idea at the expense of the comedy itself, but Game Night proves itself a winner at both.
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