2020 has been a year of extremes. With headlines often heavy and attention stretched thin, many people are seeking comfort and escape through cinema. Musicals, classic adventure films and reliable comedies have seen renewed interest as viewers look for films that lift the mood and offer a few hours of distraction.
To help you find something to laugh at, we’ve selected five outstanding comedies released in the last five years (plus a couple of recent gems from slightly earlier in the decade) that promise big laughs, clever writing and memorable performances. Whether you stream alone with snacks or organize a virtual watch party with friends, these films are perfect for lightening the mood.
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1. The Nice Guys (2016)
Directed and written by Shane Black, The Nice Guys pairs Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in a smart, stylish buddy-comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles. Crowe plays a gruff private investigator who reluctantly teams up with Gosling’s fast-talking, accident-prone detective to unravel a conspiracy involving murder, corruption and the seedy sides of Hollywood.
Black blends sharp dialogue, genre-savvy plotting and strong physical comedy, letting the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling drive the film. The Nice Guys riffs delightfully on classic buddy-cop tropes while delivering surprising emotional beats and consistently funny set pieces. If you missed it on its initial release, now is a perfect time to discover this underrated gem.
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2. The Death of Stalin (2017)
Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin is a razor-sharp political satire that mines dark humour from a historical moment: the chaotic power struggle that followed Stalin’s death. Iannucci, known for The Thick of It and In the Loop, assembles an exceptional ensemble including Steve Buscemi and Michael Palin to deliver biting dialogue and absurd, awkward set pieces.
The film balances historical detail with farce, exposing the vanity, fear and incompetence of those scrambling to seize control. The pace of jokes is relentless, and the movie rewards viewers who appreciate both political satire and masterful comic timing. Even if politics isn’t your usual interest, the verbal wit and visual gags make it endlessly entertaining.
3. Game Night (2018)
Game Night is a cleverly plotted ensemble comedy built around one couple’s regular game night that goes wildly off-script. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams lead a talented cast through a twisty, fast-paced mystery involving criminals, mistaken identities and escalating chaos that plays like a board game come to life.
The film mixes suspense and humour expertly; it’s a comedy that also keeps you guessing. Jesse Plemons stands out as the intrusive neighbour, while McAdams shows off impeccable comedic timing. Game Night is a great pick if you want a laugh-out-loud movie with inventively staged action and a sharp script.
4. Blockers (2018)
Blockers is a raunchy, surprisingly heartfelt comedy about three parents who try to stop their teenage kids from following through on a prom-night pact. Featuring strong performances from Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz and John Cena, the film subverts expectations by centring the teens’ agency and treating their choices with empathy rather than mockery.
Underneath the crude jokes and outrageous situations, Blockers carries a clear message about trust, consent and the generational divide. John Cena, in particular, shows a natural comic presence, and the movie balances gross-out humour with sincere moments that give the story weight beyond the laughs.
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5. Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart is a vibrant, modern coming-of-age comedy that revitalised the teen film. The story follows two academically driven best friends who decide to cram four years of fun into one night before graduation. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever are outstanding leads, delivering warmth, vulnerability and a ton of laughs.
Booksmart rejects dated stereotypes and instead offers a fresh, inclusive take on adolescence. Its energetic direction, witty screenplay and strong emotional core make it both hilarious and moving. The film captures the awkwardness and joy of friendship at a pivotal moment, and it’s the sort of uplifting, feel-good movie that invites repeat viewing.
Recommended for you: Booksmart (2019) Review
There you have five great comedies that span sharp satire, buddy-cop repartee, clever ensemble capers and heartfelt coming-of-age fun. Pick whichever appeals to you—then invite a friend, queue up some snacks and let the laughter do the rest.
Have a favourite feel-good film we’ve missed? Leave a suggestion in the comments below and help someone else discover their next pick-me-up.