Sometimes, you just need a good laugh. While we love a gripping drama or a spine-tingling horror, comedy has a unique power to lift our spirits and even help us process life's toughest moments. Over the past decade, filmmakers have delivered a treasure trove of hilarious movies that blend humor with heart, wit, and unexpected depth. Here's our ranked list of the funniest films from the last 10 years, spanning indie darlings and crowd-pleasing hits.
10. 'Thelma' (2024)
In Josh Margolin's directorial debut, June Squibb stars as Thelma, a 93-year-old who falls for a phone scam and loses $10,000. Refusing to be a victim, she embarks on a mission to get her money back, reluctantly aided by her grandson (Fred Hechinger) and friend Ben (Richard Roundtree). Inspired by Margolin's own grandmother, this comedy-drama tackles serious themes with a light touch, earning critical acclaim for its hopeful, heartwarming humor.
9. 'The Farewell' (2019)
Lulu Wang's The Farewell follows Billi (Awkwafina), a Chinese-American woman who learns her grandmother has a terminal illness. The family decides to keep it secret and gather for a wedding in China, creating a poignant, funny exploration of grief and family dynamics. Awkwafina's Golden Globe-winning performance anchors this film, which balances devastating news with genuine, grounded laughs.
8. 'The Nice Guys' (2016)
Shane Black's buddy comedy set in 1977 Los Angeles pairs Ryan Gosling's bumbling detective Holland March with Russell Crowe's tough enforcer Jackson Healy. Their search for a missing girl leads to a quirky neo-noir adventure filled with witty dialogue and Gosling's surprising physical comedy. The film's period aesthetics and chemistry between the leads make it a nostalgic delight.
7. 'Logan Lucky' (2017)
Steven Soderbergh's heist comedy stars Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, and Adam Driver as siblings plotting a robbery at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. With a straightforward plot and quirky characters, the film delivers energetic comedic action and standout performances, especially Craig as the eccentric safecracker Joe Bang. It's a simple, unpretentious joyride.
6. 'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)
Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Kevin Kwan's novel follows Rachel (Constance Wu) as she meets her boyfriend's outrageously wealthy family in Singapore. The film is a vibrant, satirical comedy that explores cultural identity and class, with sharp humor and a standout ensemble cast. It became a cultural phenomenon, proving that romantic comedies can still pack a punch.
5. 'Booksmart' (2019)
Olivia Wilde's directorial debut follows two overachieving high school seniors who realize they've missed out on fun and decide to cram four years of partying into one night. Starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, the film is a smart, raucous coming-of-age comedy that subverts teen movie tropes with heart and hilarious set pieces.
4. 'Jojo Rabbit' (2019)
Taika Waititi's satirical comedy follows a young German boy in WWII whose imaginary friend is a goofy version of Hitler (played by Waititi). As he discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl, the film balances absurd humor with profound themes of hate and humanity. It's a daring, laugh-out-loud film that earned an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
3. 'What We Do in the Shadows' (2014)
Waititi and Jemaine Clement's mockumentary follows a group of vampire flatmates in New Zealand navigating modern life. With deadpan humor and brilliant improvisation, the film turns vampire tropes on their head, creating a cult classic that spawned a hit TV series. It's a hilarious, original take on the undead.
2. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014)
Wes Anderson's visually stunning comedy follows the adventures of a legendary concierge (Ralph Fiennes) and his protégé in a fictional European hotel between the wars. The film is a masterclass in comedic timing, with a stacked cast, intricate sets, and a story that blends farce with melancholy. It's a witty, whimsical masterpiece.
1. 'Parasite' (2019)
Bong Joon-ho's genre-defying film is a dark comedy-thriller about a poor family infiltrating a wealthy household. While it's also a social commentary, the film is filled with sharp, often absurd humor that keeps audiences laughing even as tension mounts. It won the Palme d'Or and Best Picture at the Oscars, proving that comedy can be both hilarious and profound.
For more laughs, check out our ranking of The Most Universally Beloved Vampire Movies of All Time or explore Why These Mystery Movies Are Even Better on a Second Watch.
