Comedy has always been a vital part of the moviegoing experience, and the past ten years have delivered plenty of reasons to laugh. Even as the industry weathered a global pandemic, a historic actors' strike, and the streaming wars, filmmakers kept finding new ways to make us chuckle. Whether you needed escapism from the chaos of the real world or just a good old-fashioned belly laugh, these films delivered.
We've combed through the last decade to crown the funniest movie from each year. From buddy-cop capers to animated superhero sequels, here are the comedies that kept us grinning long after the credits rolled.
2016: The Nice Guys
Shane Black's criminally underrated buddy comedy pairs Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as mismatched private eyes in 1970s Los Angeles. Crowe's gruff enforcer and Gosling's bumbling investigator make for a perfect comedic duo, trading barbs and slapstick mishaps while unraveling a missing-person case. The film flopped at the box office but has since become a cult favorite, thanks to its razor-sharp dialogue and Gosling's impeccable physical comedy. As one critic put it, you'll be laughing too hard to care about the mystery.
2017: How to Be a Latin Lover
Eugenio Derbez stars as Maximo, a kept man who's spent 25 years living the high life with a wealthy older wife. When she dumps him for a younger man, he's forced to move in with his estranged sister (Salma Hayek) and her son. What follows is a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt journey as Maximo tries to land another rich benefactor. The film flips gender stereotypes on their head and features a scene-stealing Rob Lowe as a fellow kept man. It's a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
2018: Incredibles 2
Pixar's superhero sequel was a massive hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It picks up right where the original left off, with Bob Parr (Craig T. Nelson) becoming a stay-at-home dad while Helen (Holly Hunter) takes a new job as Elastigirl. The role reversal leads to some of the funniest moments in the franchise, from Bob struggling with math homework to baby Jack-Jack's unpredictable powers. It's a crowd-pleaser that balances family values with superhero spectacle.
2019: Good Boys
Three sixth-graders (Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon) skip school to attend a party, only to find themselves in a series of increasingly outrageous situations involving stolen drugs, a drone, and a lot of awkward pre-teen antics. Produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, it's essentially Superbad for the tween set, and it's both uproariously funny and disarmingly sweet. The young cast's chemistry is a joy to watch.
2020: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star as an Icelandic duo chasing their dream of winning the Eurovision Song Contest. The film is a loving parody of the competition, filled with absurd musical numbers and quirky characters. Ferrell's commitment to the bit and McAdams' earnest performance make for a winning combination. It's the perfect feel-good comedy for a year that needed one.
2021: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo reunite (after Bridesmaids) for this surreal comedy about two middle-aged friends who take a vacation to Florida and stumble into a villain's plot. The film is delightfully weird, with musical numbers, talking crabs, and a scene-stealing Jamie Dornan. It's a cult classic in the making.
2022: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage plays a fictionalized version of himself, accepting a $1 million offer to attend a superfan's birthday party, only to be recruited by the CIA. The film is a hilarious meta-commentary on Cage's career, and his chemistry with Pedro Pascal is electric. It's a must-watch for any fan of the actor.
2023: Barbie
Greta Gerwig's blockbuster turned the world pink and proved that a movie about a doll could be both a commercial juggernaut and a sharp social satire. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are perfect as Barbie and Ken, and the film's humor ranges from silly to subversive. It's the comedy event of the decade.
From the slapstick of The Nice Guys to the existential laughs of Barbie, these films remind us that comedy is still king. So next time you need a pick-me-up, queue up one of these gems and prepare to laugh.
