Five essential comedy films to binge on Netflix this weekend

This week’s biggest release on Netflix, Unfrosted by Jerry Seinfeld, promises a dose of laughter. However, Seinfeld and Amy Schumer’s political outbursts in recent months might make some people hesitant to dive into the comedy. However, fret not, for we have curated a list of five essential comedy films on Netflix to tickle your funny bone this weekend.

Our weekly essential films binge list includes new releases and older favourites. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud adventure, a witty satire, or a simple bro comedy from the early noughties, these films have you covered.

You can be in the mood for slapstick comedy or biting ‘Eat the Rich’ commentary and still find something fun to watch on Netflix. These five comedy films are guaranteed to keep you entertained and belly-aching all weekend long. 

So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a marathon of hilarity and joy.

Five essential comedy films to binge on Netflix instead of Unfrosted:

The Nice Guys (2016)

Directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys is a buddy cop comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles. 

Starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as mismatched private eyes, the film follows their absurd yet entertaining journey to solve a missing persons case. Black’s sharp writing, combined with Crowe and Gosling’s impeccable comedic timing, makes this film a riotous joyride from start to finish.

Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016)

Directed by Taika Waititi, Hunt For The Wilderpeople is a heartwarming yet sidesplitting adventure comedy about a rebellious boy and his cantankerous foster uncle navigating the New Zealand wilderness. 

With Waititi’s trademark blend of humour and heart, the film delivers memorable performances by Sam Neill and Julian Dennison, earning widespread acclaim for its charm and wit. This is one you can watch with your family and smile all the way along.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness is a satirical black comedy that skewers the extravagance and absurdity of the uber-rich and the ones aspiring to be. 

Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, the film follows a celebrity couple and their wealthy companions as they become stranded on a desert island, sparking a battle for survival. With a stellar ensemble cast led by Dolly De Leon, Harris Dickinson and Woody Harrelson, Östlund crafts a biting commentary on society’s obsession with fame and fortune.

The Hangover (2009)

Todd Phillips’ The Hangover is a raucous comedy that follows a group of friends on a wild and unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas. 

When the friends wake up the following day with no memory of the previous night and the groom missing, they set out to piece together the events of their drunken escapade. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, the film became a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels and solidifying its place as a modern bro comedy classic.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Directed by Terry Jones, Monty Python’s Life of Brian is an irreverent satire that follows the misadventures of Brian Cohen, a reluctant Messiah born on the same day as Jesus Christ. 

As Brian unwittingly becomes embroiled in religious and political turmoil, Monty Python’s trademark absurdity and wit shine through, delivering a sharp critique of organised religion and societal conventions. Despite initial controversy, the film has since garnered widespread acclaim for its bold humour. But above everything else, this is a fun film to watch to gauge where edgy comedy was at the brink of the halcyon 1980s and how far it has come since.