This list is regularly updated as movies rotate on and off of Prime Video . *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.
,Who needs a good laugh? Prime Video has a deep catalog of comedies for every mood from romantic classics to modern blockbusters to the laugh-busters you loved when you were young. However, navigating their interface to find the best comedies can be tough, so we’re here to help Amazon connect with your funny bone with this updated list of the best comedies on Prime Video.
,,,American Fiction
,Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director: Cord Jefferson
,In the 2023 comedy-drama, which took home the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay thanks to first-time filmmaker Cord Jefferson, viewers explore societal pressures surrounding African American representation in popular media. This movie features an outstanding performance from Jeffrey Wright as Monk Ellison, a struggling author compelled to adopt over-the-top stereotypes of black experiences just to get published. Wright drives much of the narrative forward with his compelling portrayal; however, Sterling K. Brown delivers such a powerful act that he secured an unexpected nomination at the Oscars as well.
,,The Big Sick
,Year: 2017
Runtime: 2h
Director: Michael Showalter
,The talented screenwriters Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon essentially shared their personal love journey in this charming and hilarious romantic comedy, which caught Amazon’s attention following its success at Sundance. In the movie, Nanjiani portrays a character loosely based on himself—a budding comedian who starts dating a woman (played by Zoe Kazan) right as she faces serious health issues, thus accelerating their connection unexpectedly. This intelligent, heartwarming, and authentically relatable film stands out as one of the top romantic comedies from the 2010s.
,,*Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Adventure
,Year: 1989
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director: Stephen Herek
,It's quite challenging not to enjoy this delightful time-travel comedy featuring two underperforming friends who embark on a temporal journey for their school assignment. Keanu Reeves as Ted and Alex Winter as Bill deliver such endearing and hilarious performances that make the movie stand out more effectively than many comedies from its time period. It should be mentioned that an excellent follow-up is also available on Prime Video.
,,*The Birdcage
,Year: 1996
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director: Mike Nichols
,Mike Nichols’ remake of the beloved La Cage aux Folles It's an uplifting comedy centered around acceptance and love that remains effective even now (a rare quality among many '90s comedies). Robin Williams and Nathan Lane deliver outstanding performances as a same-sex duo who must navigate various challenges when meeting their son’s future parents-in-law, portrayed brilliantly by Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest. The film is consistently humorous and intelligent throughout.
,,Bottoms
,Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director: Emma Seligman
,The writer/director of Shiva Baby managed to sidestep the sophomore slump with a distinctly different cinematic approach. The film stars Rachel Sennott and Emmy-winning actress Ayo Edebiri as two high school students who form something akin to a fight club to win over their crushes. It maintains a consistent humor characteristic of that peculiar brand of dark comedy which has largely fallen out of favor in mainstream cinema for around 25 years now. This movie seems poised to become highly cherished among those it speaks to most directly.
,,*Bowfinger
,Year: 1999
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director: Frank Oz
,Eddie Murphy delivers one of his most outstanding performances in this 1999 satirical comedy directed by the talented Frank Oz. The lead role features Steve Martin as a director aiming to create an ultra-low-budget film where the main actor remains unaware they're part of the project. Additionally, Martin penned the screenplay, known for its incisive wit and non-stop humor.
,,Bridesmaids
,Year: 2011
Runtime: 2h 5m
Director: Paul Feig
,It’s hard to believe that it’s already been over a decade since Bridesmaids shattered all expectations, making a fortune and turning Melissa McCarthy into a household name (especially after she landed an Oscar nomination). Smart and heartfelt, it’s the story of a woman (Kristen Wiig) who struggles in her role as Maid of Honor to a friend played by Rose Byrne. It’s still very, very funny.
,,Dope
,Year: 2015
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
,The writer/director of The Wood has a gift with location and how it influences young lives. Just look at this 2015 Sundance hit starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, and Kiersey Clemons as three average Ingelwood teens who get caught up in a dangerous situation with a drug dealer. It’s a vibrant, smart comedy that captures a modern coming-of-age narrative in a manner that feels genuine and true.
,,Fargo
,Year: 1996
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director: Joel Coen
,Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1996 masterpiece is only one of the best films ever made, a story of violence and redemption in the great American North. The Coens won Best Original Screenplay and Frances McDormand took her first Oscar home for playing the unforgettable Marge Gunderson, a Minnesotan cop who gets entangled in a car salesman’s deeply inept foray into the criminal world.
,,The General
,Year: 1926
Runtime: 1h 15m
Directors: Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton
,Genuinely iconic comedies are often challenging to discover on streaming platforms, thus seize this opportunity to view a timeless masterpiece—a top-tier silent film. Featuring the exceptional talents of Buster Keaton as both star and co-director, this blend of action, adventure, and comedy offers something appealing for every viewer. It serves exceptionally well as an entry point for those unfamiliar with Keaton’s extraordinary abilities.
,,Heathers
,Year: 1989
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director: Michael Lehmann
,Talk about a film ahead of its era . Coming-of-age teen comedies were never quite as wonderfully cynical before this movie about four teenage girls whose lives are upended by the arrival of a new kid, played by Christian Slater. More than just seeking to destroy the damaging cliques at his new school, Slater’s character has plans for something a little more permanent in this comedy that really shaped the teen genre for years to come.
,,Horrible Bosses
,Year: 2011
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director: Seth Gordon
,Seth Gordon directed this critical and commercial success from 2011 about three ordinary guys (Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis) dealing with three absolutely horrible bosses (Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and Colin Farrell). Deciding they actually need to murder their abusive overlords, Horrible Bosses becomes an exercise in increasing insanity, held together by a fantastic ensemble. (Note: the disappointing sequel is also on Prime Video.)
,,Hundreds of Beavers
,Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director: Mike Cheslik
,One of the biggest indie films of the year is also one of the most inspired, a slapstick comedy with almost no dialogue, an ode to the silent classics of the 1920s and 1930s. Self-financed and self-distributed, this labor of love is an unforgettably original piece of filmmaking, unlike anything else you could watch on Prime Video, that’s for sure.
,,Knives Out
,Year: 2019
Runtime: 2h 5m
Director: Rian Johnson
,Daniel Craig’s mystery/comedy hasn’t been available on streamers other than Netflix (the home of Glass Onion ) very often, so check it out! He stars as Detective Benoit Blanc, brought in to investigate the mysterious death of an author played by Christopher Plummer. Jamie Lee Curtis, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Ana de Armas, and Chris Evans co-star in one of the most purely enjoyable films of the last decade.
,,Liar Liar
,Year: 1997
Runtime: 1h 26pm
Director: Tom Shadyac
,One of Jim Carrey’s finest performances can be seen in this popular 1997 comedic hit, which revolves around a lawyer whose child wishes he couldn't tell a single lie all day long. Similar to many of Carrey’s '90s comedies, what sets this film apart isn’t just its concept but rather the actor himself, who dives headfirst into each comical scenario and physical gag with unwavering commitment.
,,*The Little Hours
,Year: 2017
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director: Jeff Baena
,Have you seen the film on Prime where Aubrey Plaza plays a foul-mouthed nun? If not, then you might want to check out Jeff Baena’s acclaimed Sundance movie which also includes Alison Brie, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, and Fred Armisen in an outrageous and crude reinterpretation of the story. The Decameron It echoes the style of classic Mel Brooks as it playfully dismantles traditional narrative frameworks using contemporary comedic elements. View it in tribute to Baena, who passed away in late 2024.
,,*Midnight Run
,Year: 1988
Runtime: 2h 6m
Director: Martin Brest
,Martin Brest helmed one of the top '80s buddy comedies with this outstanding film that teamed up Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. In the movie, the Academy Award-winning actor portrays a bounty hunter tasked with retrieving Grodin’s embezzling accountant, who has stolen funds from the Chicago mafia. This proves more challenging than anticipated. There's an impeccable comedic rapport between Grodin and De Niro throughout the film.
,,My Old Ass
,Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director: Megan Park
,Should fairness prevail, this Sundance favorite could propel Maisy Stella into stardom. As the irresistibly delightful lead actress, she portrays Elliott, a character standing at a crossroads in her life, preparing to depart from her familial abode and embark on an independent journey. However, this inherently tumultuous period takes an unexpected turn with a hallucinatory encounter involving Elliott meeting her future self—a role stunningly taken on by Aubrey Plaza. Prepare for this film to take hold of your attention unexpectedly.
,,*Mystic Pizza
,Year: 1988
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director: Donald Petrie
,When it debuted in 1988, this romantic comedy initially struggled with viewership; however, those who watched it recognized that supporting actress Julia Roberts showed great promise (the following year she rose to prominence). Pretty Woman ) and it also marked the debut of Matt Damon. In the nearly four decades since, the cult status of Mystic Pizza has only grown.
,,Prince Avalanche
,Year: 2013
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director: David Gordon Green
,In 2013, acclaimed director David Gordon Green presented one of his sunniest comedies with this Sundance favorite, inspired by an Icelandic movie from 2011. In the film, actors Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch portray a duo tasked with painting new lane markers after a devastating forest fire ruins part of a freeway. Their chemistry as co-stars brings life to this humorous and peculiar production.
,,,Related
- The 30 Top Films Currently Available on Amazon Prime Video
- The Top 20 Comedies Currently Streaming on Netflix
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