Laughter is a universal language, and 2024 has delivered a stellar lineup of comedy films that cater to every taste, from slapstick hilarity to sharp-witted satire. This year, filmmakers have taken creative risks, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling, delivering unforgettable moments that keep audiences laughing and reflecting. Whether it’s outrageous scenarios, clever dialogue, or heartwarming lessons hidden beneath the humor, 2024’s comedies remind us why the genre continues to thrive.
In this countdown, we celebrate the top 10 comedy movies of the year, each bringing something unique to the table. From laugh-out-loud farces to clever dramedies, these films promise to leave you grinning long after the credits roll. Let’s kick off the countdown with our #10 and #9 picks.
10. Hit Man
Directed by Richard Linklater, Hit Man is a clever and darkly comedic romp starring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered philosophy professor turned undercover hitman for the police. When Gary assumes the role of a ruthless contract killer to catch criminals in sting operations, he unexpectedly finds himself enjoying the role a bit too much.
What starts as a quirky assignment spirals into chaos as Gary becomes embroiled in a tangled web of deception, romance, and moral dilemmas. His double life leads to laugh-out-loud situations, especially when he must balance his mundane academic persona with his dangerously charismatic alter ego. Powell shines in this role, delivering a performance that’s equal parts suave and awkward.
With Linklater’s signature blend of witty dialogue and character-driven humor, Hit Man balances the absurdity of its premise with moments of genuine heart, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy a mix of crime capers and clever comedy.
9. Babes
Babes is a laugh-out-loud buddy comedy directed by Pamela Adlon, starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau as two best friends navigating the chaotic world of adulthood. With sharp humor and a refreshing focus on female friendship, this film celebrates the hilarious highs and relatable lows of modern life.
Glazer and Buteau play Rosie and Carla, two wildly different but inseparable best friends who embark on a series of misadventures after deciding to launch their own business—a boutique catering company. From crashing a high-profile gala to dealing with demanding clients and their own personal dramas, the duo’s antics provide non-stop laughs and plenty of heartwarming moments.
Adlon’s direction brings a raw authenticity to the film, capturing the messiness of friendship and the joy of chasing dreams despite the odds. Glazer and Buteau’s chemistry is electric, delivering witty banter and emotional depth in equal measure. Babes is a delightful celebration of friendship, resilience, and the beauty of embracing life’s chaos.
8. The Fall Guy
Ryan Gosling stars in The Fall Guy, a comedic action-packed homage to Hollywood’s unsung heroes—stunt performers. Directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Bullet Train), the film blends sharp humor with thrilling action, creating an entertaining ride for fans of both comedy and adrenaline-fueled spectacle.
The story follows a retired stuntman who reluctantly returns to the industry to help a famous but problematic actor complete a big-budget movie. What starts as a simple gig soon spirals into chaos as the actor mysteriously disappears, and the stuntman finds himself in over his head—dodging bad guys, solving a mystery, and performing jaw-dropping stunts that blur the line between reality and fiction.
Gosling’s comedic timing shines in this role, playing the everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances with charm and wit. Combined with Leitch’s expertise in crafting high-octane sequences, The Fall Guy offers a unique blend of laughs and thrills, paying tribute to the unsung daredevils who bring cinematic action to life.
7. A Real Pain
Written, directed by, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain is a dramedy that’s equal parts hilarious and introspective. Co-starring Kieran Culkin, the film follows two estranged cousins who reluctantly reunite after the death of a family member. Their journey takes them to Poland, where they intend to reconnect with their roots but instead stumble into a series of misadventures and existential crises.
The film expertly balances dry humor with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of identity, grief, and the complexities of family dynamics. Eisenberg and Culkin’s chemistry is electric, delivering sharp banter and emotionally raw performances that keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
While A Real Pain is undeniably funny, it’s also a deeply personal exploration of heritage and self-discovery. Eisenberg’s signature blend of awkward humor and poignant storytelling ensures this film resonates long after the credits roll, making it a standout in this year’s comedy lineup.
6. The Idea of You
Anne Hathaway dazzles in The Idea of You, a romantic comedy that flips the script on traditional love stories. Directed by Michael Showalter (The Big Sick), the film follows Sophie, a 40-something single mom, who unexpectedly falls for Hayes, a charismatic younger man who just so happens to be the lead singer of the world’s hottest boy band.
What begins as a whirlwind romance quickly turns into a heartfelt exploration of love, age, and societal expectations. Sophie’s journey is equal parts humorous and moving as she navigates the public scrutiny that comes with dating a global superstar and grapples with her own insecurities. Hathaway delivers a nuanced and relatable performance, while Nicholas Galitzine charms as the idealistic and free-spirited Hayes.
With its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a soundtrack that’ll have you humming for days, The Idea of You is more than just a rom-com—it’s a refreshing take on modern relationships that celebrates love in all its unexpected forms.
5. Anora
Anora is a bold and unconventional dramedy from visionary director Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Red Rocket), blending biting humor with raw emotion. Set in the bustling yet gritty streets of Brighton Beach, the film follows Anora, a no-nonsense sex worker played by rising star Taylour Paige, who finds herself unexpectedly swept into a whirlwind romance with a charming but mysterious musician.
As their relationship deepens, Anora begins to dream of a life beyond her current circumstances, leading to hilarious yet heartfelt moments of self-discovery. Baker’s signature style of blending realism with humor shines through, showcasing the often-overlooked beauty in everyday struggles. The film’s witty dialogue and vibrant characters make Anora a standout, delivering laughs while addressing themes of love, hope, and resilience.
With its captivating performances, sharp storytelling, and unapologetic exploration of unconventional relationships, Anora is a film that stays with you long after you’ve left the theater.
4. My Old Ass
Starring the ever-hilarious Aubrey Plaza, My Old Ass is a comedy that’s as absurd as it is poignant. The film follows Sarah, a jaded thirty-something who, after a freak accident, wakes up one day to find herself face-to-face with her 80-year-old future self—played with equal comedic brilliance by Lily Tomlin.
As the two versions of Sarah navigate their unexpected and surreal predicament, chaos ensues. The younger Sarah is horrified by what lies ahead, while the older Sarah can’t stop laughing at her younger self’s naivety and melodrama. Together, they embark on a journey to “fix” their future while learning some hilarious and heartwarming lessons along the way.
Packed with clever one-liners, outrageous situations, and surprising moments of depth, My Old Ass is a delightful exploration of aging, self-acceptance, and the absurdity of life. Plaza and Tomlin’s chemistry is electric, making this film a laugh-out-loud yet touching must-watch.
3. Drive-Away Dolls
Directed by Ethan Coen, Drive-Away Dolls is a screwball comedy that takes audiences on a wild and unpredictable road trip. The film follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), a free-spirited drifter nursing a broken heart, and her uptight friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) as they embark on a spontaneous journey to Tallahassee.
Their road trip quickly goes off the rails when they accidentally cross paths with a group of bumbling criminals, setting off a series of hilarious and chaotic misadventures. With Coen’s signature style of deadpan humor and offbeat characters, Drive-Away Dolls blends clever writing with laugh-out-loud physical comedy.
The film is a quirky mix of hijinks, witty banter, and a touch of crime caper, keeping audiences entertained and guessing what will happen next. Drive-Away Dolls stands out as a masterclass in comedic storytelling, with an ensemble cast that delivers sharp performances and unforgettable laughs.
2. Fly Me to the Moon
Fly Me to the Moon is a dazzling romantic comedy directed by Greg Berlanti, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in leading roles. This heartwarming and hilarious film takes audiences on a journey of love and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the golden era of 1960s space exploration.
Johansson plays Vivienne, a brilliant but underappreciated scientist working at NASA, while Tatum portrays Jack, a charming and cocky astronaut set to become the first man to walk on the moon. Their lives collide when Vivienne is assigned to Jack’s mission, sparking a whirlwind romance filled with witty banter, unexpected twists, and heartfelt moments. As the pressures of their professional lives mount, their budding relationship is put to the ultimate test, resulting in a comedy that is as touching as it is entertaining.
With its irresistible chemistry between Johansson and Tatum, stunning visuals, and Berlanti’s signature blend of humor and heart, Fly Me to the Moon is a must-watch that soars high above the competition.
1. Mean Girls
At the top of the list is Mean Girls, the highly anticipated musical adaptation of the 2004 cult classic. Directed by Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne, this vibrant reimagining brings a fresh spin to the beloved story of high school cliques, social hierarchies, and the trials of teenage life.
The film follows Cady Heron (played by Angourie Rice) as she navigates the treacherous waters of high school after moving from Africa to suburban Illinois. When she’s welcomed into the Plastics, the school’s most exclusive clique, led by the fabulously ruthless Regina George (Reneé Rapp), Cady finds herself caught in a whirlwind of backstabbing, manipulation, and hilarity.
Packed with catchy musical numbers, sharp humor, and unforgettable characters, Mean Girls pays homage to the original while standing as its own hilarious and empowering creation. Fans of the 2004 film will delight in the witty callbacks, while new audiences will fall in love with its relatable humor and larger-than-life performances.
With its energetic soundtrack, razor-sharp script, and a cast that perfectly balances comedy with heartfelt moments, Mean Girls is not only the best comedy of 2024 but a cultural event that brings audiences together for a mean-spirited (yet utterly delightful) good time.
Conclusion
From intergalactic misadventures to the halls of high school drama, 2024 has delivered a treasure trove of comedies that prove laughter is the best medicine. These films remind us of the joy and escapism that the genre provides, whether through sharp satire, heartfelt storytelling, or outright ridiculous antics.
Honorable Mentions: While only ten films made the list, there are plenty of other comedies that brought the laughs this year. Brothers, Borderlands, Hundreds of Beavers, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Immaculate, Challengers, and Poor Things all deserve recognition for their unique contributions to the world of comedy.
Whether you’re a fan of clever dramedies, musicals, or outlandish road trips, there’s a comedy from 2024 that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to laugh your way through this unforgettable year in film!
