The 21 best comedy movies on Hulu

13 Going on 30 (2003)

Oh, to be 30 and flirty and thriving. That’s what gawky 13-year-old Jenna (Christa B. Allen) wishes for her life in this beloved rom-com, not knowing that her wish is about to come true with a little help from magic wishing dust. She awakens in the body of her 30-year-old self (Jennifer Garner), now a fashion magazine editor, but, as she soon discovers, her path to success led to some collateral damage along the way — namely, her best friend and secret admirer, Matty (Mark Ruffalo), to whom she stopped speaking. As Jenna gradually falls in love with Matty, she also goes on a journey of self-discovery and figures out her priorities in life.

What could have been a standard wish-fulfillment teen comedy soars with Garner as the lead. As EW’s critic writes, “She cuts out all traces of adult consciousness, of irony and flirtation and manipulation, reducing herself to a keen, goggle-eyed earnestness that’s utterly beguiling.” —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch 13 Going on 30: Hulu

Director: Gary Winick

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis

Anora (2024)

Much like the journey its title character goes on, Anora is a wild ride of emotions, part screwball comedy, part meditation on the American class system, and part absorbing character study. Tying it all together is Mikey Madison, who plays a stripper/sex worker living in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach who meets and soon marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Things take a turn for the worse when her new husband’s family catches wind of the marriage and takes great pains to tear them apart. Madison is an utter revelation in a role that won her an Oscar — of which the film won four others, including Best Picture. —K.J.

Where to watch Anora: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Sean Baker

Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Darya Ekamasova, Aleksei Serebryakov

Anyone but You (2023)

Like the beloved ’90s rom-coms that transplanted classic stories to modern-day high school, Anyone but You is a modern spin on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The charming flick centers on Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), a pair of attractive singles whose first date ends poorly. Six months later, they’re shocked and dismayed to be in each other’s lives again at a destination wedding, and their bickering leads those in the wedding party to try getting them together. A sleeper box office hit, Anyone but You is an earnest throwback where most of the plot is predictable, but you don’t mind — largely because of its compelling leads. —K.J.

Where to watch Anyone but You: Hulu

Director: Will Gluck

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Hadley Robinson, Michelle Hurd, Dermot Mulroney, Darren Barnet, Rachel Griffiths

Babes (2024)

Pamela Adlon tackled the pains of motherhood with refreshing frankness on her FX series Better Things, and this laugh-out-loud comedy proves she still has more to say on the subject. Adlon’s feature directorial debut stars Ilana Glazer as Eden, a young woman who becomes pregnant from a one-night stand and decides to keep the baby; Michelle Buteau costars as Eden’s best friend, Dawn, who struggles with postpartum depression, While they rely on each other for moral support, their bond is soon put to the test.

Offscreen friends for decades, Glazer and Buteau have electric chemistry together, and Adlon’s screenplay will certainly ring true for those who have been through the highs and lows of pregnancy. —K.J.

Where to watch Babes: Hulu

Director: Pamela Adlon

Cast: Ilana Glazer, Michelle Buteau, John Carroll Lynch, Oliver Platt, Sandra Bernhard, Stephan James, Hasan Minhaj

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada? On a list of great movie comedies? Groundbreaking. Miranda Priestly may not approve of such a standard choice, but we can’t help but return to this 2006 adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s novel again and again. Anne Hathaway stars as Andy, a budding journalist who takes an assistant job working for Meryl Streep’s Miranda, a demanding fashion editor who inspires fear without even raising her voice. The film remains endlessly rewatchable, not only for its quotable lines and fun atmosphere but also for its potent themes, from Andy’s evolution into a more confident person to its depiction of the fashion industry and its surprising impact on the world. That’s all. —K.J.  

Where to watch The Devil Wears Prada: Hulu

Director: David Frankel

Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Adrian Grenier

Fire Island (2022)

Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice gets a queer, Millennial makeover in Fire Island, the debut film from comedic multihyphenate Joel Kim Booster. Booster stars as Noah, a broke thirtysomething with a longstanding tradition of vacationing with his friends on Fire Island. When the group learns their house mother (Margaret Cho) plans to sell her home, the friends are forced to confront their love lives and class issues during their last week together. Fire Island also stars Saturday Night Live‘s Bowen Yang as Howie, Noah’s neurotic best friend. A clutch casting choice, Yang imbues the film with some of its most memorable comic sequences.

EW’s critic writes, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a very small swimsuit must be in want of a rom-com to call his own; Fire Island sets the stage, messy and sweet, and lets its freak flag fly.” —Andrew Walsh

Where to watch Fire Island: Hulu

EW grade: B

Director: Max Barbakow

Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers

Happiest Season (2020)

In 2020, actress, writer, and director Clea DuVall pulled us out of our collective pandemic funk with the gift of Happiest Season, a queer holiday rom-com released on Hulu. Co-written with actress Mary Holland and directed by DuVall, Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart) as she goes to meet her girlfriend Harper’s (Mackenzie Davis) parents and spend Christmas at their family’s home. The visit is only slightly complicated by the fact that Harper’s conservative family — including her perfectionistic mother Tipper (Mary Steenburgen) and her mayoral candidate father (Victor Garber) — don’t know she’s gay…or that she’s dating Abby. Hijinks ensue, feelings are hurt, and the city of Pittsburgh has never looked more inviting.

With a monster cast that includes Alison Brie and Holland as Harper’s eccentric sisters, Aubrey Plaza as her ex, and Dan Levy as Abby’s best friend, Happiest Season manages to be, as EW’s critic puts it, “a smart, heartfelt comedy whose small flaws are easily blotted out by bigger charms.” —A.W.

Where to watch Happiest Season: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Clea DuVall

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, Victor Garber, Mary Steenburgen

The Heat (2013)

The Heat features the kind of pairing that makes you wish they starred in a dozen more movies together. Alas, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy have only teamed up for this riotous crime comedy, starring the former as straitlaced FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn and the latter as street-smart Boston detective Shannon Mullins. Ashburn and Mullins partner up to catch a local drug lord, though their differing approaches to the case make things difficult. While its pacing may be familiar to any buddy cop comedy fan, EW’s critic praises the film as “a piece of smash-and-grab policier pulp that, through the interplay of Bullock and McCarthy, spins to its own snarly/confessional feminine beat.” —K.J.

Where to watch The Heat: Hulu

EW grade: B

Director: Paul Feig

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demián Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport

Juno (2007)

High school problems take on a much rounder shape in Juno, the story of 16-year-old Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page) who finds herself accidentally impregnated with her friend Paulie Bleeker’s (Michael Cera) baby. With the support of her father (J.K. Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney), Juno finds the ideal adoptive candidates in married couple Mark (Jason Bateman) and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner), only to discover there’s no such thing as a perfect parental situation.

Sparkling with Diablo Cody’s aggressively verbal, fast-moving dialogue, and brought to life by a cast representing some of the mid-aughts’ best comedic and deadpan talents, Juno was well-deserving of the four Oscar nominations (and one win!) it received. The key to its success? Underneath all the linguistic acrobatics, Midwestern niceties, and pubescent sarcasm, Juno is ultimately a story about family and growing — up, out, and into oneself. —A.W.

Where to watch Juno: Hulu

EW grade: A–

Director: Jason Reitman

Cast: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons

A Nice Indian Boy (2025)

The pressure to have your parents accept you for who you are is a common struggle — especially when you’re gay and come from a traditional family. As this sweet romantic comedy explores, Naveen Gavaskar (Kanan Sonik) knows this feeling all too well, fretting over having to introduce his white fiancé, Jay (Jonathan Groff), to his family. While things don’t entirely go as planned and their relationship is put to the test, Naveen gradually becomes more comfortable in his skin and learns to reconcile these two important areas of his life. While A Nice Indian Boy may have its formulaic moments, the chemistry between Sonik and Groff makes it a total joy. —K.J.

Where to watch A Nice Indian Boy: Hulu

Director: Roshan Sethi

Cast: Karan Sonik, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel

Nightbitch (2024)

In this dark comedy, an overstressed stay-at-home mom (Amy Adams) fears she may be turning into a dog. Yes, seriously. While the concept makes it sound like a farce directed by the Farrelly brothers in the early-2000s, Nightbitch is, in reality, a clever, surprisingly tender examination of motherhood that gives Adams her best role in years. Horrified yet fascinated by her sudden transformation, Adams’ character, credited only as “Mother,” gradually begins to embrace her new identity. EW’s critic calls Nightbitch “a frank dissection of female rage and post-pawrtum (sorry, not sorry) fracture.” —K.J.

Where to watch Nightbitch: Hulu

EW grade: A–

Director: Marielle Heller

Cast: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden, Emmett Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Ella Thomas, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper

No Hard Feelings (2023)

While No Hard Feelings may have been sold as a raunchy comedy, the film has an underlying sweetness that makes for a well-rounded experience. But don’t get us wrong, the film’s setup certainly provides plenty of broad, laugh-out-loud humor: Jennifer Lawrence stars as Maddie, a 32-year-old Uber driver desperate for money. She finds a Craigslist ad from a wealthy couple hoping to hire a woman to date (and perhaps do more with) their inexperienced 19-year-old son, Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), before he goes to college. Maddie’s attempts to court Percy lead to hilarious results, though they soon come to appreciate each other over the course of the summer.

The film proves Lawrence’s adeptness as a comedic star, fully committing to even the most ludicrous of scenes. “No Hard Feelings is a welcome addition to a dwindling genre,” writes EW’s critic, “and a reminder that Lawrence is one [of] Hollywood’s best (and funniest) leads.” —K.J.

Where to watch No Hard Feelings: Hulu

EW grade: B

Director: Gene Stupnitsky

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, Matthew Broderick

Not Okay (2022)

The perils of internet fame are explored in this satirical cautionary tale. Zoey Deutch plays Danni, a photo editor whose innocent lie about attending a writers’ retreat in Paris spirals out of control as she fabricates photos of her trip for online attention. Things are taken to a new level when she claims to have survived a bombing at the Arc de Triomphe, which gains her unearned sympathy as she struggles to maintain the lie. Not Okay made headlines with its tongue-in-cheek trigger warning at the start of the film, claiming some viewers may be turned off by its depiction of an “unlikable female protagonist.” With its sharp, provocative edge, it won’t be for everyone, but few would disagree with its messaging of the dangers of being Too Online. —K.J.

Where to watch Not Okay: Hulu

Director: Quinn Shephard

Cast: Zoey Deutch, Mia Isaac, Dylan O’Brien, Nadia Alexander, Embeth Davidtz, Karan Soni

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

The Coen brothers transport Homer’s totemic poem The Odyssey from the Mediterranean coast to 1930s Mississippi in this highly entertaining musical dramedy. The episodic journey begins with three convicts, led by Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney), who escape prison in search of buried treasure. Their quest sees them encountering a blind seer who helps them on their path, a river baptism, and a radio station where they record a hit song, with numerous hiccups along the way. Featuring a soundtrack so exceptional it won the Grammy for Album of the Year, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a quirky, visually striking romp from two of our best working directors. —K.J.

Where to watch O Brother, Where Art Thou?: Hulu

Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Cast: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Charles Durning, Michael Badalucco, John Goodman, Holly Hunter

On the Count of Three (2022)

Jerrod Carmichael made his feature directorial debut with this dark comedy in which he stars alongside Girls alum Christopher Abbott. The duo play friends who make a suicide pact, but decide to spend one last day doing whatever they want and resolving prior issues. Despite its dark premise, Carmichael finds the right tone to deliver an authentic portrait of friendship as his Val and Abbott’s Kevin are able to find simple joys in life, even through the pain. “The movie settles into the blackest kind of buddy comedy,” EW’s critic writes in the review, “a lacerating slice of nihilism rooted in real despair, and real I-love-you-man tenderness, too.” Plus, the film’s expert use of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” certainly leaves an impact. —K.J.

Where to watch On the Count of Three: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Jerrod Carmichael

Cast: Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish, J.B. Smoove, Lavell Crawford, Henry Winkler

Palm Springs (2020)

Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) are stuck at a Palm Springs wedding that will literally never end. While Nyles is resigned to his fate, Sarah — the maid of honor — is desperate to escape this desert hell. Directed by Max Barbakow with a script from Andy Siara, Palm Springs adds a trippy time loop twist to the rom-com genre. This existential comedy — which broke Sundance sales records by 69 cents (nice) — uses its sci-fi hook to explore what it really means to forgive yourself and let go of the past. Then there’s the standout performance from J.K. Simmons as deranged wedding guest Roy, who manages to be inspiring, terrifying, and hilarious all at once. Still, it’s the budding romance between Milioti and Samberg that will make you want to revisit Palm Springs again and again. —A.W.

Where to watch Palm Springs: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Max Barbakow

Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons

Quiz Lady (2023)

Part of the appeal of this charming, Emmy-winning TV movie from Jessica Yu is in seeing its stars stretch beyond their typical roles. Awkwafina, often cast as the brazen comic relief, plays anxious game-show aficionado Anne, while the typically hyper-competent Sandra Oh plays Anne’s messy older sister Jenny. They are reunited after their mother flees the country on a gambling streak, and after a loan shark comes out of the woodwork, the sisters come up with a scheme for Anne to go on her favorite game show to get enough money to pay him back. Awkwafina and especially Oh excel in their against-type roles, creating a believable chemistry that goes beyond silly antics; their bonding allows them to confront old traumas and get to a more hopeful place as sisters. —K.J.

Where to watch Quiz Lady: Hulu

Director: Jessica Yu

Cast: Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, Holland Taylor, Tony Hale, Jon “Dumbfoundead” Park

A Real Pain (2024)

A pair of cousins tour Poland in tribute to their late grandmother in this acclaimed comedy-drama. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the neurotic David, who grows resentful of his erratic, outgoing cousin Benji (Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner Kieran Culkin) as the trip goes on. Eisenberg and Culkin “make for an all-time comedic odd-couple,” writes EW’s critic, “with both actors showcasing their comedic and dramatic talents.” Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, infuses the plot with smart, observational humor and subtle notes of melancholy. —K.J.

Where to watch A Real Pain: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Jesse Eisenberg

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, Daniel Oreskes

Rye Lane (2023)

Fresh off a splashy, well-received premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this British rom-com centers on Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), who meet in a gender-neutral bathroom and bond over their recent breakups. Walking around Rye Lane Market in South London, they discuss life and love as their bond inevitably grows closer. While rom-coms of this variety have existed for decades and decades, critics were universal in their praise of Rye Lane as an invigorating addition to the genre. There is a warmth and vibrancy to the film, with first-time feature director Raine Allen-Miller infusing her South London setting with specificity and genuine affection, and Jonsson and Oparah have the kind of complementary energies that make such films so magical. —K.J.

Where to watch Rye Lane: Hulu

Director: Raine Allen-Miller

Cast: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah

Thelma (2024)

Hell hath no fury like Thelma Post (June Squibb) scorned. After being duped by a phone scam, 93-year-old Thelma goes on the warpath to find those involved and get back her money. Of course, it’s not easy for her to navigate the streets of Los Angeles (having lost her driving privileges), so she takes an old pal across town via motor scooter to help her hunt down the culprits. Hilarious and quietly moving in equal measure, Thelma provides Squibb with the first leading role of her career and she makes the absolute most of it, delivering a complex performance as a woman who refuses to let age slow her down. —K.J.

Where to watch Thelma: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Josh Margolin

Cast: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Clark Gregg, Parker Posey, Malcolm McDowell

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Triangle of Sadness comes after a slew of similarly delicious “eat the rich” satires in recent years, from Parasite (2019) to The White Lotus to The Menu (2022). Ruben Östlund, whose previous class commentaries include Force Majeure (2014) and The Square (2017), won the Palme d’Or for writing and directing this audacious comedy about a pair of dating models who set sail on a luxury cruise that ends in disaster. (Think Titanic, but with a lot more bodily fluids.) As EW’s critic raves in the review, Triangle of Sadness is “not the funhouse mirror we need for these ridiculous times, maybe, but one we deserve.”

Östlund’s film went on to score Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, though curiously not nominated was Dolly de Leon, whose forceful presence in the film’s third act makes for a wildly unpredictable ending. —K.J.

Where to watch Triangle of Sadness: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Ruben Östlund

Cast: Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Woody Harrelson, Zlatko Burić, Iris Berben, Vicki Berlin, Henrik Dorsin, Jean-Christophe Folly, Amanda Walker, Oliver Ford Davies, Sunnyi Melles