Audiences always need a good laugh and 2021 has been a year that has delivered some stellar comedies. Some of the year’s most popular films leaned on their great sense of humor, adding a much needed spark of joy to the cinematic experience.
There were enough hilarious options to appeal to fans of all kinds, from family adventures to R-rated mayhem. Some were smaller movies that produced laughter on the ground while others were huge blockbusters that found humor in their big stories. With so many options, audiences had no trouble laughing at the movies in 2021.
ten Free guy (7.2)
Ryan Reynolds has become one of the most popular comedic actors in recent years and free guy was another winning film from him. Reynolds plays Guy, a background character in an intense video game who begins to take control of his life for the first time and changes the world around him.
Reynolds is joined by Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery and Taika Waititi, all of whom give hilarious performances. There are plenty of references and cameos that will appeal to fans as well as a quick sense of humor to go along with the clever premise.
9 The Suicide Squad (7.3)
After bringing a bunch of eccentrics to the big screen in the MCU, James Gunn delivered the best DCEU movie of 2021 with The suicide squad. Gunn combines the superhero genre with a war adventure film and wraps it all in his twisted humor for a mad rush.
It’s a lot of fun watching Gunn play with an R rating, which creates some hilarious black humor throughout the movie. The movie also features some of the funniest characters in the DCEU, like Peacemaker and King Shark.
8 Cruel (7.4)
The final live tale of an animated Disney classic focused on one of the most infamous villains in movie history. Cruel explored another side of Cruella de Vil with Emma Stone giving a winning performance in the lead role.
Stone brings his usual humor, charm, and considerable acting talent to the role. The movie itself was also a surprisingly fun ride that turns Cruella’s origins into a sleek heist movie. With plenty of fun side characters, Cruella was one of the biggest surprises of 2021.
seven The French dispatch (7.4)
While not everyone is a fan of the Wes Anderson films, his distinctive sense of humor is hilarious for many devoted fans. Anderson’s last trip is to France in The French dispatch which tells various stories surrounding the titular magazine.
The film is full of funny people like Bill Murray and Owen Wilson as well as actors giving unexpected performances like Benicio Del Toro and Jeffrey Wright. The result is a magical and enjoyable drive with Anderson’s signature styling.
6 Luca (7.5)
Although Luca hasn’t caught on the same way some other Pixar movies have, it’s still a wonderful and entertaining family adventure. He follows a pair of young sea monsters who decide to go above the surface and explore the human world.
The film has the same vibrant energy and fun tone that makes all Pixar films such wonderful adventures. It also follows the similar formula of combining that humor with a lot of heart, which makes it all the more special.
5 Ghostbusters: The Afterlife (7.6)
The original ghost hunters is one of the most beloved comedies of all time and Ghostbusters: the afterlife tries to recover some of this magic. The direct sequel follows Egon Spengler’s family as they inherit his home and find themselves on a new anti-ghost adventure.
The new character cast makes for a fun re-introduction to this world, and there are a number of crowd-pleasing cameos as well. While it might not provide as many iconic comedic moments as the original, it does add a fair amount of charm with the supernatural laughs.
4 Sing 2 (7.6)
The mix of family humor and popular songs proved to be a winning combination for To sing it is therefore not surprising that the sequel has remained faithful to this formula. Sing 2 follows the adorable group of animals in hopes of bringing out a reclusive rockstar from retirement to take part in their new talent show.
With a star cast including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlet Johansson as well as a number of beloved songs by iconic artists, Sing 2 is aimed at a young and older audience.
3 The Mitchells vs. the Machines (7.7)
Another lively adventure that got audiences laughing this year was The Mitchells vs. the Machines. The DreamWorks Project follows a family with their fair share of tension who together set off on a road trip across the country, only for a rogue AI system to take over the world.
The film is perhaps the fastest-growing comedy of the year with hilarious jokes that fly audiences every minute. It’s a wild and touching ride with many moments that will make viewers laugh out loud.
2 The worst person in the world (8.1)
While there are usually international films that are able to grab the attention of audiences every year, rarely are they comedies. However, the humor of the Norwegian film, The worst person in the world did not get lost in the translation.
The inventive comedy follows a young woman grappling with her complicated love life. The dark and subversive take on the rom-com genre really struck a chord with many viewers and became one of the top-rated films of the year.
1 Licorice Pizza (8.2)
It is not surprising to see a Paul Thomas Anderson film receive a good reception from the public. But just like his intense dramas like There will be blood wowed the fans, its lighter side Licorice Pizza is just as effective.
The coming-of-age comedy set in 1973 explores a story of first love. Anderson’s sharp handwriting and some memorable characters helped Licorice Pizza become one of the most entertaining films of the year.
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