I’ve watched enough comedy that I can now, with a pretty good success rate, determine if a movie I just watched will stand up to a second rewatch. Sometimes there are one too many references to (old) current events, while others have problematic jokes that have aged like milk.
That said, there are also a bunch of comedies that do not seem to care about the passage of time. Every movie I picked, I’ve watched dozens of times, and the jokes are just as good on multiple rewatches; in fact, these comedies are a source of comfort on a rainy day. And the best part? They’re all on Netflix and ready for a weekend binge!
I Care a Lot
Stream I Care A Lot on Netflix
Marla is a con artist who takes advantage of elderly people by telling the court system they can’t live on their own, and even throws them in assisted living to be forgotten entirely. She’s slick all right, but her cons catch up to her. Pretty soon, she’s caught in a web of lies and facing trouble at the hands of a crime lord, Roman, whose mom was thrown into assisted living thanks to Marla.
The movie is full of energy and antics as Marla keeps slipping through Roman’s hands. Peter Dinklage is that crime lord, by the way, and he is particularly funny in his role, making it a treat since Dinklage has always had great comedic timing. Despite Roman’s attempts to capture Marla, you never feel bad for her. There’s a kind of retribution watching Marla get her due after spending her life taking advantage of others and somehow looking worse than a crime lord.
Groundhog Day
Stream Groundhog Day on Netflix
A movie about a man stuck reliving the same day is also somehow just as good on a rewatch, says something about its smart writing and comedy. And yet, Groundhog Day also manages to be rather dark at times, and the implications of Phil’s purgatory are nightmare fuel. Of course, Bill Murray playing Phil is what’s essential here, because his deadpan delivery at key moments is what gives the movie its comedy.
In addition to being a comedy and a nightmare, Groundhog Day also includes a love story, which acts as the fulcrum for Phil’s exit from his hell. It doesn’t at all seem out of place, mainly because Andie MacDowell is so darn charming, and I’m really glad the movie didn’t reward Phil’s manipulation of his never-ending days to “get the girl.”
Old School
Stream Old School on Netflix
What was it about the early 2000s that was so good for comedy? It was an era of dumb, absurd movies with ridiculous premises and a great cast of comedians. Old School isn’t any different, and it’s better for it. You’ve got a normal guy, Mitch, suddenly becoming “the Godfather” of a fraternity after an incredibly awkward and rough breakup. From that premise, you’ll get your fill of body humor, cringe, adult jokes (so no kids), and a bit of a romance story wrapped into one.
As for the cast, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, and Vince Vaughn create the trio. I’m never disappointed with Ferrell’s comedic chops, and the struggle between “Frank” and “Frank the Tank” always cracks me up. Wilson plays it straight, which I appreciate, because it makes the absurd moments particularly good. And I love that throughout the movie, Vince Vaughn’s character, Bernard, is trying to live vicariously through Mitch (Wilson’s character).
We’re the Millers
Stream We’re the Millers on Netflix
A drug dealer named David decides he’s going to break even with his supplier by smuggling marijuana over the border to Mexico. To do this, however, he needs to assemble a fake “family” that will help him evade suspicion at customs. He decides to hire his neighbors for the job— Rose, Casey, and Kenny. Let me just say that, from the very start, he was asking for trouble with this band of idiots.
With expected drama, including a few run-ins with authorities, a DEA agent they never suspected, and a few romantic side quests, this movie is great fun for anyone who loves all things inappropriate. Ed Helms is particularly effective in this, though his scenes are brief, due to his unhinged portrayal as a Walter White-level drug lord.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Stream Mitchells vs the Machines on Netflix
It’s been a while since I watched a family movie that was legitimately funny and witty in its comedy, and The Mitchells vs the Machines manages to bridge the gap between generations. For instance, a giant Furby tries to defeat the family at one point, and Katie has to face the fact that her super-annoying family is just trying to make the best memories. I love that it’s unashamed of showing the characters loving and caring for one another. On top of that, the artwork is absolutely fantastic.
The voice actors for the Mitchells bounce off one another very well and seem to match each other’s energy, especially Danny McBride as Rick (their Dad). His phobia of electronics never gets old, as I have plenty of family that can’t seem to handle a simple flip phone. What I loved most of all is that they’re all goofy, including the parents, and do truly want to spend time with their kids. Oh, and the animation is top-notch!
I haven’t even talked about my favorite comedies on Netflix
Netflix boasts an extensive catalog of comedies, ranging from tear-jerking rom-coms to classics, and these are just the ones I love rewatching! Liar, Liar is on Netflix, as well as Idiocracy and Shrek, which are among my favorite comedies of all time. More importantly, I highly recommend getting your friends involved, because these movies are twice as good with a partner or family movie night.
