Great comedies exist, and bad comedies exist. But some comedies haven’t gotten the credit they deserve even till now. This list is a compilation of comedies we think have wrongly gone under the radar. Here are the 18 most underrated comedy movies of all time:
Bad Words (2013)
Bad Words is directed by Jason Bateman, who also stars in it. It’s a dark comedy that follows a middle-aged man exploiting a spelling bee. The film balances humor with emotional moments. Bateman’s wit and strong performance, coupled with clever writing, provide good entertainment.
Damsels in Distress (2011)
Even though it took 12 years to write, Damsels in Distress didn’t get the attention it deserves. Greta Gerwig delivers a captivating performance, displaying Whit Stillman’s literary prowess. One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is its skillful blend of dark and romantic tones.
Tadpole (2002)
With a rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, Tadpole walked a fine line with its premise of a young schoolboy who falls in love with his stepmother. But it ultimately succeeded. Tadpole is a clever and charming, independently produced movie looking to make a splash.
The Overnight (2015)
They simply don’t make movies like The Overnight anymore, in my opinion. It defies its low budget with a compelling exploration of unconventional dynamics in a bawdy comedy. Jason Schwartzman’s strong performance stands out in this unnerving yet playful movie, blending eroticism with clever humor.
Thank You For Smoking (2005)
Jason Reitman’s debut feature-length film, Thank You For Smoking, stands apart by refusing to pander to audiences with happy endings. Starring Aaron Eckhart as an unapologetic lobbyist, the movie’s satirical style is impressive. Despite commercial success, it faced mixed critical reception and minimal award recognition.
Booksmart (2019)
Olivia Wilde made her directorship debut with Booksmart, and surprisingly, not enough people took notice. It received due critical acclaim but not the outstanding commercial success it deserved. The story is fresh, and the lead characters give a great performance. It’s hilarious and a must-watch.
Hot Rod (2007)
Hot Rod easily makes my top ten list of comedy gems. It’s a bit sad that it flew under the radar. We get to see Andy Samberg, at his peak, play a parody stunt performer terrible at his job. But to raise money for his stepfather, he attempts the unthinkable.
The Nice Guys (2016)
The Nice Guys is easily the funniest movie of Ryan Gosling’s and Russell Crowe’s careers. This movie is a total delight. It follows Gosling, a private detective hired to look into the mysterious disappearance of a porn star. Crowe, an enforcer, joins forces with Gosling to solve the case.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Directed by Taika Waititi, this is one of the most joyous comedies of the 21st century. A boy gets adopted by a couple but accidentally burns down their house and goes on the run. It ticks the box for everything you want in a comedy movie.
Support the Girls (2018)
Support the Girls tells us the tales of girls working at sports bars, giving them names and personalities. It’s funny and will likely help you see waitresses in a new light. Featuring great performances from Regina Hall and others, we’ll definitely be supporting the girls.
Midnight Run (1988)
Robert De Niro in comedies is always special, and Midnight Run is no different. In this ‘80s comedy, he plays an ex-cop who becomes a bounty hunter. He’s then tasked with finding a fugitive before the FBI and a mob boss.
Greenberg (2010)
It’s not the most straightforward, hilarious movie you’ll read about today, but it hits the mark. Greenberg has a great story and interesting characters. It’s about a personal assistant who forms a relationship with her employer’s brother. Overall, an alluring and quirky tale.
Mystery Men (1999)
Mystery Men is a grossly underrated superhero comedy. It has a crazy premise, with a great performance from an all-star cast. Following the story of a team of superheroes with no superpowers whatsoever, it got little success when released. It should, however, be held in high comedic regard.
Playtime (1967)
With every scene, you realize that Playtime is an everlasting gift to comedy fans, movie buffs, or anyone who appreciates originality. The director, Jacques Tati, went as far as creating a unique cinematic language and succeeded in making a movie world unlike any other.
Goon (2011)
Although it is, at its core, a drama, Goon hones in on the comedic elements of dialogue and acting. Every actor delivers some of the most hilarious performances ever, and its poor run at the box office means you probably missed out on all the fun.
The Tall Guy (1989)
The Tall Guy is a rom-com that surprised me in terms of the experience it provided. With stars like Rowan Atkinson, Jeff Goldblum, and Emma Thompson, you’ll definitely enjoy the charming and whimsical story of this classic.
Dick (1999)
Dick, at first glance, looks like every other teen movie released in the ‘90s. But closer observation reveals it to be a surprisingly effective political satire focused on the Watergate scandal. This movie is a delightful and quirky parody with lessons that still resonate today.
The Great Dictator (1940)
Charlie Chaplin’s first sound movie sees him playing the role of a Jewish farmer and a parody of Hitler, giving us different perspectives on how they both try to navigate World War II. If you’re a Chaplin fan, then this is a must-watch for you.
