The best comedy movies on Prime Video New Zealand

Subscribe to Prime Video? In the mood for a rib-tickler? Critic Katie Parker has scoured the platform and retrieved the funniest films—from recent hits to decades-old classics.

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The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Crass, adolescent and brimming with heart, Judd Apatow’s 2005 directorial debut is among his most likable films. The story of one man’s (Steve Carrell) bid to lose his v-card late in life, The 40 Year Old Virgin kicked off a new style of sex comedy that would become all but ubiquitous for the next decade—but which few have been able to imbue with more sweetness and charm as Apatow did here.

American Fiction (2023)

The dark horse of the 2024 awards season, Cord Jefferson’s wry comedy-drama follows a frustrated African American author (Jeffrey Wright) skewering literary stereotypes expected of black writers—only for his satirical novel to be received both unironically and uproariously by the liberal elite. Sharp, incisive, and making the most of its excellent ensemble cast, American Fiction’s irreverent comedy cuts right to the bone.

American Pie (1999)

In an age where cinematic sex scenes are hotly debated, the lewd misadventures of Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott, Chris Klein et al. seem like something of a fever dream—but not so long ago, these horny young men brought the box office to its knees. While this tale of teens attempting to lose their virginities would likely meet a very different reception were it released today, it’s still hard to resist the charms of this quintessential 90s sex comedy.

Anyone But You (2023)

Taking its cues from the Shakespeare-inspired, “will they or won’t they?” romcoms of the 2000s, Will Gluck’s fun and flirty film loosely reworks Much Ado About Nothing. The story is a bonafide crowd pleaser, starring hotties Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney as sworn enemies who reluctantly join forces at a wedding to try and win back their exes.

Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret (2023)

Based on Judy Blume’s classic novel of the same name, this coming-of-age comedy is so warm and life-affirming it could thaw the coldest of hearts. Following a formative period in the life of 11-year-old Margaret Simon as she adapts to the changes happening both outside and within her, this is a film that understands and celebrates girlhood.

Back To The Future (1985)

Just shy of 40 years since its 1985 release, sci-fi classic Back to The Future’s cultural impact—and enduring universal popularity—remains all but unparalleled. Propelled by the combined comic talents of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis’s zany time travel caper remains as hilarious, rewatchable and crowd pleasing today as ever.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

It would probably be fair to call nearly every entry in the Coen brother’s extensive ouvre a cult favourite—but few films have quite the following devoted to their 1998 comedy The Big Lebowski which has inspired, among other things, an annual convention (Lebowski Fest), a religion (‘Dudeism’), and even the names of two species of African spider (Anelosimus biglebowski and Anelosimus dude). Believe the hype—The Big Lebowski is as funny now as ever.

Bridesmaids (2011)

Considered a breakthrough for female-led comedy, Paul Feig’s 2011 film following a disillusioned woman’s (Kristin Wiig) misadventures while preparing to serve as maid of honour in her best friend’s wedding was a critical and commercial hit—and over a decade later, it still holds up. On the surface a crass, gross out comedy befitting producer Judd Apatow’s signature style, Bridesmaids also succeeds as a wry deconstruction of female friendship.

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)

Following a late-20s party girl who decides to turn her life around by training for the New York Marathon, this film is the very definition of a crowd pleaser, filled with life-affirming humour. Starring SNL alum Jillian Bell, director Paul Downs Colaizzo turns what could’ve been a formulaic retread into a hilarious and inspiring comedy gem.

Come to Daddy (2019)

Elijah Wood stars in this gleefully gory, entirely unpredictable psychological horror-comedy from Kiwi director Ant Timpson. Following a young man (Wood) travelling to meet with his long-estranged father (Stephen McHattie), their reunion gets off to a rocky start—and things quickly take a dark turn. Totally unhinged and wickedly funny, this film is balls-to-the-wall insane, in the best way.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine and set on the French Riviera, Frank Oz’s film about two con men caught in an escalating bet to swindle a wealthy heiress is pure comedy gold. With the stars at their comedic best and an incredibly wry supporting performance from Glenne Headly, it’s as funny today as ever.

The Lobster (2015)

Famously absurdist auteur Yorgos Lanthimos may now be famous for his frequent collaborations with Emma Stone, but not so long ago Colin Farrell was the apple of the Greek directors eye—and together the pair created some of their best work. A masterstroke of black comedy set in a world where single people are turned into animals, this deliciously disturbing and eccentric film is one of modern cinema’s most original satires.

Men in Black (1997)

Following Will Smith’s wisecracking everyman, who’s recruited by a secret government agency to investigate extraterrestrial life on earth, Barry Sonnenfeld’s buddy comedy is a bonafide classic—and perhaps the highlight of Smith’s career.  At less than 100 minutes long, it’s a tight, taught blockbuster.

Miss Congeniality (2000)

It’s been nearly 25 years since Miss Congeniality cemented Sandra Bullock as one of the most winning rom-com stars of our time—and to this day it’s nearly impossible to resist its charms. The story of a federal agent going undercover as a beauty queen, this endlessly quotable film (the “perfect date” joke will go down in comic history) is a timeless fish-out-of-water crowd-pleaser.

My Old Ass (2024)

An 18-year-old (Maisy Stella) comes face-to-face with her future self (Aubrey Plaza) while tripping on mushrooms—and discovers her alter ego has lots of advice for the coming years. Combining science fiction with coming-of-age comedy to create something truly fresh, this hilarious and poignant film is something special.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Many of us lament the dearth of sex comedies that once dominated the early 2000s box office: a call finally answered by 2023’s No Hard Feelings. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as a struggling slacker hired by a pair of overly anxious parents to deflower their socially awkward 19-year-old son (Andrew Barth Feldman) before he heads off to college. A rude, raunchy romp with all the sweetness of a romcom, No Hard Feelings is the answer to your sex comedy prayers.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

When it comes to off-beat comedy, you can’t go wrong with the Coen Brothers—and this satirical comedy, loosely based on ancient Greek epic poet Homer’s Odyssey, is among their best. Following three escaped convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake) on the run in rural Mississippi in the 1930s, O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the trio on a series of misadventures as they try to outrun the law.

Palm Springs (2020)

The past few years have seen a boom of time loop movies, but few perfected the genre quite like 2020’s Palm Springs. Following two strangers (Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti) who hook up at a destination wedding only to get stuck in a seemingly infinite time loop, that has them living the last 24 hours on repeat, forever, this solid, self-assured and incredibly winning romcom is one of the best in recent memory.

Red, White and Royal Blue (2023)

Ever wondered what would happen if, out of nowhere, Hunter Biden and Prince Harry became an item? Me neither, until this delightfully delusional comedy. Based on the bestselling romance novel of the same name, and starring Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez as the (fictionalised) Prince of England and First Son of the USA respectively, this cheesy LGBTQ+ romcom is cute, corny and completely irresistible.

A Simple Favour (2018)

Appearing on the surface to be yet another melodramatic domestic thriller, Paul Feig’s gleefully silly 2018 black comedy turns the usually somber genre on its head. Following a widowed mummy-blogger (Anna Kendrick) who becomes obsessed with the mysterious disappearance of a glamorous new friend (Blake Lively), the increasingly bonkers twists come thick and fast in this deliciously twisted and delightfully campy flick.

Step Brothers (2008)

Crude, cringeworthy, and completely, hilariously silly, Adam McKay’s 2008 film is an under-sung piece of modern comedy gold. Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two spoiled adult men who, having never flown the nest, find themselves living together when their parents get married, Step Brothers’ brand of no-holds-barred vulgarity is not for everyone, but can’t be overlooked by comedy lovers.

Totally Killer (2023)

Combining horror, comedy and sci-fi in one movie is ambitious, to be sure—but this mashup is a gleefully gory and funny success. Starring Kiernan Shipka as a teen who travels back in time to the 80s to stop a serial killer, the film nails its numerous genres, combining a Back to the Future-esque narrative with nail-biting horror.

You Hurt My Feelings (2023)

Carrying on her tradition of gently interrogating the absurdity inherent in the niceties of modern middle class social life, Nicole Holofcener’s comedy-drama follows long married couple Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Don (Tobias Menzies), whose happy union is marred when novelist Beth overhears Don confessing that he doesn’t enjoy her writing. Hard truths are navigated with warmth, empathy and wry humour.

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