15 Hilarious Comedies to Brighten Your Day

For as long as walking into a darkened theater has involved the crunch of popcorn and the creak of an old seat, comedy films have served as the life-affirming elixir that tickles our funny bones and reminds us to revel in the glorious mess of life. It's no secret that among the sweet, calorie-laden offerings of cinema, some of the most cherished films fall within the comedy genre. Each decade has its distinguished entries — pearls of laughter amid the rubble — and oh boy, have the 2020s already delivered their fair share of laugh-out-loud gems!

Ah, the age of streaming! Who knew that sitting in your PJs while munching on leftover pizza would usher in an explosion of comedic creativity? It’s like finding the last slice of pizza at a party — unexpected and delightful! From blockbuster hits that audiences around the globe have devoured, to quirky indie gems that may or may not make it to your local arthouse cinema, the inventory of 2020s comedies seems nearly limitless. Just when we thought raunchy R-rated comedies were on a sabbatical, enter *No Hard Feelings* — the chaotic offspring of *Superbad* and its ilk. It's like someone decided to bring back the classic teenage disaster comedy, and thank the heavens for that! Featuring a daring Jennifer Lawrence, who trades her usual heroic antics for desperate measures to save her childhood home, the film is a delightfully relatable romp detailing parental pressure and, of course, hilariously awkward moments. Sometimes, all we need is a charming performance combined with a premise so absurd yet heartfelt to remind us why we chuckle at comedies in the first place.

Yet, as international cinema often proves to be the coolest kid at the film festival, we can't overlook *Another Round*. This Danish delight casts a humorous glance at four educators who decide that daily life could use a shot (literally) of good old-fashioned fun through the magic of alcohol. Balancing on the tightrope between hilarity and human frailty, the film, led by the ever-charming Thomas Vinterberg, shows us that sometimes, playing with fire can lead to life-altering experiences — or at least a hangover that'll keep you rethinking your choices.

Then, we have *Emma*, which is like the cherry on top of the 1800s literary adaptations sundae. A fresh take on Jane Austen’s matchmaking misadventures, this film revels in its modern flair while unabashedly sticking to the themes of love’s misunderstandings. Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal dazzles — she could make a five-hour meeting about paint swatches sound riveting by simply being Emma. Brilliantly capturing that unique blend of charm and irony we adore in comedy, it proves that love can be both a tragedy and a comedy, often in the span of one awkward lunch.

Next, we stumble into *Hit Man*, where Richard Linklater serves us laugh after laugh — it’s like brunching on mimosas and pancakes with some friends who just “get” you. Glen Powell’s character leads a double life that hilariously spirals out of control when a hitman role turns into romance. The film's witty dialogue and superb comic timing remind viewers that life may be absurd, but it’s in those through-the-looking-glass moments where we find the most resonant truths. And speaking of absurdity, who could forget *Palm Springs*? This delightful take on the time-loop concept introduces us to Nyles and Sarah, who find themselves reliving the same wedding day, proving that sometimes, the best connections spring from inconvenient circumstances. With a savvy blend of humor and existential quandaries, this movie climbs the comedic ladder in ways that bring joy and laughter, even if we are existentially questioning our own life choices!

The culinary world isn’t spared either, as *The Menu* hilariously critiques the pretentious realm of haute cuisine. A couple faces unexpected twists during what was supposed to be an exclusive dining experience, revealing just how sinister fine dining can become! Ralph Fiennes as Chef Slowik masterfully blends the comedic and the grotesque, dissecting the upper crust with a knife sharpened by satire. But where some films tease the palate, others go full-course absurdity, as seen in *Poor Things*, where Emma Stone leads us through a bizarre world that juxtaposes childlike wonder with adult absurdity. When blending the whimsical with the depraved, Lanthimos triumphs in creating something truly unique.

In the spirit of unorthodox love stories, *Licorice Pizza* captures the delightful awkwardness of youth while managing to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly original. Set in the vibrant San Fernando Valley of the 70s, we watch as two starry-eyed individuals navigate the complexities of their emotions with a