50 Best Comedy Movies Of The 21st Century

With such a wide array of movies being released every week, it can be hard to watch everything and stay on top of everybody’s favorites. Comedies, especially, are a complex genre that is frequently coupled with other movie genres, so it is difficult to find the best ones that you absolutely have to watch.

Here are 50 of the best comedy movies released since the year 2000, ranked with the help of iMDb.

50. Baywatch (2017)

Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mitch, this ensemble cast including Zac Efron and Priyanka Chopra delivers a mix of jokes and live-saving action.

When my friends come over, I ask them if they want to watch this movie. With enough action to keep you interested in the plot and a script that has made me double-over laughing, it is a must-see.

49. White Chicks (2004)

The Wayans family delivers yet another hilarious movie with iconic lines and scenes throughout. Who could forget Terry Crews' performance to A Thousand Miles or the dance battle to It's Tricky?

Even my sister, who doesn't like movies, is a fan of this one. We quote the lines to each other and if we have the chance to watch it on TV, we're taking it. It's a little raunchy and inappropriate, but that just makes it even funnier.

48. Grown Ups (2010)

There is no cast list was more star-filled than this, with Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider just being the ones that fit on the poster.

I remember watching this when it came out, and this is the movie that really got me into comedies. I had seen all the actors in things before but never realized how truly hilarious they each are, and I am very grateful this movie was made.

47. The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

It's always nice seeing Kate McKinnon on the big screen, and she delivers another hilarious performance besides Mila Kunis that mixes a good action-driven plotline with quirky characters.

This is another movie I like to watch whenever my friends come over. It's awkward in only a way McKinnon can do and their friendship dynamic reminds me of my friends.

46. Bad Moms (2016)

Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis show us that it's okay to not be an okay parent all the time while struggling with their own lives on screen.

I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I would. I had only known Kristen Bell from Frozen, which didn't tell me she would be funny. I am so glad I was wrong because this movie had me laughing from beginning to end.

45. Scary Movie (2000)

A spoof on Scream--and horror movie tropes in general--the Wayans family once again pushes the limits on what can and can't be made fun of in a movie. The answer is you can make fun of just about anything.

This is another one of my sister's favorite movies, despite her not really liking Scream. It pokes fun at tropes even average movie-watchers will find hilariously corny and she has made our family watch it at least ten times.

44. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

This rom-com follows Jennifer Garner as a 13-year old stuck in her 30-year old self's body. Also starring Mark Ruffalo, this movie makes you laugh, cry, and think about a thing or two.

A favorite of my mom's, I was introduced to this movie when I was a child. I always thought it was really fun to watch, and as I grew older the nostalgic feeling they infused into this movie made it even better.

43. Blades of Glory (2007)

Will Ferrell and Jon Heder are rival figure skaters who are forced to be on the same team during the Winter Olympics. Good stunts and entertaining banter ensue.

This feels like a normal Will Ferrell movie, with him doing something random and making it enjoyable for everyone. I liked this movie from the second it came on just because of the concept, but Ferrell and Heder's competitive sides make it that much more enjoyable.

42. Legally Blonde (2001)

Reese Witherspoon delivers an iconic performance as Elle Woods, who gets into Harvard Law when her future-senator boyfriend breaks up with her. Also, who could pass up a movie with Jennifer Coolidge?

This movie is timeless and will be one of my favorites forever. Although I also enjoy it in its Broadway musical format, seeing Witherspoon act means I come back to the movie fairly often.

41. Neighbors (2014)

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are new parents who just happen to move into a house next door to a fraternity. Zac Efron and Dave Franco aren't going to make this easy, but they will make it fun.

I am so grateful Efron went into comedy after his Disney run because he has made some of my favorite movies ever. This is one of the movies I have recorded on my DVR so I can watch it whenever I'm in the mood to watch something that will make me laugh.

40. Miss Congeniality (2000)

Sandra Bullock, an FBI agent, has to go undercover into a beauty pageant when the Miss United States is threatened, but she'll have to learn to become beautiful and graceful enough to play the part.

Another one of my all-time favorites, this movie is good from beginning to end. The action is even funny. I loved watching somebody I relate to (Bullock) try to act like a pageant queen and then end up making a positive change in that world.

39. Just Go With It (2011)

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston pretend to be married on a weekend trip to Hawaii. This rom-com puts these two comedic legends in a sticky situation.

Although I usually only watch rom-com once, this is one I will never get tired of watching. Their chemistry is hilarious and it takes the "fake relationship" trope to another level.

38. Night at the Museum (2006)

Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Ricky Gervais? There's no way this movie wouldn't be funny. Plus, with two sequels that just add even more comedic characters to the line-up, it's hours' worth of laughs.

This is another movie that got me into the comedy genre. My dad and I still talk about that monkey in the museum and even quote the scene with the Easter Island head. It's heartfelt, but mostly just filled with laughs for everyone.

37. Friends with Benefits (2011)

One of Justin Timberlake's early acting credits is this rom-com, also starring Mila Kunis. It's funny and relatable watching their complicated relationship unfold.

I was hesitant at first because I didn't really believe JT could act, but I was happy to be proved wrong. This movie really felt like I was living through their awkward situations with them and it was so fun to watch.

36. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are both assassins who are keeping their secret from everyone, including each other. When they're assigned to kill each other, action and laughter ensue.

Their relationship developing from cover spouse to target to something more serious and meaningful, this was a super entertaining movie to watch. I have always been a fan of action movies, but my favorite parts of this movie were the ones meant to be comedic.

35. Get Smart (2008)

Steve Carrell gets recruited to be a spy alongside Anne Hathaway, but he is not fit for the job. Will they be able to succeed in their missions anyway?

I knew this movie was going to be funny, but it's all of the high-tech and high-intensity spy material that made this movie so unique and fun. I know this is a remake, but the fresh take on it makes it just as impactful as the original.

34. This Is the End (2013)

James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Ferguson all-star as themselves in this apocalyptic comedy. Will these celebrities become stir crazy as the world around them disintegrates?

I was not expecting all of these celebrities to be portraying themselves when I first saw this movie, but it made it even funnier that this was supposedly something that could be happening to them one night. This movie is unapologetically funny and should be considered necessary viewing.

33. The Heat (2013)

Sandra Bullock plays another expert FBI agent who gets paired with an unconventional detective played by Melissa McCarthy. They are complete opposites but form an unexpected friendship when they have to work together.

This was (surprisingly), one of the first things I saw Melissa McCarthy in. I found her to be absolutely hilarious the entire time. Even the scenes where they weren't doing anything particularly significant made me laugh.

32. Zoolander (2001)

Set in the world of high fashion, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are competing models. When Will Ferrell's character secretly hypnotizes Stiller to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia, they must combine forces to defeat him.

The song "Relax" is now synonymous with this movie for me. I love everything about this movie, and I am especially glad I decided to watch it one day even though I had no idea what it was going to be about.

31. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Renee Zellweger plays the very relatable, albeit very quirky Bridget Jones, who ends up in a love triangle between Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. This rom-com series teaches viewers to be themselves and makes us laugh in the process.

The entire series is something my family loves to talk about. We all enjoyed different aspects of the movies, but Bridget Jones's relationship with herself was my favorite thing to watch evolve throughout an entire series.

30. The Proposal (2009)

This rom-com stars Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock as they are forced to marry so Sandra Bullock's character can remain a U.S. citizen. She meets his family, which includes Betty White, so it's certain to be hilarious.

This is my favorite rom-com, and with good reason. I honestly get shocked when one of my friends says they haven't seen this movie because it has so many different things in it for people to enjoy.

29. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

Vince Vaughn owns Average Joe's Gym, which is threatened to be bought out by Ben Stiller's Globo Gym. When the only thing that could keep Average Joe's afloat is a dodgeball tournament, Vaughn enlists the help of his ragtag members to compete.

When somebody asks me what my favorite comedy is, I say this movie. It makes me laugh just thinking about some of the scenes and it has never failed to put me back into a good mood when I need it.

28. Bridesmaids (2011)

Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, and Wendi McLendon-Covey star in this movie where an imperfect group of friends who try to throw a perfect wedding. 

I always love seeing female-driven comedy movies because a lot of people don't think women can be funny. This movie definitely proves them wrong. It's a little graphic and crude, but relatable and so fun to watch all their different characters interact with each other.

27. Ted (2012)

Mark Wahlberg gets stuck with his childhood teddy bear when he wished, as a child, that he would come to life. Now, many years later, his life forces him (and his teddy bear) to grow up.

Besides the obvious hilarity at a teddy bear being able to talk, it was made even funnier by Ted being crude and immature. I was thoroughly entertained by essentially watching an inappropriate version of Winnie and the Pooh hanging out with Christopher Robin.

26. Horrible Bosses (2011)

While intoxicated, overworked friends Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis decide to permanently rid of their own horrible bosses. However, the plan has complications and results in a hilarious movie.

I went into this movie thinking Jennifer Aniston was the main character, but I was not really disappointed when I saw the three main characters interacting with each other. It's always fun to see characters with relatable lives on the big screen, but even funnier when nothing seems to ever go according to plan.

25. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

A continuation of the 1995 movie, the game has evolved into a video game. Four teenagers get thrown into being the characters comedically portrayed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan.

I was nervous to see this movie at first because I thought they were trying to remake Robin Williams's Jumanji. But, they went a different direction and I loved every minute of it. My sister and I actually missed school to go see this movie in theaters and it was one of the best movies I had seen in a while.

24. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

A household classic, Jon Heder plays an awkward teenager almost too well as he dances on stage, does bicycle stunts, falls for a girl, fights with his brother and uncle, and helps his friend run for class president.

This was the very first movie I bought on DVD when I was a child and I have never regretted it. Even just the movie intro sequence is fun to watch, and that happens before you even see a character! Every new scene just made me laugh harder and I still laugh, despite having seen this movie at least 10 times.

23. Step Brothers (2008)

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have never been funnier than in this movie. Both full-grown adults who still live with their parents are forced to move in with each other and try to get along.

My dad and I will quote the "did you touch my drumset?" scene at least once a month to each other, despite never having watched it together. It's just one of those movies you wouldn't mind watching again and again until you can almost watch it in your head.

22. The World's End (2013)

Simon Pegg drags his friends on the largest pub crawl ever, which eventually turns into a fight for the survival of mankind in this hilarious sci-fi comedy.

I knew Pegg was creative, but I really don't know how he thought of this one. The buddy-comedy part of the movie was funny enough, but throwing almost ridiculous action scenes into it made it even better and even more necessary to have watched it.

21. Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell, a human-sized elf, travels to New York City to find his dad. Although it is a Christmas movie, Ferrell's out-of-place Buddy can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Even though studio executives didn't think Ferrell's acting was up to snuff, he shined in this role as he completely personified what an elf would act like if they had never been to NYC. I watch this movie every year at Christmas, but it shouldn't be surprising that I watch it during the rest of the year too.

20. We're the Millers (2013)

Jason Sudeikis, a pot dealer, brings a fake family with him to Mexico to pay off a large debt he owes to his dealer. Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter complement him in bringing this crime comedy to life.

I watched this movie for the first time with my whole family, and although parts were borderline inappropriate, they were so hilarious nobody seemed to care. There are also plenty of iconic comedy moments that are sure to stick with you after you watch the movie, I know they stuck with me.

19. Easy A (2010)

Clean-cut Emma Stone lies to her best friend to make her life seem more scandalous, and when her reputation gets put at risk because of it, she only leans more into the role.

This movie was so funny, I actually read the Scarlet Letter. Although it's obviously not based on the book, it definitely gets inspiration from it. The modern feel of a normal girl embracing the lifestyle of a book character seems all too realistic and hilarious in this movie.

18. Mean Girls (2004)

When Lindsay Lohan moves from Africa to an Illinois high school, she gets a lesson in popularity and what it really takes to be an "it" girl. Alongside Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert; she gets schooled.

This is another movie I grew up watching, and it definitely shaped who I am as a person. There are so many iconic (and quotable) lines that you probably won't ever forget this movie after you watch it. It's becoming a cult classic, and I've never been happier about that.

17. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Although it is cheesy, this musical comedy covers all of its bases. It's a little grotesque, a little heartwarming, and has a lot of unique humor in it that makes it such a good comedy.

I have been listening to the songs since the movie was released and, at this point, I think I could rewatch the whole thing entirely in my head. However, nothing compares to actually watching actors like Rebel Wilson deliver their iconic performances.

16. The Muppets (2011)

Starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams are on a mission to help save the Muppets in this family-friendly musical comedy. The usual comedy of the Muppets is seamlessly combined with the humor of live-action stars.

I don't know what I was expecting from a Muppets movie, but it sure wasn't this. I didn't think an adult could actually enjoy this movie, but its humor is almost unmatched, especially by any other Muppet project I have seen.

15. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

In this rom-com, Jason Segel runs into his ex Kristen Bell and her new boyfriend Russell Brand on vacation in Hawaii. He turns to employee Mila Kunis for comfort, and awkward situations fill the hilarious movie.

Even the secondary characters were hilarious; with Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd involved as well, nothing could go wrong. I enjoyed every moment of this movie and I make sure to personally introduce it to as many of my friends as possible.

14. School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black delivers yet another incredible performance as he poses as a substitute teacher for an elementary school. He teaches his students how to really "rock" and enters them into a local Battle of the Bands.

This is a movie, I believe, that should be shown in every family household at least once a year. As a child, I was inspired by what Jack Black was inspiring his students to do and now, as an adult, I can only appreciate the humor he brings into a movie that could have just been uplifting.

13. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

In his breakthrough performance, Steve Carrell is a middle-aged virgin who (with the help of his meddling friends) attempts to begin a relationship with a nearby eBay shop owner.

I get surprised every time I watch this movie at how many great comedy actors are in it because Carrell alone could have starred in this movie, he was so funny. However, the supporting characters just kept pushing him into uncomfortable situations that meant the comedic moments never stopped coming.

12. Shrek 2 (2004)

The sequel to the well-known animated movie Shrek, Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Antonio Banderas set off on yet another adventure to a land filled with friends, foes, and action sequences.

I was a big fan of the first Shrek, but I usually dislike sequels so I was nervous to watch this one. It was even better than the first one and I frequently think about and want to watch this movie. It's absolutely hilarious, which shouldn't be surprising when you realize who all of the characters' voices are.

11. 21 Jump Street (2012)

A remake of the '80s TV show, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill go undercover into a high school to investigate a drug ring. But, high school is not how they remember, so it is sure to make you laugh.

This isn't your typical high school movie, and that is a good thing! I was so entertained by all of the things going wrong in these characters' lives that I almost didn't take the time to appreciate all of the intense (and also comical) action sequences.

10. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Will Ferrell's Burgundy holds the spot of head news anchor until a new female anchor is hired and his world is turned upside down. He and his friends try to find a new normal through comedic means.

Every single character has such a unique personality that this is one of the most entertaining movies I have ever watched. The laughter never stops, but it also never gets in the way of good storytelling. I could probably watch this movie a thousand times and it would never get old.

9. Borat (2006)

Sacha Baron Cohen stars in this mockumentary that has been praised for its political satire, but its completely outrageous plot is guaranteed to be hilarious.

I wasn't sure what to expect of this movie at first, but as soon as it started, I knew I was in for something fun. It was a whirlwind of a movie because it wasn't really scripted, but it was so enjoyable to watch everything unfold so comically.

8. Now You See Me (2013)

This thriller comedy sees a group of misfit magicians is hired to pull off an elaborate stunt/heist. The cast including Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Dave Franco make it comedic in their group dynamic and banter.

The magic tricks alone were enough to keep me entertained for the entirety of this movie (and its sequel), so the comedy elements were just the icing on the cake. I have put this movie on so many times for my family that I'm sure they're sick of hearing me talk about it at this point.

7. Best in Show (2000)

Another mockumentary follows different human duos as they enter their dogs into the Mayflower Dog Show. The cast includes some of the biggest names in 21st-century comedy, including Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Coolidge, and John Michael Higgins.

My parents put this on one night when I mentioned watching Schitt's Creek with Levy and O'Hara, and I wasn't sure I was going to like them interact in anything else. But, their chemistry combined with the almost absurdity of a dog show and the rest of the cast, was fantastic.

6. Kick-Ass (2010)

Aaron Taylor-Johnson combines forces with the crime duo of Chloe Grace Moretz and Nicolas Cage in this hilarious crime comedy. Awkward teenagers and Nic Cage fighting crime are undoubtedly funny.

A huge comic book and superhero fan, I was pleasantly surprised they weren't just making another action movie. It does have plenty of action, and that made me happy while I was watching, but it was the absolute absurdity of the plot and the heroes themselves that made this so worth watching.

5. Zombieland (2009)

Quirky and paranoid Jesse Eisenberg teams up with carefree and badass Woody Harrelson to survive the zombie apocalypse. Emma Stone and a cameo from Bill Murray as himself make the apocalypse setting a background plot.

Even though this is a zombie movie, it is somehow one of the funniest and most entertaining movies I have ever watched. The nerdy explanation of Columbus's rules at the beginning wasn't even close to the funniest part of the movie, and it just kept getting better as the movie went on.

4. Superbad (2007)

Awkward teenagers Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are set on a whirlwind night when they are tasked with providing alcohol to a party. Their friend, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, complicates matters when he spends the evening with two cops.

If you don't laugh at the sound of "McLovin", you need to watch this movie. It's absolutely hilarious and I never had any real idea of where the plot was going next. I found myself rooting for the protagonists within the first few minutes of the movie because they are such wholesome characters.

3. The Lego Movie (2014)

Voiced by Chris Pratt, Emmet is hilariously unprepared for when he is mistaken as a target by the government. With help from a team of creative individuals, he has to save the world, which is really just one kid's Lego set.

I would like to be able to blame my baby brother for the reason I watched this, but I was really just interested to see how they would make a movie about Legos. I was very pleasantly surprised and even proud to say I was one of the first people to see the trailer for the second movie.

2. The Hangover (2009)

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis join their best friend on a trip to Las Vegas for his bachelor party. When they wake up afterward, they try to piece together the night prior and how they got into a ridiculous (and also, terrifying) situation.

I thought this movie was going to be funny just based on the first 20 minutes, but I had no idea how much trouble these men would get into and how entertaining it would be to watch them try to get themselves out of it. The entire series is hilarious, but I think this one is the most fun.

1. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are cops trying to solve a string of murders aimed at eliminating people that may cost the small town its "Village of the Year" award. It's a true English buddy comedy, and it does exactly what was intended.

With an absurd plot, I had no idea what to expect from this other than I knew Simon Pegg is funny. I was not disappointed by the action or the hilarity of all of their situations, and it is a pretty underrated comedy movie I think more people should watch and continue to enjoy.

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These fifty movies are the most fun, funny, and enjoyable of all the comedy movies released in the 21st century.

They are guaranteed to make you laugh, feel happier, and even make you want to watch them over and over again.