Comedies have always been an important genre in regards to the movies. While some are far more serious than others, laughter has proven to be one of the more powerful elements in determining a film’s success. While not every film needs humor to be successful, there are still several ways to approach it in an appropriate way that fits within the world of the film.
Over the past decade, a very large number of comedies have come in and out of theaters. While some have done better than others, most have brought plenty of smiles and belly laughs along with them. To honor some of the stronger films of the genre as of recent, here is our list of the 10 best comedies of the decade, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) - 90%
For whatever reason, Rotten Tomatoes considers Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri to be a comedy. Though this incredibly dark, murder mystery thriller does manage to land a few jokes from time to time throughout the film, “comedy” is not really the genre that one would typically associate with a film like this.
In actuality, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a great film with a great cast and strong themes. With its unique approach to storytelling, it is easy to see why it was nominated for so many awards. Though the movie itself is fantastic and very well-made, how it is a comedy is a mystery in and of itself.
La La Land (2016) - 91%
Surprisingly, La La Land is considered a comedy in Rotten Tomatoes book. While there are still some elements of humor sprinkled throughout the film, it isn’t exactly what most would consider to be a comedy.
Regardless, La La Land is still a beautifully crafted film, full of wonderful colors, phenomenal music, and great performances. Though it is not a perfect film, La La Land is still an excellent story of two people who fall in love while also trying to realize their dreams. Though it is surprising that it is funny enough to be deemed a comedy, it is still one of the best films of the decade, period.
BlacKkKlansman (2018) - 96%
The Spike Lee directed BlacKkKlansman is a truly magnificent and hysterical masterpiece. Based on true events as well, the film delivers in other genres as well as action and suspense. Despite the humor in the film, BlacKkKlansman succeeds in tackling major social issues that remains today.
Thankfully, Spike Lee manages to get the themes across while also telling a fantastic story. Furthermore, with an all-star cast as well, BlacKkKlansman could easily be considered one of the director’s best films. With plenty of weird charm that is often associated with Lee’s style as well, this is certainly one film that is not to be missed.
Zootopia (2016) - 97%
As yet another family-friendly comedy, Zootopia managed to wow audiences everywhere. With some surprisingly mature themes woven into the main story, Zootopia was not only a fantastic kids movie, but also full of all sorts of positive messages. Centered on officer Judy Hopps, the narrative explores the world of Zootopia as she and an unlikely partner try to solve a mystery.
With great animation, fantastic voice acting, and a great message, Zootopia really is the whole package. Furthermore, the movie is filled with some truly great jokes and visual humor. Though some of it is typical of Disney’s usual brand of humor, something about animals experiencing human situations is just far funnier than normal.
Coco (2017) - 97%
Following Toy Story 3, Disney and Pixar managed to outdo themselves yet agian with the release of Coco. Centered on a young Mexican boy during the Día de Los Muertos holiday, Coco manages to show off a lot of humor while emphasizing a message of the importance of family.
Full of fantastic musical numbers and an end that could move almost anyone to tears, it is easy to see why Coco earned such high praise. While it may not be the funniest kids film out there, it is easily one of the strongest, especially in recent years.
The Big Sick (2017) - 98%
Based on actual events in writer/actor Kumail Nanjiani’s life, The Big Sick manages to juggle a nice balance of comedy in an overall story that is truly heartbreaking. Focused partly on the comedian’s rise to stardom, the film focuses mostly on his relationship with his real-world wife and the medical complications she experienced shortly into starting their relationship.
The Big Sick has a unique way of making its viewers laugh while they cry, helping to distinguish it from many other comedies out there. Even though things work out for the characters in the end, knowing it is a true story only adds to the impact the film has on its viewers. With so many things to appreciate about the film, it is easy to see why it has such a high ranking.
Toy Story 3 (2010) - 98%
In what was originally going to be the final installment of the series, Toy Story 3 was the perfect end for fans of the first 2. With the long gap between 2 and 3 especially, many in Pixar’s original audience had grown to adulthood. Because of this, seeing Andy as he prepares to go off to college really helped the film to connect with viewers.
Likewise, with many of the original voice actors reprising their roles once again, Toy Story 3 had the added bonus of nostalgia to work with. Thought the film is not strictly limited to a “comedy” label, there are still plenty of great moments of humor that make it perfect for audiences of all ages. Though it is not the last one, Toy Story 3 still delivers a very satisfying conclusion full of all sorts of heart and humor.
Eighth Grade (2018) - 99%
Comedy legend Bo Burnham managed to wow audiences everywhere with the launch of his film, Eighth Grade. Centered around a young girl as she prepares to enter high school, Eighth Grade pulls out all the stops in showing the painfully awkward parts of growing up.
Surprisingly, the film is not as funny as one may think a film written and directed by Burnham would be. Instead, the film is actually rather difficult to watch, especially as the main character goes through some very awkward and sometimes terrifying situations. While there are still several moments where humor comes through, Bo Burnham managed to capture a truly wonderful masterpiece in breaking away from his traditional style.
Lady Bird (2017) - 99%
Lady Bird is a wonderfully-told, modern coming of age story that beautifully captures all the experience commonly associated with adolescent life. With a plot that is very simple, the film covers all sorts of complexities like family struggles, financial burdens, first loves, deciding on the future, etc.
Despite hitting all the marks of a typical coming of age story, Lady Bird manages to find a uniqueness in its cinematic stylings and compelling characters. With some great, humorous moments throughout as well, it is easy to see why Lady Bird is ranked as high as it is.
Paddington 2 (2018) - 100%
Paddington (2014) found a lot of success upon its initial release. Based on the short stories by Michael Bond, the original film captured much of the same humor and charm as the source material. However, for all the success the first movie received, it was surprising to see Paddington 2 top it.
Despite having all the same elements that made the first one so great, Paddington 2 truly succeeds in telling the better story. Though arguably only marginally better than the first, Paddington 2’s strengths easily earn it its place on this list.