For some people, comedies should not only make them laugh but also engage in intellectual discussions, set up clever gags, and train their minds for critical thinking. This is the preference for moviegoers under the MBTI® criteria ISTJ. ISTJs are dubbed as “the logistician” or “the inspector” – people who are natural and traditionalists.
Thus, these guys would relate to characters or humor that relies on logical thinking, self-awareness, and determination to get the job done. With that, here are 5 great comedy movies that they will surely love (and 5 they might hate). Either way, these movies could interest them.
Love: Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a comedic classic that popularized the idea of “time loops”. It is anchored upon the commitment of Bill Murray as Phil, a conceited and surly weatherman who learns that he is trapped in a time loop and does all to break out. But he soon takes advantage and learns to seize every moment, especially with his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell).
ISTJs will easily root for Phil and his self-reflection. For them, this could be a guide to self-improvement, accompanied by dark humor.
Hate: The Graduate
Just as the title implies, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) recently received his bachelor’s degree but has no direction in life. He then stumbles upon the seductive Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) but instead falls for her daughter Elaine Robinson (Katharine Ross). Hilarity ensues as Benjamin tries to Elaine over, resulting in a tirade from Mrs. Robinson.
Even with Mike Nichols and Buck Henry, it is hard for ISTJs to tolerate Benjamin with his numerous mistakes and his inescapable fate. Their infamous eloping scene sums it up.
Love: Hot Fuzz
Out of all the films in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz will get the most delight for ISTJs. An homage of buddy cop movies, the movie centers on Nick Angel (Simon Pegg), a no-nonsense city constable who is reassigned to a rural town with a hidden case of murders.
ISTJs will relate to Angel for his dedication to the force and his determination to solve the case. With Edgar Wright’s signature style, this is a real treat.
Hate: The Favourite
Despite being a period piece based on historical accounts, The Favourite is a dark comedy of facetiousness and intrigue during 18th century England. This Yorgos Lanthimos-directed award winner focuses on the rivalry between Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and her cousin Abigail (Emma Stone) to become the favorite of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman).
Even with its intricate subject matter, The Favourite may seem nightmarish for ISTJs as many of the characters are manipulative and depraved. Even though Sarah possesses ISTJ traits, she tends to be illogical.
Love: Adaptation.
Adaptation. is a unique breed of meta-comedy, wherein the main lead is trying to adapt a simple but complicated book. The lead, in this case, is Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage), who is based on the real-life screenwriter who wrote the film.
The film is a fictionalized account of Kaufman’s quest to adapt The Orchard Thief. And the process is a multi-layered study of not only Kaufman’s writing process but also author Susan Orlean’s (Meryl Streep) account, including her encounter with the titular orchard thief (Chris Cooper).
Hate: Meet the Parents
Every soon-to-be-married folk easily relates to the awkward premise of Meet the Parents. For the ISTJs, it will be one thing to identify with that scenario. But to witness a determined man like Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) to go Murphy’s Law in his attempts to win his soon-to-be-in-laws, it is cringe comedy at its finest.
If there is some humor that the ISTJs can ingest, it is at the expense of both Greg’s fortitude and screwball antics. Blame it on Jack Burns (Robert De Niro).
Love: The Royal Tenenbaums
Even Wes Anderson’s deadpan comedies can deliver some bright spots of comedy. One of which that honors family relationships and traditions is The Royal Tenenbaums. This familial story centers on the dysfunctional Tenenbaums congregating together after their father Royal (Gene Hackman) was “diagnosed” with stomach cancer.
While every Tenenbaum started out as flawed adults, a contrast to their child prodigy selves, they learn to tolerate each other’s situations and understand the difficult emotions. All the while, the typical Wes Anderson eccentricities will surely delight ISTJs.
Hate: Neighbors
For ISTJ moviegoers, party comedies are not usually their cup of tea, unless there is something of substance like Superbad or Booksmart. But 2014’s Neighbors is another story. For starters, the movie centers on suburban parents Mac and Kelly (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne), whose quiet lives are interrupted with the arrival of a fraternity next door, led by Teddy (Zac Efron).
ISTJs will find it hard to swallow the premise of a peaceful couple succumbing to the antics of an out-of-control fraternity.
Love: Punch-Drunk Love
Paul Thomas Anderson is the go-to director for thought-provoking films with intricate interpretations of heavy subject matter. His 2002 romantic comedy Punch-Drunk Love may have the simplest premise of a lonely man falling for a woman, while others are hindering him. But in typical PTA fashion, it is filled with subtle nuances about a man’s struggle from social anxiety.
ISTJs will have a field day for the absurdist elements, the romantic scenes, the arc of Barry Egan, and his performance by Adam Sandler. It is just an astonishing romantic film.
Hate: Just Go With It
On the flipside of Adam Sandler romantic comedies is Just Go With It, a Happy Madison vehicle that is another excuse for Sandler and company to go on a vacation. Weirdly enough, this film is based on the 1969 comedy Cactus Flower. Sandler’s film however does not bear that film’s witty approach to romance.
Instead, it forces the viewer to feel pity for a womanizer (Sandler). While the chemistry between Sandler and Jennifer Aniston worked, the film does not give any sympathetic characters, nor logical footing. ISTJs better skip this.