12 Funniest Movies of 2024, Ranked

Comedy can be tough to get right. What makes one person laugh might not work for someone else. But when a comedy hits the mark, it’s pure joy—a perfect escape that sticks with you. In 2024, comedies were hitting their stride, mixing sharp humor with creative storytelling and great acting to deliver laughs for everyone.

This year’s lineup has something for everyone, from sharp satires to buddy adventures and action-packed comedies. From the horror-comedy Lisa Frankestein to the hilarious dynamic duo Deadpool & Wolverine, 2024 was a great year for feel-good fun.

12

‘Lisa Frankenstein’

Directed by Zelda Williams

Lisa Frankenstein puts a fun spin on Mary Shelley’s classic story. Set in 1989, it follows Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), a goth teen struggling with her mother’s death and feeling out of place at school and home. Everything changes when a lightning strike brings a Victorian-era corpse (Cole Sprouse) back to life. Lisa, a talented seamstress, decides to rebuild him piece by piece – literally. What unfolds is a weirdly sweet zombie romance filled with humor, heart, and a touch of absurdity.

Zelda Williams makes a bold debut as director, and Newton and Sprouse are charming as the unlikely couple. However, it is Carla Gugino that stands out as Lisa’s over-the-top stepmother, provoking Lisa in every way and adding a lot of spice to this comedy. With its ’80s vibe and a catchy soundtrack, Lisa Frankenstein is a fun tribute to retro horror comedies and proof that the monster rom-com needs to make a comeback.

11

‘Inside Out 2’

Directed by Kelsey Mann

2024 was a standout year for animation, with films like Inside Out 2 crushing the box office. Disney’s highly anticipated sequel revisits Riley as a teenager, navigating the chaos of growing up with her core emotions – and a few new ones. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of the original, Inside Out 2 is still a massive success and a must-watch. Its blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing its place as one of the funniest and most creative animated films of the year.

The movie shines thanks to its brilliant voice cast, with Amy Poehler once again delivering a standout performance as Joy. Her infectious energy brings warmth and humor to every scene, perfectly balancing the chaos of Riley’s emotional world. Maya Hawke also makes a memorable debut as Anxiety, whose presence adds a hilarious yet relatable twist to Riley’s journey. With sharp writing, clever visuals, and stellar voice acting, Inside Out 2 is one of Pixar’s best sequels.

10

‘Snack Shack’

Directed by Adam Rehmeier

Set in 1991 Nebraska, Snack Shack follows two best friends who take over their local pool’s snack shack for a summer of mischief, discovery, and budding romance. Drawing from Adam Rehmeier’s childhood, the film captures the carefree energy of the pre-internet era with heartfelt coming-of-age moments. With standout performances from Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle, the story dives into friendship, rebellion, and small-town adventures.

The movie’s humor shines through its authentic dialogue, chaotic moments, and relatable awkwardness. With great laugh-out-loud physical comedy, Snack Shack nails the spirit of youthful camaraderie. Sherry’s comedic timing and absurd situations, like sneezing mishaps, make it unforgettable.

9

‘My Old Ass’

Directed by Megan Park

My Old Ass is a heartfelt coming-of-age comedy where 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) encounters her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom trip. Older Elliott delivers cryptic advice about life, family, and love, urging her younger self to treasure her final summer at home. As Elliott grapples with warnings about a boy named Chad (Percy Hynes White) and her identity, she learns to appreciate her family and the moments that define her.

The humor comes from Elliott’s self-aware banter with her older self, awkward teenage moments, and quirky family dynamics. Plaza delivers a great performance and Stella’s charming character creates a playful yet meaningful exploration of growing up and looking back with a smile.

8

‘A Real Pain’

Directed by Jesse Eisenberg

A Real Pain follows David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), cousins with clashing personalities, as they embark on a heritage tour in Poland to honor their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Amid the historical backdrop, their adventure turns chaotic as old tensions resurface, forcing them to confront grief, family history, and their vastly different approaches to life.

Culkin’s performance as the free-spirited Benji is the comedic heart of the film. His unpredictable behavior—like sending drugs to the hotel and befriending random people—perfectly balances the movie’s heavier themes. Culkin’s magnetic energy lights up every scene, delivering laugh-out-loud moments while keeping Benji’s deeper insecurities relatable and surprisingly touching.

7

‘The Substance’

Directed by Coralie Fargeat

No doubt that 2024 was a great year for horror cinema as well and The Substance was one of the most popular movies seen. Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood icon desperate to regain her youth and career after being fired from her TV aerobics show. She turns to a mysterious drug that creates a younger, idealized version of herself named Sue (Margaret Qualley), with both sharing one consciousness but alternating weeks of existence. What starts as a hopeful reinvention spirals into chaos as jealousy, resentment, and the fight for control between Elisabeth and Sue lead to tragic and crazy consequences.

Qualley and Moore both shine in this satirical body horror gem that blends grotesque moments with razor-sharp humor. From Elisabeth and Sue’s absurd coexistence rules to the bizarre behavior of Dennis Quaid’s producer, the film is as funny as it is unsettling. It cleverly tackles societal pressures on women while delivering laugh-out-loud moments, making it a unique and unforgettable comedy-horror masterpiece with a perfect ending.

6

‘The Wild Robot’

Directed by Chris Sanders

In The Wild Robot, Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a helper robot, crash-lands on a wild island far from the orderly world it was built for. Programmed to assist, Roz must adapt to the wilderness, where skeptical animals view her as an outsider. Her journey takes a heartwarming turn when she discovers and raises a gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor), learning the joys and challenges of motherhood.

It is Pedro Pascal who steals the show as Fink, a sarcastic fox whose snarky one-liners and unexpected wisdom bring laughs and heart to every scene. Nyong’o delivers warmth and charisma to Roz, turning a monotone robot into an endearing character. Together, their dynamic highlights the film’s perfect balance of humor and emotion, making it a funny, poignant adventure for all ages. The Wild Robot has become a massive success, now ranking as one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time and a must-watch for all animation fans.

5

‘Thelma’

Directed by Josh Margolin

In Thelma, 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) lives independently in Los Angeles, often cared for by her well-meaning but aimless grandson, Danny. Their bond is tested when a phone scammer tricks Thelma into sending $10,000 under the guise of saving Danny from jail. Refusing to accept the scam, Thelma takes matters into her own hands, embarking on a bold mission to recover her money. Her escapade leads to surprising encounters, heartfelt revelations, and a confrontation that proves age is no barrier to determination.

Squibb shines as Thelma, delivering a hilarious and heartfelt performance that’s both innocent and fiercely tenacious. Whether dodging her family or outsmarting the villains, she’s a comedic force and an unlikely hero you can’t help but root for. For those who like the classic blend of action and comedy, Thelma is a must-watch.

4

‘Anora’

Directed by Sean Baker

Anora follows Ani (Mikey Madison), a Brooklyn stripper juggling the grind of sex work and the complexities of her life. When a wealthy Russian oligarch’s son Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn) pays her to be his companion for a week, the arrangement unexpectedly blossoms into love. The two impulsively marry in Vegas, only to have their fairytale crushed by Ivan’s disapproving, powerful family. Forced to annul the marriage, Ani must navigate the chaos of love, class conflict, and survival in a thrilling, emotional journey.

Madison delivers a standout performance as Ani, whose sharp Brooklyn accent and no-nonsense humor light up the screen. Her candid wit, colorful dynamic with Ivan, and unfiltered interactions with her quirky co-workers and overbearing bosses add hilarity to this wild, heartfelt ride. Anora is one of the best movies of 2024, and Sean Baker‘s finest work.

3

‘The Fall Guy’

Directed by David Leitch

The Fall Guy follows Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a retired stuntman drawn back into Hollywood chaos when a movie star mysteriously disappears. Persuaded by his ex, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), Colt embarks on a high-stakes mission that blurs the lines between his on-set skills and real-life danger. Along the way, Colt uncovers a sinister conspiracy and fights to reclaim his legacy—all while reigniting his romance with Jody.

The humor in The Fall Guy shines through Gosling’s perfect portrayal of Colt as a stuntman hilariously out of his depth in the real world. From attempting over-the-top stunts that fail spectacularly off-set to clashing with Winston Duke’s dry-witted stunt coordinator and Hannah Waddingham’s producer, the movie cleverly pokes fun at Hollywood’s absurdities while delivering sharp laughs and thrilling action.

2

‘Hit Man’

Directed by Richard Linklater

Hit Man follows Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a mild-mannered professor moonlighting as a hitman in New Orleans. Gary assumes various personas to trap people seeking to hire him for murder, but his life takes a chaotic turn when he breaks protocol to help Madison (Adria Arjona), a client fleeing her abusive husband. Falling for her, Gary risks becoming one of his own fabricated personas while navigating a web of deception, romance, and danger.

The humor in Hit Man thrives on Powell’s masterful comedic performance, as he seamlessly shifts between absurdly exaggerated personas, from assassins to hilariously awkward characters. The film’s playful noir tone is enriched by Powell’s chemistry with Arjona, combining romantic sparks with laugh-out-loud banter. Director Richard Linklater delivered another great movie and Powell cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

1

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

Directed by Shawn Levy

Deadpool & Wolverine teams Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) with the reluctant Logan (Hugh Jackman) in a chaotic multiversal adventure. After being recruited by the TVA to save his home timeline from destruction, Deadpool enlists Wolverine’s help. Together, they face off against time-bending enemies like Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) and Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) while battling their own quirks and tempers. Packed with explosive action and heartfelt moments, this buddy film delivers a nostalgic celebration of the 20th Century Fox-era Marvel films. The film shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.

The film thrives on Deadpool’s razor-sharp wit and Wolverine’s gruff one-liners, creating comedic gold from their constant bickering. Reynolds masterfully breaks the fourth wall to mock everything from Marvel’s multiverse to Disney itself. Highlights include outrageous cameos and Channing Tatum’s over-the-top Gambit, making Deadpool & Wolverine an entertaining R-rated movie that proved audiences still love unapologetic, over-the-top superhero chaos.

Next: The 40 Best Movies of 2024