Whether it’s a classic comedy that has stood the test of time or a recent flick that’s all the rage, here are movies guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Lining up the best comedy movies for your next family movie night!
Imagine this: It’s a Friday night, the popcorn is buttery and warm, the living room is cozy, and your family is all snuggled up on the couch. What’s missing? A hilarious movie that gets everyone from your tech-savvy teenager to your story-loving grandparent chuckling and even laughing out loud. The beauty of a great comedy film lies in its universal appeal – it transcends age, background, even that pesky generational gap.
So here we are, exploring some of the best funny movies that are perfect for watching with your family. From slapstick comedies that involve a series of comical mishaps to witty satires that offer a humorous take on everyday life, there’s something for everyone.
Remember that the best part about these movies isn’t just the laughter they bring. It’s about the shared experience, the inside jokes that will emerge, and the joy of seeing your loved ones’ faces light up with mirth. So, grab your favorite snack and lets dive right in
Funny Family Movies/Comedy Family Movies
1. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
The Shop Around the Corner elegantly captures the essence of romantic comedies with its charming and witty script. Set in a quaint Budapest store, the film excels in storytelling, weaving a delightful tale of anonymous pen pals falling in love, unaware they are contentious co-workers. James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan’s chemistry is palpable, bringing depth to their characters. Director Ernst Lubitsch’s masterful touch in balancing humor and emotion makes this a timeless classic, resonating with audiences even today.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
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2. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
A vibrant, nostalgic musical that radiates warmth and charm. This Judy Garland-starring film, directed by Vincente Minnelli, beautifully captures a year in the life of a close-knit family in 1904 St. Louis. Its rich Technicolor cinematography, memorable songs like The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and engaging performances weave a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The film’s portrayal of family dynamics and seasonal festivities makes it an enduring, heartwarming classic, beloved across generations.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
3. Pollyanna (1960)
Starring Hayley Mills in her Oscar-winning role, this Disney classic beautifully captures the spirit of Eleanor H. Porter’s novel. Mills portrays Pollyanna with an infectious cheerfulness, bringing to life the character’s philosophy of finding something to be glad about in every situation. The picturesque setting and vibrant colors enhance the film’s uplifting theme. While its unwavering positivity might feel dated to some, Pollyanna remains a delightful watch, especially for those seeking a dose of nostalgia and inspiration.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
4. The Parent Trap (1961)
This classic film, starring Hayley Mills in a delightful dual role, weaves a tale of identical twins separated at birth, who, upon a serendipitous meeting at summer camp, concoct a heartwarming scheme to reunite their estranged parents. Humor, warmth, childhood mischief, familial love. It promises everything!
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
5. Mary Poppins (1964)
Truly magical cinema, Mary Poppins is a delightful blend of whimsy and wisdom. Julie Andrews’ portrayal of the magical nanny is iconic. The film ingeniously combines live-action and animation, creating a visually enchanting world. It gave us a soundtrack for the ages. While it’s a nostalgic trip for adults, its timeless message about the importance of family and imagination still resonates with young audiences.
Where to Watch: Hotstar, Amazon Prime
6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
The 1968 film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang enchantingly blends fantasy, music, and adventure. The story revolves around the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which transforms from a dilapidated racer into a flying, floating wonder. Dick Van Dyke’s charismatic performance as the eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, brings delightful energy to the film. The movie’s visual storytelling is remarkable, with vibrant sets and imaginative sequences.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
7. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
This one stands as a timeless classic in the realm of family entertainment. Director Mel Stuart brings to life Roald Dahl’s beloved story with a blend of fantasy, humor, and a touch of the surreal. The story, centered around the poor but kind-hearted Charlie Bucket, unfolds in a magical chocolate factory. Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is nothing short of iconic, striking a perfect balance between whimsical and mysterious, making him a character of endless fascination.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
8. A Christmas Story (1983)
One of the best kids movies, Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story is a cherished holiday film. Since 1997, TNT airs it for 24 hours every Christmas eve. It was inspired by radio icon Jean Shepherd’s semi-fictional stories from his childhood. Set in the 1940s, the movie features 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) who wants an air rifle for Christmas. Despite its cheerful tone, the film has scenes of bullying and swearing. Yet, its deeper themes on parenting and growing up can encourage meaningful conversations.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
9. The Princess Bride (1987)
Rob Reiner’s film is an adaptation of William Goldman’s 1973 novel. At its heart, it’s a classic fairy tale, complete with dashing heroes, dastardly villains, and a quest for true love. Cary Elwes shines as Westley, the farmhand-turned-pirate, whose love for Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, drives the narrative. Their chemistry is palpable, lending authenticity to their romance.
What sets “The Princess Bride” apart is its self-aware humor. The script is peppered with witty one-liners and memorable quips, delivered flawlessly by a stellar cast, including Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Jeremiah S. Chechik’s quintessential holiday comedy brilliantly captures the chaos and warmth of the Christmas season. Chevy Chase’s comic timing is impeccable as Clark Griswold, a man determined to create the perfect Christmas for his family, despite a series of hilarious mishaps. Beverly D’Angelo, as Ellen Griswold, provides a wonderful foil to Chase, grounding the film with her more pragmatic approach to the holiday madness. Randy Quaid’s performance as Cousin Eddie is delightfully over-the-top, adding to the film’s charm.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
11. The Goonies (1985)
Director Richard Donner takes you on a thrilling journey with a group of young friends, the ‘Goonies,’ as they embark on a quest to find the legendary treasure of One-Eyed Willy, a 17th-century pirate. The film resonates with the inner child in everyone. The characters, portrayed by a talented young cast including Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, are relatable and endearing, each bringing their unique quirks and strengths to the group. The storyline, while fantastical, is grounded in themes of friendship, resilience, and the fight against the encroachment of adulthood and its accompanying challenges.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
12. Uncle Buck (1989)
John Hughes’ Uncle Buck stands out in the family comedy genre. It stars John Candy as Buck Russell, an unconventional and lovable bachelor who unexpectedly finds himself caring for his brother’s rebellious teenage daughter and her younger siblings. Candy’s performance is a tour de force, effortlessly balancing slapstick comedy with tender moments that reveal Buck’s depth of character. Hughes’ direction ensures that the movie never loses its comedic edge, even while exploring more serious themes like responsibility and personal growth.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
13. Home Alone (1990)
The enduring popularity of this classic holiday film is a testament to its impact on pop culture. Director Chris Columbus and writer John Hughes give us a young Macaulay Culkin in his iconic role as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family rushes off to Paris for Christmas vacation. Kevin’s ingenious methods to outwit the bumbling burglars, played hilariously by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, are both amusing and impressive.
Where to See: Hotstar, Amazon Prime
14. The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot vividly brings to life the adventures of childhood and the love for baseball. Set in the early 1960s, it follows a group of young boys who spend their days playing baseball in an unkempt field, known as the Sandlot. This film resonates with anyone who cherishes the simplicity of youth. The characters are relatable and well-developed. Scotty Smalls, the new kid in town, undergoes a heartwarming transformation as he finds acceptance and camaraderie.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
15. Matilda (1996)
Directed by Danny DeVito, who also plays a pivotal role, the film tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, portrayed with remarkable charm and depth by Mara Wilson. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel, the film excels in its portrayal of Matilda’s challenging life, marked by neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull, played with delicious villainy by Pam Ferris. Matilda blends whimsy and darker themes, creating a narrative that is both inspiring and entertaining.
Where to See: Amazon Prime, Netflix
16. Holes (2003)
Based on Louis Sachar’s eponymous novel, it tells the story of Stanley Yelnats IV, played by Shia LaBeouf, who is unjustly sent to a juvenile detention center. There, he and his fellow inmates are forced to dig holes in the desert, ostensibly to build character. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that they are searching for something hidden beneath the arid surface. Holes balances its comedic elements with serious undertones, addressing issues like bullying and racial injustice subtly yet effectively.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
17. Elf (2003)
Jon Favreau’s modern classic brings humor, charm, and a Christmas spirit. It balances slapstick humor with a genuine sweetness, making it a festive treat that has earned its place as a holiday staple. Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, is both hilarious and endearing. His journey to New York City in search of his biological father injects a fish-out-of-water comedy that never feels overdone.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
18. Paddington 1 & 2 (2014, 2017)
Paddington (2014) introduces us to a charming and polite bear from Peru who finds a new home with the Brown family in London. It’s a heartwarming tale of acceptance and family, filled with witty humor. The sequel presents a more intricate plot where Paddington, now settled in with the Browns, embarks on a quest to clear his name after being wrongfully accused of theft. The visual effects in both films are outstanding, bringing Paddington to life with remarkable realism.
Where to See: Amazon Prime
Conclusion
Here we are then! These are the best funny family movies to enjoy with your loved ones. If you’re done with these, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), School of Rock (2003), The Muppets (2011), The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021) should have you all set for that family movie night!
