Humor - a subjective thing. It's easy to be funny or worse, boring. But 2020 boasts a number of movies that look like they're destined to be comedy gold, or at the very least great time in the theater (or in your living room). There are a couple of reboots and sequels here, plus a number of comedic superstars are back in a big way thanks to: “Ghostbusters: Descendants”, “Trip to America 2″ and a few other projects we have our eye on. (You can check out our list of the best romantic movies of 2020 here.)
[article updated on January 28, 2021]
Yes, God, yes
Release date: July 24, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Natalia Dyer, Francesca Reale, Alisha Boe, Allison Schram
For anyone with a very religious upbringing, this drama may be ridiculously familiar. Growing up in the noughties, teenager Alice (Dyer) is stuck between the abstinence-only sex education she receives in school and the (super-normal) impulses she experiences as a teenager while watchingTitanic and sneaking into AOL chat rooms. The film isn't exactly a satire, but it has something to say about the hypocrisy of religious sex, as well as the dangers of slut shame (poor Alice is falsely accused of committing sexual acts she's never even heard of). Even if you're less familiar with the subject, come here for a cute, awkward story about sexual awakening.
King of Staten Island
Release date: June 12, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow, Steve Buscemi
An alternate history of what would have happened to Pete Davidson if he hadn't become a star.SNL , this is Judd Apatow's typical "cute loser" attitude. Davidson plays a lamer, but still a funny version of himself, and digs surprisingly deep as his character must deal with the trauma of the death of his firefighter father (based in part on Davidson's real life). But the supporting cast is a real joy. In particular, Burr and Buscemi are delightfully believable firefighters who become quasi-fathers; It's not as corny as it sounds, but it does have Apatow's signature sweetness to make it easier to watch.
American cucumber
Release date: August 6, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Seth Rogen, Sarah Snook, Jorma Taccone
Rogen plays two roles beautifully here: he and Herschel, a 1919 Jewish factory worker who wakes up 100 years after being soaked in a vat of brine (weird as it sounds, but just agree) and his app developer ancestor Ben . What follows is a fish-out-of-water tale with a twist—the film cuts through everything from Twitter and hipsters to Herschel's age-old ignorance and callousness. It can be a little inconsistent (the movie tries to switch between prickly and wholesome, and the comedy gets a little too broad at times), but it's enough to say it's salty-sweet where it counts. "American Gherkin" is considered by many to be the best American comedy of 2020.
Old habits
Release date: August 7, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Gillian Jacobs, Josh Wiggins, Hannah Marks, Forrest Goodluck, Jorma Taccone, Jemaine Clement
This one hits fun - and sometimes painful - for me close to home. Kate wrote a book! And the cover (and sales) are terrible. She is an author! But her fiancé left her and her book tour was cancelled. She is invited to read a book by her old professor - Clement, who plays beautifullyTogo a professor who's just on the wrong side of creepy. Then she's just... stuck on campus not knowing where to go and hanging out with a bunch of current students. It's a sweet and honest look at the stresses and pains of a 30 year old (and creative professional) who just doesn't feel like he can look to the future. It's also pretty up-to-date quarantine hours, TBH.
Emma
Release date: February 21, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O'Connor, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Johnny Flynn, Miranda Hart
This will be a controversial statement among my fellow MC editors, butEmma my favorite Jane Austen book (I know!!). Thisso caustic and has a wildly happy ending, not letting its misguided heroine off the hook due to her (often horrendous) behavior. Besides the effervescent Anya Taylor-Joy, consider how many incredible actors are here. Bill Nighy? Everything is funny! Josh O'Connor? Yes, that guy fromCrowns ! Miranda Hart? The best partSpy ! And it all came together brilliantly - I think my favorite was Johnny Flynn asvery sexy Mr Knightley. If you are looking for light and fluffy, this is the perfect choice.
Akimbo guns
Release date: February 21, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Samara Weaving, Daniel Radcliffe, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Rhys Darby
AfterHarry Potter Radcliffe has done some weird and wacky things (and even when it doesn't work, I always appreciate the risk). It seems to be one of those that actually work. The multi-faceted loser Miles is forced to enter into a gladiatorial fight to the death - the weapon is literally chained to his hands. He should team up with Nyx (the absolute badass Weaving, who totally pulled it off inReady or not ) to save your girlfriend, day, etc.
Ascent
Release date: March 20, 2020
Cast: Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Gale Rankin, Judith Godresh
Kyle and Mike are two best friends who share a close bond... until Mike sleeps with Kyle's fiancée. What follows is a story of friendship, disappointment and love, filled with hilarious jokes that are entertaining enough to make you feel like you're familiar with the characters from real life. It's not often that we see films dedicated to male friendship, so"Rise" is a breath of fresh air, in some cases literally.
Banana split
Release date: March 27, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Hannah Marks, Liana Liberato, Dylan Sprouse
Wow, this looks so cute. April (Marks) is dumped by her high school boyfriend (Sprouse, who plays against the long and terrible haircut type) only to fall in love with his new girlfriend (Liberato). Think of it likebookmaker, but more about the love triangle. It includes badass, witty jokes, and killer secondary characters. This is no ordinary teenage angst, it'scool teen anxiety. You should take a look.
Uncorked
Release date: March 27, 2020 on Netflix
Cast: Courtney B. Vance, Lashan Pollard, Michael Mobley, Robert Cox, Mamoudou Ati
Part drama, part comedy (I also included this on my list of the best drama movies, don't text me), it's a sweet story about following your dreams. Oh, and it just so happens that the movie had some of the funniest banter this year. What happens when you work at your father's restaurant (Vance has never been better) but want to be a sommelier? Ati is exceptional, cheerful and annoyed at having to explain what a sommelier is, and he has a quiet demeanor. There is no wrong note in all this. One of the best comedies of 2020, highly recommended.
Sweet couple - Lovers
Release date: originally April 3, now May 22, 2020, stream
Cast: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Anna Camp, Kyle Bornheimer
All favorites, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, play a couple who are unexpectedly caught up in a crime trap. When the two of them try to solve a case to clear their name, they end up in predictably wacky, horrific situations. TBH, the fact that these two are partners and extraordinarily funny in itself means it's worth it.Critics are divided, but nearly all agree that the two stars were the best. Count me.
History of David Copperfield
Release date: originally May 8, now August 28, 2020
Cast: Dev Patel, Aneurin Barnard, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Laurie
I love seeing Dev Patel on any screen, so seeing him in"The Personal History of David Copperfield" based on the most famous novel by Charles Dickens, will be my Christmas, birthday and half birthday present in one bottle. Like the book it's modeled after, the film will follow the life of David Copperfield as he sets out to become a writer, and promises to be as sharp-tongued as ever. Stay with supporting actors having so much fun that you have fun just by being in the same room together. It's been delayed a few times (but premiered in the UK to some incredible reviews) so this will be the best late summer gift I've ever needed.
Spongebob on the run
Release date: Originally 22 May 2020, now TBD 2021
Cast: Clancy Brown, Keanu Reeves, Aquafina, Snoop Dogg, Tom Kenny
I lovesponge bob, and not only for gifs. The show and its lovable characters are an indelible part of my adolescence. (I contend that you can still find it funny as an adult). The plot of the movie "SpongeBob: Water Sponge" was both critically acclaimed and a box office success, so chances for a third film were always good. I mean, Keanu Reeves, Aquafina and Snoop Dogg will be in this one. How can you not love this? We can safely say that this is the best comedy 2020 for children.
Star Assistant
Release date: May 29, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Tracy Ellis Ross, Calvin Harrison Jr., Bill Pullman, June Diane Raphael, Ice Cube
This film has a lot of everything: drama, good story, rom-com, song about music and making music, but it's also surprisingly funny. Johnson, who has steadily worked her way into more challenging roles, is enthusiastic and utterly exhausted by the industry; Ross plays joyfully/bitterly better than anyone I know. Rafael, who extols every movie she does, adds a much-needed push of pure fun to make it great. And Ice Cube plays roughly the same character as in21 Jump Street but it totally works. A very decent comedy with a high rating on imdb.
Honest Candidate (Irresistible)
Release date: May 29, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Steve Carell, Rose Byrne, Topher Grace, Chris Cooper
I'm all for the serious roles that Steve Carell has been playing lately, but there's nothing better than watching him in comedy. Written and directed by Jon Stewart, this film is about Gary, a Democratic strategist (Carell) who tries to convince a retired Marine (Chris Cooper) to run for mayor. The Republicans then send Faith (Rose Byrne, the best) to shake things up. Criticism for being a filmso unlike our current political situation, in fact, perhaps its greatest strength is a bit of humor and warmth amid cynicism. Many fans of political films give a rating of 10 out of 10 and call it the best political comedy of 2020.
Eurovision: The Story of the Fire Saga
Release date: June 26, 2020, on Netflix
Cast: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Pierce Brosnan
If you know anything about Eurovision, then you know that it is pure, simple, ridiculous fun and perfect fodder for comedy. Ferrell doesn't do things he hasn't done before, like a nutty but sweet chump. It's time to show off McAdams, as she did in Underrated and StunningGame nights. But really, the standout is Stevens, whoreally understands what movie he's in and acts to the very core as the OTT icon the movie needs. The film is very long, but with a very exciting plot, and besides, it has already been released in good quality on Netflix.
Palm springs
Release date: July 10, 2020 Available to watch online
Cast: Andy Samberg, Christine Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Peter Gallagher
Think of it likegroundhog day without any utility. Sarah (Milioti) and Niles (Samberg) hit it off at the wedding, but then, during a nightly meeting, she gets caught in an endless time loop - doomed to relive the same day over and over again. Niles, who has been stuck for a while, seems content to see his days pass in endless repetitive boredom, but Sarah is determined to get out of here. It really is a Milioti movie, and she's not afraid to throw herself into it (sometimes literally). I've loved her since the "How I met your mother and "30 rock", and until now she was criminally underestimated as a comedian. Plus: an endless time loop is the perfect analogy to quarantine. Many critics call Palm Springs the best comedy of 2020, so we advise you to check it out and leave your review.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Release date: originally July 10, 2020, now March 5, 2021
Cast: Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Finn Wolfhard, Paul Rudd, Annie Potts, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace
I might as well categorize this as the most anticipated movie ever. After the latest reboot to a less than ideal reception, Hollywood rebooted the series, staying much closer to the direct-to-play source material. Director Jason Reitman also directed the satirical film "Thank you for smoking" and sweet, caustic "Juno" . Plus, it features Paul Rudd and some flashback casting, so fingers crossed for a fun, fun sci-fi ride.
Bill and Ted Face the Music
Release date: August 28, 2020
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Kristen Schaal, Alex Winter, Samara Weaving
Hello again, Samara! Save this in the section: Really hope this is a good one and not just a fundraiser. I have a soft spot for the cute goofballs that gave Reeves that dude feel early in his career. And the premise sounds semi-interesting: Bill and Ted are now middle-aged dads, apparently as clueless as ever, trying tofinally write a hit and save the day. Reeves' resurgence as a comedian and not just an action badass (see also the delightful film "Always be mine, maybe" ), means that I will be there for his performance alone.
French messenger
Release date: October 16, 2020
Cast: Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Saoirse Ronan, Owen Wilson
If you like Wes Anderson, his latest arrival in 2020 promises to be as Andersonian as ever. I'm a fan of his whimsical style, even when he takes risks with the material; He is ambiguous but he is inventive and experiments with his form. When it works, itreally working. In this case, we know that it is based on the book of the same name: a film about "an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional French city of the 20th century" and is taken from stories written in the magazineFrench Dispatch. Oh, and it features a whole bunch of his favorite stars, including (according to the trailer) a naked Chalamet (!!). It sounds really good for Anderson, that's what I'm saying.
Happiest season
Release date: November 25, 2020
Cast: Alison Brie, Mackenzie Davis, Kristen Stewart, Dan Levy, Aubrey Plaza
I love this concept: a woman plans to propose to her girlfriend at a holiday party, only to realize she's not in the mood for her conservative parents. A neat little twist on the holiday rom-com, this looks like the movie we need this winter season. ALSO: Dan Levy, post-Shitts Creek ! I can not wait.
Main character
Release date: originally July 3, 2020, now December 11, 2020
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi, Joe Keery
Ryan Reynolds always gives it 110 percent.This movie seems to have "understood" what makes Reynolds funny by having a super good looking actor go ugly/stupid/otherwise incongruous. In this case, it's the timid Guy who was forced to bully an action star because of a comedy of errors. Taika Waititi is never funny and it's great to see Jodie Comer's ass killingeve, spreads its wings in the comedy genre.
Trip to America 2
Release date: December 18, 2020
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, Leslie Jones, Tracey Morgan
Of all the possible remakes/sequels in the coming year (see also "Bill and Ted" and "Bad Boys 3" etc.) This is what I hope for the most. Eddie Murphy's recent stellar performance atSNL proves he still brings energy to a proper comedy car. Many of the film's stars and screenwriters returned, as well as new faces. Director Craig Brewer also directed Murphy in the film. very funnyDolemite Is My Name, which sounds promising. The first part of this franchise proudly bore the title "a film from which it is impossible to break away from the first to the last minute", We hope that this part will not let its viewers down.
Zola
Release date: 2020
Cast: Riley Keough, Nicholas Brown, Colman Domingo
It got a standing ovation at Sundance and it's based on a real (sort of??) Twitter thread. Sounds bewitching. It features a stripper (Paige) going to Florida with her friend (Keo, who I really like) and her boyfriend/pimp. To say there's going to be a "wild ride" would be an understatement. As in the case withUncorked there's sure to be a lot of drama here, but what makes it fresh and exciting is how unexpectedly funny the story is. Expect Florida jokes (so relevant).
