Movie show costs proceed to rise, however you’ll be able to beat inflation from the consolation of your private home with HBO Max. That's proper: The streamer briefly referred to as simply Max is again to embracing its HBO roots whereas additionally delivering the comedy classics you’re keen on. Whether or not you're craving a cultural consolation blanket like My Big Fat Greek Wedding or searching for one thing satirical like Barbie, HBO Max has received you lined.

Learn on for EW's handpicked record of the 20 finest comedy films streaming on HBO Max.

01 of 20

50 First Dates (2004)

Six years after Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore teamed up for The Wedding ceremony Singer, the 2 linked on display screen for a second time, enjoying reverse one another on this daffy romantic comedy. Following a commitment-phobic veterinarian (Sandler) who falls in love with an artist affected by short-term amnesia (Barrymore), 50 First Dates hones in on and heightens the sport of discovering the particular person you’ll be able to’t cease enthusiastic about — and coping with the truth that they’ll by no means keep in mind assembly you.

Set on the island of Oahu — a location so persistently lovely that it alone negates the concept of time passing — this premise-driven comedy finds emotional resonance amidst all of the foolish gags. Barrymore and Sandler have simply as a lot chemistry collectively as they did of their first movie, main what EW’s critic describes as “an agreeably deranged romance with a geeks-in-paradise Hawaiian setting.” —Ilana Gordon

The place to look at 50 First Dates: HBO Max

Director: Peter Segal

Forged: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Dan Aykroyd

02 of 20

Barbershop 2: Again in Enterprise (2004)

The widely-anticipated sequel to 2002’s Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business returns viewers to everybody’s favourite hair reducing joint on Chicago’s South Aspect. With many of the first movie’s forged returning — plus the brand new additions of Queen Latifah, Kenan Thompson, and a younger Keke Palmer making her film debut — Barbershop 2 picks up with Calvin Palmer Jr. (Ice Dice) in his new function as store proprietor.

Along with his household’s enterprise threatened by gentrification and the emergence of a rival hair cuttery, Calvin should determine save his store and neighborhood. Although Barbershop 2 presents with a bit extra coronary heart and historical past than its joke-slinging predecessor, the top outcomes are simply as sharp. —I.G.

The place to look at Barbershop 2: Again in Enterprise: HBO Max

Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Forged: Ice Dice, Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy, Leonard Earl Howze, Keith David, Cedric the Entertainer, Queen Latifah, Kenan Thompson, Keke Palmer

03 of 20

Barbie (2023)

In the summertime of '23, pink was now not only a coloration — it was a ubiquitous way of life that ultimately led to a paint scarcity. With greater than $1 billion in ticket gross sales (for which the Golden Globes just about handed the movie its first-ever box-office award), Greta Gerwig's eight-time Oscar-nominated blockbuster introduced the beloved toy to the silver display screen. Very like the doll's polished floor, the movie's premise guarantees foolish, campy enjoyable with Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) changing into sentient and making an attempt to revert to blissful ignorance in her Dreamhouse.

However what looks as if an escapist journey blooms right into a poignant narrative wealthy with existential ruminations on mortality and womanhood. From its hard-hitting soundtrack to its candy-colored mise-en-scène to its immediately quotable dialogue, Barbie is for everybody — whether or not you're a Barbie, simply Ken, or…Alan. —James Mercadante

The place to look at Barbie: HBO Max

EW grade: A–

Director: Greta Gerwig

Forged: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell

04 of 20

Higher Off Useless (1985)

A product of its time, Higher Off Useless is an ‘80s romantic comedy about Lane Meyer (John Cusack), a young person who decides the one remedy for his damaged coronary heart is to finish all of it. Lane’s pursuit of an Earthly exit, nevertheless, is interrupted when he meets a French alternate scholar who helps him get his groove again and motivates him to problem his ex’s new boyfriend to a high-stakes ski race.

A black comedy via and thru, Higher Off Useless will get its lifeblood from Cusack’s charismatic efficiency of a teen with melancholy, and from the eccentric group of supporting characters who appear intent on making Lane’s life tougher and weirder. The film has its moments that really feel further ‘80s, however as a former EW correspondent writes, Higher Off Useless, “has the uncommon mixture of coronary heart and smarts to render it practically timeless.” —I.G.

The place to look at Higher Off Useless: HBO Max

Director: Savage Steve Holland

Forged: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Diane Franklin, Kim Darby

05 of 20

Companion (2025)

When you’re on the lookout for a standard romantic comedy, Companion just isn’t your film. The movie introduces us to Josh and Iris (Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher), a pair headed to a lake home for a weekend away, which takes a flip when Iris learns she is Josh's robotic companion and wrests herself free from his management. A darkish comedy, thriller, and sci-fi crime fusion, the script investigates points round expertise, masculinity, energy dynamics, and relationships: assume a darker and extra toxically male spin on Spike Jonze’s Her (2013).

Quaid and Thatcher are each standouts of their TV ensembles — The Boys and Yellowjackets, respectively — and their opposing energies create a singular chemistry right here. EW’s critic guarantees “[Drew] Hancock's characteristic directorial debut is a hell of an invigorating revenge fantasy, made all of the extra satisfying by its personal winking self-awareness.” —I.G.

The place to look at Companion: HBO Max

EW grade: B+

Director: Drew Hancock

Forged: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Good friend

06 of 20

Friendship (2025)

Making associates as an grownup generally is a nightmare, or so says the premise of Friendship, A24’s latest black comedy. Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd costar as two middle-aged males residing in a fictional suburb whose newfound friendship goes awry, prompting certainly one of them to undergo a psychological breakdown.

Robinson (I Assume You Ought to Go away, The Chair Firm) is the grasp of taking an ungainly second and heightening it to emotional realms by no means earlier than seen in conventional human interplay, and in Friendship, he finds the road between cringe and dread and toes it expertly. A satirical dissertation on the hazards of the male loneliness epidemic, Friendship is certainly one of 2025’s funniest comedies. —I.G.

The place to look at Friendship: HBO Max

Director: Andrew DeYoung

Forged: Tim Robinson, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Paul Rudd

07 of 20

The Nice Dictator (1940)

Launched within the fall of 1940, one yr earlier than the USA entered World Warfare II, Charlie Chaplin’s The Nice Dictator is certainly one of comedy’s finest recognized political satires. In Chaplin’s first foray into films with dialogue, the filmmaker performs each of the main roles: an authoritarian dictator modeled after Hitler and a Jewish barber affected by amnesia.

Filmed in black and white with a runtime lasting a bit greater than two hours, The Nice Dictator ranks among the many elite of Chaplin’s 81 movies and is taken into account his most essential satirical and cultural work. A lot of Chaplin’s finest films can be found to stream on HBO Max, however for these on the lookout for an entry level to discover the genius’ filmography, The Nice Dictator is a superb place to start out. —I.G.

The place to look at The Nice Dictator: HBO Max

Director: Charlie Chaplin

Forged: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie, Henry Daniell, Reginald Gardiner, Billy Gilbert, Maurice Moscovich

08 of 20

Home Celebration (2023)

When Home Celebration premiered in 1990, it showcased a brand new era of younger, Black expertise, and supplied audiences what EW’s critic described as “the savviest and most aggressively entertaining teen film to return alongside since Hairspray and the early days of John Hughes.” The 2023 remake — co-produced by LeBron James and written by Atlanta's Stephen Glover — isn’t nearly as good as the unique, however the film about two home cleaners who throw a secret occasion in James’ home whereas he’s away at a retreat in India nonetheless makes for a strong watch. Come for the basketball and Illuminati jokes, keep for the meta storyline involving Child Cudi. —I.G.

The place to look at Home Celebration: HBO Max

Director: Calmatic

Forged: Tosin Cole, Jacob Latimore, Karen Obilom, D.C. Younger Fly, Scott Mescudi

09 of 20

It's Difficult (2009)

You possibly can anticipate three issues from a Nancy Meyers movie: romance, comedy, and superior kitchens. The Meyers trifecta is on full show in It’s Complicated, the place Meryl Streep stars as Jane Adler, a profitable bakery proprietor whose amicable relationship along with her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), takes a detour again into the romantic after a decade aside. Steve Martin helps within the function of Jane’s different romantic curiosity, and Lake Bell seems as Jake’s youthful spouse.

A broad comedy distinguished by its glorious forged and deal with romanticizing the love and intercourse lives of middle-aged folks, It’s Difficult retains its story and message easy. It does so in such a homey aesthetic and well-executed type, although, that it nonetheless appears like a deal with. —I.G.

The place to look at It's Difficult: HBO Max

Director: Nancy Meyers

Forged: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, Lake Bell

10 of 20

The LEGO Batman Film (2017)

Many legendary actors have taken on the enduring function of Batman through the years, however The LEGO Batman Movie reshapes this superhero in an unforgettable means. With a miniature plastic Joker scheming in Gotham Metropolis, it's as much as the animated Batman to swoop in and save the day. This Caped Crusader has defeated numerous enemies, leaving his foe decided to show himself because the Greatest Unhealthy round. (In spite of everything, what's a superhero with out a supervillain?)

Although it's based mostly on a toy, this movie appeals to all ages, with constructing blocks for fulfillment that embody an attractive story, catchy musical numbers, an A-list voice forged, and the limitless world of LEGO. —Kelsie Calderon

The place to look at The LEGO Batman Film: HBO Max

EW grade: B+

Director: Chris McKay

Forged: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Jenny Slate, Héctor Elizondo, Ellie Kemper, Mariah Carey, Lauren White, Todd Hansen

11 of 20

The Lobster (2015)

An absurdist black comedy that satirizes our tradition's discomfort round uncoupled folks, The Lobster asks what would occur if singles got 45 days to discover a mate, or be reworked into the animal of their alternative. After David's (Colin Farrell) spouse leaves him, he’s taken to a resort and instructed to search out somebody suitable. However when an incident involving a possible life companion forces him to flee into the woods to stay with the loners, David discovers that it doesn't matter the place you’re or who you're with — falling in love isn’t simple. The Lobster is likely one of the most authentic romantic comedies, and can stay in your mind rent-free for weeks after watching. —I.G.

The place to look at The Lobster: HBO Max

EW grade: A

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Forged: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, John C. Reilly, Olivia Colman, Léa Seydoux

12 of 20

Love & Different Medication (2010)

5 years after enjoying a married couple within the cowboy drama Brokeback Mountain, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway reunite to play reverse one another in Love & Different Medication. A romantic comedy that lets all of it hang around — each bodily and emotionally — the movie follows a pharmaceutical gross sales consultant (Gyllenhaal) who falls in love with a free spirit troubled with an incurable illness (Hathaway). Primarily based on Jamie Reidy's 2005 non-fiction guide Arduous Promote: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, the movie traffics in concepts about love, intercourse, illness, well being, medical ethics, and the brokenness of America’s healthcare system.

Usually recognized for his extra dramatic roles, Gyllenhaal will get an opportunity to point out off his comedic chops via his character, the ethically doubtful ne’er-do-well Jamie, and his and Hathaway’s chemistry is extra alive than it was in Brokeback Mountain. The movie’s nudity and intercourse scenes are intimate and efficient, however negative effects embody discomfort when watching with the entire household. —I.G.

The place to look at Love & Different Medication: HBO Max

Director: Edward Zwick

Forged: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Josh Gad, Gabriel Macht

13 of 20

Marcel the Shell With Footwear On (2021)

Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer Camp didn’t let the dissolution of their marriage cease them from collaborating on a poignant live-action/stop-motion animated mockumentary a couple of small shell named Marcel, his grandmother, and the documentarian who follows Marcel’s makes an attempt to reunite his household. Marcel (voiced by Slate) first debuted in a collection of quick YouTube movies and is simply as lovely and earnest as you keep in mind him, however now he’s coping with the real-life issues that accompany viral fame. A meditation on love, loss, and transferring on after divorce, Marcel and Dean (performed by Fleischer Camp) cheer one another up throughout among the loneliest moments of their lives, and after watching this movie, you can see your self equally uplifted. —I.G.

The place to look at Marcel the Shell With Footwear On: HBO Max

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Forged: Jenny Slate, Rosa Salazar, Thomas Mann, Dean Fleischer Camp, Lesley Stahl, Isabella Rossellini

14 of 20

Mickey 17 (2025)

After dominating the 2020 awards circuit with Parasite, Bong Joon Ho returns with Mickey 17, a black comedy sci-fi movie starring Robert Pattinson as a number of variations of the identical character, Mickey Barnes. Set within the yr 2054, the film follows Mickey as he flees Earth — and his unpaid money owed — to affix an area colony. Mickey finds work as an “Expendable,” a employee who engages in harmful duties and is cloned each time he dies. However when Mickey is cloned prematurely, leading to a number of Mickeys, each Mickeys discover themselves in peril of extermination. Pattinson continues to decide on the weirdest roles in probably the most fascinating initiatives, and in Mickey 17, he will get his cash’s price, which comes within the type of ample characters and loss of life scenes. —I.G.

The place to look at Mickey 17: HBO Max

Director: Bong Joon Ho

Forged: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo

15 of 20

Mountainhead (2025)

4 of the world’s richest males descend on a mansion atop a mountain for an informal weekend of enjoying poker, consuming snacks, and speaking smack about one another’s fortunes. The retreat takes a flip when AI-generated disinformation — distributed on one of many billionaire’s social media platforms — begins inflicting world turmoil. As the buddies and enterprise rivals debate their degree of duty and determine on a plan of action, the weekend descends into scheming, politicking, and violence.

Mountainhead is certainly one of HBO’s finest authentic movies and comes courtesy of writer-director Jesse Armstrong, one of many premier satirists of our age, having lampooned the world of media extra throughout Succession’s 4 seasons. In Mountainhead, he exposes the cruelty and ego-driven mentality of the billionaire class, mercilessly mocking their shallow indulgences and cowardice. The characters could look acquainted, however the plot is exclusive, fast-moving, and as humorous as one would anticipate. —I.G.

The place to look at Mountainhead: HBO Max

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Forged: Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, Ramy Youssef

16 of 20

A number of Maniacs (1970)

An essential contribution to the queer cinema canon, A number of Maniacs is a black comedy written, directed, and independently produced by John Waters (Pink Flamingos), and shot in his native Baltimore. The film stars Waters’ childhood pal Divine within the function of Girl Divine, the proprietor of a touring kink exhibition who enjoys robbing and murdering the exhibition’s prospects.

Campy, gory, and riddled with intercourse and spiritual iconography, this black and white film is taken into account certainly one of Waters’ finest and most provocative works. Set off warning: The movie does comprise two cases of sexual abuse, certainly one of which is perpetrated by a large lobster and conceived of by Waters throughout an acid journey in Provincetown. A number of Maniacs is unquestionably not a standard comedy, however it’s humorous and interesting cinema. —I.G.

The place to look at A number of Maniacs: HBO Max

Director: John Waters

Forged: Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole, Cookie Mueller, Edith Massey, George Figgs

17 of 20

My Massive Fats Greek Wedding ceremony (2002)

Discovering the proper companion is one factor, however for Toula, profitable your loved ones's approval is the true problem. In accordance with her clan, "Good Greek women are purported to do three issues in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek infants, and feed everybody till the day we die." At age 30 and nonetheless single whereas her siblings have already began their very own Greek households, Toula unexpectedly falls quick and exhausting for Ian Miller. The one drawback: He isn't Greek. Regardless of the cultural conflict, love is aware of no bounds — and Toula's story is way from over. —Okay.C.

The place to look at My Massive Fats Greek Wedding ceremony: HBO Max

Director: Joel Zwick

Forged: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone

18 of 20

Problemista (2024)

Los Espookys co-creator and former Saturday Night time Stay author Julio Torres is thought for his surrealist, absurdist comedy stylings, and followers will likely be thrilled to find that his first characteristic movie is as off-center as they may have hoped. Problemista is the story of Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer whose transfer from El Salvador to New York Metropolis is compromised when he loses his job.

After immigration provides him one month to discover a visa sponsor, he accepts a place working as an assistant for an erratic artwork critic named Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton). Torres’ script performs with magical realism, nevertheless it’s the absurdity of Alejandro's working relationship with Elizabeth and his progressively futile makes an attempt to maintain the immigration officers off his again that go away the movie feeling energetic and related. —I.G.

The place to look at Problemista: HBO Max

Director: Julio Torres

Forged: Tilda Swinton, Julio Torres, RZA, Greta Lee, Catalina Saavedra, James Scully

19 of 20

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Hardly ever is psychological well being explored on display screen in a nuanced, vibrant, joyful means, however that’s precisely the tone director David O. Russell nails in Silver Linings Playbook. Pat and Tiffany (Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence) are each coping with private points and recovering from shedding their romantic companions. Unmoored and filterless, they meet and agree to assist one another out — Tiffany guarantees to help Pat in profitable again his ex-wife, and in flip, he agrees to be her companion in a dance competitors.

As they rehearse collectively and wrestle to type via their woes, they uncover coping mechanisms that enable them to not solely stay however discover the wonder of their respective challenges. The sort of entertaining film that cleans up at awards reveals whereas nonetheless retaining its rewatchability, EW’s critic on the time writes, “We’re prepared for the comedy of craziness, however the depth of compassion is the film’s silver lining.” —I.G.

The place to look at Silver Linings Playbook: HBO Max

EW grade: A

Director: David O. Russell

Forged: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker

20 of 20

Tampopo (1985)

You've heard of spaghetti Westerns? Properly, Tampopo is a ramen Western, a deliciously daffy film a couple of feisty ramen store proprietor (named Tampopo, performed by Nobuko Miyamoto) and a mysterious Clint Eastwood-inspired noodle fanatic (Ken Watanabe). The movie is a wild, humorous, lustful, food-centric quest that fuses Western moviemaking kinds with Japanese concepts.

Fascinating aspect notice: When Tampopo was launched, ramen was nonetheless one thing most U.S. audiences considered a budget stuff on grocery retailer cabinets, making scenes in regards to the quest for the "excellent noodle" really feel, properly, possibly a bit foolish to the final viewers. Now, after all, issues are a lot completely different — actual ramen retailers have popped up from coast to coast, and many people have spent hours ready for the proper steamy bowl of tonkotsu broth and handmade noodles. This reality solely provides further richness to an already joyously weird movie expertise. —Debby Wolfinsohn

The place to look at Tampopo: HBO Max

Director: Juzo Itami

Forged: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Kōji Yakusho, Ken Watanabe, Rikiya Yasuoka

Shut