2023 saw the release of some ofthis decade’s funniest films, especially from around the world. From America and Finland to France and Italy, regions across the globe contributed greatly to the realm of comedy cinema. The entries on this list will run the gamut of popularity, but audiences can rest assured that there’s great appeal to be found in each of these films. There’s something for everyone here —raunchy sex comedy, intellectual and artsy humor, genre spoofs and satires, extremely dry and deadpan humor, and so much more.
Most of these movies feature well-known actors, and they were made by talented directors to boot — even if the movie’s title appears unfamiliar, you’ll likely recognize the names attached to the respective project. It is worth noting, though:This list will prioritize comedy, ranking the movies according to how funny they are, not necessarily by their all-around cinematic mastery.That being said, these are the 20 funniest movies of 2023, ranked.
23The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
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In his second adaptation of a Roald Dahl work, American filmmaker Wes Anderson recruits English actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead character inThe Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. Fans of Anderson’s know that every film under his belt features some degree of comedy. Usually, it’s defined by offbeat jokes delivered by quirky characters. That’s very much the case withHenry Sugar.
A Funny and Charming Short Film
Even for a short film,The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugarfeaturesa star-studded cast. Cumberbatch is joined by talented thespians such as Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade — everyone involved sees an idiosyncratic plot come into wonderful fruition. Their characters break the fourth wall during dialogue attributions, adding a unique essence to an overall hilarious project from the acclaimed auteur in Anderson.
22Hello Dankness
Within its ambitious opening minutes,Hello Danknessshould effectively blow the minds of film fans across the country. It pieces together YouTube videos, news footage, and scenes from cinema’s past to explore the political landscape of America from 2016 to 2020. It’s one of the more unique projects you’ll read about today, and its creators deserve far more love for their work.
A Unique Critique of American Politics
From Tom Hanks inThe Burbs(1989) and Mike Myers inWayne’s World(1992) to Ice Cube inNext Friday(2000) and Annette Bening inAmerican Beauty(1999), you’ll experience a sui generis project while reuniting with some of Hollywood’s most memorable characters. Production onHello Darknessbegan in 2019, with filmmakers Soda Jerk developing the project all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A long wait, and well worth it in the end.
21Rye Lane
With direction by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature debut, the romantic comedyRye Laneexcels across the board with imaginative filmmaking. Co-writers Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia craft a compelling plot about two heartbroken strangersbonding over the course of 24 hours, and cinematographer Olan Collardy creates a tangible, textural tone.
Analyzing Love From Various Perspectives
When detailing their recent relationships, Dom and Yas are thrown into flashback scenes as spectators, watching the events of their break-ups play out in real-time. This provides a unique perspective on their relationships, and the counterpart of a given flashback rattles off hilarious commentary. Lead actors David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah put in tremendous comedic work, and as a whole,Rye Laneis among the funniest and sweetest films of 2023.
20Love at First Sight
Love At First Sight
Among the more overlooked movies of the year isLove at First Sight, a romantic comedy by Vanessa Caswell. With a tangible tone established in the opening scene, the plot perfectly balances undercurrents of humor with an overarching emphasis on love. Specifically, it focuses on Hadley, a young woman who meets a man named Oliver in an airport.
An Electric Chemistry Between the Leads
With extraordinary efforts from the two leads — Haley Lu Richardson plays Hadley, while Ben Hardy shows up as Oliver — this film features one of the most endearing dynamics of any two film characters of 2023. While alsotapping into the human condition, the two exchange well-written dialogue in a movie that explores the unrealistic nature of romantic films themselves and the statistical improbability of ‘love at first sight.’
19Smoking Causes Coughing
A French anthology film,Smoking Causes Coughingis helmed by the popular Surrealist, Quentin Dupieux. He also wrote the original script, which follows a group ofPower Rangers-style superheroes who are ordered by their boss (an oversexed rat who drools green goop) to go on a team-building retreat. When an evil force named Lézardin initiates his plans to take over the world, the group’s sojourn is unfortunately cut short.
Dupieux Emphasizes Absurdism
Critics cited the wit of its script and the commitment of its cast as reasons it resonates across the board of comedy. And while Dupieux’s movies often employ a specialized brand of absurdist humor — without a doubt, his style is not for everyone —Smoking Causes Coughingprovides some undeniably funny moments. Its satirical commentary on the absurdity of superheroes feels extremely relevant to 2023.
18Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
A stop-motion animatedfilm by the legendary Aardman Animations(Wallace & Gromit),Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nuggetis the sequel nobody knew they needed. The originalChicken Run(2000) was released to tremendous acclaim from critics and audiences alike — the same can be said forDawn of the Nugget, which starts right after the events of the prior film.
A Superb Stop-Motion Sequel
Charming characters rattle off hilarious dialogue as Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) breaks into a chicken farm to rescue her daughter Molly, a little chick who’s voiced by Bella Ramsey. There’s also Zachary Levi taking over Mel Gibson’s old role, Rocky the rooster. That’s only scratching the surface of this unique array of characters, with everyone providing dozens of laugh-out-loud moments. This is among the best animated films of the year, and undoubtedly the funniest. Check out our interview with Levi in the video below:
17Champions
From Mark Rizzo’s original script,Championscomes from the comedy master Peter Farrelly. Along with his brother Bobby, Farrelly helped direct several comedy classics, such asDumb and Dumber(1994) andThere’s Something About Mary(1998). An underrated example isKingpin(1996), which features Woody Harelson. The same can be said forChampions, where Woody provides one of his funniest performances yet.
Champions Puts a Spotlight on Character
Famous comedians like Katilin Olson, Cheech Marin, and Ernie Hudson all show up within a hilarious plot. It follows Marcus Marakovich, a minor-league basketball coach who gets arrested for drunk driving. This forces him into community service, where he leads an intellectually disabled basketball team to unity. Tangible character development is matched by well-timed jokes to create a triumphant comedy.
16Down Low
Off the bat, there are a few names worth noting with regard toDown Low: director Rightor Doyle, screenwriter (with Phoebe Fisher) and actor Lukas Gage, and star Zachary Quinto. Doyle created the underrated Netflix seriesBonding, Gage is a tremendous young actor known forWhite LotusandEuphoria(and now a talented screenwriter), and Quinto is a blockbuster actor and gay icon who lends charm to a variety of indies in his spare time. Together, the group crafts a hilarious project that followsa recently divorced mannamed Gary who develops an unlikely bond with a sex worker after they accidentally kill someone.
Some Truly Memorable Performances
Lukas Gage is fun and sexy as Cameron, while Zachary Quinto is quietly hilarious as the anxious Gary. And from start to finish, the two performers provide two of the most uproarious efforts of their respective careers. Although some critics found the film too zany and raunchy,Down Lowreceived decent reception overall, and is a wacky, delightful LGBTQ+ comedy.
15American Fiction
American Fiction
Starring Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated writer, Cord Jefferson’s filmAmerican Fictionwas adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel,Erasure. Amid a bout of writer’s block and angry at the state of Black representation in literature, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison pens an anonymous piece of stereotypical proportions, intending to satirize the way Black men are predominantly depicted as poor, fatherless, violent gangsters. Unfortunately, his angry joke of a book is taken seriously, and he’s offered huge sums of money to go forward with the book and create a film from it, all while he’s dealing with death in the family.
Thoughtful Dialogue and Beautiful Performances
Sure,American Fictioncovers an array of personalities and themes, tackling more hard-hitting topics than you might expect from one of the funniest films of the year. Death, rejection, family dysfunction, depression, and racism are all captured effectively despite the film’s breezy nature. It works thanks to the strong dialogue and excellent supporting cast (Sterling K. Brown, Erika Alexander, Issa Rae, Leslie Uggams, John Ortiz, Tracee Ellis Ross, Adam Brody,and Myra Lucretia Taylor). You can hear more about the film in our interview with actors Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown:
14Quiz Lady
Starring Awkwafina and Sandrah Oh play against type as polar opposite sisters inQuiz Lady, which chronicles the pair’s attempt to pay off their mother’s overdue gambling debts by winning big on a game show. Awkwafina’s Anne is obsessed with the amiableJeapordy!-like showCan’t Stop the Quiz, and thinks she has a chance to beat the competition.
A Star-Studded Cast Makes a Memorable Movie
Across the board, absolute legends of comedy are featured among the cast: Jason Schwartzman plays the champion of the game show, while Will Ferrell shows up as the host;Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman)appears in his final role. Under the colorful and competent direction of Jessica Yu, everyone gives their all in one of the most genial and uproarious films of the year. Check out our interview with the aforementioned director:
