The Hidden Gems of Netflix: 25 Underrated Comedies You Need to Watch

Summary

Underrated comedy movies on Netflix offer a range of comedic styles, from slapstick to spoof, with memorable characters and hilarious performances.

Movies such as "The Happytime Murders" and "Dirty Grandpa" continue to be enjoyed by audiences despite receiving negative criticism, proving to be both guilty pleasures and financial hits at the box office.

On the other hand, "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga" and "Accepted" are underrated comedies available on Netflix that pleasantly surprise viewers, making them deserving of greater recognition.

Netflix offers a selection of underrated comedy movies that are often considered guilty pleasures. Many comedy movies fall into this category, as they cater to varying comedic tastes. The more outrageous and outlandish a comedy is, the more guilty pleasure it provides. As a genre focused on escapism, comedy movies offer viewers an opportunity to temporarily forget about their daily lives and enjoy a good laugh.

Underrated comedy movies on Netflix encompass a range of styles, including slapstick and spoof comedies. Some delve into heartfelt themes, while others prioritize chaos and mischief. While there are well-known comedic masterpieces available on Netflix, such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Groundhog Day, many lesser-known comedies surpass their reputation. These films feature hilarious and memorable characters brought to life by talented performers. Regardless of personal preferences, Netflix has a guilty pleasure comedy waiting for every viewer.

25 The Happytime Murders (2018)

When Peter Jackson embarked on his film-making journey, he ventured into the realm of R-rated movies featuring puppets with his creation, Meet the Feebles. Over time, this unique cinematic gem evolved into a cult classic. In 2018, a director by the name of Brian Henson sought to explore a similar path by tapping into the well-known puppet studio established by his father, Jim Henson. The outcome was an R-rated comedy titled The Happytime Murders. Within the film, Melissa McCarthy graced the screen as a human detective who joined forces with a puppet private investigator in a quest to uncover the culprit behind the murders of retired sitcom stars. Despite receiving unfavorable reviews and attaining six Razzie nominations, The Happytime Murders has endured as a delightful guilty pleasure and stands among the ranks of underrated comedy films available on Netflix.

24 The Benchwarmers (2006)

Released in 2006, The Benchwarmers attempted to sustain the comedic style of some well-known comedians. The ensemble cast consisted of esteemed Saturday Night Live alumni like Rob Schneider and David Spade, along with Jon Heder, renowned for his role in Napoleon Dynamite. Despite the presence of these talented funny individuals, critics universally despised the film, deriding it for its puerile humor. However, comedy films are inherently subjective, often disregarding the opinions of critics, which contributed to its triumphant run at the box office. The movie has since gained recognition as an underappreciated gem among the vast catalog of comedies on Netflix, providing lighthearted amusement for those seeking a carefree chuckle.

23 Swearnet: The Movie (2014)

From the team that brought audiences the TV series Trailer Park Boys comes Swearnet: The Movie, a new and exciting project. In this film, Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay, and Mike Smith portray themselves and decide to establish an uncensored internet network. Their motivation for doing so stems from the frustration they experienced with the extensive censorship that plagued them following their successful careers on Trailer Park Boys. Fans of the series that propelled them to fame will undoubtedly be delighted with this offering, while newcomers to the Trailer Park Boys universe, particularly those with an affinity for crude humor, will also find Swearnet highly entertaining. As expected, the trio remains true to their signature anything-goes approach when it comes to their characters and storyline, delivering an experience that is sure to please.

22 Dirty Grandpa (2016)

Robert De Niro, known for his iconic roles in crime thrillers, embarked on a comedic journey in his later years. While Meet the Parents franchise showcased his comedic chops, De Niro took it further with the 2016 film Dirty Grandpa, delving into the realm of absurd humor. Despite receiving unfavorable reviews by critics, with a meager 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie soared at the box office, solidifying its status as an underrated gem among comedy films available on Netflix.

21 Hubie Halloween (2020)

Adam Sandler's association with Netflix has been predominantly observed in recent years, with the majority of his movies facing harsh criticism from reviewers. Surprisingly, despite the negative reception, Netflix continues to collaborate with him and the release of Hubie Halloween exemplifies what Sandler detractors despise the most in his films. Portraying a simple-minded resident of Salem, Massachusetts, Sandler's character embarks on a mission to ensure Halloween conforms to its customary rules. However, he soon discovers that supernatural forces are afflicting the town, leaving him as the sole savior. This movie has swiftly established itself as a Halloween classic, surpassing the reviews of many of Sandler's recent projects.

20 The Pink Panther (2006)

Remaking a beloved comedy classic that starred an iconic star in the lead is no easy task. The original Pink Panther, directed by Blake Edwards and featuring the unparalleled Peter Sellers as Detective Jacques Clouseau, showcased a bumbling detective who miraculously solved crimes despite his own incompetence. To address the challenge of replacing Sellers, the remake wisely brought in comedic legend Steve Martin. Critics may have panned the film, but it defied expectations at the box office and even spawned a sequel, solidifying its status as one of the most underappreciated comedy movies available on Netflix.

19 Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga (2020)

18 Accepted (2006)

The Eurovision Song Contest, a music competition show that predates American Idol and The Voice, holds the record for being the longest-running show of its kind in history, with a nearly 70-year run in Europe. Despite not garnering the same level of popularity with American audiences, the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, released on Netflix, deserves recognition as an unexpectedly underrated comedy. While receiving mixed reviews, the movie even secured an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

The 2006 comedy Accepted is an underrated gem on Netflix. Starring Justin Long and Blake Lively, this film tells the story of high school outcasts who create a fake college after being rejected by the ones they applied to. The cast of this comedy includes familiar faces like Jonah Hill and talented actors such as comedian Lewis Black and Anthony Heald, known for his role as Hannibal Lecter's jailer in Silence of the Lambs.

17 The Dilemma (2011)

Ron Howard helmed a dark comedy film titled The Dilemma in 2011, featuring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James as the lead actors. Despite boasting an Oscar-winning director and recognizable comedic talents, the movie failed to garner substantial revenue at the box office. Vaughn, in the twilight of his leading man career, portrays one of the best friends and business partners, while James, on the rise in his comedic career, plays the other. Their relationship hits a snag when one of them catches the other's wife engaging in a lip-lock with another man. Although the film initially flopped upon its release, subsequent reevaluations have elevated its status, solidifying its position as an underappreciated gem amongst the comedy movies available on Netflix.

16 Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)

Released in 2019, Between Two Ferns, a comedy movie by Netflix, is a hilarious adaptation of a popular internet sketch series featuring Zach Galifianakis. This transition from short bursts to a feature-length film was a challenging task considering the series' success in its quick and funny delivery. Zach's realization of becoming a laughingstock emerges when his show goes viral on the Internet. Featuring an outstanding cast including David Letterman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jon Mann, the movie has received rave reviews, making it one of the most underrated comedy films available on Netflix.

15 The Bounty Hunter (2010)

Jennifer Aniston, an iconic figure in the realm of romantic comedies, demonstrated her talent in the 2010 film The Bounty Hunter. In this memorable production, she portrays a daring journalist who, in pursuit of a breaking news story, foolishly evades a bail hearing and subsequently finds herself being apprehended by her former spouse, a professional bounty hunter. However, as he unravels the potential magnitude of her lead, which could expose a notorious criminal case, he resolves to assist her in bringing the truth to light before escorting her back to detention. Despite its triumph at the box office, this movie, much like many other comedies, struggled to impress critics and remains relatively underappreciated among the vast collection of comedy films available on Netflix.

14 About Last Night (2014)

The task faced by About Last Night was challenging. It aimed to transform a classic romantic comedy, which had a small and dedicated fanbase, into a Netflix remake with a predominantly Black cast. The original film starred Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, whereas the new version featured Kevin Hart and Regina Hall. Surprisingly, the transformation proved successful. Both movies were based on a David Mamet play and depicted two friends exploring the complexities of modern dating in their romantic relationships. Although the film did not achieve blockbuster success at the box office, it found a second lease on life as one of the underappreciated comedy gems on Netflix.

13 Sausage Party (2016)

Sausage Party is a highly underappreciated comedy film available on Netflix​​​​​​, leaving many viewers uncertain about how to approach it. The movie revolves around animated anthropomorphic food items found in a grocery store who are blissfully unaware of the reality of the outside world. They hold firm beliefs in a utopian existence awaiting them when they are purchased. However, this perception shatters when they are confronted with the harsh truth, which proves to be particularly challenging for a lovestruck hot dog and bun. Noteworthy actors, such as Seth Rogen and Kristen Wiig, contribute to the cast of Sausage Party, ensuring it remains one of the finest R-rated animated comedies out there.

12 The Dictator (2012)

The Dictator, directed by Larry Charles and released in 2012, is a highly underrated comedy film available on Netflix. Despite being initially misunderstood, this movie starring Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his previous successes in Borat and Bruno, has gained a cult following. In contrast to his previous mockumentaries, The Dictator is a fictional film where Cohen portrays an evil dictator. The audience's confusion at the departure from his usual style resulted in mixed reviews. Nevertheless, the movie achieved significant box office success and continues to entertain viewers today, now that they know what to expect.

11 Funny People (2009)

10 Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

During the 2000s, spoof movies developed a negative reputation. Every year, a new spoof film targeted a different genre, and all of them were heavily criticized, fared poorly at the box office, and even received Razzies for being the worst of their kind. However, amidst this trend, there was one movie that stands out as a hidden gem and remains highly underrated in the comedy genre on Netflix. Not Another Teen Movie brilliantly parodied teen films, paying homage to the works of John Hughes, and even featured a delightful cameo by Molly Ringwald. Additionally, it showcased a young Chris Evans in a memorable scene where he appears in a whipped cream bikini, inspired by Varsity Blues. This is a must-see film that defies expectations and offers an enjoyable viewing experience.

9 Ted (2012)

It may have been a challenging proposition, but a film featuring a live-action cast paired with a sentient stuffed animal remarkably became a tremendous hit at the box office. Contributing factors included director Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, as well as its R-rated content and abundance of risqué humor, with the immensely likable Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis in the leading human roles. The story followed Wahlberg's character, a man whose sole companion throughout his childhood was a teddy bear, which miraculously came to life through his enduring affection. With a whopping $549 million in box office earnings, this film has rightfully earned its place as one of the most underappreciated comedies available on Netflix.

8 Pee-Wee's Big Holiday (2016)

Taking a risk, Netflix released a new Pee-Wee Herman movie in 2016, years after his last film (Big Top Pee-Wee in 1988) and following his ostracization from Hollywood due to an incident at an adult theater. However, this gamble paid off as fans once again fell in love with Paul Reubens' portrayal of Pee-Wee Herman. Remarkably, this turned out to be Reubens' final movie role before his passing in 2023. The film revolves around Pee-Wee being invited by Joe Manganiello, who plays himself, to leave his hometown and embark on his first-ever visit to New York City. With an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie garnered both critical and audience acclaim.

7 Murder Mystery (2019)

Adam Sandler's career has had its ups and downs, but in 2019, fans were treated to a pleasant surprise with Murder Mystery, one of the underrated comedy films on Netflix. Sandler portrays a cop who, along with his wife (Jennifer Aniston), embarks on a journey to Europe to reignite their romance. Unbeknownst to them, they find themselves embroiled in the murder of a wealthy individual and are subsequently accused as the primary suspects. With Sandler's unique sense of humor, Murder Mystery presents itself as a captivating whodunit, complete with a cast of eccentric and colorful characters. The film seamlessly blends action and comedy, solidifying its place as a noteworthy addition to the murder mystery genre.

6 Ride Along (2014)

Ice Cube reprises his tough guy persona in Ride Along, where he plays a disapproving police officer to his sister's boyfriend. However, he also serves as the straight man in this buddy comedy, as Kevin Hart's character goes on a ride along with him in an attempt to prove his worthiness for his sister's affections. The film's success lies in the flawless chemistry between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, propelling the latter's ascent to the top of the Hollywood comedy scene. Having spawned a sequel, Ride Along remains an underappreciated gem in the realm of comedy movies available on Netflix.