IN times of uncertainty and panic, the best medicine is being able to laugh and forget what’s happening – even if it’s temporary relief.
There’s no need to look any further than this roundup of the best comedies to watch on Netflix right now.
1. Dolemite is my Name
A floundering comedian Rude Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) has an epiphany that turns him into an overnight sensation.
After deciding he’s going to step on stage as someone else in 1970’s Los Angeles, he assumes a different persona with a gaudy suit and a cane.
Although his plans are halted after his alter ego is deemed too racy for mainstream media, expect plenty of laughs throughout his fall from grace.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
2. After Life
After his wife suddenly dies, Tony (Ricky Gervais) finds that his picture perfect life is a far cry from perfect anymore.
In fact, he even contemplates taking his own life at rock bottom.
However, he decides to take another approach in his grief, doing and saying whatever he likes in order to take his revenge on the world.
He cites the new attitude as a sort of super power, just being himself and not caring about or for anyone else.
The people around him find themselves having to roll with the punches, resulting is some hilarious exchanges in this decidedly dark comedy.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
3. Sex Education
What’s the worst that can happen when a socially awkward teen opens up an underground sex therapy clinic for his peers?
After his classmates find out that Otis (Asa Butterfield) has a sex and relationships expert for a parent, they all rush to him with their weird and wonderful problems.
Otis’ biggest challenge is when he realises that he may need some therapy of his own.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Join Detective Peralta (Andy Samberg) and the rest of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Squad in this sitcom.
Peralta is a well-meaning, hard-working detective surrounded by a squad of dysfunctional New York precinct cops, who find themselves up against all manner of ridiculous trials and tribulations.
Also starring Terry Crews, Stephanie Beatriz and Chelsea Peretti.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
5. Bojack Horseman
Animation about Bojack (Will Arnett) who is a failed legendary 90’s sitcom star from the family sitcom Horsin? Around.
He’s trying to find his way through self-loathing, whisky and failed relationships – and yes, he is a cartoon horse.
However, now in the presence of his human sidekick and his feline agent, Bojack is planning his ultimate comeback.
An insightful story follows about the runaway box office smash in this satirical animated series.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
6. Good Girls
These housewives proves to be more than your average ladies when the three best friends find themselves in a financial bind.
Scared that they’re going to lose their houses due to overpayments on bills, rising medical costs and unstable jobs, three mothers decide to hold up a local grocery store.
However, their plan goes to pot when they realise that they’ve been pulled into a dark underworld.
They’ll have to stick together through the mayhem whilst keeping everything a secret from their unsuspecting families.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%
7. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
After living in a cult for 15 years, a woman has to start life again in New York City.
This comedy series follows a woman who is determined to be seen as something other than a victim after 15 years being held against her will by a Reverend.
She quickly befriends people who are more street-wise and gains a job as a nanny, but her new acquaintances prove to be just as wacky as her fellow captives..
Executive Produced by Tina Fey.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%
8. The Incredible Jessica James
An aspiring writer (Jessica Williams) is getting over a painful breakup by bonding with a man who is going through the exact same thing.
A romantic comedy that showcases a fiercely independent woman who details her breakup to a man in the throes of divorce.
After they spend the night together they go on a series of dates where they detail their past relationships, only to realise that they should be focusing on their newfound love for each other.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
9. Police Academy
The classic Police Academy shows police recruits being put through their paces as they join the force and battle to uphold order in a crime-plagued city.
The chaos begins when the mayor announces that he desperately needs to increase the police force and is willing to let anyone be admitted to the city’s police academy.
The prestigious and disciplined school becomes a place full of all manner of chaotic individuals.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%
10. The Edge of Seventeen
A coming-of-age comedy made in the same vein as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles.
Everyone knows siblings can be annoying, even more so when you have to go to the same high school and especially when they begin dating your best friend.
Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) experiences this first hand when her handsome older brother, who is seemingly perfect, decides to date her best friend.
Feeling friendless and more alone than ever she strikes up a friendship with her crush, which gives her a glimmer of hope.
Battling all of life’s problems with a well-meaning but largely absent mother and a history teacher who becomes a reluctant mentor, Nadine learns about herself and what life can be.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
11. Never Have I Ever
Devi is a regular 16 year old girl who’s trying to live her life but a few obstacles hold her back.
After her father passes away and she becomes paralysed from the waist down she thinks her life is over.
Her Indian immigrant mum who treads the line between modern and traditional is trying her best to raise her with the same values she was raised with.
Throw in an unreadable crush, an arch nemesis and fracturing friendships and you have a relatable sitcom.
Produced by Mindy Kaling.
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating: 97%.
12. Dumplin’
Jennifer Aniston is the mother of a young plus-size teen who wants to win a beauty contest.
Being a former beauty queen, Aniston doesn’t support her daughters dreams as she thinks there are too many obstacles in the way.
A heart-warming, uplifting drama centred around revolutionising the way a small Texas town thinks.
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating: 74 %.
13. The Spy Who Dumped Me
Two thirty-year-old best friends are put in the middle of an international conspiracy and have to flee from Los Angeles to Europe in order to figure out what’s going on.
Audrey (Mila Kunis) formerly dated someone who she thought to be normal but later turned out to be a charming British agent.
However, as her and best friend Morgan (Kate McKinnon) get further into the conspiracy, some things don’t add up.
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating: 57%
14. Just Go With It
Danny (Adam Sandler) is a plastic surgeon who wears a wedding ring and uses a sob story about his non-existent wife in order to land women in bed.
However, when a serious contender for a girlfriend wants more answers to who the ‘wife’ really is, he has to ask his assistant to help him out.
Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) and her two children act as Danny’s former family whilst on vacation in Hawaii.
What could possibly go wrong when Danny has to play happy families with his new girlfriend and assistant playing ex-wife?
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating: 59%
15. 50/50
Inspired by a true story, this story of friendship, love and survival is told in a different way.
Different to most cancer stories, this humorous take shows one man’s transformation and experience with cancer.
The bizarre and quirky nature of his friends and relationships keep him going during a dark time.
Starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogan.
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating: 88%
16. Dead to Me
Dead to Me is about a friendship that blossoms between Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Cardellini).
Jen is a recently widowed real estate agent based in Laguna Beach, California, trying to come to terms with her loss through therapy, exercise, and other methods.
She uses anger and resentment as an outlet for her grief.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%
17. On my Block
This is a coming-of-age story about four bright, street-savvy friends navigating their way through high school in the gritty inner city of South Central Los Angeles.
Dealing with the danger of getting their friend out of a gang and friends turning into romance, danger is constant.
Will their friendships remain intact as they endure the trials and tribulations of high school?
Rotton Tomatoes score: 95%
18. Workin’ Moms
Maternity leave is over and it’s time for these mothers to get back to work.
Four very different thirty-something working mothers and friends try to balance their jobs, family life and love life in modern day Toronto, Canada.
Workin’ Moms follows the lives of four women as they juggle love, careers, and parenthood.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 73%
19. #blackAF
#blackAF uncovers the messy, unfiltered, and often hilarious world of what it means to be a ‘new money’ black family.
They try their best to ‘get it right’ in a modern world where ‘right’ is no longer a fixed concept.
Kenya Barris and his family navigate relationships, race and culture while grappling with their newfound success in this comedy series.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 75%
20. The Big Show Show
WWE legend The Big Show has spent less time in the squared circle in recent years and now stars in his own comedy show on Netflix.
He features as a fictional version of himself and he adjusts to life with his teenage daughter moving in with him, his wife and an additional two daughters.
What shenanigans will the family get up to? Will they get along? Or will chaos unfold which will prove too much for the giant to handle?
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88%
21. Airplane
This spoof comedy from 1980 is full of slapstick gags that still spark hysterics 40 years on.
Put together alcoholic pilot Ted Striker, who has developed a fear of flying, with his stewardess girlfriend on board, chaos is bound to ensue.
Not to mention a wave of food poisoning threatening the lives of all the unsuspecting, and hugely unlucky, travellers.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%
22. A Thousand Words
This Eddie Murphy flick focuses on a fast-talking literary agent who is trumped by none other than a Bodhi tree.
The plant magically appears in Eddie Murphy’s character’s garden and he realises when he speaks, a leaf falls off.
In an attempt to stop the end of his life – and a bald Bodhi – he is forced to find new ways to communicate in this hilarious film.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 47%
23. Killing Hasselhoff
There’s only one Hoff, right?
This 2017 comedy sees the hunky Baywatch actor fight for his life when a man is trying to kill him, in an attempt to win a celebrity death pool.
Actor Ken Jeong is the gun-wielding man attemopting to take the Hoff down – but does he succeed?
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 20%
24. The F**K It List
A teen comedy centred on a prank which sees a high school student’s life blow up.
Taking a reminiscent approach, he shares a list of the things he wished he’d have done differently.
But will he still get the chance to?
Rotten Tomatoes rating: None as yet.
25. Jack Whitehall: I’m Only Joking (2020)
This show is completely fresh for this year, released on Netflix this month.
It sees the sharp-witted comedian hit the stage with hilarious tales about happy couples, life in hotels and human stupidity.
There’s also some hilariously cute tales about his father, too.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: None as yet.
26. Tammy (2014)
Co-written and starring the hilarious Melissa McCarthy, this film is packed with laughs from start to finish.
It sees the titular character Tammy go on a road trip with her grandma Pearl (played by the incredible Susan Sarandon) after she loses her job and catches her husband cheating.
Like all good comedies there are plenty of laugh out loud scenes, touching moments and just enough sex to keep you interested.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 24%
27. Eurovision (2020)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a 2020 American musical comedy film directed by David Dobkin and written by Will Ferrell and Andrew Steele.
It follows Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdóttir as they attempt to win the legendary contest on behalf of the country.
Packed with hilarious lyrics and plenty of comedy moments, the lead actors bounce of each other to give a dazzling display of feel good fun.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 64%
28. The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Not your usual comedy series but bear with because the delightful cast and easy, witty script allow The Umbrella Academy to be so much more than just a superhero series.
There’s Five, who is a 58-year-old man trapped in a 15-year-old’s body, Klaus, who can hardly get through the day with out saying something to annoy one of his siblings, to various other moments of comedy gold.
Plus, there are two seasons of 10 episodes so plenty of binge-watching potential.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 82%
29. Chewing Gum (2015)
Sex-obsessed Tracey is desperate to lose her virginity to her strictly religious fiancé Ronald, who she also suspects might be gay.
The series follows the character as she attempts to find herself, gain confidence and work out who she is in the world.
Hilariously funny, Chewing Gum will have you dirty snort laughing throughout the entire two series.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100%
30. The Thick Of It (2012)
An oldie but a goodie, this satirical British television comedy goes behind the doors of our government to offer a tongue in cheek insight to what goes on.
Peter Capaldi, who plays Chief Whip Malcolm Tucker revealed that most of the script is improvisation, which lends itself to the programme.
Shot with hand-held cameras, it has a fly-on-the-wall documentary feel and so much swearing it might make you blush – and then repeat because it’s just so funny.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
31. Schitt’s Creek
This hilarious television series tells the story of the Rose family, who -after losing everything financially – relocate to Schitt’s Creek which appears to be in the middle of nowhere.
Setting up camp in a run-down motel, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara play onscreen husband and wife Johnny and Moira .
As the mismatched couple attempt to navigate their new life with their grown up children, David and Alexis, the short 20 minute episodes are never short of laugh out loud moments.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
32. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
This US sitcom was renewed for a fifteenth season in May of this year, which will make it the longest-running live-action comedy series in American television history.
The show follows ‘The Gang’, a group of five misfit friends: twins Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Deandra “(Sweet) Dee” Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson), their friends Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day) and Ronald “Mac” McDonald (Rob McElhenney), and (from season 2 onward) Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito), Dennis’ and Dee’s legal father.
The Gang runs the fictional Paddy’s Pub, an unsuccessful Irish bar in South Philadelphia.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%
33. Michael McIntyre Showdown
This stand up show is just over one hour long and sees British comedian Michael McIntyre talk family, technology, sharks, accents and the time he confused himself for a world leader.
It’s not the 44-year-old funnyman’s first run on Netflix, and he’s sure to have you giggling for 60 minutes with this latest offering.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
34. Hubie Halloween
Adam Sandler fans are sure to enjoy his latest offering, Hubie Halloween, which also stars Kevin James and Ray Liotta.
Hubie Dubois thanklessly spends every Halloween making sure the residents of his hometown, Salem, celebrate safely and play by the rules.
But the movie sees one particular Halloween disrupted as an escaped criminal and a mysterious new neighbour have Hubie on high alert.
When people start disappearing, it’s up to Hubie to convince the police and townsfolk that the monsters are real, and only he can stop them.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 64%
35. Shameless
Shameless was originally a UK sitcom, but the US soon followed in it’s footsteps and all nine seasons are on Netflix.
The series centres on siblings in a dysfunctional Chicago family who struggle while coping with their alcoholic father.
Shameless US first debuted in 2011 and stars William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
36. Pineapple Express
Seth Rogen and James Franco play reluctant buddies in the stoner action comedy.
The pair are forced to flee from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after they witness them committing a murder.
The film is written by Seth and his Superbad collaborator Evan Goldberg and while underrated compared to its predecessor, is just as funny.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 73%
37. Just Friends
Ryan Reynolds stars in this underrated romcom about a formerly chubby, sensitive guy called Chris who is now a trim, successful music producer.
Chris ends up getting stuck in his hometown with a gorgeous popstar – played by Anna Faris – in tow.
He bumps into his former BFF, who also happens to be the girl he was in love with at high school.
With plenty of chemistry between the leads and as many laughs, it’s worth a watch on your next chic flick night.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 71%
38. Scott Pilgrim vs The World
This film became something of a cult classic after its original release in 2010.
It follows the titular Scott (Michael Cera), who falls for delivery girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
However, Ramona has seven evil exes waiting in the wings to take Scott on, and he can only date her if he defeats them all in video game-style battles.
The film is full of fun and plenty of heart.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 84%
39. Swiss Army Man
Daniel Radcliffe is a world away from Harry Potter in this weird but fun movie as a body that washes up on the shore of an island where Paul Dano’s character is marooned.
The body farts uncontrollably, propelling if forward, and so Paul’s character rides it across the waves and off the island for good.
Once on safe ground, Paul’s character teaches the body how to be human as they forge an unusual but heartening bond.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 72%
40. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
If you want a laugh look no further than Monty Python and their 1975 film.
The British comedy gang chronicle King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail in typically silly style which has stood the test of time.
Not only is it now seen as one of the best comedy films of all time, but also, one of the best films of all time, period.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
41. Life of the Party (2018)
In the mood for an easy watch, then 2018’s Life of the Party is a must this month.
The Melissa McCarthy comedy follows her character recently divorced middle-aged mother Deanne, who decides to complete her college education much to the dismay of her daughter, Maddie, with whom she shares her classes.
Who doesn’t love a feel-good comedy?
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 38%
42. Blended (2014)
You know it’s going to be comedy gold when Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler appear on screen – and their 2014 flick Blended is just that.
The pair reunite for the romantic comedy 10 years after the success of 50-First Dates.
The film centres on Jim and Lauren. who after a terrible blind date, find themselves stranded at a resort together with their respective children.
However, the two soon start developing feelings for each other and that’s when the hilarity also ensues.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 14%
43. Sorry To Bother You (2018)
Are you over the ‘in your face’ comedy? Are you looking for something with a kooky edge?
Then dark fantastical comedy Sorry To Bother You will be most definitely up your street.
Telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) discovers an alluring method towards success.
However, owing to his greed, he ends up fading away from his family and friends.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%
44. Road Trip (2000)
Released a year after American Pie, Road Trip followed the same ‘gross-out’ humour that cinema-lovers were enjoying at the turn of the millennium.
The film follows Josh and his three friends who travels across several cities with him in a bid to save his relationship after he accidentally sent a controversial tape to his girlfriend.
Although comedian Tom Green isn’t the main character, he sure does steal every scene he’s in with his unique brand of comedy.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 58%
45. Yes, God, Yes
This 2019 comedy drama stars Natalie Dyer as a Catholic schoolgirl struggling to keep her sexual desires in check.
The teenager goes down a path of hilarious temptation when an AOL chat turns unexpectedly racy.
As the story develops, viewers see the youngster battle with her desires and the thought of eternal damnation as preached by her teachers.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
46. Holidate
Two strangers join forces to avoid being that ‘single person’ during the holiday seasons.
Fed up of turning up alone to the usual annual celebrations over the year, the pair agree to be the other’s platonic date whenever needed.
But of course, romance starts to brew over the course of the 12 months.
With Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey leading the cast, both comedy and romance is promised in the course of one hour and 43 minutes.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 44%
47. Game Night
A 2018 American black comedy starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams.
The action follows a group of friends whose game night descends into chaos when one of them is kidnapped.
And here starts a real-life mystery for the pals as they try to get to the bottom of the crime.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
48. Modern Family
This family shows all the good and difficult parts of having a large modern family.
The story follows three different types of families. The nuclear family, step family and a same sex couple.
All living in the Los Angeles area facing different problems with their children and within their relationships in the most fun way possible.
Family comedy drama with Sarah Hyland, Sofia Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and more.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
49. New Girl
Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves in with three roommates who have a familial yet chaotic bond.
After moving in and facing many of life’s obstacles the foursome establish a balance with each other.
Jess’s fun, quirky and bubbly personality clashes with her roommate’s pessimistic, overbearing personalities.
Facing the trials and tribulations of love, jobs and their relationships with one another in a humorous way.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
50. Friday Night Dinner
Simon Bird and Tasmin Grieg lead the cast in this hilarious Brit sitcom showing what can happen when relatives get together.
Each episode centres on the Friday night dinner experience of the middle-class British Jewish Goodman family.
The show received two BAFTA nominations in 2012, with a total of six seasons.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
51. Friends
Possibly the biggest US sitcom of all time, Friends follows the lives and relationships of six pals living in New York.
The cast consists of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, and aired from 1994 until 2004.
Across 10 seasons, fans followed the rollercoaster relationship of Jennifer’s character Rachel Green and David’s, Ross Geller.
It also includes a lesbian wedding, Phoebe carrying triplets for her own brother and Joey’s up and down career as an actor.
Meanwhile, Chandler’s fear of commitment and Monica’s neurotic nature bring plenty of laughs until they both get a shock in series five, which we won’t spoil if you’ve never seen it.
Put it this way, Friends is a funny now as it was the first time around, could we BE any clearer on that?!
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
52. Man Down
Comedian Greg Davies won a legion of fans as a teacher in hit comedy The Inbetweeners, and will win many more with his own sitcom, Man Down.
In it Greg once again plays a teacher, tapping into his past as a jaded drama teacher who shows utter contempt and disinterest in his students.
Greg’s character Dan still lives at home with his parents – his dad is played by the late Rick Mayall – and it is one of the many factors that goes against him in his bid to find the love of his life.
With excellent turns from his supporting cast which includes fellow comedian Roisin Conaty and Mike Wozniak, Man Down is cringeworthly funny, with plenty of slapstick and laughs.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
53. The IT Crowd
The IT Crowd stars Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson as three members of an IT department in a large corporation.
Matt Berry joins the show in later series as their sex mad un-PC boss, and the sitcom follows their exploits both in and out of the office.
While Katherine’s character is always trying to find a way to move up in her career, Chris and Richard’s characters are settled in IT and enjoy a whole host of geeky activities that lead to plenty of laughs and mishaps.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 84%
54. Only Fools and Horses
The classic British sitcom follows the Trotter family including Del Boy, his younger brother Rodney, Granddad and later, Uncle Albert.
The Trotters live in Peckham and are always wheeling and dealing and selling faulty goods at the local market in a bid to become “millionaires”.
With an array of colourful and quirky supporting characters including Trigger, Boycie and Marlene, Only Fools and Horses is funny, heartwarming and a great example of cleverly written and acted British comedy.
Stand out episodes include the one with the chandeliers, the blow up dolls and Batman and Robin.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A
55. Black Books
Black Books originally ran on Channel 4 for three series from 2000 and 2004 and is written by Irish comedian Dylan Moran.
Dylan also stars in the sitcom alongside Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig as Bernard Black, a grouchy bookshop owner who generally despises anyone who dares enter.
Tamsin plays his best friend Fran, who starts off by running a bric-a-brac shop next door, while Bill plays Manny, an optimistic chap who Bernard hires as his assistant and also lets a room in his flat above the shop to.
The trio enjoy drinking and smoking and many episodes see Fran and Manny trying to encourage Bernard to be more sociable and engage in other interests.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 98%
All the titles above are available to stream on Netflix. For more recommendations check out our round-up of Netflix’s best series and Netflix’s best films.
