Comedies To Watch After Netflix’s ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
Adam Sandler is back on the green for ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ a new movie from Netflix. The first film from 1996 was a big success. It told the story of a hockey player who becomes a golf star to save his grandmother’s house. Fans loved the funny moments and Happy’s angry outbursts on the golf course. Now, a sequel is officially happening, bringing the character back for more adventures.
After you finish watching the new chapter in Happy’s story, you might be looking for another great comedy. This list has 30 excellent options to watch next. It includes movies and TV shows with similar humor, from classic slapstick to modern favorites. Whether you like sports comedies, silly characters, or movies with lots of memorable quotes, there is something here for you to enjoy.
The Waterboy (1998)
This film stars Adam Sandler as Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward water boy for a college football team. After being fired, he gets a new job with a struggling team and discovers he has a talent for tackling. Encouraged by his new coach, Bobby joins the team as a player. He must learn to balance football with his studies and his very protective mother.
‘The Waterboy’ is a great choice for fans of ‘Happy Gilmore’ because it features Sandler in another underdog sports story. The humor is very similar, with a focus on a strange but lovable main character. Bobby’s intense anger, which he uses to become a great player, is a lot like Happy’s own outbursts on the golf course.
Billy Madison (1995)
Adam Sandler plays Billy, the lazy son of a very rich man. To prove he is responsible enough to take over the family company, Billy must go back to school. He has to pass every grade from elementary to high school in just two weeks. Along the way, he makes new friends and faces a rival who wants to take the company from him.
This is one of Sandler’s most famous early movies and shares his signature style of comedy. Like Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison is an unconventional hero who has to grow up. The film is full of absurd situations and memorable, quotable lines. It established the kind of funny, man-child character that Sandler became known for.
Caddyshack (1980)
This classic comedy follows the funny events at an exclusive golf club. The story involves a young caddie trying to win a scholarship, a rich and obnoxious judge, and a laid-back new member who disrupts the club’s strict rules. Meanwhile, the groundskeeper is fighting a long and hopeless battle with a pesky gopher that is ruining the golf course.
‘Caddyshack’ is a perfect movie for those who enjoy the golf setting of ‘Happy Gilmore’. It is a classic sports comedy that does not take itself seriously. The humor comes from its cast of wild characters, including hilarious performances by Chevy Chase and Bill Murray. It is full of slapstick moments and chaotic fun.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star as Lloyd and Harry, two kind but very unintelligent friends. After Lloyd falls for a woman who leaves a briefcase at the airport, he and Harry decide to drive across the country to return it to her. They do not realize the briefcase is full of ransom money, and they are soon chased by criminals.
The humor in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ comes from the main characters’ complete lack of awareness. Much like ‘Happy Gilmore’, the comedy is based on ridiculous situations and physical gags. If you enjoy watching characters who create chaos wherever they go, this movie is an excellent choice.
Step Brothers (2008)
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play Brennan and Dale, two unemployed men in their 40s who still live with their parents. Their lives are turned upside down when their parents marry each other, forcing them to become stepbrothers. They immediately hate each other and act like children, but they eventually find common ground and team up.
‘Step Brothers’ is known for its absurd and over-the-top comedy, similar to the style of Adam Sandler’s films. The main characters are grown men who refuse to act their age, leading to many childish arguments and fights. The movie is full of improvisation and strange, quotable dialogue.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
This film is set in the 1970s and follows Ron Burgundy, the famous lead news anchor in San Diego. His world is challenged when a talented and ambitious woman named Veronica Corningstone is hired as a new anchor. Ron and his all-male news team do not handle the change well, leading to a ridiculous battle between the two anchors.
‘Anchorman’ is a parody of 1970s culture and news broadcasting. The humor is very silly and quotable, with a focus on absurd characters and situations. Will Ferrell’s performance as the confident but clueless Ron Burgundy is a highlight. The film is great for viewers who love comedies with a unique and memorable style.
Superbad (2007)
Two high school seniors, Seth and Evan, want to have one last big party before they graduate and go to different colleges. Their plan depends on getting alcohol for the party, a task that proves to be much harder than they expected. Joined by their nerdy friend Fogell, they have a chaotic night filled with misadventures and run-ins with the law.
‘Superbad’ is a popular coming-of-age comedy that captures the awkwardness of being a teenager. The humor is based on the realistic and often embarrassing conversations between the main characters. It is a story about friendship and the fear of growing up, mixed with wild party scenes.
Booksmart (2019)
Two best friends, Amy and Molly, are academic superstars who spent their entire high school careers studying. On the eve of graduation, they realize that their hard-partying classmates also got into good colleges. Feeling like they missed out, they decide to cram four years of fun into one wild night of adventure.
‘Booksmart’ is a modern take on the teen comedy, celebrated for its smart writing and direction. The story is driven by the strong friendship between the two main characters. It is a funny and heartfelt film about the pressures of high school and the importance of having fun.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Annie’s life is a mess, but she is happy to be the maid of honor for her best friend, Lillian. She soon finds herself in competition with another bridesmaid, the rich and perfect Helen. As Annie tries to plan the perfect events for the wedding, everything that can go wrong does, leading to a series of disastrous and hilarious situations.
This film is a major comedy hit known for its great ensemble cast of funny women. It combines heartfelt moments about friendship with outrageous and cringe-worthy humor. ‘Bridesmaids’ proved that female-led comedies could be just as wild and successful as those led by men.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
After his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, breaks up with him, a devastated musician named Peter decides to take a vacation to Hawaii. His trip is ruined when he discovers that Sarah is staying at the same resort with her new rock star boyfriend. While trying to get over his ex, Peter meets a friendly hotel employee named Rachel.
‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ is a romantic comedy with a lot of heart and humor. Jason Segel, who also wrote the film, gives a very relatable performance as the heartbroken Peter. The movie is filled with funny side characters and awkward situations, making it both a sweet and very amusing watch.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
This action-comedy is about a group of self-absorbed actors who are making a big-budget war movie. To make the film more realistic, the frustrated director drops them in the middle of a real jungle. The actors think it is all just part of the movie, but they soon discover they are in real danger and must rely on their acting skills to survive.
‘Tropic Thunder’ is a sharp satire of Hollywood, actors, and the movie-making business. It features an all-star cast in roles that make fun of different actor stereotypes. The film is packed with explosive action and over-the-top comedy, making it a bold and memorable movie.
Zoolander (2001)
Ben Stiller directs and stars as Derek Zoolander, a famous but dim-witted male model. After losing his top model award to a new rival named Hansel, Derek’s career is over. He is then brainwashed by a fashion mogul to carry out a political assassination. With the help of a journalist and his rival Hansel, Derek must uncover the evil plot.
‘Zoolander’ is a silly and absurd parody of the fashion industry. The humor comes from its goofy characters and ridiculous plot. The movie is filled with memorable quotes and cameos from famous celebrities. It is a great example of a dumb-but-fun comedy that does not take itself seriously.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This film is a “mockumentary” that follows a fictional British heavy metal band called Spinal Tap on their tour of America. The documentary filmmaker captures the band’s declining popularity, backstage arguments, and a series of bizarre on-stage problems. The band members are completely unaware of how ridiculous they appear.
‘This Is Spinal Tap’ is famous for popularizing the mockumentary style of comedy. The humor is dry and subtle, coming from the very realistic way it portrays the absurd band. It perfectly parodies rock and roll culture and the egos of aging musicians.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
This mockumentary follows the nightly lives of four vampire roommates who live in New Zealand. An ancient vampire, a dandy from the 18th century, a medieval torturer, and a more normal-seeming vampire try to navigate the modern world. They deal with everyday problems like paying rent and getting into nightclubs, all while trying to keep their vampire nature a secret.
The comedy in this film comes from the clash between the vampires’ ancient, dramatic lives and the boring problems of modern life. The mockumentary format makes their supernatural struggles seem ordinary and very funny. It’s a clever and original take on the vampire genre.
The Hangover (2009)
Three friends wake up in a Las Vegas hotel room with no memory of the previous night. Their friend, the groom, is missing, and they must retrace their wild steps to find him before his wedding. Along the way, they discover they acquired a tiger, a baby, and a stolen police car.
‘The Hangover’ is a mystery told through comedy. The fun for the audience is piecing together the chaotic night along with the characters. The film is known for its shocking and hilarious reveals and the great chemistry between its three lead actors.
Office Space (1999)
Peter Gibbons is a programmer who is completely bored with his job at a software company. After a therapy session goes wrong, he develops a carefree attitude and decides to stop following the rules. His new lazy behavior accidentally gets him a promotion. He and his two friends then decide to hatch a plan to steal from the company.
‘Office Space’ is a classic workplace comedy that makes fun of corporate culture. Anyone who has worked in an office will find the jokes about annoying bosses, pointless meetings, and cubicle life very relatable. The film has a dry sense of humor and has become a favorite for its critique of modern work life.
Friday (1995)
Craig, who has just been fired from his job, spends a Friday hanging out with his friend Smokey in their Los Angeles neighborhood. They spend the day observing their eccentric neighbors, avoiding a local bully, and trying to figure out how to pay back a drug dealer. The entire film takes place over the course of one day.
‘Friday’ is a laid-back comedy with a unique and relaxed style. The humor comes from its funny characters and realistic, slice-of-life dialogue. It offers a funny and memorable look at neighborhood life and has become a cultural touchstone with many quotable lines.
Mean Girls (2004)
Cady Heron grew up in Africa and was homeschooled by her scientist parents. When she moves to America, she attends a public high school for the first time. She becomes friends with a group of popular girls known as “The Plastics.” At first, she pretends to be one of them as a joke, but she soon gets caught up in their world of gossip and mind games.
Written by Tina Fey, ‘Mean Girls’ is a smart and funny look at the social rules of high school. The film is known for its sharp writing and very quotable lines that have become a part of pop culture. It is a clever teen comedy that explores friendship and popularity.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
This mockumentary follows Conner4Real, a famous pop star whose career takes a nosedive after his second album fails. The film documents his hilarious attempts to stay famous, from over-the-top stage shows to ridiculous publicity stunts. It parodies the world of modern pop music and celebrity documentaries.
‘Popstar’ was made by the comedy group The Lonely Island and is filled with their signature style of silly songs and absurd jokes. It is a sharp satire of celebrity culture and the music industry. The film is packed with funny original music and cameos from real-life musicians.
Game Night (2018)
A group of friends who regularly get together for a game night find themselves in a real-life mystery. One of the friends, Brooks, arranges a murder mystery party that is supposed to be fake. But when Brooks is actually kidnapped by real criminals, the others think it is all part of the game and continue to play along.
‘Game Night’ is a clever and fast-paced comedy that mixes suspense with big laughs. The plot has many twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. The humor comes from the characters’ reactions as they slowly realize they are in real danger.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun is an electronics salesman with no direction in his life. His girlfriend has just broken up with him, and he spends most of his time at the pub with his best friend, Ed. His boring life is interrupted by a zombie apocalypse. Shaun must step up to rescue his mom and his ex-girlfriend and lead them to the safest place he knows: the pub.
‘Shaun of the Dead’ is both a funny comedy and a real zombie movie. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film is known for its fast-paced editing and clever visual jokes. It affectionately makes fun of the horror genre while also being a well-crafted story about a man learning to be a leader.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Nicholas Angel is London’s best police officer, so good that he makes everyone else on the force look bad. As a result, his superiors transfer him to a small, quiet village where nothing ever happens. He is partnered with a friendly but simple-minded local cop who loves action movies. Soon, a series of gruesome “accidents” makes Angel believe the village is not as peaceful as it seems.
From the same team behind ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’ is a hilarious parody of American action movies. The film is filled with clever writing, running gags, and exciting action sequences. The chemistry between the two lead actors, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, is a major highlight.
The Other Guys (2010)
This film is a parody of buddy cop movies. It follows two New York City detectives, Gamble and Hoitz, who are stuck doing boring desk work. They look up to the city’s top cops, who are involved in exciting car chases and shootouts. When the top cops are suddenly gone, Gamble and Hoitz get a chance to step up and solve a major financial crime.
‘The Other Guys’ stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in a funny and action-packed comedy. The humor comes from the pairing of Ferrell’s nerdy forensic accountant character with Wahlberg’s tough, frustrated cop. The movie makes fun of action movie cliches while also delivering some great action scenes of its own.
21 Jump Street (2012)
Two police officers who were rivals in high school are assigned to go undercover as students. Their mission is to find the supplier of a new synthetic drug that is spreading through the school. As they try to fit in, they discover that high school has changed a lot since they were students, and they end up reliving their teenage years in unexpected ways.
’21 Jump Street’ is a very funny and self-aware adaptation of the old TV show. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill have great chemistry as the lead partners. The film makes fun of its own premise and is filled with great action and laugh-out-loud moments.
Airplane! (1980)
When the flight crew on a passenger plane gets sick from food poisoning, it is up to a former fighter pilot to land the plane safely. The man, who is traumatized by his past, must overcome his fear to save the passengers, including his ex-girlfriend. The movie is a direct parody of disaster films from the 1970s.
‘Airplane!’ is famous for its non-stop, rapid-fire jokes. The humor is a mix of slapstick, puns, and absurd visual gags. There is a new joke almost every few seconds, making it one of the most joke-dense comedies ever made. It is a classic that has influenced many parody movies.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
Leslie Nielsen stars as the incompetent but serious police detective Frank Drebin. He uncovers a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Los Angeles. Drebin must stop the villain while trying to navigate a new romance and causing chaos everywhere he goes. The film is based on the short-lived TV series ‘Police Squad!’.
Like ‘Airplane!’, ‘The Naked Gun’ is filled with slapstick comedy and visual gags. Leslie Nielsen’s performance as the clueless detective who somehow always solves the case is the heart of the movie. The humor comes from taking absurd situations completely seriously.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
In this satirical Western, a corrupt politician plans to drive the residents out of a small town to take their land. To do this, he appoints a black man as the new sheriff, hoping it will create chaos. The new sheriff, Bart, must team up with a fast-drawing gunslinger to win over the townspeople and defeat the villain’s plans.
Directed by Mel Brooks, ‘Blazing Saddles’ is a bold comedy that uses humor to make fun of racism and Hollywood Westerns. The film is known for breaking the fourth wall and for its anachronistic jokes. It is a classic satire that is still considered one of the funniest movies ever made.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Another classic from director Mel Brooks, this film is a loving parody of old monster movies. Gene Wilder plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the famous scientist. He insists he is nothing like his grandfather but soon travels to Transylvania and ends up creating a monster of his own.
‘Young Frankenstein’ is a carefully crafted tribute to the Universal horror films of the 1930s. It was even filmed in black and white and used original lab props from the first ‘Frankenstein’ movie. The humor is a mix of clever wordplay, character comedy, and slapstick, creating a film that is both funny and beautifully made.
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019-Present)
This is a sketch comedy series on Netflix. Each episode is a collection of short, absurd sketches, usually featuring creator Tim Robinson. The central theme of most sketches is a character who refuses to admit they are wrong in an awkward social situation. They will continue to defend their strange behavior until the situation becomes completely chaotic.
For viewers who enjoy the awkward and cringe-worthy humor found in some modern comedies, this show is a perfect fit. The sketches are short, strange, and highly quotable. The comedy comes from seeing everyday situations escalate into total absurdity because one person will not back down.
The Righteous Gemstones (2019-Present)
This HBO series follows the Gemstones, a world-famous and very wealthy family of televangelists. The family is led by the widowed patriarch, Eli, and his immature children, Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin. While they present a holy image to their followers, their private lives are filled with greed, corruption, and dysfunction.
‘The Righteous Gemstones’ is a dark comedy with a talented ensemble cast. The show satirizes televangelism and megachurch culture. The humor is often over-the-top and centers on the hypocritical and chaotic lives of the powerful family members. It combines family drama with outrageous comedy.
