Best comedies on Netflix in October 2024
Whether it's edgy but hilarious Korean-American comedy Beef, long-running British series Brassic, or a romantic comedy film like Hit Man, Netflix is bulging with laughs. Here's our pick of the best comedies on Netflix in October 2024.
Derry Girls
Comedy | Drama
Summary:During the height of the Irish Troubles, four teenage girls and their male best friend navigate school-life, relationships, and family life in Derry, Ireland. A Channel 4 original, Derry Girls launched the careers of its main stars, who have since gone on to appear in a range of shows, including Bridgerton, Screw, and Big Boys. All three seasons are available on Netflix.
Why you should watch: If you haven’t watched Derry Girls yet, where have you been?! Arguably one of the best TV shows of the last decade, it’s one of those that you can watch again and again and again and find new things funny. The main cast are as hilarious as they are magnetic, and it’s sure to bring a tear to your eye at times too. Its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is well deserved indeed.
Available now
One Day at a Time
Comedy
Summary:One Day at a Time follows a Cuban-American living in Los Angeles. The mother of the family is suffering from PTSD having come home from serving in the military. If dealing with trauma wasn’t enough already, she has to deal with her elderly mother and her children too. Six Feet Under star Justina Machado plays Penélope in this old school sitcom. The first three seasons are currently available on Netflix. ViacomCBS's Pop picked up the show for a fourth and final season, but it’s unclear if it will ever arrive on Netflix.
Why you should watch: If you want something a bit more old-school, like the sitcoms of old, then this one will be right up your street. Considered something of a hidden gem on Netflix, One Day at a Time has been described as being able to “hold its own with the best of the genre” thanks to its “first-class acting and deep pathos” (The Guardian). The show was also praised for addressing issues like mental health and queer sexuality.
Available now
Beef
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Danny Cho and Amy Lau were involved in a road rage incident, but it didn’t end there. Their cross words during the incident escalate over the course of the 10-episode series to become a full-blown feud. The Walking Dead star Steven Yeun plays Danny, and American Housewife actress Ali Wong plays Amy. There is one season of the comedy drama (at the moment) available to stream.
Why you should watch: Beef is a show that just has to be watched. Featuring fantastic performances from Yeun and Wong, who have been described as being “diabolically watchable” by Rotten Tomatoes (who have it at 98%). The critics seemed fond of the show too, with Beef winning five Emmys last year, including Outstanding Limited Series. One that is highly recommended, and all-too-relatable.
Available now
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
Comedy
Summary:This sketch comedy series sees people making embarrassing mistakes in a social or professional setting. As it that wasn’t awkward enough, they then refuse to admit it, and attempt to convince everyone who saw it that they are wrong. This cringe-worthy series stars Tim Robinson and features guest appearances from a number of stars, including Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk, Beef’s Steven Yeun, and The Bear actress Ayo Edebiri.
Why you should watch: If you’re looking for something that is going to make you cringe and wince and watch through your fingers, all while laughing, then this is the perfect show for you. It’s had some fantastic reviews since first airing in 2019, with Rotten Tomatoes (who have scored it 98%) describing it as “gloriously absurd”. They also credit it with breathing new life into TV sketch comedies.
Available now
Hit Man
Crime | Comedy | Romance
2024 | Richard Linklater | 116 mins
Summary:A comedy movie about a mild-mannered university professor who moonlights as a hitman for the police. However, his skills are put to the test when he is forced to save a woman from an abusive relationship – and ends up falling for her. Top Gun star Glenn Powell leads the cast in this hit comedy drama, which also features the likes of Adria Arjona and Austin Amelio.
Why you should watch: Hit Man proved to be something of a surprise hit when it was released last year. There has been much praise for Powell’s performance, with critics describing it as “cheerfully likeable” (The Guardian). With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, this should be near the top of anyone’s watch list.
Available now
The Good Place
Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Comedy
Summary:This comedy follows Eleanor (Heroes actress Kristen Bell) who has died and gone to Heaven. Although she believes she is in the wrong afterlife, she’s determined to hide the fact that she was bad during her life. The sitcom, which ran for four seasons, also stars Ant-Man star William Jackson Harper and Jameela Jamil. All four seasons are available to watch now.
Why you should watch: The Good Place is considered to be one of the best sitcoms from across the pond in recent years - and it proved to be such a hit that it ended up running for four seasons, which is no mean feat in this day and age. Featuring hilarious performances from its lead, as well as a compelling plot, The Good Place was nominated for 14 Emmys and 2 Golden Globes during its time on the telly. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%.
Available now
Bo Burnham: Inside
Comedy | Drama
2021 | Bo Burnham | 87 mins | 15
Summary:Filmed during the pandemic, American stand-up comedian (and actor) Bo Burnham gives viewers a hilarious, musical insight into his life during isolation. Featuring a variety of songs and sketches, this Netflix special also has a serious side, examining Bo’s deteriorating mental health as the pandemic rages on.
Why you should watch: For something so good and experimental to have been made during lockdown is worth a watch on its own. Not only is this film very funny, it’s also moving, and features countless songs that will make you laugh (and stick in your head afterwards). Inside won a number of awards after its release, with Bo becoming the first person to ever win three individual Emmy’s in one year. It quite rightly has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%.
Available now
Tig Notaro: Happy to Be Here
Comedy
2018 | Tig Notaro | 58 mins
Summary:American stand-up comedian Tig performs a stand-up set in Houston, in which she uses her deadpan silliness to tell hilarious anecdotes, funny parenting confessions, and the comedic sides of marriage.
Why you should watch: If you’re after a stand-up gig, rather than a movie or series, then you can’t do much better than Tig’s Happy To Be Here. It must be good too, because the feature-length gig has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As a critic from Vulture said: “There is an unrelenting riptide of joy that defines Happy To Be Here.”
Available now
Life of Brian
Comedy
1979 | Terry Jones | 94 mins | 15
Summary:In their second cinema outing, the Monty Python team take the mick out of the Messiah – which is probably why the film was so controversial when it was first released. Brian (Graham Chapman) was born next door to the Messiah - and now everyone thinks he’s God’s son, despite him repeatedly protesting that he isn’t.
Why you should watch: It’s a classic, plain and simple. It was banned in a lot of countries at the time, and it’s easy to see why. It’s been almost 50 years now since it was released and it has really stood the test of time - it's still just as funny as it was then. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, not only is Life of Brian a great comedy film, but it’s also one of the greatest films of all time, full stop.
Available now
In Bruges
Comedy | Drama | Crime
2008 | Martin McDonagh | 108 mins
Summary:Penguin star Colin Farrell and Harry Potter actor Brendan Gleeson play two hapless hitmen in this film. When a mission goes wrong, they’re left stuck in Bruges, Belgium. To make matters worse, the big boss wants Ray (Farrell) to kill Ken (Gleeson). This is a bit of a Harry Potter reunion, with Voldermort actor Ralph Fiennes and Fleur Delacour actress Clémence Poésy also having significant roles.
Why you should watch: In Bruges is a funny take on the hitman genre, way before George Clooney and Brad Pitt gave it a pop in Wolfs. It has a great cast and a very funny, interesting premise. It defies genre norms, and is a darkly humorous movie. The performances are excellent, with Farrell winning a Golden Globe for his, while Gleeson was nominated for one too. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%.
Available now
Superbad
Comedy
2007 | Greg Mottola | 113 mins | 15
Summary:A teen comedy film about two friends who want their school lives to go out with a bang before they head off to college. After getting invited to a house bash, they hatch a plan to lose their virginity. However, it doesn’t quite go to plan... Maniac star Jonah Hill and Barbie actor Michael Cera lead, alongside La La Land actress Emma Stone.
Why you should watch: It’s perhaps the ultimate American high school teen comedy - well, it’s definitely up there anyway. If you’re after something a bit cruder, a bit sillier, where you can just put your feet up and turn your brain off a little, then this is the perfect film for you. With hilarious performances and set-pieces, Superbad has a very decent score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Available now
Four Lions
Comedy | Crime | Drama
2010 | Chris Morris | 97 mins | 15
Summary:A British comedy film about four Muslim men who are determined to become soldiers of Jihad. The only issue is, they’re all a bit useless at it. The brilliant cast includes What We Do in the Shadows star Kayvan Novak, Venom baddie Riz Ahmed, and Sherwood’s Adeel Akhtar.
Why you should watch: It might sound tasteless, but it’s actually a smart, pitch-black comedy. The performances are hilarious, and the friends’ mishaps just get funnier as the film goes on. A modern classic of the comedy genre, Four Lions was named in Time Magazine’s Top 10 films of 2010 - and it has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 83%.
Available now
The Office
Comedy
Summary:Remake of the iconic British version. Set in the offices of a paper supply company, The Office US follows a team of hapless employees as they go about their day to day lives under the management of their quirky, oddball boss. Steve Carrell stars as Michael Scott, alongside Mindy Kaling, John Krasinski, and Ed Helms. All nine seasons are available to stream.
Why you should watch: The Office US is how a remake should be done. If you thought the original UK version was good, then this one is just as good, if not (whisper it) even better. Michael Scott is hilarious, Pam and Jim’s relationship (especially in the early seasons) is gripping, and the cast is just perfect. Largely considered one of the best comedy series of all time, this sitcom has a score of 9/10 on IMDB.
Available now
Attack the Block
Action | Comedy | Science Fiction
2011 | Joe Cornish | 88 mins | 15
Summary:Before they were in Doctor Who and Star Wars, Jodie Whittaker and John Boyega fought aliens together in a South London housing estate. When extra-terrestrials invade their turf, a gang of teens and a young nurse fight back. Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost and Fortitude actor Luke Treadaway also star in this comedy sci-fi film.
Why you should watch: Aliens invading a council estate in London is a great concept and it’s done really well. A young Boyega is brilliant as the leader of a teen gang, and Whittaker is typically watchable too. It didn’t perform too well in cinemas, but after the actors went on to bigger things, Attack the Block enjoyed something of a revival in people’s estimations. It’s well worth a watch, and it has a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Available now
Sex Education
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Otis’ mum is a sex therapist, but he doesn’t have any experience whatsoever in the department. Despite this, Otis - in a bid to improve his reputation in school - becomes its resident, unofficial sex therapist, offering his fellow students advice. What follows is a heartwarming, hilarious series about a group of teens attempting to navigate sex, gender and relationships. Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, Barbie’s Emma Mackey, Merlin’s Asa Butterfield, and Daddy Issues actress Aimee Lou Wood lead a cast that has since taken the world by storm.
Why you should watch: It’s not for the faint-hearted, but Sex Education is brilliant, heartwarming, and heart wrenching – and, as the name implies, full of sex. It’s a hilarious, honest look at how teenagers explore their sexualities, relationships, and more. It’s also got one of the best ‘will-they-wont-they’ relationships put to screen in recent years. All 4 seasons are on Netflix and have been awarded a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Available now
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy
1975 | Terry Jones | 91 mins | 12A
Summary:God himself tasks the Knights of the Round Table to find the Holy Grail. What follows is a quest full of hilarity, a murderous rabbit, and many other increasingly silly obstacles. Featuring the Monty Python troupe, this was their second foray into the cinema following the success of And Now For Something Completely Different in 1971.
Why you should watch: There’s a reason The Holy Grail is still considered one of the best films of all time. It’s surreal, it’s whimsical, and it’s gloriously silly - and all of those qualities make it a great movie. Since its release, it has regularly been named amongst the best comedy films of all time, as well as the best films of all time in general.
Available now
Brassic
Comedy | Drama | Crime
Summary:Set in a small town in the North of England, Brassic follows a group of friends who commit petty crimes to put some cash in their pockets. However, as they grow older, cracks begin to show in their relationships as they begin to wonder if there’s more out there for them. Fool Me Once star Michelle Keegan and This is England actor Joseph Gilgun lead the cast. Although there have been six seasons on Sky, only four are available to stream on Netflix now.
Why you should watch: Brassic has had rave reviews since first airing in 2019, and it is still the proud owner of a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are big fans of it, with The Guardian describing it as “hilarious, warm, brutal”, whilst the Metro branded it “refreshing”. It has humour and heart, without sentimentality. If you loved Shameless, then this is for you.
Available now
Mr. Roosevelt
Comedy
2017 | Noël Wells | 90 mins
Summary:This movie follows Emily, a struggling comedian in LA who returns to her hometown of Texas when a family member falls ill. However, once there, she is forced into the unenviable situation of having to live with her ex-boyfriend and his new, amazing girlfriend. Noël Wells plays Emily in this comedy, which she also wrote and directed.
Why you should watch: Mr Roosevelt has had some great reviews since being released, and is one of the highest rated comedy films on Netflix. There is plenty of praise for Wells - who also wrote and directed the film - too. It’s quirky, witty, and sweet, and you’ll be rooting for Emily. Variety called it “riotously endearing”, while Vanity Fair called it a “shockingly great display of comedic prowess”.
Available now
Brian and Charles
Comedy | Drama | Science Fiction
2022 | Jim Archer | 90 mins | PG
Summary:This British comedy film - in the style of a documentary - follows a lonely inventor, Brian, who lives in rural Wales. After a harsh winter, Brian decides to build a robot friend, made by using a washing machine and scrap, who he subsequently names Charles. The film follows their exploits. After Life star David Earl plays Brian, whilst Louise Brealey of Sherlock fame plays Hazel.
Why you should watch: If you’re after something a bit quirkier, look no further. This heartwarming, funny mockumentary movie has captured many a heart since being released. It has a 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was described by The Times as being a “mixture of sweetness and silliness”. One thing is for sure, it’s a testament to the British spirit.
Available now
Step Brothers
Comedy
2008 | Adam McKay | 98 mins | 15
Summary:Comedy legends Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play feuding, middle-aged step brothers who clash - and keep on clashing - after their parents get married and move in together. As they’re yet to have moved out, they’re forced to live under the same roof - with comical consequences. Severance star Adam Scott and Agatha All Along’s Kathryn Hahn are also in the cast of this film.
Why you should watch: It’s one of the more iconic comedy movies to come out of Hollywood in the last 20 years or so - and is still widely quoted today, almost two decades later. It’s by far Ferrell and Reilly’s best movie together (the less said about that Sherlock Holmes one the better), and is one of the more memorable films Ferrell has made. If you love Will Ferrell, then this is a must-see.
Available now
Bros
Comedy | Romance
2022 | Nicholas Stoller | 115 mins | 15
Summary:This film follows Aaron and Bobby as they play the field in New York without a care in the world for commitment - until they meet each other, that is. Despite their best efforts, the two men just keep on being drawn back to each other. Luke Macfarlane and Billy Eichner star in this gay rom com, about two men with commitment problems who attempt a relationship.
Why you should watch: Who doesn’t love a rom-com? Bros has had some great reviews since coming out a couple of years ago, with many praising the chemistry between the leads. Rotten Tomatoes’ critic consensus says: “Bros marks a step forward in rom-com representation – and, just as importantly, it's a whole bunch of fun to watch.”
Available now
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Comedy | Crime | Mystery
2022 | Rian Johnson | 140 mins
Summary:A sequel to the original Knives Out film in 2019. James Bond actor Daniel Craig returns as the detective Benoit Blanc, who attempts to solve a murder on a private Greek island. This ensemble movie features an impressive cast, including Fight Club actor Edward Norton, Marvel villain Kathryn Hahn, and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista.
Why you should watch: It’s a fun murder mystery with a great cast and a compelling plot. Also, it’s very funny. If you were a fan of the first Knives Out film, you’ll love this one. There’s another one on the way too – entitled Wake Up Dead Man - so get watching before it hits screens next year!
Available now
After Life
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Set in a little town in England, After Life follows a journalist at the local paper who is struggling to cope after the death of his beloved wife. After contemplating suicide, Tony decides to take out his anger over his wife’s death by saying what he wants to whoever he wants, no matter how rude. Yep, we can relate. Ricky Gervais writes and stars in this - at times - difficult to watch black comedy. David Bradley, Kerry Godliman, Penelope Wilton, and Diane Morgan also star.
Why you should watch: After Life will break your heart as much as it’ll make you laugh. It’s a beautiful, heart-wrenching – but also life-affirming - comedy with a surprisingly intimate look at grief and what it does to someone. Over the course of the three series, viewers will go on a journey with Tony, in what is a surprisingly poignant performance from Gervais. The ending will break your heart. It’s had a great reception from viewers too, with over 1,000 reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes rating it 92%.
Available now
KAOS
Comedy | Drama | Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Summary:A relatively new addition to the Netflix comedy catalogue, Kaos is a series about the Greek gods – if they lived in the modern day. Prometheus has a plan to overthrow Zeus with the help of a property - and three unwitting mortals. Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum plays Zeus in this funny black comedy. He’s joined by the likes of Harry Potter star David Thewlis, Better actress Leila Farzad, and I Hate Suzie’s Billie Piper.
Why you should watch: Greek and Roman gods in the modern day? It’s a concept we can get behind! Think Percy Jackson, but more adult. Kaos has a star-studded cast and has been described as being “witty, rigorous, hugely intelligent, funny and brutal” (The Guardian). You’re bound to have a lot of fun with this rather out-there series!
Available now
Wicked Little Letters
Comedy | Drama | Mystery
2024 | Thea Sharrock | 100 mins | 15
Summary:When the people of Littlehampton begin receiving letters full of profanity, they blame Irish migrant Rose. However, as they begin to investigate, it turns out that maybe Rose isn’t so guilty after all. Based on a true scandal, this movie - set in the 1920s - features a star-studded cast, including Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Timothy Spall, and Joanna Scanlan.
Why you should watch: As well as having a great cast, Wicked Little Letters is one of those comedy movies that will have you laughing one minute and holding back tears the next. It proved to be very popular with critics, with Buckley and Colman’s performances (described as “delightful” by Vanity Fair) being praised in particular. A funny little mystery comedy with plenty of hilarious sweary moments.
Available now
