15 Comedy Movies That Are Tragically Underrated

Updated on December 7th, 2023 by Louise Everitt: This article has been updated with additional content to keep information relevant. We've added some of the latest titles released in 2023 to keep things up-to-date and interesting for you. Dive in and check out what's new!

1. Strays (2023, IMDB: 6.3/10)

An R-rated talking dog movie featuring Will Ferrell as the voice of Reggie, an abandoned dog in the big city. Reggie, joined by a tough-talking pooch named Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx), seeks to find his way home to bite his abusive former owner. The film includes outrageously profane sequences, so please consider yourself warned.

2. Bottoms (2023, IMDB: 6.9/10)

Directed by Emma Seligman, this comedy revolves around two high school friends, PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edibiri), who start a fight club to boost their social status based on a rumor that they spent the summer in a juvenile probation facility.

3. Joy Ride (2023, IMDB: 6.4/10)

The film follows Audrey Sullivan (Ashley Park), a lawyer sent to China for a business deal, accompanied by her friends. They engage in wild adventures, including encounters with a drug dealer and hard partying. The movie combines raunchy comedy with a tale of friendship, featuring standout performances from the cast, particularly Sherry Cola​​.

4. Dumb Money (2023, IMDB: 6.9/10)

Based on the true story of the GameStop stock phenomenon, this film features Paul Dano as a YouTuber who inspires a mass investment in undervalued GameStop stock, leading to a financial uproar. Felt like the subject of the stock market was too complex? Well, this movie is going to fix that.

5. Beau Is Afraid (2023, IMDB: 6.8/10)

An adventurous non-linear story by Ari Aster starring Joaquin Phoenix as Beau Wassermann, an anxiety-ridden man who experiences a dissociative episode en route to his mother's funeral, leading to a mix of horrific and comedic situations.

6. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016, IMDB: 7.8/10)

Coming to us from New Zealand's crown prince of comedy, Taika Waititi, Hunt for the Wilderpeople takes us on a wild adventure through the New Zealand bush. When a rebellious kid and his foster uncle go missing in the wild, a nationwide manhunt is ordered. With a modest box office haul of $23 million worldwide, the film tragically didn't reach the widespread audience it deserved. This whimsical offbeat comedy not only makes you laugh but also pulls at your heartstrings with a truly touching story about family and belonging.

7. What We Do in the Shadows (2014, IMDB: 7.6/10)

Before there was the hit FX series, there was the film that started it all. Also helmed by Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary comedy about the everyday lives of a group of vampires living in modern-day Wellington. Despite only grossing $6.9 million at the box office, the film became a cult classic for its clever humor and unique spin on vampire lore. A delightfully absurd film that deserves more sun...I mean, spotlight.

8. The Guard (2011, Rotten Tomatoes: 94%)

In this dark Irish comedy, Brendan Gleeson plays Sergeant Gerry Boyle, an unorthodox small-town cop who reluctantly teams up with an uptight FBI agent (Don Cheadle ) to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring. The Guard was a modest hit, grossing $20 million worldwide. Still, given its brilliant dialogue, top-notch performances, and the fact that it's the most hilarious crime thriller you'll ever see, it's a tragedy it's not better known.

9. Kung Fu Hustle (2004, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%)

A vibrant mix of martial arts, special effects, slapstick humor, and even a dash of musical, Kung Fu Hustle by Stephen Chow is a ridiculously fun ride. Despite its success in Asia, it only made a small wave in the U.S., grossing $17 million. It's like the cinematic version of a theme park – thrilling, unexpected, and will leave you with a ridiculous grin on your face.

10. Four Lions (2010, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%)

Four Lions is a daring comedy about a group of inept British jihadists who push their abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point. As funny as it is insightful, this film takes a controversial topic and turns it into an uproarious comedy. Its satirical approach resonated with audiences, raking in $4.5 million at the box office, but this daring movie is often overlooked in comedy rec lists.

11. In Bruges (2008, Rotten Tomatoes: 84%)

Another dark comedy starring the terrific Brendan Gleeson alongside Colin Farrell, In Bruges explores the aftermath of a botched job by two Irish hitmen hiding in the quaint city of Bruges, Belgium. The film's delightful blend of action, drama, and pitch-black humor has made it a cult favorite, although its $34.5 million worldwide gross feels criminal considering the movie's quality. Its unexpected tonal shifts, fantastic dialogues, and standout performances, especially from Farrell, make this an underrated gem that should be on every comedy-lover's list.

12. Death at a Funeral (2007, Rotten Tomatoes: 62%)

This British black comedy might not have broken box office records, raking in just $46.5 million worldwide, but its humorous take on a family funeral gone disastrously wrong is definitely worth your time. With an ensemble cast including Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Dinklage, and Alan Tudyk, the movie spins a chaotic web of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and misplaced hallucinogenic drugs. The blend of British humor and universal absurdities of family dynamics make this comedy a tragically underrated must-watch.

13. Galaxy Quest (1999, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%)

Galaxy Quest is a parody of sci-fi films and series, particularly Star Trek, featuring an ensemble cast led by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman. This hilarious tale of washed-up TV actors mistaken for their TV roles by real aliens made a respectable $90.7 million at the box office, but it's often forgotten in conversations about great comedies. Its blend of witty satire, affectionate parody, and genuine love for the sci-fi genre turns it into a laugh-out-loud love letter that's an absolute joy to watch.

14. Bubba Ho-Tep (2002, Rotten Tomatoes: 79%)

Bubba Ho-Tep presents a story so bizarre that it's impossible not to be entertained. When Elvis Presley and a man who believes he's John F. Kennedy end up in the same nursing home, they team up to fight a reanimated ancient Egyptian mummy. With a box office gross of $1.2 million, this movie is criminally underseen. Bruce Campbell's fantastic performance as Elvis breathes life into this hilarious and oddly touching comedy.

15. Clue (1985, Rotten Tomatoes: 69%)

Finally, we give you Clue, based on the popular board game. Despite initially being a box office flop, grossing just $14.6 million, it's since garnered a strong cult following. The film is a murder-mystery comedy set in a gothic mansion, filled with colorful characters, all of whom are potential murderers. With its rapid-fire humor, intricate plot, and wonderfully campy performances, Clue is a comedic masterstroke that continues to surprise audiences after all these years.