The best comedy movies to watch online with a free streaming trial


The best comedy movies to watch online with a free streaming trial

Nothing proves you’re having good time more than when you’re laughing, so if you want to get some lighthearted humour from movies, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you like slapstick or satire, romcom or the most outrageous scenes, there’s certainly something here to make you laugh out loud. 

To ensure we include something for everyone, we’ve handpicked some certified classics and rounded up the latest comedies in this article. With the increasing popularity of streaming TV, many of these comedy movies are easy to watch. With this in mind, let’s explore the best hilarious comedy films.

What’s in this Guide

What Are the Best Comedy Movies of All Time, and Where Can You Stream Them?

Producing comedy movies that can remain popular over time is no easy feat. To be considered entertaining and hilarious decades after being released is an accomplishment. When times change, context does, too, so it’s incredible that there are brilliant comedies built to last. Looking for some classics with enduring popularity? Here are our top favourites.

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day

Bill Murray plays a cynical TV weatherman who, for some mysterious reason, keeps reliving the same day over and over again in a time loop while filming a report about a town’s annual Groundhog Day. Desperate, trapped, and very frustrated, he decides to use his newfound ‘immortality’ to his advantage, which generates some of the funniest scenes on the big screen.

  • Running time: 1h 41m
  • Released: 1993
  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
  • Director: Harold Ramis
  • Stars: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
  • Streaming services: Paramount+, Stan

Team America: World Police

Team America: World Police

From the creators of South Park, the creative geniuses Trey Parker and Matt Stone, comes the puppet comedy Team America: World Police, a controversial but outrageously funny film nonetheless. It focuses on a highly specialised Team America unit tasked to stop North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il from his world domination schemes. It’s a political commentary at its wildest and one of the best comedies ever.

  • Running time: 1h 45m
  • Released: 2004
  • Genre: Action, Comedy
  • Director: Trey Parker
  • Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Kristen Miller
  • Streaming services: Paramount+, Stan

The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski

When ‘The Dude’ Lebowski is mistaken for another Lebowski, who is not ‘The Dude’ but another guy called The Big Lebowski, The Dude deeply feels the need to be compensated after thugs beat him up. Worse, they even tainted his precious rug. So he tracks down his namesake, who offers him a job: deliver the ransom to retrieve his kidnapped wife, Bunny. 

With the help of his bowling pals Walter and Donny, nothing is accomplished whatsoever, at least not after some wild revelations about the whole kidnapping, which sucks because all The Dude wants is compensation for his rug in this comedy directed by the Coen Brothers.

  • Running time: 1h 57m
  • Released: 1998
  • Genre: Crime, Comedy
  • Director: Joel Coen
  • Stars: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore
  • Streaming services: Foxtel Now, BINGE

His Girl Friday

His Girl Friday

In this comedy movie, one of the few films that will never get old, newspaper editor Walter Burns, played by Cary Grant, will do whatever he can to prevent Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) from marrying again in His Girl Friday. What tricks does Burns have up his sleeve?

  • Running time: 1h 32m
  • Released: 1939
  • Genre: Drama, Comedy
  • Director: Howard Hawks
  • Stars: Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy
  • Streaming services: Prime Video

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad

Frank Drebin may be incompetent, but he has a mission as a detective in The Naked Gun. Although Vincent Ludwig schemes to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II in this timeless comedy, Drebin must come to the rescue. 

Produced by Paramount Pictures, this movie has an impressive box office history, is valued at $78,041,829 worldwide. It calls to mind the events of The Blues Brothers starring John Belushi.

  • Running time: 1h 25m
  • Released: 1988
  • Genre: Crime, Comedy
  • Director: David Zucker
  • Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, O.J. Simpson
  • Streaming services: Apple TV, Prime Video Store

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

John Hughes directs this funny movie in which the eponymous Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, attempts to skip school for a day and will do anything to succeed. His goal is to visit Chicago and enjoy the city. Meanwhile, his principal is on to Bueller and Sloane, his girlfriend, and aims to end his plans. Who will triumph in the cat and mouse game in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?

  • Running time: 1h 43m
  • Released: 1986
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: John Hughes
  • Stars: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Paramount Plus, Stan, Foxtel Now

Duck Soup

Duck Soup

Freedonia is facing a revolution in this war-time comedy musical and truly brilliant work by the Marx Brothers. Rufus T. Firefly is appointed president but fails to accept the government’s rational processes. Fredonia is also under threat from Sylvania. With two spies following Firefly, can Fredonia evade a war? Like the comedy movies of Charlie Chaplin, this movie will stand the critical test of time and go down in cinema history with its enduring appeal.

  • Running time: 1h 9m
  • Released: 1933
  • Genre: Musical, Comedy
  • Director: Leo McCarey
  • Stars: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
  • Streaming services: Prime Video Store, Apple TV Store

Life Of Brian

Life Of Brian

Possibly one of the greatest comedies ever created, Monty Python’s Life of Brian tells the story of Brian, who shares a birthday with Jesus of Nazareth. As he bands together with a political movement and focuses on getting the Romans to leave Judea, his life parallels the life of Jesus. 

This is another movie that stars Michael Palin and reveals the talent of John Cleese, who also starred in the King Arthur based Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and delivered many stand up comedy performances. 

  • Running time: 1h 34m
  • Released: 1979
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Terry Jones
  • Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin
  • Streaming services: Netflix

New Comedy Movies to Watch Online

Even with endless memes dominating our feeds, watching a great comedy film after a long day is just as terrific as it is comforting. That’s why it remains one of the easily popular movie genres that fans can’t get enough of. If you’re looking for some newly released comedies to watch tonight, here are some of the best comedy movies of the modern era, plus a couple of top favourites released in the 2000s.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

This 2022 comedy movie for kids features some hilarious animated physical comedy. In this movie, the voice of Antonio Banderas, who is Puss in Boots, quips plenty of funny lines, as does the supporting cast, as the story of the lovable cat seeks to restore his nine lives and avoid being captured by The Big Bad Wolf. 

As he tries to complete his quest, can Puss find the map to help him discover the magical star? If it’s time for a good laugh and you have kids, don’t miss the comedy animation Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and its quotable lines.

  • Running time: 1h 42m
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: Animation, Adventure Comedy
  • Director: Joel Crawford, Janel Mercado
  • Stars: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Netflix

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The comedy just keeps on coming in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Amusing references, funny one-liners and surprises are spread through this film as Nicolas Cage must evade the pursuits of a superfan, work with a CIA agent to save his own life and defend those he loves from harm. 

We may recall Nicolas Cage’s role in Raising Arizona, in which he falls for police officer Ed (played by Holly Hunter), but the all-star cast of this comedy are in top form, making people laugh and making it one to watch.

  • Running time: 1h 47m
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
  • Director: Tom Gormican
  • Stars: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish
  • Streaming services: BINGE

Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians made the big screen in 2018. Co-written by Peter Chiarelli, Adele Lim and Kevin Kwan, it depicts the story of Professor Rachel Chu, an American with Chinese heritage, as she learns that her boyfriend is a wealthy, eligible bachelor. Chu must evade her rivals, including her boyfriend’s mother, as they try to do anything to prevent them from getting married.

  • Running time: 2h
  • Released: 2018
  • Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
  • Director: Jon M. Chu
  • Stars: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Foxtel Now, Paramount Plus, Netflix

Zoolander

Zoolander

Ben Stiller is perfectly cast as the title character in this bizarre, comical movie about ridiculously good-looking runway model Derek Zoolander. The comedy is seen in the facial expressions and self-righteousness of Hansel (Owen Wilson). Still, there is a deeper plot in which Mugatu aims to transform Derek into an unstoppable murderer. 

Parody is at the core of this movie, making it one of the greatest comedies with the most talented cast, memorable characters, supporting roles, strong performances and a brilliant script capable of earning big laughs.

  • Running time: 1h 30m
  • Released: 2001
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Ben Stiller
  • Stars: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Foxtel Now

Scary Movie

Scary Movie

The Scary Movies franchise is known for its blend of reference comedy, parody and horror film spoofs, much like Shaun of the Dead. Scary Movie is the first film in the franchise and tells the story of a group of teenagers who run over a man by mistake while driving. They successfully get rid of the body, but to make matters worse, a masked killer begins to stalk the group.

  • Running time: 1h 28m
  • Released: 2000
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
  • Stars: Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Marlon Wayans
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Foxtel Now, Stan

Ticket to Paradise

Ticket to Paradise

George Clooney and Julia Roberts star in Ticket to Paradise, a romantic comedy in which a divorced couple work together to stop their daughter from marrying an islander in Bali. Will the parents stop the wedding from taking place and save their daughter from a similar error they made themselves?

  • Running time: 1h 44m
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: Romance, Comedy
  • Director: Ol Parker
  • Stars: George Clooney, Sean Lynch, Julia Roberts
  • Streaming services: Netflix, Prime Video Store

Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle

Wannabe gangster Sing aims to become a member of the Axe Gang and will do anything to join them in this kung-fu comedy. As Sing accidentally accesses a slum that one of the best kung-fu masters rules, he prompts a huge battle after which one will become the undisputed master in Kung Fu Hustle.

  • Running time: 1h 39m
  • Released: 2004
  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Action
  • Director: Stephen Chow
  • Stars: Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen
  • Streaming services: Apple TV

Catherine Called Birdy

Catherine Called Birdy

In this 2022 film set in medieval England, Birdy’s father pursues his plan to have her married to a potential suitor. Throughout the comedy, Birdy tries to evade each suitor with cunning plans and strategies. But will she be married by the end? Prepare yourself and know that you’ll have your funny bone tickled by Catherine Called Birdy.

  • Running time: 1h 48m
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: Adventure, Comedy
  • Director: Lena Dunham
  • Stars: Bella Ramsey, Billie Piper, Andrew Scott
  • Streaming services: Prime Video

Nutty Professor II

Nutty Professor II

Eddie Murphy is the real star of this second instalment of the timeless comedy franchise The Nutty Professor, which received an Oscar nomination and won one for best makeup. Scientist Klump creates a powerful invention, but when his rival Buddy Love resurfaces, Klump’s success comes under threat. 

How will Klump beat Buddy Love, and will his reputation survive his alter ego? Though we remember his role as rebellious cop Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America starring James Earl Jones, Murphy’s stellar performances as each member of the Klump family will have you chuckling in this Universal Pictures Nutty Professor II film.

  • Running time: 1h 46m
  • Released: 2000
  • Genre: Comedy, Science Fiction
  • Director: Peter Segal
  • Stars: Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Larry Miller
  • Streaming services: Netflix, Amazon, BINGE, Disney Plus, Stan

Sing 2

Sing 2

In this animation, released a few years after Sing, the focus of the satire is the music industry and smash hit performances, but each character’s hopeful, aspiring outlook on success makes this an uplifting comedy. As Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) attempts to get the support of a rock star, his persuasion skills take the spotlight, as well as his talented stars in Sing 2.

  • Running time: 1h 50m
  • Released: 2021
  • Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
  • Director: Garth Jennings, Christophe Lourdelet
  • Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson
  • Streaming services: Paramount Plus

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz

In the scenes of Hot Fuzz, police officer Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) must leave his current police squad and transfer to Sandford, a quiet town with minimal crime. When a series of mysterious deaths occur, Angel must work with Danny Butterman to solve them.

  • Running time: 2h 1m
  • Released: 2007
  • Genre: Action, Comedy
  • Director: Edgar Wright
  • Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Netflix

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America that Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America that Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Borat, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, journeys to the states of America in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. The lengthy title is the tip of the iceberg of this film’s humour. The journalist seeks to make a documentary focusing on US customs as he travels through the country. 

As a Kazakh journalist, his own customs prompt reactions from real people, reflecting their hypocritical behaviour and views. Still, the movie presents hysterical outcomes in each scene, which reflects the film’s success.

  • Running time: 1h 24m
  • Released: 2006
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Larry Charles
  • Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian
  • Streaming services: Disney Plus

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Adam McKay makes his directorial debut in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. This is one of the funny movies with an excellent ensemble cast, in which competitive and popular anchorman Ron Burgundy must regain his spot at the top after being demoted and losing his job. 

Facing up against Veronica Corningstone, he has one trick and captivating story to broadcast, which might just help him earn his position and reach the high point of his career.

  • Running time: 1h 34m
  • Released: 2004
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Adam McKay
  • Stars: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell
  • Streaming services: Stan, Paramount Plus, Foxtel Now, BINGE

Austin Powers: Goldmember

Austin Powers: Goldmember

Starring Michael York and Mike Myers, Austin Powers is as funny now as it was when it was released. It tells the story of spy Austin Powers, who must save his father from escaped arch-nemesis Dr. Evil. Powers will work alongside Foxxy Cleopatra in his rescue mission. But will he thwart Dr. Evil and Mini-Me in Austin Powers Goldmember?

  • Running time: 1h 34m
  • Released: 2002
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
  • Director: Jay Roach
  • Stars: Mike Myers, Beyoncé, Seth Green
  • Streaming services: Stan, Foxtel Now, Paramount Plus

Game Night

Game Night

In Game Night, Max and Annie’s attempts to have a child are failing. Their relationship threatens to topple like a house of cards as they hide their mismatched emotions around starting a family through their family game nights. 

Though it calls to mind When Harry Met Sally, or Four Weddings and a Funeral starring Hugh Grant, things take a turn for the worse when Max’s brother appears to be kidnapped, and the best friends must band together to resolve the situation.

  • Running time: 1h 40m
  • Released: 2018
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
  • Director: John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein
  • Stars: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler
  • Streaming services: BINGE, Foxtel Now, Paramount Plus

Superbad

Superbad

In this buddy comedy, which might call to mind the witty exchanges of Dumb and Dumber, Seth and best friend Evan aim to overcome their separation anxiety before the final day of high school. 

As they receive an invitation to a party, they aim to blend in, jump-start their sex lives and become experienced in time for their college years. Superbad is one of the teen comedies reflecting the typical teenage life of Evan (Michael Cera) and his childhood buddy (Jonah Hill) that will make you laugh and cringe, but all in a good way.

  • Running time: 1h 53m
  • Released: 2007
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Director: Greg Mottola
  • Stars: Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
  • Streaming services:  Stan

How Can You Watch Comedy Movies for Free Online?

The easiest way to watch comedy movies for free online is to select one of these streaming options that features a wide range of films in the comedy genre. Some excellent streaming options include Foxtel Now, BINGE, Disney Plus and Netflix. 

Since these services often offer you a free trial option, viewing your favourite comedy movies during the trial phase is possible. Once you have seen your movie, you can cancel your subscription to avoid paying for another month. Before opting for a free trial, don’t forget to check whether your streaming service offers the comedy movie you want.

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Which Streaming Services Offer Comedy Movies and Free Trials?

You might enjoy streaming comedy movies, so you can choose a couple of streaming plans to maximise your free trial range. You can view several movies using this method and still cancel your plans for each plan. Still, you might want to keep your plan if you notice that a particularly funny comedy film will be released next month. The choice is yours.

Now, the only answer you need to know is: which streaming services provide comedy movies and offer free trials? To answer this, we provide the best free streaming plans for comedy films below.

Other Streaming TV Free Trials

Plan
Inclusions
Price
Monthly
  • 7-day free trial
  • Monthly
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Stream on up to 4 devices
  • Watch hundreds of shows and movies ad-free
  • $9.99/mth
$9.99/mth
Min Cost - $9.99/mth onwards after free trial

Basic
  • 7-day FREE Trial
  • Basic
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • SD or HD, stream on 2 devices
  • Watch live Ashes, BBL, NBA + more
  • $35/mth
$35/mth
$35/month after 7-day FREE trial, no lock-in contracts.

Basic with Ads
  • 7-Day Free Trial
  • Basic with Ads
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Stream in HD on a single device
  • 25,000+ hours of the world's best shows & movies
  • $10/mth
$10/mth
Min Cost - $10/month after free trial

Essentials
  • 10-Day FREE Trial
  • Essentials
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • 30+ channels: Entertainment, Drama, Lifestyle, Comedy and News
  • $25/mth
$25/mth
Min Cost - $25 over 1 month

Standard Monthly
  • Standard Monthly
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Stream in full HD & up to 5.1 audio
  • Downloads on up to 10 devices
  • $13.99/mth
$13.99/mth
Min Cost - $13.99 over 1 month

Monthly Subscription
  • 14-day free trial
  • Monthly Subscription
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • New docos added weekly
  • Unlimited streaming on any device with a DocPlay Premium subscription
  • $7.99/mth
$7.99/mth
Min Cost - $7.99/month

Monthly Subscription
  • 30-day free trial
  • Monthly Subscription
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Titles available in 4K
  • Use 3 screens at the same time
  • $9.99/mth
$9.99/mth
$9.99/month after 30 days free trial

Which Other Comedy Classics Are Available to Watch Online?

Over the decades, hundreds of comedy classics have been produced. Are you in the mood to laugh? To jog your memory of some of the funniest, most classic comedy films and start laughing out loud, check out our film reel below. As you will notice, several of these comedy classics are available on many streaming services, so you can stream them today.

Best Comedy Films to View Online with a Free Streaming Trial – Watch the Funniest Movies

A vast range of side-splitting comedy movies is available, so it’s always good to keep an eye on free streaming trials to avoid missing out. But do you need even more suggestions? Compare TV has you covered. Our guides are full of the most recent details about the funniest comedy movies you can find with free streaming trials.

Keep your eyes glued to Compare TV for the key facts to ensure the world’s best comedy movies don’t pass you by.

Best Comedy Movies to Watch Online with a Free Streaming Trial – FAQs

Do you need more information about the best comedy movies online via free streaming trials? We provide the frequently asked questions you might want to ask and the answers you need.

Do You Always Have to Pay for Streaming Comedy Movies?

Since many streaming services offer free trials, you will not always have to pay for streaming. It’s also the case that some streaming services provide a selection of comedy films or shows you can view without paying, but these may feature adverts. You may need to pay a subscription fee for more permanent access and premium comedy movies.

How Does Streaming Comedy Movies Work?

Streaming comedy movies happens when services break a movie into small data packets. They will send each data packet to your internet browser, and your video software will gather the data packets. Your software will play the comedy movie with all the data packets gathered.

What Are Some of the Highest-Ranking Australian Comedy Movies?

Some of the highest-ranking Australian comedy movies include The Castle, Crocodile Dundee, CrackerJack and Two Hands. Several other high-ranking Australian comedy movies you should not miss out on include The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, a road comedy film, and The Dish, a science fiction comedy.