The 15 Best Comedies From The 2000s, Ranked

Did comedy motion pictures attain their apex within the 2000s? That is debatable. Each decade has its breakout hits — the ’80s and ’90s are proper up there! — however few delivered the identical sustained success for the style as that one. The period gave us the Judd Apatow and Adam KcKay growth, the rise of Will Ferrell, Seth Rogen, Steve Carell, Melissa McCarthy, Zach Galifianakis, and Jonah Hill, and it produced a near-unbroken run of high-concept, raunchy, quotable, star-making hits that proceed to rank as some of the finest comedies ever produced.

Catchphrases like “I’m McLovin!,” “Keep elegant,” “Very good,” and “Wolfpack” entered on a regular basis dialog, turning every new launch into cultural moments. In doing so, these movies mirrored the anxieties, ambitions, and absurdities of on a regular basis life, doubling as sly social commentary whereas nonetheless honing in on the struggles of the common, working-class American. 

Nonetheless, the proof lies within the pudding, and so we have assembled the 15 finest comedies of the 2000s, ranked. Let’s do that!

First up is Mark Waters’ “Imply Women,” a sharply written take a look at highschool by means of the eyes of Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan). With Tina Fey’s razor-sharp screenplay as his information, Waters cleverly critiques the chaos of teenage social life, like becoming in, bullying, and the tough dynamics between cliques. Cady, (Lindsay Lohan) desperate to belong, gravitates towards the Plastics, a trio of “it” ladies led by the unstoppable Regina George (Rachel McAdams). However as Cady’s reputation soars, she realizes her new standing comes with a price — her personal decency and morality.

Fueled by unforgettable characters — Amanda Seyfried, specifically, shines because the candy however air-headed Karen Smith — and endlessly quotable one-liners, this comedy balances satire with coronary heart, delivering loads of laughs alongside real life classes. Its impression has been so enduring that it impressed a Broadway musical, which in flip was tailored right into a 2024 motion picture remake, a testomony to only how fetch “Imply Women” actually is.

In 2004, Jared Hess directed somewhat film referred to as “Napoleon Dynamite” that immediately carved out its personal bizarre, unforgettable area of interest in popular culture. An abundance of quirky characters and uniquely awkward humor touched a nerve, as did the underdog story of a youngster named Napoleon (Jon Heder), who needs nothing greater than to assist his buddy Pedro (Efren Ramirez) win a highschool election and possibly discover a lady to take to a college dance. Alongside the way in which, viewers encounter time machines, violent karate instructors, a cussed llama named Tina, and the affable small-town dreamer Uncle Rico (Jon Gries) — and that is simply the appetizer.

“Napoleon Dynamite” is a kind of unusual movies that comes alongside every now and then and instantly strikes a chord. Each scene tickles the humorous bone, and whereas the story unfolds extra like a string of eccentric vignettes than a standard plot, the film delivers sufficient laughs, quotable traces, and ridiculous set items to maintain audiences hooked. And do not forget the now-iconic post-credits wedding scene — filmed after the film’s shock success and wound up costing greater than the remainder of the manufacturing mixed.

Okay, here is the rub with “Wedding ceremony Crashers” — it is not an excellent film. The story about finest buds John (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) sneaking into weddings to hook up with emotionally weak girls is slick however by no means totally realized. Director David Dobkin and writers Steve Faber and Bob Fisher as a substitute go for a predictable emotional finale that rings hole irrespective of how a lot the soundtrack leans into sentimentality.

So, why is “Wedding ceremony Crashers” on this checklist? As a result of regardless of its flaws (and its supposed hidden meaning), it is completely hilarious. Powered by the sleek chemistry and fast-talking allure of Wilson and Vaughn, the movie delivers huge laughs. A brutal yard soccer recreation lands laborious, as does an uncomfortably humorous dinner sequence that includes Isla Fisher’s unhinged Gloria having her method with Jeremy. In fact, there’s that now-iconic cameo from Will Ferrell that takes the absurdity excessive.

Contemplating the expertise concerned — Rachel McAdams, Christopher Walken, Bradley Cooper — this sex-fueled romp most likely might have aimed larger. Because it stands, “Wedding ceremony Crashers” suits the invoice a rowdy comedy that is good for any event.

“Burn After Studying” could not attain the heights of Joel and Ethan Coen’s finest work, however it nonetheless lands as a tasty piece of cinema bliss. An all-star solid led by George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Richard Jenkins, and a hilarious off-brand Brad Pitt (in one of his best roles) spins an absurd and violent story about human stupidity into one of the vital cynical, ridiculous spy comedies of the 2000s.

After leaving the CIA, analyst Osborne Cox (Malkovich) vents his frustrations in a memoir that by accident falls into the palms of a pair of dimwitted fitness center rats, Linda and Chad (McDormand and Pitt), who try to make use of the moderately inconsequential doc as a way to blackmail their strategy to fortune. Additionally on deck is Harry Pfarrer (Clooney), a paranoid intercourse addict, and Ted (Jenkins), who harbors deep emotions for Linda. Cue the chaos.

A comedy of errors at its best, “Burn After Studying” piles on shocks, awkward laughs, and bursts of insanity, delivering a darkly satirical feast solely the Coens might cook dinner up.

In a time not so way back, Steve Carell was little greater than Evan Baxter and Brick from “Bruce Almighty” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Following 2005’s “The 40-12 months-Previous Virgin,” nonetheless, the funnyman turned a family identify because of “The Workplace” and this sex-fueled romp.

Judd Apatow’s hilarious blockbuster — based on a scrapped sketch Carell created for The Second City — a few 40-year-old virgin’s quest to get laid packs fairly the punch because of its improvisational type, stellar supporting solid, and side-splitting set items all wrapped in unapologetically R-rated humor. Beneath the goofy shenanigans lies a stunning sweetness, as Andy (Carell) discovers there’s extra to a relationship than simply intercourse. His encounters with Elizabeth Banks, Leslie Mann, Jane Lynch, and Catherine Keener are undeniably humorous, as is the nonstop banter between Paul Rudd’s David and Seth Rogen’s Cal. However the place “Virgin” actually strikes gold is in its exploration of the numerous methods folks view and method intercourse — some for pleasure, some for love — and the lasting impression it has on those that pursue it actually.

One other very R-rated comedy gem from the 2000s is Paul Feig’s “Bridesmaids,” a crude however sweet-natured story concerning the friendship between floundering Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig) and her soon-to-be-married finest buddy, Lillian (Maya Rudolph). Annie is tasked with coordinating the marriage, however her personal insecurity comes below fireplace with the arrival of Helen (Rose Byrne) — one other buddy of Lillian who excels in all of the methods Annie does not. The extra Annie tries to assist, the extra chaos she causes — culminating in drunken antics on a aircraft, a stomach-churning meals poisoning fiasco, and an awkwardly escalating toast battle.

Like many early mid-century comedies, “Bridesmaids” overstays its welcome by about 15-20 minutes and sputters barely when the main focus shifts to Annie’s tentative fling with a kindly police officer (Chris O’Dowd). Regardless, a dynamic solid (that almost included Paul Rudd), Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s Oscar-nominated screenplay, and Feig’s cautious mix of raunchy humor and emotional sincerity offers the movie actual endurance. Truthfully, who does not love a shock singalong with 90s rock again Wilson Phillips?

The by means of line connecting all these 2000 comedies is apparent to see: They did not give a rattling. Lengthy earlier than cancel tradition eroded our capability to giggle at one another, Ben Stiller’s outrageous “Tropic Thunder” stirred up controversy in almost each nook of popular culture — and that is fully by design. Stiller takes no prisoners on this wild critique of the movie trade and the hollow-headed creatives who take their “artwork” far too severely.

Taking cues from the likes of “Three Amigos,” “Galaxy Quest,” and “Bowfinger,” this foul-mouthed sendup of struggle photos follows a bunch of actors — Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. (in full technique performing mode), Jack Black, Jay Baruchel, and Brandon T. Jackson — as they try to finish an extremely graphic Vietnam epic by venturing into the drug-ravaged Golden Triangle. The joke, in fact, is that the actors suppose it is all pretend, when in actuality they’re up towards the very actual and really lethal Flaming Dragon drug cartel.

Wait until you get a load of Tom Cruise as … well, see it for yourself.

“Superbad” served because the definitive coming-of-age comedy flick for a complete era of teenagers — on this case, millennials. Not solely does the Greg Mottola-directed image seize the essence of youth, proper right down to the awkward conversations between girls and boys, however it additionally launched moviegoers to a slew of breakout performers who virtually reworked into superstars in a single day.

Rely ’em off: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Emma Stone — who is not on this film? Even Seth Rogen (who additionally co-wrote the script) and Invoice Hader cameo as a pair of irresponsible cops in dire want of ethical route.

Nonetheless, like so many on this checklist, “Superbad” — whereas unabashedly raunchy — manages to inform a heartfelt story about rising up, friendship, and the concern of change. Blended in with the endlessly quotable comedic beats — “I’m McLovin!” — is a very genuine take a look at the lives of three younger males doing their finest to navigate emotionally treacherous terrain on the eve of commencement. It is “American Pie” meets “American Graffiti,” which equated to box office gold.

Will Ferrell’s efficiency as information anchor Ron Burgundy in “Anchorman” is a pitch-perfect instance of an actor in full management of his craft. From his booming voice to his obsession with jazz flute and his canine Baxter, Ron is an overblown caricature — egotistical but clueless, skilled however shallow, charming however sexist – and a received dared comedy icon.

Additionally alongside for the experience is Steve Carell because the lovably bizarre Brick Tamland, Paul Rudd because the smarmy Brian Fantana, David Koechner because the boisterous Champ Form, and Christina Applegate because the newly minted co-anchor — and Ron’s love curiosity — Veronica Corningstone. Collectively, this assortment of oddballs fights to uphold the values of their information community, a process that features brawling with rival information stations and discovering the right angle to cowl “critical” tales just like the beginning of a panda bear.

Director Adam McKay skewers all the things from office sexism to superstar tradition, whereas tossing in an array of memorable cameos to craft one of the vital quotable comedies of its period. Keep elegant, folks.

Following a slew of appearances as Iron Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you would be forgiven for seeing Robert Downey Jr. as nothing greater than Tony Stark. And but, the gifted star has at all times discovered methods to shine in initiatives huge and small, together with Shane Black’s good movie noir, buddy-cop comedy “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” (Ironically, the pair would go on to produce “Iron Man 3” together.)

Co-starring the late Val Kilmer (in one of his best performances), this darkly humorous slice of pulp fiction follows a pair of unlikely companions — aspiring actor-turned-thief Harry Lockhart (Downey Jr.) and personal investigator “Homosexual” Perry van Shrike (Kilmer) — as they stumble by means of a homicide thriller involving Harry’s childhood crush (Michelle Monaghan). The result’s a twisted, fast-talking mixture of satire and buddy-cop mayhem, topped with Black’s trademark sarcastic, meta commentary on sleazy Hollywood.

Nonetheless, the crown jewel is the chemistry between Downey Jr. and Kilmer, with the latter delivering one of many funniest, most deadpan performances of his profession. It is an actual deal with!

In case you could not inform, Will Ferrell dominated the 2000s. “Zoolander,” “Previous College,” “Elf,” “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” and “Blades of Glory” — take your choose. That checklist does not even embrace his hilarious cameos in “Wedding ceremony Crashers” and “Starsky and Hutch,” or his forays into dramatic territory. Significantly, the person is a dwelling legend.

Nonetheless, the de facto Finest Will Ferrell Comedy of All Time stays “Step Brothers.” On this 2008 Adam McKay comedy, all of Ferrell’s quirky mannerisms, juvenile humor, and manic outbursts collide to create an uproarious farce for the ages. Paired along with his “Talladega Nights” co-star John C. Reilly, Ferrell goes all in on his R-rated schtick and transforms a one-joke premise into comedy gold. Whereas the humor can at instances really feel apparent, there is a brilliance to “Step Brothers” that enables it to transcend different comedies of its ilk — you have not lived till you’ve got seen Ferrell and Reilly demolish a home throughout a weird sleepwalking session.

Additionally, shout-out to Adam Scott, who steals almost each scene he is in.

“Step Brothers” is an absolute gem.

We would fortunately place any of Edgar Wright’s 2000s comedies on this checklist. To take care of steadiness, nonetheless, we determined to stay with “Scorching Fuzz,” the center chapter of his “Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy,” which kicked off with 2004’s “Shaun of the Lifeless.” Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, “Scorching Fuzz” follows overachieving police officer Nicholas Angel (Pegg), who takes his righteous expertise to Sanford, a small city hiding a darkish secret. With the assistance of his new companion, Danny (Frost), Angel units out to resolve a violent sequence of crimes which may be linked to the very foundations of Sanford itself.

Equal elements homage and send-up of ’90s motion thrillers — particularly “Level Break” and “Unhealthy Boys” — “Scorching Fuzz” strikes at a breakneck tempo, with Wright using his signature quick-cut modifying type to a level he has but to match. Positive, this buddy comedy has loads of whip-smart humor, however it’s additionally a kicka** motion car, capped with an superior third-act shootout that sees Angel and Danny tackle a legion of not-so-typical dangerous guys — and a swan! — all by themselves. It is violent as hell and filled with cliches (by design), however totally entertaining from begin to end. 

Judd Apatow could have peaked with 2007’s “Knocked Up,” a raunchy, long-winded comedy wrapped round a surprisingly heartfelt story. The place his different photos, particularly the aforementioned “The 40-12 months-Previous Virgin” and later entries like “Humorous Individuals,” are pleasant in their very own proper, they by no means fairly discovered the identical candy spot between outrageous R-rated jokes and a relatable story about accountability and relationships.

The plot considerations a younger reporter named Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) who will get blitzed at a celebration and winds up within the mattress of perennial slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen). The pair shake palms and half methods, writing off their encounter as little greater than a wild evening. Besides Alison winds up pregnant on account of their fleeting encounter, and thus should attempt to type a cohesive relationship with a person she is aware of nothing about.

Uniquely, the sudden evolution into maturity prompts Ben to strive tougher at life, whereas Alison learns to consider greater than herself — a basic rags-to-riches story that is surprisingly genuine, borrowing cues from the lives of its stars. “Knocked Up” catapulted its stars and their varied co-stars — Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, and so forth. — to fame, gave Apatow carte blanche to do no matter he needed, and continues to face as the right instance of how raunch and sincerity can coexist in a comedy. “Knocked Up” is usually crass, messy, and overlong, however it’s additionally sincere, hilarious, and timeless.

From its crowd-pleasing teaser to its intelligent premise, “The Hangover” was all however assured to grow to be a comedy basic. Who cannot relate to this setup: 4 lifelong buddies occasion laborious in Las Vegas to rejoice the upcoming marriage of their buddy, solely to get up the following morning with a ghastly hangover and no recollection of the earlier evening.

In fact, director Todd Phillips pushes the idea to absurd ranges — Stu (Ed Helms) is lacking a tooth, a tiger is chilling within the rest room, Doug (Justin Bartha) has vanished, and a child is asleep in a closet — forcing the blokes to retrace their steps, discover their lacking buddy, and determine how the evening spiraled so spectacularly uncontrolled.

Starring Bradley Cooper and a scene-stealing Zach Galifianakis, “The Hangover” boasts a terrific ensemble and a intelligent thriller construction that retains viewers laughing and guessing from begin to end. Truthfully, it is loopy they made two sequels, as a result of “The Hangover” already drains each final drop from the premise, leaving audiences staggering out of the theater in a match of laughter.

“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Profit Wonderful Nation of Kazakhstan” is probably probably the most fearless comedy on this checklist, because of its distinctive mix of satire and shock humor. This mockumentary locations Sacha Baron Cohen’s titular character, Borat, in a wide range of American locales the place he interviews and interacts with actual folks. From these conditions, Cohen pushes boundaries along with his willingness to embarrass himself and provoke others in ways in which really feel each lowbrow and uniquely intelligent — and in doing so, he exposes the ignorance, prejudice, and hypocrisy of American tradition.

One second, we’re watching a totally nude Borat brawling along with his producer inside a resort, and the following, he is dressed as a cowboy at a rodeo, delivering a rah-rah speech through which he praises George W. Bush’s struggle on terror after which suggests the U.S. ought to “drink the blood of each man, girl, and little one of Iraq.” So, sure, it is political, ponderous, thought-provoking, however it’s additionally extremely hilarious, and simply probably the most incisive comedy of the 2000s. The sequel is pretty damn good too!